Hidimba-The forest maiden

8

I was going back to the ravine it was my big day, let the peace melt me on thinking of my mother. Her beautiful voice still echoes like the stream, her song still flows in my veins and I danced my way there.

I finally saw him, in the night hour looking at me with something luminescent. He was sitting beside the streams, his legs in the pristine waters.

I walked up to him

'What are you doing here?' I asked with irritation

'I guess you were waiting for me on your big day'

'Oh yes, I was but you never came'

'I am sorry but I have a surprise for you,' he said and invited to come sit beside him.

I did as he told me

'Now close your eyes'

'What?'

'Just close them'

And I did it waiting with great anticipation, with my hands trembling. I could hear the sound of crickets playing their beautiful song , Gods own musician .

'Now open them' an excited voice asked me

I could see millions of fireflies flying in the sky. Their lights illuminating like stars. Swarms of fireflies like glowing small lanterns in the night sky. Elders told us that fireflies signified finding loves. All their lives these small creatures look for their love. But sometimes their illumination burns out and dims out when they are unable to find one but if they could they soul fire glows brighter than before, Shinning like stars for their love.

I was looking at them when he placed a Raat Ki Rani flower necklace on my neck. His hands brushed lightly against my skin. I looked at him, his eyes filled with love.

'You made this necklace' I asked him.

'Why? Yes Raat Ki Raani  for my queen of the night'

'Look at this and ever so lightly the whole necklace fell into bits on my lap making me into bits of laughter'

'you did not fasten the necklace. You did not know how to make a necklace do you?'

'Success is achieved not by winning but with endeavours,' he said philosophically looking a little embarrassed.

'Don't worry I will teach you' I said. Small rose blushes started appearing on my cheeks that was brightly illuminated by fireflies.

'Thank you Bheema for making my night so beautiful'

I leant my head against his broad muscled shoulder as we looked at the fireflies which were caught by him

I looked at him and he looked at me. His hands cupped my skinny cheeks and like a dream soft lips brushed mine. They were gentle like cotton illuminating my skin with sudden wakefulness.