APRICITY

8.Blindfolded

Ke na bao bansi barawi Kalindi noi kula
Ke na bansi barawi e goth-Gokula...

( English: Who plays the flute along Kalindi's shore,
He is the one who played the flute in the meadows of Gokula..)

The mesmerising melody soothed my soul accompanied by the synchronising twangs of the Veena.

The pale lad who sat behind those devotees rhythmed the music with the soft chiming of the cymbals.

Their peaceful harmony created a more divine ambience at the Mahalakshmi temple. I was so engrossed in their song, that it took quite a while to equip myself even after their melody trailed off in the air.

I rose up but was blatantly interrupted by Suvarma. "Pari, where are you going? We need to return to the palace before anyone notices your absence." He whispered and huffed in impatience.

"Varma, take it easy. Nobody is going to recognise me. Now, let me meet them." I assured Suvarma patting his arms.

Though it was my first attempt at disguise, I was determined to sneak in every corner of the city which I couldn't traverse as a Prince.

"Maté", I addressed the foremost singer. "Devi Saraswati resides in your voice. Are you on a pilgrimage?"

The elder woman smiled vaguely at the effect of which the faint wrinkles on her face gained prominence.

"No,dear. We were compelled to move out of Kamboja. But Lord Krishna have enlightened us in our dreams. So, we visit temples and sing His praises."

Blood boiled through my veins."Who is the sinner to instigate people out of their kingdoms?"

"There are some moneylenders back at Kamboja who tricked us. Not only us, but other fellow poor familes were also tortured by them. They assured us to return more money which we gave them. But, when we couldn't give anymore, they rendered us penniless." She whimpered. "They kidnapped our children to make them work in their fields."

I thought for a while how blindfolded we were in the palace. Blindfolded by the velvet souvenoirs, expensive gems, aloof from the black facade of the world outside.

Breaking my trench, I asked "Are your children still in their filthy hands?" The other companion of hers nodded in agreement.

She caressed my face and cheeks. Her rough, calloused palms spoke of the dire misery she had gone through. With tears and a heavy heart, she voiced her thoughts "Your radiance resembles that of a Prince out of a fairytale, all you need is a noble steed and a crown of gems, Putra."

I chuckled lowly as if a whisper, "A prince doesn't need a crown of gems to be The Prince, a heart of gems is all he needs."

"I will return your children to your lap, Maté." I tapped her hands to assure in response.

"But, Pari..." Suvarma uttered the unevitable earning a glare from me.

"You don't need to take such troubles in our favour, child. By the grace of our Lord, we will surpass this life singing His praises. He will surely protect our children." The elder woman requested us.

"Didn't you seek justice in the Court at Kamboja?" I furrowed my brows in agony.

"They threatened us, perhaps those cruels were part of the nobility. Would the court ever listen to us, the paupers?" She had a convincing smile on her distraught face.

I was far from convinced, "I addressed you as my Mata, how can I not reunite my siblings to their loved ones?"

"Pari..don't build castles in air, you can just ask to your elders about this. It is not your cup of tea." Suvarma tried to dismiss my promise.

"Will you stop advising me or will I make you a picture frame in my castle wall?" I gritted my teeth.

Suvarma pinned his lips in annoyance.

I never knew an hour long exile from the palace could change my life so drastically. I could clearly fantasize the knowing yet enchanting smile on Pitamah Krishna's lips. I laughed at my own expense.

This would be my first chance to serve people for real. I would do that gladly.

Leaving the the Mahalaxmi Temple behind I relocated the newly thatched huts where the devotees was staying in.

I looked again at my new clothes; the worn out grey dhoti and the brown shawl wrapped around my torso warmly. The the silver beaded necklace crescent glistened on my bare chest . I cherished this gift from my soulmate to Verma on my thirteenth birthday.

"Varma?" I mused to see an upset companion by my side.

"What?" He dare did not look at me.

"How can I put such an angry painting of yours in my castle wall? These swollen, angry lips aren't helping me, either." I nudged his elbow.

This anger I swear would take my life one day. I greatly repent my rude words on him.

"I apologise." I held my ears to him.

"Fine, I forgive you but Pari, I want a regal painting of mine to be put in your castle." He winked and giggled.

"Done." I rose my arms in submission.

Hopefully, we neared the palace before sunset and decided to enter from the soldier quarters, which surpassed the horse stables. In accord to our plan, I would cha change my clothes kept in Suvarma's quarters after which I would step on the main premises.

Since God has bestowed me with all his sweet luck, I successfully tiptoed to my chamber before anyone could throw a glance at me.

However, much to my displeasure a voice stopped me from stepping further.

"Pari..!!"