Long ago, surrounded by a forest there was a small village called Rampur. In the village there lived a poor farmer, Jagga. Jagga owned a small piece of land which he tilled with the help of his son Kishan.
Under the burning sun, Jagga and Kishan worked very hard in the fields. They did not own any bullocks, so they ploughed the fields by themselves. The Gods also smiled on them. The heavens rained its blessings on them. The barren land was now fertile to sow.
Jagga went to the only Money lender in the village. He borrowed some money and bought seeds from the local grocer. Jagga and Kishan spent the next week planting the seeds. Every morning before sun rise Kishan used to bring water from the river nearby and irrigate his fields. The seeds soon sprouted into saplings and then very soon the entire field began to sway in gold colour of wheat.
Kishan saw his father sitting by the fields and looking at the swaying crop of wheat. His face was creased with wrinkles and beads of sweat moved from his brow down his cheeks. yet there was a spark in his eyes. The crops that stood proud in the fields gave hope of a better tomorrow.
Kishan walked upto Jagga and gently took his arm, " It's late father. Let's go home".
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A hand roughly shook Kishan awake. It was only then that Kishan heard his father shouting hoarsely. Kishan could not make out what his father was trying to say.
Kishan wanted to ask him to calm down, but Jagga was already running out of their hut.
Kishan got up on his feet and followed his father out into the open. There against the Dark Night the entire field was lit up in bright crimson colour.
The crops were on fire.
The entire village had gathered. Tens of legs were bringing buckets full of water from the river and splashing it on the burning crops. But the flames, like hundreds of tongue of a vicious demon, angrily consumed the once standing proud crop.
By sunrise all that was left was wisps of white smoke rising from the smoldering ashes in the field. And Jagga, on his knees with his head buried in his hands.
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Jagga was standing in front of the Money Lender. Head bowed, eyes to the ground, hands folded, begging for mercy. The money lending is not a business for the kind hearted. The Money Lender showed no mercy and was firm.
"I am sorry about your loss. But all that I can do is give you one extra week to return my money, or else I will takeover your fields".
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Jagga spent the week, trying to borrow money from his friends and family. Most of the villagers were farmers and were barely making ends meet. The only well off families were the family of the Money lender and the Grocery shop owner.
Jagga tried to borrow money from the Grocery shop owner, but was shooed him away.
A week later Jagga was again standing in front of the Money Lender. Head bowed, eyes to the ground, hands folded, begging for mercy.
But the Money Lender would have none of it. "Jagga, I am sorry, I cannot give you any more time. I will assume ownership of your fields from tomorrow".
Jagga begged," but, my lord, I have nothing else. How will I and my son survive". Jagga collapsed in a heap on the floor crying inconsolably.
The Money Lender allowed Jagga to lie there for sometime and allowed him to cry his heart out. When he was convinced that the poor farmer was completely broken in mind and soul, he stepped closer. He held Jagga and helped him to his feet.
" No farmer should have to give up his land. After all the land is like your mother, feeding you and your children. So I think I have a way out."
Jagga was desperate and again sank to his knees,"My lord, I will do anything you ask for. I will be a slave to you for the rest of my life".
Sensing his moment the Money lender spoke," Jagga, I will free you of all your debts, if your Son agrees to marry my daughter".
Jagga looked on at Money Lender perplexed, unable to understand. The Money Lender did not want to say anything else to ease the look on the face of the poor farmer. So he quickly asked Jagga to leave with a warning. " By tomorrow morning let me know your decision".
The Money Lender turned around and walked off. Jagga stood there for a few moments, alone, dwarfed by the grand splendor of the Money Lender's hall. Then slowly with unsure steps he stepped towards the doorway. He paused at the massive arch of the doorway and looked back, still unable to comprehend the terms set by the Money Lender.
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Kishan heard his father out with patience. kishan was not only hardworking but wise beyond his age. While Jagga was scared to be happy, as he was afraid the fate might snatch his happiness yet again. Kishan was thinking beyond what was obvious. They were no match for the Money Lender. There was no way that the Money Lender would give away his daughter to a poor Farmer's son. There has to be a catch.
Jagga slept soundly. The days events had emotionally drained him. Kishan was awake, chewing on a strand on grass, sitting with his back to the muddy wall of his hut. He could see the Money Lender's palatial house, clearly outlined against the dark sky, towering over the entire landscape. Light from within the house was glowing through a single window open on the first floor.
Kishan suddenly made up his mind, stood up and started walking towards the Money lender's house. The entire village was asleep, but for a few stray dogs who were not interested in him.
Kishan reached the Palatial house. The huge door at the entrance was closed. He circled the house till he was standing under the window through which a steady stream of light was coming out. There was a grapevine creeper going all the way upto the roof. Kishan caught hold of the creeper and pulled himself a few inches of the ground. The creeper held its place. Now confident that the creeper would take his weight, Kishan began to climb steadily.
As he peered over the window sill, he gasped and almost lost his grip.
A silhouette, or a statue.
There was faint light coming from inside the room from various lamps lit up all around the room.
Just then the moon seemed to move out of the shadows and cast its full glory on the lady sitting by the window. She was dusky, with eyes shaped like that of a doe, highlighted with kohl. Black hair, smooth and shiny like strands of silk falling over her shoulders upto her waist. Lips, bee stung, and the colour of a rose. Aroma of sandalwood filled the air, where she was sitting.
She had seen him coming.
"Hello, I am Prerna" she said
"I am Kishan, the farmer's son."
What brings you here in the middle of the night? If my father's guards catch you, you will be killed.
I was having trouble sleeping
So, does climbing up the creepers help??
Ha ha ha, Yes it does, if the answer to the question that is keeping me awake, lies at the end of the creeper.
And what question, may I ask, has stolen your sleep?
Your father wants me to marry you
And you wanted to see if I am good enough???
What brings you here in the middle of the night? If my father's guards catch you, you will be killed.
I was having trouble sleeping
So, does climbing up the creepers help??
Ha ha ha, Yes it does, if the answer to the question that is keeping me awake, lies at the end of the creeper.
And what question, may I ask, has stolen your sleep?
Your father wants me to marry you
And you wanted to see if I am good enough???
she got off the window and moved a few steps back.
Kishan climbed in and saw her in full splendour. Long flowing robes, pink and white, like the ones Gods dressed up in, in the village temple.
Kishan went down on his knee
I am a poor farmer's son. If I had been a poet, maybe, only then, maybe I could have described how beautiful you look. Not even in dreams can I imagine you to be mine. That is why my mind is restless trying to find out why your father would give you away to me.
Time stands still as the Moon looks through the window, Kishan down on one knee mesmerized at the beauty radiating from Prerna's face, and Prerna looking into his eyes. She saw in his eyes a young soul, guileless, pure of heart.
So be it, thought Prerna and then said aloud," Kishan, I am cursed. An ascetic my father had slighted, cursed me saying that my bridegroom will die on the first night.And it is to free me of my curse, my father is using you as a pawn. The fire in your fields was no accident."
Kishan's looked on, an anger raging through his veins.
Prerna continued,"My father wants me to marry the rich grocer's son. Just because the rich grocer owns half of the village fields. But I hate the grocer's son. He is lazy and does nothing all day. My father expects you to die and then I will be free of the curse. Thereafter he will marry me off to the Grocer's son".
Kishan's mind was racing now. He didn't have the might to take on the Money lender, yet the injustice meted out to him and his father could not go unanswered. He steeled himself and said," And what if I don't die".
"Oh, I will happily spend the rest of my life with you," exulted Prerna.
"Then I will not die," said Kishan with a resolve so firm that it made Prerna look at him with admiration and respect.
As Kishan made his way down the creeper, Prerna looked up at the sky and invoked the blessings of the Gods.
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Kishan woke up Jagga and said, " Listen father. Go to the Money Lender and tell him that you agree to his terms. Then ask him for a month's time to organize a lavish wedding befitting his stature".
Jagga looked up at his son,"Lavish wedding?what are you talking about?"
Kishan placed his hand on his father's shoulder and said," Lavish it will be, trust me".
Kishan packed a few clothes into a bundle, as his father looked on," where are you off to, my son?"
"To seek answer to our troubles", replied Kishan.
" But the Forest...it takes three days just to cross the forest", protested Jagga
" I will be back, don't you worry", Kishan reassured Jagga
" You are asking a parent not to worry", Jagga smiled
In reply Kishan touched his father's feet and set off on the path that lead through the forest.
Jagga watched his son leave, standing at the door of his hut, muttering a prayer.
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The path through the forest was narrow and obscured in most places by overgrown shrubs, low hanging branches. The forest was not a quiet place. There were shrill shrieks of birds every now and then, rustling of leaves as some animal moved around and an incessant chatter of insects in the background. The foliage was so thick overhead that the sun struggled to peep through. The villagers did not venture into the forest all by themselves. They always travelled in groups, unlike Kishan who was on his own. But then, the villagers did not face the same kind of problems.
Kishan made slow progress, his mind far away, thinking about Prerna.
Prerna gave him hope, a reason to go on.
The sun seemed to give up, as darkness began to descend all around. Kishan knew it would be futile to continue. He needed a place to rest. He could hear water flowing nearby. It was a small stream. Kishan washed his face, hands and feet and looked around.
Just across the stream was a huge banyan tree, so old, probably older than time itself. Its trunk was huge, and the secondary roots that extended from the branches to the earth were spread all around, and so thick that they appeared like pillars, holding up the roof of an old palace. Kishan cleared the fallen leaves from around the trunk. He took out a piece of cloth from his bundle and spread it out on the ground. Then he lay down, resting his head on the bundle.
A pair of bloodshot eyes watched from high up in the Banyan tree as Kishan rolled over to one side and curled into blissful dreams. He is an intruder, he must be dealt with. But before that, I will toy with him, torment him, make him run for his life, thought the Demon, whose abode was the old Banyan tree.
The Demon landed on the ground next to Kishan without making a sound. Then the Demon arched his back and gave out a full throated roar.
AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH
Kishan opened his eyes and saw the Demon. Pitch black face, white fangs, a red forked tongue, pointed ears like a canine, muscular body like that of a bull, claws so big, waiting to tear his flesh apart.
He had heard stories of the supernatural haunting the forest. He was not afraid when he set out on his journey. And being afraid was not going to help now. So kishan gathered his wits and decided to play it the other way. He feigned a yawn. He then brought up the back of his hand to his mouth, stifling the yawn, and said to the Demon," I am trying to sleep. Please don't make so much noise".
Having said that, Kishan rolled over to the other side and went back to sleep.
The Demon stood there, mouth open wide, and eyes blinking. What had just happened. The puny of a human had told him to shut up and gone back to sleep. This is so bad for my reputation, thought the Demon. He looked around to see if anyone had seen what had just happened. There was no one else there. Then the Demon gingerly stepped to the other side. This time he reached way down and let out a thunderous roar that could be heard for miles.
UUUUUUUAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH
The birds that had settled down into their nests, startled, flew off in all directions. Many animals in the forest, the hunter and the prey, both, bolted from their hiding places. The Demon snarled and spat at Kishan," I AM GOING TO EAT YOU".
Kishan calmly wiped his face, slipped his hand into the bundle under his head and took out a Roti. He thrust the Roti in the Demon's hands and said, " are you hungry? Eat this".
And Kishan again turned over to the other side and went back to sleep. The Demon stood there looking stupidly at Kishan, and then at the Roti in his hand, and then at Kishan, and then the Roti in his hand, and then...
The Demon leaped over Kishan and landed on the other side. He brought his face close to Kishan's. Kishan propped himself up on his elbows and stared back at the demon and said," Look Mister, am I making Aaaargh, Urrrgh sounds and trying to scare you? Then why are you doing all this to me?"
" You are not afraid of death?" asked the Demon as he settled back on his haunches.
" I am going to die in a month anyway, so why should I be afraid of dying today", replied Kishan.
The Demon now sat down crosslegged and asked," Going to die in a month?"
Kishan sat up now comfortably with his back resting against the trunk of the Banyan. As the night passed, Kishan told the Demon about the Debt, the fire, the terms, the curse.
The night turned into day, as the Demon perched high up on the Banyan tree looked on as Kishan slept. Kishan, tired from his journey the day before, and the night long conversation, had slipped into deep sleep. Strange young man he is, the Demon thought. The Demon was amazed at the nonchalant attitude and the courage and shown by Kishan. He hadn't met anyone like Kishan time now. Kishan had treated him in such a friendly manner.
Kishan had made him feel like human.
The sun was almost over their heads, by the time Kishan woke up. he stretched his limbs, got up and walked over to the stream. Just as he was washing his face, he remembered the Demon. He looked around and could not see a soul. Was it a dream,? My tired mind playing tricks? so thought Kishan.
Just then he heard a voice call out,"Slept well, my friend?" And standing across the stream was the Demon. Kishan barely nodded, when the Demon flew over to be by his side, put his arms around Kishan's shoulders in camaraderie, and started walking with him.
"So let's work out a way to sort out your problems," said the Demon.
Taken aback a bit by this friendly attitude and nervously looking at the huge claws wrapped over his shoulder, Kishan barely managed a ,"How?"
The Demon stepped in front of Kishan and snapped his fingers saying,
" Om Gilli Gilli ChooMantar, kali kalantar".
And Lo ! a bag full of gold coins appeared out of thin air. "That takes care of your lavish wedding" said the Demon.
" Oh! My widow is going to be rich", smirked Kishen.
The Demon guffawed out a huge laugh." Don't worry, I will take care of the other problem too." The Demon took a twirl on his toes and Lo! he turned into a parrot. The Parrot flew up and settled down on Kishen's shoulder and said, "Now let's go back to the village, shall we".
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As soon as Kishen stepped out of the forest into the clearing, a few boys playing nearby saw him. The news of his arrival spread like wild fire. Jagga came running to greet him.
The entire village turned up at Jagga's door, enquiring about Kishen's well being. Kishen greeted everyone politely and answered all queries. As soon as they had a moment alone, Kishan pulled out the bag of gold coins and handed it to Jagga. The gold coins seemed to light up the entire hut.
Jagga's eyes bulged out of their sockets. Kishen gave him time to absorb the shock.
"how?....When?.....Where?..." stuttered Jagga.
"Never mind,Father. Prepare for the lavish wedding now"
"But with this kind of money, we can repay the debt ten times over", protested Jagga.
"It is not about the Debt anymore, Father,"
Jagga looked up from the gold coins at his son's face. The face of a serene and confident man. His son, had grown from an adolescent into a Man. A man, who had grown wings, broken free of dependence on his parents, and taken over the decision maker's role in the family. Perhaps it was time to pass on the mantle and let his son lead the way.
The parrot perched on the bamboo stake that held up the roof, looked on, watching the father and son interaction.
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The village was abuzz with gossip that Kishan had found a buried treasure in the forest. Jagga was spending freely to organize a grand wedding. The entire village was happy for him, at the turn of events. Everyone pitched in to help. Villagers stopped going to their fields and it appeared that the only work that anyone had was to help organize the wedding. Bamboo was cut from the forest to make the frame work of a huge hall in the centre of the village. The hall dwarfed the house of the Money Lender also. The cloth needed to cover the bamboo framework had to be brought from the town. The grocer too needed supplies as the entire village was going to turn up at the feast. A large convoy left the village for the town, to get the essentials for the wedding. The Money Lender looked on bemused. A lavish wedding wouldn't hurt, after all it was a small but welcome change in his devious plan. The end is going to be the same, he thought.
In all the hustle bustle the wedding day approached. The hall was ready, covered in pink and red colours. The entrance was decorated with a hundreds of flowers. There was a separate hall where the delicacies were being served. A stage had been set up in the middle where the Priest was going to solemnize the wedding. The entire village had turned up in new clothes.
The Priest called out to the village elders," It's time. Please bring the Bridegroom".
The young boys raced each other to reach Jagga's hut. Then the village elders accompanied by Jagga arrived with the fully decked up mare.
Jagga called out to his son," Kishan, it's time, let's go".
The parrot perched on the bamboo stake inside the hut flew and landed on the floor.
As Kishan stepped out of the hut, everyone was awe struck. He looked so handsome dressed up like a prince. A proud father, that Jagga was, slightly adjusted Kishan's turban and helped him mount the mare. The drummers belted out a peppy beat as the entire procession broke into a dance from Jagga's hut to the Marriage hall.
The rituals started and soon the Priest called out for the Bride. Prerna came accompanied by a few handmaidens. The din in the marriage palace died down immediately. All heads turned towards her. She looked so beautiful in the red bridal dress.
The ceremony was complete, as Kishen and Prerna were tied in holy matrimony. The villagers continued feasting and making merry through the night.
The Money Lender took his daughter and Son in law back to his palatial house. She was going to be sent off with her husband in the early morning after a simple ceremony.
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The Money Lender took Kishan to the guest chambers. There he kept Kishan engaged in long boring conversation about, how lovingly he had bought up his daughter and what expectations he had from his son in law.
Prerna had retired to her room. Exhausted from the day's events, she slumped on her bed, perhaps for one last time, she remembered the curse. It jolted her awake. She had a dream wedding. She didn't want it to turn into a nightmare. She sat upright and started praying.
Kishan too began to feel sleep overcoming him. The slow boring monotone of the Money Lender's voice was not helping at all. In no time Kishen slumped on the couch where he was sitting. The Money Lender just sat there bidding his time.
And as the night passed it's darkest hour, the Curse struck.
The Money Lender walked upto Kishen and checked for signs of life. Finding none, he walked away to his private chambers. He would raise the hue and cry in the morning.
Meanwhile, in Jagga's hut, the real Kishen waited. Sensing it was time, he stepped out. There was not a soul awake. Even the dogs were not around. He walked towards the Money Lender's house. The entire village was asleep in the massive marriage hall. As he reached the Money lender's house, he saw the gates were open and the guards snoring away. Kishen walked in and looked around. Soon he found himself in the guest chamber. He saw the lifeless form of himself lying in a heap on the couch. Kishen ran to the counch and went down on his knees.
"Oh ! my friend, what have you done. Why have you sacrificed your life for me".
and Kishen began to sob uncontrollably. Just then the body on the couch seemed to turn into smoke and then the Demon appeared.
" I am not dead, my friend. I cannot die"
Kishen wiped the tears from his face and hugged the Demon.
"But ...but, the curse", Kishen had his doubts.
The Demon explained," The curse has already struck. The man Prerna married is dead. I mean, the body that I was inhabiting is dead. Now you take Prerna home in the morning and marry her secretly. The curse cannot be invoked twice, so you are safe".
"So it's all over", exulted Kishen
"No, it isn't. Not till we see the face of the Money Lender in the morning", the Demon said and gave a wicked smile.
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In the morning, the Money Lender woke up and went straight to the guest chamber. From the entrance he saw Kishen lying motionless on the sofa. He ran towards the entrance and sat down on the front steps. Then he started crying loudly,
" Oh God ! How could you be so cruel. Why? Oh God! Why?"
He continued screaming himself hoarse, beating his chest with his hands.
The wailing sounds from the Money Lender roused everyone from deep slumber. The Guards also stirred and woke up.
Soon the crowd started gathering. The Money Lender was sitting on the front steps crying himself hoarse.
" Cruel fate has snatched my son in law. Oh ! what a calamity has befallen my daughter".
The crowd started murmuring in low voices. "The Money Lender has lost it. The thought of giving away his daughter has driven him insane."
" Yes I have gone insane. My son in law, my beloved son in law...." bellowed the Money Lender.
Someone in the crowd sniggered," Good, now the Mad Man won't remember who owes how much. We are free of our Debts".
The Money Lender reacted angrily," What do you mean?"
Somebody in the crowd mustered up courage and spoke loudly," Why are you saying such inauspicious things on such a festive occasion.?"
"Inauspicious? Inauspicious? What else do you want me to say? My son in law just died", said the Money Lender angrily.
"Then who is that?", asked the villager pointing a finger.
The Money Lender turned around and the colour drained from his face.
Standing behind him was Kishen, and holding his hand was Prerna, in her red bridal dress, ready to leave.
Kishen looked up at the parrot sitting on top of the archway at the entrance. It seemed to wink at him.
"Now it's truly over", smiled Kishen.
Kishan went down on his knee
I am a poor farmer's son. If I had been a poet, maybe, only then, maybe I could have described how beautiful you look. Not even in dreams can I imagine you to be mine. That is why my mind is restless trying to find out why your father would give you away to me.
Time stands still as the Moon looks through the window, Kishan down on one knee mesmerized at the beauty radiating from Prerna's face, and Prerna looking into his eyes. She saw in his eyes a young soul, guileless, pure of heart.
So be it, thought Prerna and then said aloud," Kishan, I am cursed. An ascetic my father had slighted, cursed me saying that my bridegroom will die on the first night.And it is to free me of my curse, my father is using you as a pawn. The fire in your fields was no accident."
Kishan's looked on, an anger raging through his veins.
Prerna continued,"My father wants me to marry the rich grocer's son. Just because the rich grocer owns half of the village fields. But I hate the grocer's son. He is lazy and does nothing all day. My father expects you to die and then I will be free of the curse. Thereafter he will marry me off to the Grocer's son".
Kishan's mind was racing now. He didn't have the might to take on the Money lender, yet the injustice meted out to him and his father could not go unanswered. He steeled himself and said," And what if I don't die".
"Oh, I will happily spend the rest of my life with you," exulted Prerna.
"Then I will not die," said Kishan with a resolve so firm that it made Prerna look at him with admiration and respect.
As Kishan made his way down the creeper, Prerna looked up at the sky and invoked the blessings of the Gods.
...........................................................................................................................
Kishan woke up Jagga and said, " Listen father. Go to the Money Lender and tell him that you agree to his terms. Then ask him for a month's time to organize a lavish wedding befitting his stature".
Jagga looked up at his son,"Lavish wedding?what are you talking about?"
Kishan placed his hand on his father's shoulder and said," Lavish it will be, trust me".
Kishan packed a few clothes into a bundle, as his father looked on," where are you off to, my son?"
"To seek answer to our troubles", replied Kishan.
" But the Forest...it takes three days just to cross the forest", protested Jagga
" I will be back, don't you worry", Kishan reassured Jagga
" You are asking a parent not to worry", Jagga smiled
In reply Kishan touched his father's feet and set off on the path that lead through the forest.
Jagga watched his son leave, standing at the door of his hut, muttering a prayer.
..........................................................................................................................
The path through the forest was narrow and obscured in most places by overgrown shrubs, low hanging branches. The forest was not a quiet place. There were shrill shrieks of birds every now and then, rustling of leaves as some animal moved around and an incessant chatter of insects in the background. The foliage was so thick overhead that the sun struggled to peep through. The villagers did not venture into the forest all by themselves. They always travelled in groups, unlike Kishan who was on his own. But then, the villagers did not face the same kind of problems.
Kishan made slow progress, his mind far away, thinking about Prerna.
Prerna gave him hope, a reason to go on.
The sun seemed to give up, as darkness began to descend all around. Kishan knew it would be futile to continue. He needed a place to rest. He could hear water flowing nearby. It was a small stream. Kishan washed his face, hands and feet and looked around.
Just across the stream was a huge banyan tree, so old, probably older than time itself. Its trunk was huge, and the secondary roots that extended from the branches to the earth were spread all around, and so thick that they appeared like pillars, holding up the roof of an old palace. Kishan cleared the fallen leaves from around the trunk. He took out a piece of cloth from his bundle and spread it out on the ground. Then he lay down, resting his head on the bundle.
A pair of bloodshot eyes watched from high up in the Banyan tree as Kishan rolled over to one side and curled into blissful dreams. He is an intruder, he must be dealt with. But before that, I will toy with him, torment him, make him run for his life, thought the Demon, whose abode was the old Banyan tree.
The Demon landed on the ground next to Kishan without making a sound. Then the Demon arched his back and gave out a full throated roar.
AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH
Kishan opened his eyes and saw the Demon. Pitch black face, white fangs, a red forked tongue, pointed ears like a canine, muscular body like that of a bull, claws so big, waiting to tear his flesh apart.
He had heard stories of the supernatural haunting the forest. He was not afraid when he set out on his journey. And being afraid was not going to help now. So kishan gathered his wits and decided to play it the other way. He feigned a yawn. He then brought up the back of his hand to his mouth, stifling the yawn, and said to the Demon," I am trying to sleep. Please don't make so much noise".
Having said that, Kishan rolled over to the other side and went back to sleep.
The Demon stood there, mouth open wide, and eyes blinking. What had just happened. The puny of a human had told him to shut up and gone back to sleep. This is so bad for my reputation, thought the Demon. He looked around to see if anyone had seen what had just happened. There was no one else there. Then the Demon gingerly stepped to the other side. This time he reached way down and let out a thunderous roar that could be heard for miles.
UUUUUUUAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH
The birds that had settled down into their nests, startled, flew off in all directions. Many animals in the forest, the hunter and the prey, both, bolted from their hiding places. The Demon snarled and spat at Kishan," I AM GOING TO EAT YOU".
Kishan calmly wiped his face, slipped his hand into the bundle under his head and took out a Roti. He thrust the Roti in the Demon's hands and said, " are you hungry? Eat this".
And Kishan again turned over to the other side and went back to sleep. The Demon stood there looking stupidly at Kishan, and then at the Roti in his hand, and then at Kishan, and then the Roti in his hand, and then...
The Demon leaped over Kishan and landed on the other side. He brought his face close to Kishan's. Kishan propped himself up on his elbows and stared back at the demon and said," Look Mister, am I making Aaaargh, Urrrgh sounds and trying to scare you? Then why are you doing all this to me?"
" You are not afraid of death?" asked the Demon as he settled back on his haunches.
" I am going to die in a month anyway, so why should I be afraid of dying today", replied Kishan.
The Demon now sat down crosslegged and asked," Going to die in a month?"
Kishan sat up now comfortably with his back resting against the trunk of the Banyan. As the night passed, Kishan told the Demon about the Debt, the fire, the terms, the curse.
The night turned into day, as the Demon perched high up on the Banyan tree looked on as Kishan slept. Kishan, tired from his journey the day before, and the night long conversation, had slipped into deep sleep. Strange young man he is, the Demon thought. The Demon was amazed at the nonchalant attitude and the courage and shown by Kishan. He hadn't met anyone like Kishan time now. Kishan had treated him in such a friendly manner.
Kishan had made him feel like human.
The sun was almost over their heads, by the time Kishan woke up. he stretched his limbs, got up and walked over to the stream. Just as he was washing his face, he remembered the Demon. He looked around and could not see a soul. Was it a dream,? My tired mind playing tricks? so thought Kishan.
Just then he heard a voice call out,"Slept well, my friend?" And standing across the stream was the Demon. Kishan barely nodded, when the Demon flew over to be by his side, put his arms around Kishan's shoulders in camaraderie, and started walking with him.
"So let's work out a way to sort out your problems," said the Demon.
Taken aback a bit by this friendly attitude and nervously looking at the huge claws wrapped over his shoulder, Kishan barely managed a ,"How?"
The Demon stepped in front of Kishan and snapped his fingers saying,
" Om Gilli Gilli ChooMantar, kali kalantar".
And Lo ! a bag full of gold coins appeared out of thin air. "That takes care of your lavish wedding" said the Demon.
" Oh! My widow is going to be rich", smirked Kishen.
The Demon guffawed out a huge laugh." Don't worry, I will take care of the other problem too." The Demon took a twirl on his toes and Lo! he turned into a parrot. The Parrot flew up and settled down on Kishen's shoulder and said, "Now let's go back to the village, shall we".
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As soon as Kishen stepped out of the forest into the clearing, a few boys playing nearby saw him. The news of his arrival spread like wild fire. Jagga came running to greet him.
The entire village turned up at Jagga's door, enquiring about Kishen's well being. Kishen greeted everyone politely and answered all queries. As soon as they had a moment alone, Kishan pulled out the bag of gold coins and handed it to Jagga. The gold coins seemed to light up the entire hut.
Jagga's eyes bulged out of their sockets. Kishen gave him time to absorb the shock.
"how?....When?.....Where?..." stuttered Jagga.
"Never mind,Father. Prepare for the lavish wedding now"
"But with this kind of money, we can repay the debt ten times over", protested Jagga.
"It is not about the Debt anymore, Father,"
Jagga looked up from the gold coins at his son's face. The face of a serene and confident man. His son, had grown from an adolescent into a Man. A man, who had grown wings, broken free of dependence on his parents, and taken over the decision maker's role in the family. Perhaps it was time to pass on the mantle and let his son lead the way.
The parrot perched on the bamboo stake that held up the roof, looked on, watching the father and son interaction.
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The village was abuzz with gossip that Kishan had found a buried treasure in the forest. Jagga was spending freely to organize a grand wedding. The entire village was happy for him, at the turn of events. Everyone pitched in to help. Villagers stopped going to their fields and it appeared that the only work that anyone had was to help organize the wedding. Bamboo was cut from the forest to make the frame work of a huge hall in the centre of the village. The hall dwarfed the house of the Money Lender also. The cloth needed to cover the bamboo framework had to be brought from the town. The grocer too needed supplies as the entire village was going to turn up at the feast. A large convoy left the village for the town, to get the essentials for the wedding. The Money Lender looked on bemused. A lavish wedding wouldn't hurt, after all it was a small but welcome change in his devious plan. The end is going to be the same, he thought.
In all the hustle bustle the wedding day approached. The hall was ready, covered in pink and red colours. The entrance was decorated with a hundreds of flowers. There was a separate hall where the delicacies were being served. A stage had been set up in the middle where the Priest was going to solemnize the wedding. The entire village had turned up in new clothes.
The Priest called out to the village elders," It's time. Please bring the Bridegroom".
The young boys raced each other to reach Jagga's hut. Then the village elders accompanied by Jagga arrived with the fully decked up mare.
Jagga called out to his son," Kishan, it's time, let's go".
The parrot perched on the bamboo stake inside the hut flew and landed on the floor.
As Kishan stepped out of the hut, everyone was awe struck. He looked so handsome dressed up like a prince. A proud father, that Jagga was, slightly adjusted Kishan's turban and helped him mount the mare. The drummers belted out a peppy beat as the entire procession broke into a dance from Jagga's hut to the Marriage hall.
The rituals started and soon the Priest called out for the Bride. Prerna came accompanied by a few handmaidens. The din in the marriage palace died down immediately. All heads turned towards her. She looked so beautiful in the red bridal dress.
The ceremony was complete, as Kishen and Prerna were tied in holy matrimony. The villagers continued feasting and making merry through the night.
The Money Lender took his daughter and Son in law back to his palatial house. She was going to be sent off with her husband in the early morning after a simple ceremony.
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The Money Lender took Kishan to the guest chambers. There he kept Kishan engaged in long boring conversation about, how lovingly he had bought up his daughter and what expectations he had from his son in law.
Prerna had retired to her room. Exhausted from the day's events, she slumped on her bed, perhaps for one last time, she remembered the curse. It jolted her awake. She had a dream wedding. She didn't want it to turn into a nightmare. She sat upright and started praying.
Kishan too began to feel sleep overcoming him. The slow boring monotone of the Money Lender's voice was not helping at all. In no time Kishen slumped on the couch where he was sitting. The Money Lender just sat there bidding his time.
And as the night passed it's darkest hour, the Curse struck.
The Money Lender walked upto Kishen and checked for signs of life. Finding none, he walked away to his private chambers. He would raise the hue and cry in the morning.
Meanwhile, in Jagga's hut, the real Kishen waited. Sensing it was time, he stepped out. There was not a soul awake. Even the dogs were not around. He walked towards the Money Lender's house. The entire village was asleep in the massive marriage hall. As he reached the Money lender's house, he saw the gates were open and the guards snoring away. Kishen walked in and looked around. Soon he found himself in the guest chamber. He saw the lifeless form of himself lying in a heap on the couch. Kishen ran to the counch and went down on his knees.
"Oh ! my friend, what have you done. Why have you sacrificed your life for me".
and Kishen began to sob uncontrollably. Just then the body on the couch seemed to turn into smoke and then the Demon appeared.
" I am not dead, my friend. I cannot die"
Kishen wiped the tears from his face and hugged the Demon.
"But ...but, the curse", Kishen had his doubts.
The Demon explained," The curse has already struck. The man Prerna married is dead. I mean, the body that I was inhabiting is dead. Now you take Prerna home in the morning and marry her secretly. The curse cannot be invoked twice, so you are safe".
"So it's all over", exulted Kishen
"No, it isn't. Not till we see the face of the Money Lender in the morning", the Demon said and gave a wicked smile.
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In the morning, the Money Lender woke up and went straight to the guest chamber. From the entrance he saw Kishen lying motionless on the sofa. He ran towards the entrance and sat down on the front steps. Then he started crying loudly,
" Oh God ! How could you be so cruel. Why? Oh God! Why?"
He continued screaming himself hoarse, beating his chest with his hands.
The wailing sounds from the Money Lender roused everyone from deep slumber. The Guards also stirred and woke up.
Soon the crowd started gathering. The Money Lender was sitting on the front steps crying himself hoarse.
" Cruel fate has snatched my son in law. Oh ! what a calamity has befallen my daughter".
The crowd started murmuring in low voices. "The Money Lender has lost it. The thought of giving away his daughter has driven him insane."
" Yes I have gone insane. My son in law, my beloved son in law...." bellowed the Money Lender.
Someone in the crowd sniggered," Good, now the Mad Man won't remember who owes how much. We are free of our Debts".
The Money Lender reacted angrily," What do you mean?"
Somebody in the crowd mustered up courage and spoke loudly," Why are you saying such inauspicious things on such a festive occasion.?"
"Inauspicious? Inauspicious? What else do you want me to say? My son in law just died", said the Money Lender angrily.
"Then who is that?", asked the villager pointing a finger.
The Money Lender turned around and the colour drained from his face.
Standing behind him was Kishen, and holding his hand was Prerna, in her red bridal dress, ready to leave.
Kishen looked up at the parrot sitting on top of the archway at the entrance. It seemed to wink at him.
"Now it's truly over", smiled Kishen.
