The fruit hangs on the tree. The seer has travelled this far only to tastes its juice, and it awaits being plucked.
Only to be stared at with skeptical eyes.
Perhaps it's red is so bright due to the sun. Perhaps it looks so plump due to an illusion. Perhaps it's really not so beautiful. How can a fruit even grow on a barren tree?
Seeing the stubbornness of the seer, Nandini pushes forward the fake priest. He sways to the tree and reaches for the fruit.
There's just a second before he can grab the delicious object of desire.
There's just a few inches between his hand and the branch.
There's only a second before the seer lurches and snatches the fruit.
Satisfied, Nandini smiles.
****
There was a limit to the questions a person could ask, and old age was definitely not an excuse.
Maya prayed to Kalika for someone to come and rescue her from the kitchen. Stuck with Rani for the hag wasn't capable of handling the heat of the blazing fire, Maya not only cooked in the harsh temperatures, but also endured the treacherous interrogation of Rani.
"Come on, just accept that instead of going for Tirtha, you are choosing Boro Babu. It's a profitable decision."
"Will you shut up?" Maya hissed. "I will complaint to him."
"Oh, you may." She grinned with a shrug. "He will deny of course, but be so happy inside. And I won't get my job taken because I gossip about him. Many women in the past went after him and so many numerous tales were spun. Well, by me too." She giggled like a witch. "He never cared. Maybe even enjoyed it. He enjoys rejecting women. But he seems to have an interest in you."
"What makes you say that?" Maya kept down the spatula with a thud, her fingers clammy from the sweat of wrath.
"I have seen men more than you, Maya. Your experience is little and paltry to my wrinkled perception. My naked eyes have grown weaker, but not my judgement." She tapped her head. "This stores a lot of wisdom."
"I don't seem to see that."
"Your failure."
Maya covered the handi with a lid. So, Boro Babu has had flings before, she thought. No doubt he must have slept too.
"Thinking about his previous affairs?" Rani smirked.
The sly smile splashed goosebumps over Maya's tender skin. She scoffed, hoping the sweat and heat would help her to hide the disgusting blush. She hated it, the way her body reacted to the revelation. She wasn't going to listen to his past.
"I take your silence as permission–"
"I am not willing."
Rani rolled her eyes. "Such bulls you two are. Anyways, let me enlighten you."
Maya smacked her forehead, and Rani began her story.
YOU ARE READING
Narabali
Mystery / ThrillerIn the small town of Chandaneshwar, a young woman by the name of Maya works as a flower seller. After the death of her father, she is offered a job to work in the temple of Raja Vijay Mukherjee. Although poor, she is a Brahmin woman, so she has know...
