SYAMANTAKA: THE LOST GEM

CHAPTER-07

In the Amazon Rainforest, in Peru, the forest is surrounded by tall palm trees that hold their roots in the fresh damp soil. Nalini was jumping around in her boots so that it wouldn't get stuck. Kiran was walking behind her trying to capture the variety of trees and animal species around.

"Wow, it's such a dense forest. It's been years since I have seen such greenery."

"That's the reason, it is banned to enter this forest for visiting. We have been allowed since this is a project for Green and Grow." The guide ahead said.

"But we came to look for the Ayahuasca plant. where are we going to find it?" Nalini asked.

"Yes, but we need to go deeper and speak with a tribe living here. The tribe is called Ingho-Peru. They will show us some of the capabilities of the Ayahuasca plant. And... I think we are here." Said the guide as he pushed the large plants to the side. The three of them saw a view which was a breath-holding sight. The sun throws its light through the tree leaves on them. The men from the tribe were carving weapons of stone and women making straw baskets and stone embroidery. There were small huts made with strong bamboo and straw scattered around. Tree houses are built on some of the thick mahogany trees. All men and women. The men were wearing a simple cloth tied around their waist which just touched their knees while women wore stone-shaped embroidery and leather stitched skirts. All of them had colourful face paint designs.

"I haven't heard of this tribe.", Kiran mentions.

"These tribes have not been listed or known amongst the tribes in the Amazon rainforest. They are not a well-known tribe but are very small in number. This is their only group. Their generation might get extinct.," the guide explained. Maybe it was true since there were very few people and most of them had become old.

Then, Kiran and Nalini followed the guide into a small hut. They met a thin man in the hut with long hair and a beard. He only had one piece of clothing: a skirt made of tiger skin. His head was smeared with ash and a tiger claw chain was hanging from his neck. "Welcome, guests. I heard you would like to know how we make the potion of the Ayahuasca drink."

"Are you the shaman?" Nalini asked suspiciously. She was surprised since she did not imagine a shaman would look like an Indian sage. "Yes, ma'am. Does it concern you?", The shaman replied.

"I was thinking why would you be finding us online? Being a shaman is not like a profession." Nalini said. "Ma'am, I wasn't the one searching. It was your CEO who found me and I offered to help. Please don't question my authenticity."

"Sorry, sir." The guide replied to Nalini. The guide held Nalini's hand pulling her out of the tent. "You listen to me, Nalini. We paid that man a huge amount so that you sit and learn like a child. Don't argue watch what he is doing."

"But that's..." "Nalini for the sake of your job. Please."

*****

"Did you get fooled into coming to Varanasi?" Subbu laughed. Both were talking about how Ritu fooled her into coming to Varanasi. 

"YES... I am serious." Luz smiled. "Also, I just felt like I have seen you somewhere. You kind of resemble someone."

"So, you think you were destined to meet me?" Subbu asked.

"No, it felt like we already met," Luz answered. Both were maintaining eye contact for a minute trying to read each other's feelings. Luz had an immediate liking for this tall, handsome, built man. Subbu 

Suddenly, she let out a cry placing her hand on her right wrist. A surge of sharp pain was piercing her skin. The light emanating from her wrist turned him speechless. After 30 seconds, the pain stopped and Subbu came back to his chair. Luz was worried watching the look on Subbu's face. "What happened?"

"Wait. Can you tell me any childhood memory you remember? Please." Subbu asked.

"Why do you want to know all of a sudden, Subbu?"

"Please." Subbu was looking at Luz's face which was startled. She was trying to think, and remember, her childhood memories. She tried to force one out but could not remember exactly the incident. "I don't know just happily talking with parents and things."

"So... it's true. It worked. I can't believe I am meeting you right now." Subbu exclaimed in wonder. "That's the reason he was after you, not me."

"if I don't remember a good childhood memory, Does it make me a celebrity? I have school friends. What are you talking about?" Luz asked. "Also, the person who was chasing didn't come from the world order as you claim, He had a tattoo of a serpent curling around a trident?"

"WHAT??" Subbu shouted. "Did you steal anything?"

"NO, I didn't," Luz explained.

"You are coming with me right now, Luz. To our Ashram. You don't know who you are." Subbu told holding Luz's hand. Luz escaped her hand from her grip.

"Who am I?" Luz asked loudly.

"you.."

"I..?" Luz said.

"are... our..."

"I am scared to watch how you will react. I will explain slowly on the way." Subbu told.