Sahithi's Adventures

Missing Girl Part - 1

“Sahithi,” Komali’s mother called from the door of the room where they were preparing the bride. “Can you run to the house and get the Jeera-Jaggery paste? We seem to have forgotten it somehow.”

“No problem, aunty.” Sahithi replied. “I will get it.” She quickly left the mandap towards Komali’s house. She took the shortcut home having already familiarized herself with the routes in the short time she had been in this town. Even in her own timeline, she was known for her sharp sense of home that helped her return home safely even if she was hopelessly lost.

This shortcut she had taken passed through a small abandoned path that was not only narrow but also dark. She didn’t want to take that path, but since it was urgent and the marriage could not be concluded without the jeera-jaggery paste, she decided to take this rarely used path. Little did she realise that she would rue this phenomenal decision one day.

Private Sebastian, a pale-faced soldier in the British army stationed in the province, was following the girl in a green half saree. He had been posted near the mandap for security and had been enjoying the colourful figures moving about in sarees and half sarees. He loved the way Indian women looked – mesmerising, sexy and hot. The dress they wore gave a glimpse here, a glimpse there of their assets, showing some, covering some, tantalising the senses and driving a horny man insane.

He had never felt like this before back home in his country home in Norfolk. Comparatively, the women there felt lifeless and bland. When he had been given India Duty, he had resented it – welcoming the sympathy of his friends, but the moment he landed in this strange land, he had been dumbstruck by the variety of life here. There were so many women – desirable women – that could satisfy his lust without having to bind him in marriage.

He had been cautious in the beginning, learning from his peers and seniors. He had even gained the favour of his Captain, which made him more confident. The captain’s words rang in his ears. “See here, Sebastian.” He had said. “If you want to take a native woman, it is fine. But make sure you do it cleanly, without anyone noticing. No trace of evidence or I will have to punish you.”

“Sir, Yes Sir.” He had responded enthusiastically. It had opened the door to limitless possibilities. He intended to follow his captain’s advice to the letter. He had chosen this moment to trail this interesting girl when he had just been relieved by Sepoy Aman. He had made sure his movements were above board. It had taken him some time to track the girl but he had been delighted to see her take the shortcut. It was the most deserted part of the town with houses abandoned a long time ago. No one would know even if a murder took place here. Using his training, he quickly reached a building that suited him and waited patiently for the girl to pass by.

Sahithi was hurrying in the dark alley trying to cover it as quickly as possible. The dark, gloomy houses in this alley spooked her; they looked like the haunted houses shown in horror movies. She had no intention of being possessed by a ghost. She started chanting the hanuman chalisa as she walked. She would also mutter to herself in between. “Please god, don’t let any ghost possess me!” her prayers seemed to have been answered as she didn’t encounter anything unusual as she crossed the alley safely.

She released the breath she had been holding when she reached one of the well-lit side streets that led directly to the house. She stopped near the door, catching her breath. She hadn’t realised she had been so terrified. “I am really crazy. Sahi, what are you doing girl? Come on, you can do this. No one is going to eat you.”

She didn’t know why she felt that something bad was going to happen to her. She went to the puja room and folded her hands in prayer. She tried to calm her throbbing heart and jangling nerves. It took her some time to compose herself. She then went out and started the search for the jeera-jaggery paste which she could find nowhere. She searched every nook and corner of the house as fast as she could, though she knew things seemed to disappear when you needed them the most. When she finally drew a blank, she collapsed on the floor with her head in her hands.

‘Why is it missing? Where is it? She thought aloud and was startled by the voice.

“They may have taken it, Sahithi.” Said the neighbouring woman who had stayed behind to keep an eye on the house. “They might have kept it somewhere among the things. Don’t worry.”

“Do you really think so?” Sahithi asked, relief flooding her veins. “What if they misplaced it or lost it altogether somewhere? What should I do now?”

“Wait. I will grind some jeera-jaggery paste and will give it to you. You take that with you. If they have really lost it, you can give them that.”

“Sounds like a good plan, aunty. Thank you very much!”

“Come with me.” And the two women left the house after Sahithi had secured the locks of the house. It took five minutes to receive the parcel containing freshly ground jeera-jaggery paste and she thanked the helpful woman before starting on her journey back to the mandap. She was in high spirits as she entered the dark alley again, not noticing the desolate ruins of the dark, abandoned houses. As she passed by a house that seemed to be relatively intact, she felt a hand drag her in while another closed her mouth.

Private Sebastian had been waiting patiently in the dark alley hiding in the foyer of the best building, which was in the middle of the alley. He had reported to the officer on duty and had been relieved from work for the rest of the night. He had also hinted that he would be visiting his friends later that day as a precautionary measure. He was taking no chances and intended to keep his slate clean while he had fun at the same time. He had the infinite patience of a hunter and could wait till his prey fell in his trap. Tonight, it was going to be a beautiful Indian girl who was going to warm his bed.

His patience was rewarded when the girl came into the alley as if she had no care in the world. Though she seemed to be in a hurry, she seemed to be in high spirits. “What the hell has she drunk?” he thought, not aware that traditional women here didn’t drink anything intoxicating. “Does it really matter?” He simply got ready to pounce on the unsuspecting prey. He grabbed her hand and dragged her in while using the other hand to cover her mouth, preventing her from screaming.

He took her to the underground bunker he had found in this building, closing the door firmly behind him. He had applied black coal all over his body, making sure to wear clothes similar to the natives. Even this girl who would give him pleasure would not be able to identify him. He smiled as she looked at the beauty lying on the floor provocatively lighting a fire between his legs. “Damn! She’s so hot!” he thought as he passed his hand over his organ which was already rising. No woman had aroused him in the past like this native lass dressed in a half saree. “No wonder their temples have so many erotic sculptures. Horny savages!”

He moved towards the shivering girl slowly, enjoying the look of absolute terror on her face.