30 MANUSHI

TANDING water stagnates. Flowingwater remains clear. To each his owneyes and vision, and may the river ofmercy endow gods and men, friends andenemies, with equal wisdom.

Once upon a time in a certain village,there lived a prosperous Gujarhousehold. Their cows and buffaloeswere of the best stock; milk and curdsflowed like water. Their pitchers were fullof clarified butter. Whey was freelyavailable to all the villagers. The Gujarwas a fine young man, fair and well builtlike Isar. He wore a huge turban, a red-bordered waistcoat and shirt and a neckband. Earrings of pure gold, bracelets ofsilver and embroidered shoes. His lathi(cudgel) was as tall as he was. It wasdecorated with copper stars and silverbands.

When the time came, his bride arrivedfrom her village. And on her arrival, wordspread with the winds throughout thevillage that such a beautiful Gujari hadnever before been seen or heard of. Thecouple looked like Isar and Gangaur

incarnate, as if god had expended his skillto make them fit for one another. Hersturdy body was as though moulded ofmilk and curd and butter. Youth foamedin her. Intoxication dripped from everypore. Whoever set eyes on her wonderedhow such beauty could be contained insuch a small space. It was as though allthe unparalleled beauty of nature hadfound shelter in Lachi Gujari’s body. Hername was unique like her beauty - Lachi.A mouth-watering name. Echoing in theheart. Soaked in nectar.

Talk of Lachi Gujari’s beauty spreadfrom house to house, from field to fallow,and finally reached the ears of theThakur. He immediately called BhojaKanwariya, his favourite agent, who wasas close to him as the hair on hismoustache.

The Thakur asked: “Bhoja, have youheard anything new?”

Bhoja Kanwariya was a clever fellow,smart enough to pluck the stars from thesky. He could understand a thing beforeit was expressed. He was dark, withsparkling white teeth. A man like anyother. Neither very beautiful nor veryugly. But a fellow with all his wits abouthim. Without enquiring further, he said:“O master, one can never know the truthby hearing about it. I have seen it withmy own eyes.” The Thakur wasreassured. Bhoja’s eyes could not err.Eagerly, the Thakur asked: “Then whatI’ve heard is absolutely true?”

“No master, absolutely false.”“False?”“Yes, master, false. One may gabble

as long as one likes, but this poor tongueis powerless to describe such beauty.Master, Lachi is Lachi, that’s all there isto it. By some miracle, her body is able tosustain such loveliness. Holding suchbeauty in a body is like holding burningcoals in a cloth.”

The Thakur listened, astounded.Bhoja went on. “Lachi was coming fromthe lake with a group of friends, herwaterpot on her head. She was like the

This story by Vijay Dan Detha, based on aRajasthani folktale, is from a collection of his storiesthat is shortly to be published byManushi Prakashan

The Slough

NUMBER FORTY FOUR, 1988 31

moon shining among the stars. At first, Icould not believe my eyes. But master,one has to believe reality. When I lookedon her enchanting face, I realised that allthese years you have been wasting yourtime following various women and myservice too has been in vain.”

“Then, now...” said the Thakur softly.Bhoja eagerly interrupted: “That

goes without saying. I realised at oncethat this lioness will not be easily tamed.But who can resist the god of death? Iwill consider myself a successful agentthe day Lachi Gujari comes to yourhonour’s bed.” Bhoja spoke withconfidence, but for the first time, thewords stuck in his throat, though heattached no significance to thisunconscious hesitation. “Enough,enough,” said the Thakur. “You’vefanned the fire to such good effect that Ican think of nothing else. I will now relyon your wits.”

Indeed, the Thakur had cause to relyon Bhoja, for he was skilled in suchdoughty deeds. In any case, how coulda mere Gujari refuse to obey the Thakur!The Gujar was master of his house, theThakur was master of the whole village.However beautiful, she was, after all, ofthe Gujar caste and a ryot in status. Sheshould be proud to be called to hishonour’s bed!

Bhoja Kanwariya was a bachelor andsecure in the Thakur’s favour. Whileproviding the Thakur with women, hesatisfied himself with the leavings. Allthe villagers tried their best to be in hisgood books. Self-interest will alwaysprevail over self-respect.

After the bride’s arrival, Bhoja beganto visit the Gujar’s house very often. Hewas already acquainted with the family.In the beginning, he never so much asraised his eyes to look at Lachi. Suchbeauty can be perceived without looking.

Bhoja had several girlfriends amongthe watercarriers. He wanted them to findout which way the wind was blowingwith Lachi. But her mind remained

unfathomable. One girl said that she wasa perfect innocent. Another said that shewas a deep one. A third said that shedidn’t have the brains to match herbeauty. She couldn’t fathom a word or agesture, nor had she eyes for any manother than her husband. She wouldn’teven wash her mouth with water from

a buffalo’s milk is not black, how canlaughter and the human mind be black?

Bhoja could not progress beyondinciting the Thakur. The girlfriends hadto acknowledge defeat, for Lachi turneda deaf ear to them. The curds and wheyremained separate and could not bemixed.

How could a mere Gujari refuse to obey the theThakur? The Gujar was master of his house, but the

Thakur was master of the whole village.

any pitcher but her own. Why wasteone’s energy on such a troublesomewoman?

The Thakur visited the Gujar’s housemany times, on the pretext of looking atthe cows and buffalo. Lachi nowunderstood his meaning but she keptquiet. The smell of burnt milk persistseven after it is made into clarified butter.How could she then fail to smell theodour of the Thakur’s filthy mind?

One day, the Thakur, while praisingthe cows, came close to Lachi and asked:“How many times has this cow beenmated?” Lachi was holding a bundle offodder in one hand and the cow’s ropein the other. She answered quietly: “Idon’t quite know.” Bhoja was standingnearby. Seeing his opportunity, he atonce spoke up: “It seems to me that youdon’t know what’s good for you or foranyone else either.” Lachi raised herlashes and looked at Bhoja. Then shesat down and began to milk the cow.

Embarrassed, the two of them movedoff, pretending to be engaged inconversation. Was this a woman or amonstrosity? She had no respect for themaster of the village. She understoodeverything very well but pretended notto understand.

Yet Lachi did not get undulyperturbed. To each his own ways andhis own nature. The five fingers of thehand are not equal, after all. She almosttold her husband what had happened,but refrained. Eating coals will onlyblacken the mouth. But her pursuers

Bhoja said that they would have towaste their energy on this one. A quick-witted girl retorted: “If one were to getsomething out of it one might have ago.” Bhoja was not to be outdone.Smiling, he replied: “Can one get one’sshare of the feast before it is offered tothe gods?” At this, the faces of both werewreathed in smiles. No question like asmile! No answer like a smile! After thisBhoja’s girlfriends tried their best toentrap Lachi but she seemed not tounderstand their meaning. She had beenborn and bred amidst the foaming milkpails; so she saw nothing but thewhiteness of milk all around. When even

32 MANUSHI

were not to be shaken off so easily. Oneday Lachi was standing in the paddock.A cow was in heat, so she began to callout to the bull. Alerted, the bull puffedup his neck, and then galloped towardsthe cow. The Thakur and his agent hadprobably been waiting for thisopportunity. Lachi, busy calling to thebull, happened to look around. They werestanding there, smiling shamelessly. Fora moment Lachi was startled, but the nextinstant she turned her back on them andcontinued to incite the bull. What needfor shame or modesty before this puremystery of nature? Why should she beembarrassed by these shameless men?

Such a coincidence does not occurevery day. The Thakur’s agent did notcontrol his tongue: “Lachi, you are soconcerned about this bull, but you donot care at all for the Thakur Sahib. Howlong he has been writhing in agony!”

Lachi heard every word clearly. Theearlier incidents flared up like fire beforeher eyes. Burning with anger, she lookedaround and saw a disgusting shamelesssmile plastered upon the Thakur’s lips.This smile seemed to her even worse thanBhoja’s words. Such a filthy smile on thelips of a human being! Every pore of herbody burnt like coal. Forgetting therelation of ryot to landlord, she pouncedon the Thakur and dealt him such a blowwith her elbow that he fell downsenseless. The unexpected attack tookeven the agent by surprise and in a paniche began to massage his honour’s chest.Suppressing her laughter, Lachi walkedtowards the bull.

At last, after much rubbing andpressing, the Thakur opened his eyesand asked: “Bhoja, what happened?”Stroking his muscles, Bhoja said: “Ohmaster, this is what happens when yougo after low caste women. Pleaseconsider this just a bad dream and bepatient a few days more. She will cometo her senses. I understand women verywell.”

“But you made a mistake in this

case,” said the Thakur in a feeble voice.“No master, I didn’t make a mistake.

Lachi made a mistake. She is not familiarwith the manners and customs of thisplace.”

Breathing with difficulty, the Thakursaid: “Do you think I should get thewhore’s nose and ears cut off and herteeth broken?” With folded hands, Bhojareplied: “As your honour wishes. Butmaster, she’ll be completely spoiled if sheis botched up like that.”

“She has trampled my honour in the

full of excitement, her bangles clinking,her skirt rustling and a happy smile onher lips. Taking her husband’s lathi inone hand and stroking it with the other,she said: “If you will reward me withsweetmeats, I’ll give you some joyfulnews.”

She had been a month in herhusband’s house. She had already toldhim that she was expecting. What joyfulnews could this be? But she had not beenso happy then as she was now. A newbride does feel shy. Perhaps she wanted

Forgetting the relation of ryot to landlord, shepounced on the Thakur and dealt him such a blow

that he fell down senseless.

dust today. Is that nothing?” “Who sawit, master?” said Bhoja, pressing theThakur’s heart. “Only you, Lachi and Iknow of it. These dumb beasts knownothing of human honour and respect.If you so command, I will forbid Lachi tospeak of this to anyone, on pain of direconsequences.”

“Yes, but will she agree?”“She doesn’t have any choice, your

honour.”The Thakur stood up, brushing the

dust off his clothes. He was too upset toeven order Bhoja to brush him down.Bhoja quietly approached Lachi and said:“You have committed a grave error today.But such is the greatness of his honourthat he has forgiven you. We will notspeak of this to anyone, neither shouldyou speak of it.”

This time, Lachi could not suppressher laughter. She burst out laughing soviolently that she could not stop for quitea while. Bhoja was once more at his wits’end. He withdrew, shamefacedly. TheThakur too asked no more questions.Long after it was heard no more, Lachi’slaughter continued to echo in their ears.

When the cow had been pacified, theGujar came along. Lachi ran towards him,

to announce the same thing again, nowthat she had overcome her shyness.What greater joy than pregnancy canthere be for a woman? Stroking hercheeks, he said: “You are so excited thatyou forget you’ve already told me thatgood news.”

Shaking her long neck, she replied:“No no, this is something else. Firstpromise me the sweetmeats.”

The Gujar was surprised, yet he said,smiling: “Eat sweetmeats every day if youlike them, my dear.”

“It’s not that I like them, but that I amto be congratulated.”

Then she narrated in detail the entirestory from the beginning up to the veryend when the Thakur fell down,unconscious. Her husband listened,stunned. But he could not swallow thepart about her laughing aloud after beingforgiven for the blow. Turning pale, hemuttered: “This is dreadful! You shouldhave shown some respect for themaster’s honour and dignity.”

At these unexpected words from herhusband’s lips her happy smile vanished,as though a kite had snatched it away inone swoop. Unable to believe her ears,she stammered: “Honour and dignity!

NUMBER FORTY FOUR, 1988 33

What has this to do with honour anddignity? I was so angry I could havewrung the bastard’s neck.”

These words made her husband asangry as she had been. Laying his handacross her lips, he said: “Hold yournoise, don’t you feel ashamed to talk likethat? That is the nature of the AllBountiful. He enjoys a little bit ofteasing.”

Lachi jerked herself away and said:“You consider this a bit of teasing?” Andher eyes filled, so that she was unable toutter another word.

Then her husband began to explainto her that such madness would not workhere. The All Bountiful would remainwhat he was. The ryots had no controlover him. For ryots to pick a quarrel withtheThakur was like the fishes of the riverbeing at enmity with the crocodile. Onehad to be sensible to survive. His honourlooked kindly on their house. The Gujar

speak in another, and act in a third.They are quite the opposite of what

they appear to be. Home and family, casteand community, the bonds ofconditioning control them completely.

Lachi made no reply. Her husbandthought that her tears were a sign of

Lachi’s fate was now bound up withthat of his family. Where else could shego?

She said: “I had to come to my sensessooner or later.”

The Gujar felt proud of his goodsense. Lifting his wife’s chin, he gazedat her face for a while. Then he said withpride: “Even a stone could not helpfeeling attracted to such beauty. So howcould his honour control himself? Hadyou not been so beautiful, no problemwould have arisen.”

“One cannot help being beautiful orotherwise.”

“But one can try to be compassionateand patient.”

Lachi felt as though someone wasstabbing her in the heart. To provoke herhusband, she said: “If you don’t havethe courage, I can burn my face.”

She was about to go on but herhusband was enraged.

“Such pride in one’s beauty is notgood”, he said. “I can bring scores ofwomen like you to light the fire and makecowdung cakes in this yard, but wherecan I go if I lose the favour of the AllBountiful?”

Lachi realised that the argument hadgone too far. It was no use taking itfurther. Wheedling, she said: “Yes, whatyou say is absolutely true. But you won’tfind another beauty like me either.”

Annoyed, he answered: “So what?A house cannot be run on the strengthof mere beauty. Now we’ll need to haveall our wits about us to get out of thisdifficulty.”

Lachi could not stop herself.Tauntingly, she asked: “Would you likeme to sleep with the Thakur in broaddaylight?”

This was like adding fat to the fire.Grinding his teeth, he said: “You witch,when did I talk of sleeping? In any casewhen the urge takes you, you won’t bestopped by anyone. Your tongue seemsto be running away with you. If yourskull is itching for a few knocks, tell meand I’ll set it right.”

“I can bring scores ofwomen like you”, he said“But where can I go if I

lose the favour of theGiver of Bread?”

weapon is of use in conflict with thosewho are equal or superior in strength.Animals and birds are simple and straightforward. There is no gap between theirappearance and their behaviour. But thebehaviour of humans is highlycomplicated. They think in one way,

got along well with Bhoja. Of what valueis mere beauty? Good sense andintelligence are more important.

The husband continued his sermonand Lachi sobbed loudly. What hopesshe had cherished of this younghusband and what had he turned out tobe! Of what use was his lathi? All verywell to vent one’s aggression with a lathion dumb animals who cannot expresstheir pain. A lathi is not needed to controlthose who are weaker than oneself. A

remorse. She was still a child. A fewknocks would put sense into her head.Running a house is a very difficult andcomplicated business. Petting Lachi, hesaid: “My lecturing has taught you somesense, I hope?”

Bewildered, Lachi looked up at herhusband. She could not have dreamt thathe would look at her like that. Wipingher eyes, she tried to force a smile. Heasked again: “Have you come to yoursenses or not?”

34 MANUSHI

“It needs no manliness to set itright”, retorted Lachi. “But I had hopedfor something else. It’s good that myillusion has been destroyed. I’ll neveragain complain of anyone to you. In thisshort while, I’ve learnt the wisdom of athousand years.”

Suddenly recalling something, thehusband asked, “I sent you to do a joband you got into such a mess that I cleanforgot to ask whether the cow was matedor not.”

This is the highest duty of thehousehold. This is also the essence ofthe paddock! Picking up a broom andbeginning to sweep, she answered: “Yes,she was.”

She had left the familiar customs ofher home, her fond family and thecompany of her girlfriends to come tothis alien place. What joy she had heldin her heart! But this one jolt had soshocked her that all the blossomswithered in her breast. The new budswere shrivelled within her.

Yet her beautiful body remained ashealthy as ever. It was not paralysed. Theroutine of the household went on.Milking and fetching water, lighting thefire, sweeping, the fodder and the fuel.The same lanes and by-lanes. But herheart was not in it. The pleasures ofintimacy had faded. She felt as if abamboo scarecrow was digging at herbody. Surely all this could have beendone without erecting the facade ofmarriage, of altars and of handtaking.

If her husband could not protect herat such moments, why had she taken hishand and followed him here? For whatoccasion was he preserving his anger,vengeance and his fine stout lathi ? TheThakur may be a Thakur but how couldpeople endure this defiling of beds? Shehad not accepted such slavery inexchange for mere food and clothing.There were thousands of other ways toprocure such a despicable subsistence.Why then had they made such a fusswith music and song? As she churned

the curds, an invisible churning went onin her own mind - chur, whirr, chur, whirr.Heaven knew what kind of buttery childwould be produced! Lachi’s heart wassoured through and through. She tookno pleasure in anything. For her neitherdid the sun nor the moon nor the starsgive light. The sun might rise or set as it

Please be patient for a while; I will notleave a stone unturned.”

Sighing, the Thakur answered: “Iknow. I’m quite confident of that.”

But Bhoja was no longer the reliableagent he used to be. His heart had begunto stray. How was it that one blow of theelbow was enough to fell the lord of thevillage and that even after he had

pleased. To Lachi it was all one. Within amonth of her arrival at her husband’shome, all of nature had been transformedin Lachi’s eyes.

She had to smile, even laugh to keepup appearances, but the earlier milkyradiance no longer sparkled on her lips.She felt ashamed to refuse to sleep withher husband, but her mind was neveragain in union with his.

After suffering the blow, the Thakurtoo had become restless. He would oftensay irritably to the agent: “Bhoja, haveyour wits rusted or what? Haven’t youthought of a plan yet?”

Folding his hands, Bhoja replied: “AllBountiful, I said from the beginning thatthis was a difficult fish to catch. She isnot simple like other women. If the starsin the sky could be gathered as easily asberries or limes, would they be spared?Such rare things are obtained withdifficulty, O All Bountiful! But once theycome to hand what boundless, limitlesspleasure! Might one well give up the ruleof heaven in exchange for that pleasure.

awakened from his swoon not one hairof anyone’s head had been harmed?Thakurs and gods frighten those whoare easily frightened. But they fear thefearless. This new knowledge lit upBhoja’s mind and gradually he began todetest this job of supplying women. Itwasn’t as if he had to feed a hundred

This one jolt had soshocked her that all the

blossoms withered in herbreast.

elephants. It did not behove an unmarriedperson to do such a repulsive job. Andthe job seemed even more distastefulwhen an angelic beauty like Lachi was inquestion.

If that delightful body could be his,he would exchange a hundred agenciesto look once on her face. Kingship itselfwould pale before the joy of having herarms entwined around his neck. If hebetrayed such beauty he would surelysuffer for it in the afterlife.

NUMBER FORTY FOUR, 1988 35

It so happened that an uniqueopportunity fell to Bhoja’s lot. Bhoja wasskilled in branding animals seized withconvulsions. One of the Gujar’sbuffaloes began to writhe in convulsionsand the worried Gujar immediately sentfor Bhoja. The Gujar was in a hurry toattend a community council meeting. Sohe explained to Lachi what had to bedone and then set out on his journey.

Bhoja was standing in the paddock,stroking the writhing buffalo, when Lachicame in, with a basket of burning coals.A red hot scythe lay smouldering amongthe coals. Bhoja immediately caught holdof the handle and applied it to thebuffalo’s boil. A faint smoke rose fromthe skin. The buffalo kicked, but soonstood up as if magically cured. Scratchingthe soil with her toe, Lachi said: “Thebuffalo’s life was saved because thebrand was applied in time, otherwiseshe’d have died in agony.”

How could Bhoja refrain now?Immediately, he replied: “I am like thisbuffalo, my life is in your hands. You cansave me or kill me as you please.”

At first Lachi could hardly believethat he would speak this way, after theincident he had witnessed. When shehad not spared the lord of the village,what chance did a mere agent stand? TheThakur had fainted, but half a blow wouldknock the stuffing out of this fellow. Yetthis knowledge had not diminished hisboldness. Lachi stared at him in surprise.Suppressing a smile, she said: “Have youforgotten what happened that day?”

“No, I haven’t, that’s why I’ve beenso daring. To die at your hands is to attainparadise. The most unfortunate wretcheshave their share of sunshine, then may Inot hope for so small a share of yourbeauty?”

With downcast eyes, Lachi scratchedat the soil. If the reality of her husband’sstrength had not been exposed to her,she would have torn Bhoja to piecestoday. But after hearing her husband’ssermon she had changed a great deal.

Many chameleons lie hidden inside ahuman being. He scarcely knows whenhis colour begins to change. Manystorms began to arise in her mind.Though her husband had not beenenraged by the Thakur’s behaviour,might he react if he saw something similarwith his own eyes. She might as well puthim to this test to assess him completely.He was to return in two days. Moving

milk and curds.”Lachi replied politely: “I don’t need

to bother so long as you are here. Elderscan manage these things better.”

“It is profitable to learn the secretsof housekeeping as soon as possible.”

When Lachi sat down to do theevening milking, she felt as if the milkyocean of her happiness had altogetherdried up. She tried to liven up her mind

Many chameleons lie hidden inside a human being.One scarcely knows when one’s own colour begins to

change.

off, Lachi said: “After three days cometo the paddock at dusk.”

How could Bhoja be so patient?Today the moon had risen in his palm.Eagerly, he said: “Can one who is bittenby a snake wait to be cured on Sunday?Why not today? Today is the mostauspicious day of the calendar.”

“But the auspicious day occurs inmy calendar only three days hence.” Sosaying, Lachi walked off. Bhoja leapt afterher, saying:”Lachi, the brand to cure mysickness is in your hands. If it is notapplied in time today, I will certainly die.”Lachi answered: “Not today. Three dayshence in the evening, in the paddock.”

Bhoja was going to reply whenLachi’s mother-in-law was seenapproaching. He was forced to controlhimself. Instead, he said: “Mother, thebuffalo was completely cured as soonas the brand was applied.”

Smiling the mother-in-law said: “I hadfull faith in your skill. Please come in andhave some sweets.”

Walking off swiftly Bhoja said: “I’llhave sweets only when brother comesback.”

Smiling, the mother-in-law remarkedto Lachi: “What a good, simple man thisagent is. He has always looked kindlyon our house. These agents are the eyesand ears of Thakurs. Entertain him wellwhen he comes to the house, offer him

but the burnt roots would not turn green.The direction of her thinking hadchanged. When she started milking thebridled cow, she felt embittered. This cowwas bridled because she was in the habitof turning around and drinking her ownmilk. Such is the profitability of thesecrets of housekeeping. Calves are notallowed to drink their fill of milk. Yet thesepoor animals eat grass and give milkplentifully like nectar. Heaven knowswhat possessed Lachi to pour some milkinto the manger for the cow. At first thecow could not believe it. She looked upat Lachi. Then she began to lap the milk.

Was this the kind of pity she hadshown Bhoja? No, no, that was utterlyimpossible. The family honour must bepreserved at all costs. Then how was itthat the Lachi who had knocked theThakur senseless had with her own lipsinvited Bhoja to the paddock? Did shewant to test her husband or was it merelya facade for her desire to sleep withBhoja? Had this pity lain buried deepbeneath her anger? She could not believeit, even though face to face with it. Canone’s mind thus play hide and seekbefore one’s very eyes? The Gujari, bornand bred amidst milk, had never realisedhow playful and mysterious the mind is.The memory of her conversation withBhoja caused her limbs to shrink inshame. Then she began to tell herself

36 MANUSHI

again and again that had she not beeneager to uncover the real face of herhusband, she would never have spokenthus to a strange man. Skilled indeed arehumans in the art of self deception.

The two days were equally long forLachi and Bhoja but their thoughts ranin entirely different directions. Far betterthat the illusions of those divergentemotions not be revealed.

At last the awaited evening came.When Lachi asked her husband to gowith her, he said, surprised: “What’scome over you today? You never askedme to go with you before.”

Lachi answered crossly: “I didn’tknow the ways of your village before.Now I feel afraid to go alone.”

Consoling her, the Gujar said: “Thefear will gradually disappear in a fewdays. If one’s mind is in control, one needfear nothing. But if you want me to come,I’m ready.”

With each passing minute, Bhoja’simpatience increased. Peeping over thewall, he saw the Gujar coming along withLachi. This was awful. But Bhoja wasvery sharp witted. At once he began tomove the fodder around.

“Who’s there?” growled the Gujarloudly.

Bhoja turned and answered just asloud: “It’s I, Bhoja.”

With raised eyebrows the Gujar asked:“Why are you in the paddock at thishour? Bhoja, even a witch spares onehouse!”

Smiling, Bhoja replied: “I don’t knowabout witches, but for me, service to mymaster comes before brotherhood.Somebody complained to the ThakurSahib that you feed grain to your animalsalong with the maize fodder. On searchingthe manger I find it to be true. You shouldhave had more sense. Now I too will haveto suffer with you.”

The Gujar’s heart sank. But he hadfull faith that Bhoja would get him out ofthe fix. Going up to him he said: “Bhoja,I swear by you, it was only yesterday

that I couldn’t resist adding the grains.Now my honour is in your hands.”

For Lachi’s benefit, Bhoja remarkedironically: “Your honour is mine, but whatshall I say to the master? These dayshe’s keeping a sharp watch on you,heaven knows why.”

Looking at Bhoja, Lachi said:“Whether heaven knows or not, youcertainly know why.”

This annoyed the Gujar. “Don’tbabble unnecessarily,” he rebuked her.“It’s good I came with you, else you’dhave started another quarrel. We’ll settleour own affairs. You do the milking.Women should not interfere in men’saffairs.”

Lachi kept quiet because there couldbe no end to such meaninglessarguments. But Bhoja had certainly madegood use of his wits! He hadn’t givenany room for suspicion. Only she knewnow the turmoil of her heart.

While she did the milking the two men

“Is that definite?”“Yes, definite.”Bhoja took another route and Lachi

walked on with her waterpot. This wasfine sport! Bhoja would be outwittedsooner or later. Her husband’ssuspicions would, ultimately, be aroused.Now that she had so unknowinglywaded into such deep waters, she wouldnot pause till she reached the oppositeshore.

In the evening a buffalo refused toeven smell its fodder. Perhaps it wasthirsty. She poured out some water, butthe buffalo did not look at it. Patting itsback, Lachi untied the rope and thebuffalo ran off, snorting. It was in heat.Lachi called at the top of her voice to themale buffalo, who galloped after the shebuffalo like a bullet from a gun. Purenature knows no hesitation, no shyness.Nor is it controlled by the facade ofcustom. But human beings areimprisoned by many walls, curtains,

Why must a woman stay sheltered in one man’scontrol, control which fulfils thousands of selfish

interests of men?conversed. Bhoja assured the Gujar thatthe matter would not go further. Beforedawn, the next day, Lachi went down tothe lake. On the way she met Bhoja.Casting his eyes around, he said: “Lachi,for the sin of which birth did you takerevenge on me? Why did you bring theGujar along?”

“Your brother insisted on coming,What could I do? It wasn’t as if I haddragged him there by force. These days,he’s become over suspicious. You hadbetter be cautious otherwise both of uswill be disgraced.”

“Don’t worry about me,” said Bhojaboastfully. “I always come up with somebright idea that clears me of suspicion.But make another appointment.”

“I can’t help it if you are unlucky,”whispered Lachi. “In the last watch ofnight, come to the calves’ paddock.”

customs, veils, blouses, collyrium andcosmetics. Why does a woman take thehand of only one man? And why mustshe take a hand that she has not knownor accepted, even in a dream? Lachi’syouth could have been veiled in thehouse of any Gujar. Why must it stayfettered in one man’s control, a controlwhich fulfils thousands of his selfishinterests? How far must a woman pleasethe Thakur, the agent, and the otherpowerful men of the area?

To survive, some way or the other,has become the creed of humans. Nomorality is greater than the householdand its survival. This is the milk of humanhistory, the curds of knowledge and thebutter of religion! The rest is but wheyand water! In the beginning, Lachi hadthought everything was as white as milk,but she now began to see blackness even

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in milk. Understanding goes through itsown cycles in this way. What a dilemmashe was in! Did the modesty of a wifecount for nothing before the fear of theThakur? Countless wasps began to buzzin her head. She had a husband to watchher and a well-to-do household. For whatinvisible pleasure did her mind yearn?

In the last watch of the night, she satup with a start and shook her husbandawake. “You sleep like a log!” she said.“Now I will never go out alone in thedark. Come along with me.”

The Gujar tried his best to get out ofit but Lachi was determined so he had togo along. The dim light of the eleventhnight of the dark phase of the moon layaround them. Bhoja had arrived an hourearlier. His eyes had become tired oflooking out for Lachi when he finally sawtwo people walking up. One was Lachiand the other... the Gujar! The bastard,here he was again! Now something wouldhave to be thought up, fast.

As she entered, Lachi saw a mangathering cowdung. “Who’s there?” sheasked loudly. The answer came withouthesitation: “It’s me, Bhoja.” Annoyed,Lachi said: “What lost treasure are youlooking for at this hour?” Still busygathering cowdung, Bhoja answered:“Today is the eleventh so the Thakuranikeeps a fast. I’ve come for calves’ dung topurify the hay for her worship of the basil.”

“Why did you bother?” said theGujar. “If you’d let me know, I’d havebrought it over.”

“Oh come, I’ve no angel’s wings tolose! And you know the Thakuranidoesn’t trust anyone but me.”

Bhoja was mighty pleased with hisanswer. What a brain he had! After that,the two friends fell to talking. The Gujarasked whether Thakur Sahib was stillangry. Bhoja boastfully replied that aslong as he was there, he would look afterthat. How could one ever repay thekindness of so faithful a friend? Thoughsurprised by her husband’s lack ofunderstanding, Lachi said not a word.

As she churned the milk at dawn, shefelt as if her mind too was being churned.Confined within the house, she listlesslywent from one task to another. In theafternoon she took the animals to thelake. Seizing his chance, Bhojaapproached her. Lachi stood with faceaverted. Amongst the animals, she feltdeeply ashamed. As if she would neverbe able to show her face again to theseinnocent creatures. Bhoja came beforeher once more and said: “Lachi, today’splan was again a failure.” Stroking herplait, Lachi replied: “So what could I do?I have no remedy for your brother’ssuspicion.”

“But you have the remedy for mysickness.”

“God himself has no cure for yourfate. Come at sunset to the barn. I’ll cureyou on a bed of grass.”

Laughing, Bhoja said: “Today is theeclipse of the moon. You will reap themerit of seven generations all at once.

But don’t forget!”“Is this a thing to be forgotten?”No need to stay longer. Bhoja turned

back. The Thakur sang to but one tunethese days. He had taken to recitingLachi’s name to the rosary, instead ofGod’s. Every now and then he would askcrossly: “Bhoja, has nothing workedyet?”

“It’s working, O All Bountiful! It’seasy to hunt quails and pheasants buthard to snare a lion. In this sport one hasoften to risk one’s life. Your life ispriceless. How can I expose you till I amsure of safety? I made one mistakealready for which I still repent.”

The Thakur was very pleased withhis loyal agent. Bhoja went into the barnan hour before sunset and began toindulge in fantasies. These narrow waysbetween the stacks, the shelter of thesemounds, this bed of grass, Lachi’s plait!The buttons of her blouse! Her breasts!Her lips! Her skirt! And...

Just then, he heard the crackle offodder being pressed underfoot. Lachimust have come. He peered round and...oh no! That low-down Gujar had to makehis appearance again! It would besurprising if he suspected nothing now.How long could one keep on makingexcuses? But to think of a scheme waschild’s play to him. Turning his back tothem, he began to choose kush grasses

As she churned the milk,Lachi felt her mind too

was being churned.

from a fodder stack. From a long way offhe heard the Gujar’s growl: “Who’sthere?”

Turning round he answered just asloud: “It’s I, Bhoja!”

“What are you doing here?”“It’s the eclipse of the moon. I’m

collecting kush grass. You know that awhole bundle is required on the night ofthe eclipse.”

“I’ve plenty of it. If you’d let me

38 MANUSHI

know, I’d have brought it over.”“You know my ways. I prefer to do

the job myself and get it over with.”Lachi laughed to herself. Bhoja’s

mind spun like a top. Another would nothave been able to issue a pre-plannedretort as swiftly. What a contrast to thisidiot of a Gujar who refused to see whatwas plain as daylight.

At midnight the moon was swallowedup. It was black and round like a fryingpan. The stars shone brighter at theeclipse. The world was aware of this

The next day Lachi was washingclothes at a rock by the lake when shesaw Bhoja standing before her. Beforehe could speak, she said: “You need notreproach me. It’s all your brother’s fault.If you can send him out on some pretextor other, then your desire can befulfilled.”

If he had been the sort to missopportunities, Bhoja’s agentship couldnot have lasted so many years.Immediately he replied: “Will only mydesire be fulfilled and not yours?”

To irritate him, Lachi said jestingly:“My desire is fulfilled every night, in anycase.”

“Then why do you bother with me?”“Why indeed? If you were dependent

on me, there might be cause for concern.But you have no lack of girlfriends.”

“But not one of them is worth yournose ring. Lachi, let’s make anappointment for tonight.”

Busy washing her clothes, Lachi said:“At moonshine hide your self in theacacia tree in the last field. It’s a desertedplace. The rest must be left to destiny.”

The sun, moon and stars play at hideand seek. Why should Lachi Gujari notdo the same thing? The longer the gamelasts, the better. Lachi’s pregnancy wasnow in the second month. In the ninthmonth, her womb would bear fruit. Herea baby would open its eyes andsomewhere else, some human beingwould die. Through the ages, nature tooplays this game of life and death. Oneleaf falls and another sprouts. This is theprimal, the endless game. The magic ofyouth too is a mystery. The earthperpetually renews and sheds its youth.The characters change constantly butthe play remains exactly the same!

Either the Gujar had absolute faith inLachi or his heart was so pure that hewas free from any trace of suspicion. Orelse he was so blinded by the selfishnessof his house that he could not see beyondit. How could one afford to displease themaster’s agent?

Late at night Lachi had finished thehousework and washed her mouth. TheGujar was falling off to sleep when Lachicaught his hand and aroused him, saying:“The carpenter’s daughter tells me thatthe shepherds are busy stripping ouracacia tree. You are far too careless. Comeon, let’s go and have a look.”

That was the Gujar’s favourite tree.He had watered it with his own hands.After his bride’s arrival, he hadn’t hadthe time to tend it properly. He sat up atonce. The last field lay at a short distancefrom the house. A saffron coloured moonhad just appeared in the sky and begunto shed a soft golden light.

Husband and wife opened the gateand entered the last field. Bhoja wasassured that Lachi had finally come,

eclipse, but none knew of the eclipse thatLachi underwent. As the moon wasfreed, she was imprisoned in the Gujar’sarms. Nor was Bhoja’s bed empty thatnight. He did long for Lachi, but to himthe woman who was at hand was themost beautiful. What use was it to thirstfor Lachi’s name? Can the body besilenced by the heart’s desire ? Each timehe was disappointed in Lachi, Bhojawould be mad for sexual intercourse.Could the Thakur’s loyal agent lack foranything? Two were ready to supply theplace of one. Bhoja was a man of sense.Imagining that the woman in his armswas Lachi, he would force himself to feelsatisfaction. Those who insist onbreathing the same air all their livescannot have their desires fulfilled.

She felt as if she wascaught in the coils of a

boa constrictor.according to her word. Bubbling withexcitement, he was about to jump downwhen he heard the Gujar’s growl: “Who’sthere?”

This wretch of a Gujar just would notallow the dice to fall to the ground.Everywhere Lachi went, he stuck to herlike a shadow. But there was no time towaste. He began to pluck leaves andthrow them down as fast as he could.The Gujar repeated harshly: “Who isbreaking the leaves? Why don’t youspeak?”

Continuing to pluck leaves, Bhojasaid: “It’s I, Bhoja.”

To announce her presence, Lachiasked: “But why are you gnawing theacacia so late at night?”

“The Thakurani’s eyes were sore,”replied Bhoja, without hesitation. “So Ihad to come for the leaves. But why didyou two come out here at such an hour?”

Bhoja descended. Going up to him,the Gujar said: “The carpenter’s girl toldus that a shepherd was despoiling thetree. How could I tolerate that?”

NUMBER FORTY FOUR, 1988 39

Sighing deeply, Bhoja said: “You hada lot of trouble for nothing.”

“O well, it gave us a chance to meet,”said the Gujar.

Looking at the Gujar but meaningLachi to hear, Bhoja said: “What’s thegood of such meetings?”

But the good was not in Lachi’shands alone. How many obstacles therewere - house and community, caste,religion, conditioning, honour andcustom. Can a lone woman on her ownstrength confront this huge maze? Wherehas fled the dream of animal-likefreedom? Some such flame burnt inLachi’s heart.

At night during intercourse, she feltas if she were caught in the coils of aboa constrictor. In her existence as awoman, would she ever get free of thisimprisonment? Her head ached with theburden of marital life. The blow she hadadministered had only led her weddedhusband to rebuke and scold her. Whatother searched for one could she seeknow? Even if she sought it out, couldshe settle in any other shade?

Entangled in a web of dreams Lachirose somewhat late. As she got up, shefelt as if the sun had not risen in itsaccustomed place. Well, that was left tothe sun. She had not a moment’s respitefrom household work. She hastened tobegin the care of the animals, the milking,the fodder distribution and the cleaning.Only by setting one’s shoulder to thewheel can one complete work.

It was noon by the time she set outfor the pasture. It had become quite late.Her husband would be waiting. Shebegan to walk fast. Her tinkling bangles,swirling skirts, rustling veil and clashingarmlets seemed to disperse enchantmentin the air. The sun’s rays seemed toderive new life from Lachi’s youthfulbeauty.

At the village border she met Bhoja.Lachi did not slow down. Walking alongwith her, Bhoja said: “Lachi, it looks as ifour meeting will take place only in the

cremation ground.”“Even the cremation ground cannot

be attained unless one dies,” murmuredLachi.

“One can decide when to die.”“I cannot decide even that.”“What then?”“I don’t know. I’ve done my best but

nothing worked. If you pursue me toomuch, we’ll be disgraced in the village.Meet me in the kitchen towards midnight.Let the honour of the house be keptinside the house.” Relieved, Bhoja said:“Yes, that is fine. The rest is as my fate

“It got so late that I decided not toeat at home. Eat first and I’ll eat later.”

“Why later? We’ll eat togethertoday.”

What can a Gujar’s house lack? Thickcurds, whey, butter, vegetables, beansand maize bread. Husband and wife satdown together and ate their fill. Then theGujar said: “I’ll lie down for a bit. Keepan eye on the animals. Don’t let thementer anyone’s field.”

Having issued this warning he wentoff to sleep and Lachi walked towardsthe animals. Stroking the cows and

will have it.”Leaving the matter to fate, Bhoja

turned towards the village and Lachiwent on. Her husband would be waitingfor his food.

The Gujar was sitting under a tree,playing his pipe. Scattered around, theanimals stood grazing. When Lachi camenear the Gujar said: “You’re very latetoday.”

Putting down the basket of food, shesaid: “You don’t let me sleep on time.How can I get up on time?”

As she took out the food, the Gujarasked, surprised: “Why have youbrought such a lot of food today?”

buffaloes that were pregnant for the firsttime, she walked ahead when her eyesfell on a shining black thing in a bramblebush. When she went closer and lookedmore carefully she saw that it was a blacksnake shedding its slough. Even whenshe hissed at it, the krait did not spreadits hood. The slough was stuck over itseyes. It moved a little and then lay stillagain. The slough would not allow it tomove far.

Lachi threw a couple of pebbles at it.The snake slithered and bit andsuddenly the slough got caught on athorn. It exerted some pressure and theslough began to slide off. Freeing itself,

40 MANUSHI

the krait disappeared into the thickundergrowth. Lachi immediately pickedup the slough and examined it. It had asoft white lining with a number of smalldots on it. Imprisoned by the slough, thesnake could not move an inch. It hadlain there blind, like a thick rope. Freedfrom the slough, it had run with thespeed of vision. So the slough is thegreatest bondage of all.

After that Lachi seemed to see moreand more sloughs hanging before hereyes. When she went back to herhusband she found him snoring away.She looked from the sleeping husbandto the slough. The slough looked likethe husband and sometimes thehusband like a slough. How had the hueof her vision suddenly changed? Endlesswas the turmoil in Lachi’s mind.

After a while the husband yawnedand awoke. Seeing the slough hangingaround Lachi’s neck, he exclaimed:“Where did you get that slough? It’s avery good omen. Your dearest wish willbe fulfilled.”

Lachi made no reply. She gazedsteadily at the empty covering in herhand. Her husband came up, put his armsround her neck and planted severalkisses on her cheeks. “No need to askthe astrologer” he said. “We’ll have amoon-like son and he’ll be veryfortunate. I have found from experiencethat a slough is a good omen. I foundone in the forest three days before ourmarriage was arranged.”

Pulling a face, Lachi said: “Then it’sa very bad omen.”

Playing with her bracelet the Gujarsaid: “Bad? What do you mean? I gotyou for a wife. What better luck could Ihave had?” Then, gazing into her eyes,he added: “I’ll fulfil one of your wishes,here and now.”

When lips touched lips, Lachiunderstood her husband’s meaning.Startled, she moved away and exclaimed:“Have you taken leave of your senses?The deeds of the bedroom should be

kept in the bedroom.”“Who is there to see us here?”“These trees, these bushes, this

grass and these birds.” She stayed not amoment longer but ran at top speedtowards the village. Her husband calledafter her but she didn’t even look around.

Going straight to the store, sheopened her trunk, carefully put theslough inside and locked it. How couldshe sit still for a moment? Work never

a morsel of anything but maize.”Bhoja had to relent. The Gujar begged

and pleaded. Finally, with difficulty,Bhoja was persuaded. Lachi could notstay there another moment. She wentstraight to the bedroom and fell on thebed. Were one to search with a candleone would not find such a cowardlyhusband. But she had to acknowledgeBhoja’s intelligence. What an excuse hehad invented! His was intelligence

Today was the ultimate test for both the husband andBhoja. Perhaps the essential man would be revealed.

ends in a Gujar household. Cowdung,hay, fodder, water. As she worked, shethought that when he sees Bhoja in thekitchen, the Gujar’s suspicion mustsurely be aroused and his angerawakened. This time Bhoja could notescape. What flower would bloom afterthat?

But no flower was destined to bloomfor Lachi. Towards midnight, she wokeup her husband and said: “I think there’sa man hiding in the kitchen.”

How could the Gujar hesitate onhearing such a thing? Picking up hislathi, he went straight to the kitchen withLachi. On lighting the lamp, he saw a manhiding near the wall. Brandishing his lathi,he growled: “Who is this courtingdeath?”

Coming forward, Bhoja answered:“You are, who else? Somebodycomplained to his honour that wheatbread is cooked daily in your house. Sohe sent me to find out the truth. My goodfellow, your wife cooks bread openly.”Showing it to him, Bhoja said: “You aredetermined to ruin me as well as yourself.I’ll have to tell his honour about thisnow.” Folding his hands, the Gujar said:“That will be the end of me! So far I livedby God’s grace, but now I will live byyours! Somehow or other cut this noosefor me. The mistake will not be repeated.Anyway, you know that I never swallow

worthy of a man!The Gujar accompanied Bhoja as far

as the lane and then returned to bed. In aGujar’s house, clarified butter is cheaperthan oil. The lamp of clarified butter sheda dim glow. The Gujar’s shadow filled halfthe room. He spent some time singingBhoja’s praises. Then, taking off histurban and stroking his wife’s cheeks,he said: “You ran home from the pasture,but now where can you run from thebedroom? Today I’ll teach you a lessonyou will not easily forget.”

A wife who has taken the seven stepscannot refuse her husband, in spite ofthe turbulence in her heart. Had she notbeen his wife, she could have at leastmade a fuss, but even this option wasnot available to Lachi. What could beworse than making a fuss in such turmoil!

As the buttons of the blouse wereopened, a cold gust of wind blew intothe room. Darting lightnings raced eachother through the sky and cloudsclambered over one another, growlingloudly. Pearl drops fell.

There was no sign of rain during theday but at dusk there was such asultriness that clouds from far and neargathered and it began to pour. Naturealone knows its mysteries and Lachialone knew what went on in her mind.

Again she was late in rising. Shewent straight to the store. Water lay all

NUMBER FORTY FOUR, 1988 41

around. It had rained all night. Lachiopened her trunk, took out the sloughand gazed at it. Her mother-in-law’svoice recalled her to her duties and shegot busy as usual, with daily chores.When the rain stopped a cool breezebegan to blow. At sunset Lachi wascoming home with vegetables for dinner,when she met Bhoja. Showingannoyance, he said: “Lachi, I had to gohungry in the kitchen last night.”

“What could I do? My sister-in-lawspoilt everything.”

“I don’t see any end to this spoilingof things.”

“Have a little patience. Sooner or laterluck has to go our way. Today, you willnot go on a wild goose chase. In the lasthour of night, your brother cannot beawakened even by drum beats. I will besleeping in the courtyard wrapped in anorange shawl. He’ll be sleeping nearbycovered with a white rug. As soon asyou tug at the shawl, I’ll come along with

you. Satisfied?”“I’ll be satisfied when I am satisfied.

I am ready to die at your command.”Lachi repeated: “I’ll have an orange

shawl. Let’s see how careful you can be.”“Don’t worry about my carefulness,”

said Bhoja with arrogance. “It’s onlybefore you that I own defeat.”

“You’d better go now, or people willstart talking.”

Bhoja turned onto another path andLachi went home to the milking.

At night, when the Gujar washed hismouth and began ascending the stepsto the bedroom, Lachi said: “Sister-in-law is sleeping there. Do have someconsideration.”

Retracing his steps, he said: “Whereshall we sleep then?”

“Speak softly, you think of nothingbut sleep day and night, while the worriesare left to me. What kingdom will youlose if you sleep one night in the yard?”

“Who cares for a poor kingdom?”Adding curd to the milk, Lachi said:

“Beds are spread in the courtyard. Goalong, I’m just coming.”

“It’ll get cold towards morning. Bringsomething to cover us.”

After that, the same night, the same

they bring a strange girl into thiscourtyard to the sound of music? Toproduce heirs for the family? To assuagethe hunger of the bed? To work like abeast of burden? To lick the feet of theThakur and other powerful men? If herhusband’s lathi had backed up the blowof her elbow, how joyful she would havebeen! No sorrow would have raised itshead. But the man who had taken herhand had been angry only with her.

A husband will not object toanything if it furthers his self-interest.What does one gain by gathering thebitter fruits of selfishness? Is it no longermeaningful to be available only to oneman?

Many such questions sizzled inLachi’s breast. Her spouse lay next toher like an uncoiled boa constrictor,snoring loudly. Today was the ultimatetest for both the husband and Bhoja.Perhaps the essential man would berevealed.

Meanwhile, Bhoja was finding eachmoment’s delay intolerable. An hour tooearly, he crept into the Gujar’s yard. WhatLachi had said turned out to be quitetrue. Today, surely his desire would befulfilled. Without a moment’s hesitationhe caught hold of the orange shawl andtugged it off. “Who’s there?” growledthe Gujar, getting up with a jolt.

Immediately came the fearless reply:“It’s I, Bhoja.”

Surprised, the Gujar asked: “Bhoja?”Coming closer, the agent whispered:

“Yes, do you want to go to Dwarkaji?”(Itis believed that one must go secretly onthe pilgrimage to Dwarka.)

“No, I don’t.”“I came quietly on purpose to take

you along. But if you don’t want to go,don’t yell and scream or the auspiciousoccasion will be lost. Go back to sleep,quietly.”

So saying, Bhoja withdrew on tiptoe.Lachi, wrapped in the white rug, waslying awake. She had heard the wholeconversation. Now indeed there was no

She would be free onlywhen she got out of theslough of family slavery.

darkness, the same Lachi and the sameGujar. The Gujar fell asleep but Lachicould not sleep a wink. Her husband didnot seem to have the least suspicion ofBhoja. Can self-interest be so blind andso dumb? Even a stone would have feltsome suspicion but her husband was notin the least perturbed. Was this themarital bliss for which she had cherishedher youth and preserved her chastity asthough it were a priceless pearl? Herhusband cared not a straw for it. Whythen had they staged that farce at thealtar, with drum and trumpets? Why did

42 MANUSHI

room for doubt. A flame brighter than thesun shot up before her eyes and burntto ashes all her conditioning, all customs,traditions and norms. Perhaps she hadbeen waiting for this flame.

The man who had taken her handbefore all the world had taken no risk forher beyond the seven steps. But therewas no end to the risks Bhoja took! Howcould she deny such depths of longing?In any case, what glory attached to thisyouth of hers? Like a slave she toiled forfood and clothing and nightly had herbody mauled. Is this all that life wasworth? Why then be enslaved to oneman? She would be free only when sheescaped the slough of family slavery.

The next day when she set out withthe herd to the pasture, the Gujar said:“It’s threatening to pour today. Comeback soon.”

Lachi did not answer. She did notmeet Bhoja either on the way to thepasture or on the way back. The agenthad lost hope. The desire for all theworld’s women could not be fulfilled byLachi alone! Each woman is best in herown place and her own bed.

The lord of the village was stilltroubled by the same pain. He kept uphis refrain: “Any luck yet, Bhoja?”

Finally, Bhoja said: “O All Bountiful,that whore is the devil’s child. She’ll cometo her senses only when her nose andears are chopped off.”

Sighing deeply, the Thakur said: “Itold you so but you would not listen.”

“I hold my ears seven times, O AllBountiful. I made a very big mistake.”

Towards nightfall, the sky wasovercast with blackness. Lightningssparkled and clouds growled like athousand elephants trumpeting beforebattle. As she tied up the animals, suchblack clouds growled in Lachi’s heart too.Her husband had anticipated the stormwell in advance but had not suspectedBhoja even when he saw him with openeyes. What kind of intelligence was this?

After taking his fill of his wife’s body,the Gujar fell into a deep sleep. WhenLachi came to the door, rain and lightninggreeted her youth with music and song.They bowed to her beauty. The krait’sslough swung from her neck like anecklace.

Where was the time to think further?She took off her clothes and jewels anddescended the steps of the bedroom.Rain fell in torrents. The lightnings(Boltsof lightening) outdazzled one another.The slough lay around her neck and her

hair hung down to her knees like a cloudovershadowing her. Lachi’s beautygladdened the lightening. At the touchof her unshrouded youth, the rain turnedfresh and pure. Hope in her womb andthe krait’s slough round her neck! Whatgreater assurance could there be?

Drenched in the rain’s kindness, Lachifeared nothing. She reached Bhoja’shouse. Before she could raise her hand toknock, she heard a woman’s voice within,saying softly: “You were mad about Lachi.How did you think of me today?”

“To hell with Lachi and her pride.Don’t mention that whore’s name in mypresence.”

The pure smile on Lachi’s lips waslost in the lightning’s flash. She movedforward, drenched in the pouring rain.After that she did not pause at any doornor did she ask the support of any man.

With her hope in her womb,garmentless, she still roams the universe.She has no destination, nowhere to layher head. If her womb ever bears fruit, itmight only be when this sun and thismoon that light up our world areconsumed!

(translated by Ruth Vanita from theHindi version of the originalRajashtani)