"Who are Pranav and Dinesh's allies that we could target?" asked Vasudev.
"Plenty, but we could aim for one, Purushottaman, Kattuparamban and Ganeshan", said Sreekumar, naming some of Kalarikkal allies.
"Let us concentrate on them rather than their allies", said Mahadevan.
"No, I want to erode their base before I attack them. Collect our men and one by one we will burn their houses" replied Vasudev.
***
Screams of men, women and children rend the air as flames engulfed homes of Kalarikkal supporters. People rushed to put off the flames, but those were old houses, made of stone, tiles and wooden rafters. The rafters burned and collapsed the roof onto the houses, destroying them. Seeing the horror unleashed by himself, did not feel the sense of happiness that Vasudev thought he will get. Mahadevan and Vasudev were standing at a distance looking at the destruction they caused.
"Is this what you wanted?" asked Mahadevan.
Vasudev refused to acknowledge the question. Then they heard Sreekumar instructing one of the men, "Get that Purushottaman's girl".
Mahadevan turned to Vasudev and said, "He is just using our emotions to get his needs. We will have to face the music when this all ends".
Vasudev turned to Mahadevan and said, "What is done, is done. We can only move forward taking responsibility of this. I shouldn't have doubted Visnhuettan's decision when he let go of him, because now I have to do the same. Make sure that the girl doesn't fall in his hands".
He then went to Sreekumar who was standing behind them watching everything like a fireworks show; "Leave now. If I find you in this village I will break your bones".
Sreekumar left in anger with his men. Vasudev directed his men to help the rescue mission and then went to another part of the village where Kalarikkal granary was and with his men burnt it down.
***
Aniruddhan was taking care of Vishnu for the time being in the hospital. Devika could not stay for long since the children were so young and missed her. As Anidruddhan was helping Vishnu sit up early in the morning, Shanmukhan master knocked at the door.
"Maashe (Master, as in school-master), please come in", said Vishnu.
"Vishnu, how are you?" asked a rather tired looking Master.
"I am fine, what brings you here so early today?" he asked him.
"I wanted to see how you are, and also had something to talk about" he replied Shanmukhan master.
"What's the matter Maashe?" asked Vishnu, concerned at his tired and worried face.
"I know that Kalarikkal people are at fault for what happened to you, but burning down houses of inncoent people cannot be justified", he said.
"What!" exclaimed Vishnu.
Shanmukhan master recounted the events of yesterday to him, angering Vishnu.
"Maashe, I never approved any of this", said Vishnu.
"Then please stop it. No one deserves to have their homes destroyed", said Master.
"I will do the needful", said Vishnu and Shanmukhan master left.
"Get Vasudev here", said Vishnu.
"I will do that", said Aniruddhan and went out to the sentries to inform Vasudev to come to the hospital. There was no news from Vasudev and around mid morning a surprise visitor was at Vishnu's door; his sister Gopika. She stood there, dressed in a silk saree, waiting to see him, with tear filled eyes.
YOU ARE READING
Malathi charitham (The history of Malathi) (Kalarikkal series - 2)
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