Dhampir of Kalika

১৬. Binodini Devi

Sometimes, all we can do is enjoy life.

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In her mind, Maya had almost solved the whole mystery. Sure, there were one or two missing pieces, and few more pending confirmations, but now when she looked at the puzzle, it came out as too easy. And yet, it made her wonder. How far could one go?

She smiled. One can go far in love. The Greek Agape.

And now when she knew who was who, it got really interesting to explore the village, being completely secure and confident. It wasn't the time to confront anyone; she would wait for the right opportunity to pounce. She wanted everybody's hearts to pound inside their chests and hammer against their ribcage. And Maya would watch in pleasure.

At present, Maya saw the Kali temple in the distance, and the very clear figure of the lovely doctor of Khatra.

Chandrasekhara, she believed, was above her too. He wasn't going to harm her. Maya, with a mind in harmony with fate that staged this clandestine meeting, called for him. "Raktim, where are you going?"

Now when she looked at him, he was  so fair one could call him karpuragauram. And with locks longer than the regular men, he indeed gave off a serene aura. Maya wistfully sighed. She missed this uncanny peace in life. "I was thinking of meeting the head priest. Wanted to have a talk with him. Are you going the same way?"

Raktim carried a basket of hibiscus flowers and sindur. "Yes. I wanted to offer something to Maa. I took a day off from duty today."

The two started walking towards the temple together.

"Sometimes one needs to relax and do more enjoyable things," Maya advised. "It brings back simplicity to life and grounds us."

"I would say that I do love being a doctor, even though it means sleepless nights. You must go through that too, given your profession?"

"I am still shocked about how I am able to sleep in a vampire's house," Maya whispered. "I think I need to be grateful for being alive. I am able to see the sunrise every morning. But, then I know why they aren't daring to lay a finger on me." Raktim looked expectantly for an answer. Maya beamed from ear to ear. "Chandrasekhara is above me, isn't he?"

Raktim's milky cheeks reddened like mixing ichor in a bowl of amrita. Surprise deluged the alleyways of his mind. He found himself glancing at the detective in awe. Then, he grinned. "He is always there to protect you. He protects every pure soul."

"You have a thing for crows, don't you?"

"Yes. They love me."

"Then–" Maya couldn't complete her question, as Shiroshini came running towards them. Raktim noticed it later. The woman came and stood with slumped apologetic shoulders. "Can I get some money? Just...just enough to buy some grains," she said. Her quivering hands opened themselves. Raktim didn't even hesitate for a moment. He asked Maya to hold his basket, took out his wallet and poured some coins on the woman's cupped palms. "Thank you so much. May Kali bless you," Shiroshini said, and left.

Maya mustered up the courage to pat him on the back. It was a brave move, and she applauded herself internally for having shown the audacity. After all, he wasn't what he seemed...