Winds of Destiny

Chapter 6

(The Encounter at the Ghat)

The sun had barely risen, casting a warm, golden glow over the quiet morning at the ghat near the Shiv temple. Birds chirped, the air was fresh, and the gentle hum of life surrounded the waters. Madhavi, dressed in a light blue salwar suit, stood by the edge of the ghat, her feet slightly dipped in the cool water. Her flute, her constant companion, rested lightly against her lips. She played a melodious tune, the notes flowing seamlessly, carrying the serene rhythm of the morning air. People at the ghat gathered, smiling and swaying to the beautiful sound. It was as if, in that moment, she was Lord Krishna, and the world was captivated by her divine music.

Butin the afternoon, her peaceful reverie was interrupted when a group of men started making a ruckus. They were eyeing some young women who had just emerged from the water, their clothes soaked and clinging to their forms. The men laughed crudely, whistling and making inappropriate comments. The women tried to ignore them, but their discomfort was evident.

Madhavi's music faltered. She narrowed her eyes at the men, then glanced around. Her heart skipped a beat when she spotted Shankar a little distance away, doing the parikrama of the Shiv temple with his head slightly bowed in prayer. A mischievous smile curved her lips. "Yeh toh sahi waqt pe mil gaya, Madhavi beta. Ab inko sabak sikhane ka time hai (He came at the right time, Madhavi. Now it's time to teach these guys a lesson)."

She straightened up, tucked her flute into the waistband of her suit, and marched straight toward the group of men, her steps confident and sure. She placed her hands on her hips, glaring at them, her voice ringing out loud enough for the entire ghat to hear. "Oye! Tum log kya samajhte ho apne aap ko? (Hey! Who do you think you are?) Tumhare ghar mein maa-behen nahi hai kya? Sharam naam ki koi cheez hoti hai ya nahi? (Don't you have mothers or sisters at home? Do you even know what shame is?)"

One of the men turned towards her, a smirk plastered on his face. "Arre madam, aap kyun gusse mein ho? (Madam, why are you so angry?) Tum jaise khubsoorat ladki ko toh hum logon ka company enjoy karna chahiye. (A beautiful girl like you should enjoy our company.)"

Madhavi rolled her eyes, unimpressed, and shot back, "Teri soorat dekh ke na meri gaay bhi dudh dena band kar de (Even my cow would stop giving milk after seeing your face)." She crossed her arms, her expression fearless. "Bas! Ab aur bakwaas mat kar, warna yeh flute tumhare sar pe bajake tujhe hospital bhej dungi! (Enough! One more word, and I'll break this flute on your head and send you to the hospital!)"

The man's smirk turned into a frown, and he moved as if to grab her. "Aaj tujhe sabak sikha ke rahenge! (Today, we'll teach you a lesson!)"

Madhavi's heart raced as the man raised his hand toward her. She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, praying silently to her Lord Krishna, "Hey Krishna, bacha lena! (Hey Krishna, save me!)"

Suddenly, a strong hand grabbed the man's wrist mid-air, twisting it with a sharp crack. The man yelped in pain, and Madhavi opened her eyes, gasping in relief. There stood Shankar, his expression dark and dangerous, his grip unyielding.

He twisted the man's arm further, making him cry out. "Zubaan sambhal ke baat kar (Watch your language)," Shankar growled, his voice low and threatening. He glanced back at Madhavi, who let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She muttered to herself, "Aaj toh bach gayi. (Today, I'm saved.)" But as she noticed the remaining men advancing on Shankar, she winced. "Shayad jaldi keh diya. Tu toh kat le, Madhavi beta (Maybe I spoke too soon. You're in trouble now, Madhavi)."