Chapter 1
Standing in front of the temple Rajan was praying and thanking GOD for bringing beauty and love into his life as well as giving him a chance to cherish that for the rest of his life. beside him was the priest arranging the place for the wedding of Rajan and Anjana. wind flows leading Rajan’s face to turn to cherish the moment of entrance of his to-be wife – who is beautifully embedded in saffron color, walking with face constantly seeing the ground that’s the first time he has seen her so shy. Every step she takes walking up the stairs makes him realize how beautiful she is, he was so restless that every second feels like an hour to him . he started walking to the stairs. He extends his arms to reach hers in exchange just when they were about to collide. A GUNSHOT …. and Anjana falls from the stairs Rajan runs to save her, and when he holds her unconscious in his hands he noticed blood on her shoulder and a gun wound .he was in agony just trying to understand what just happened, he noticed a mob running towards him with guns and swords in hands. left with no chance he ran to the forest behind the temple carrying his to-be wife in his hands with clothes stained with blood and praying to god to save her and help them while doing that he bumped into a person dressed in saint-like clothes. Rajan was pleading with him to help them
" Sir please help us, save her we are being followed, people are trying to kill us sir please help “.
Saint at first seems to be a little disagreed but after he saw that every minute is precious to save Anjana’s life he let them follow him through a secret tunnel to a small cottage where the saint practices medicine on Anjana for six hours. Only Rajan can know what immense pain he was going through at the moment it seemed that he has lost her but his constant praying saved her from the great danger but there was a storm that was waiting for him to face. Sitting on the edge with her hand, he goes back to their first interaction - under the entering moon Anjana dances with her ghungroo on, not even stopping for a breath, captivating Rajan so much that he can spend hours on clicking her, everything was so attractive about that he can’t just take his eyes off her eyes, her expressions, her moves, it was all so perfect . he wants to know her. The moment he reaches for her it feels like she disappeared into thin air leaving his heart unease.
(Next Morning )
Rajan woke up with the sound of ringing temple bells .seeing the time as it was 8 clock in the morning.
“Good morning Mr. Rajan, how is the work going on? Are you facing any problems because you look tense?
“No sir, it’s just trouble adjusting (priest started walking away with a smile )( just say it Rajan that you need to know who she is ). Sir, actually it would be really helpful if you will introduce the people involved here because you know everybody just gives me keen looks when I shoot so if that’s okay”.
Head priest – “Yes for sure ” (As to his request head priest introduces him to everyone but not to the one he was waiting for .just as the head priest started walking away leaving his heart unsettled the one to settle it walks in, greeting the head priest with a smile and a startling look to Rajan as he was standing there with his mouth wide open .)
“Ah! Here enters my niece, mister she is Anjana, and Anjana he is Rajan the one making a documentary about our temple you need to show him the whole temple and take good care of him, I will take leave now. ”
Anjana was not at peace because of Rajan’s actions earlier. Being a gentleman he sensed that and limited himself until the moment she was comfortable around him. They started walking around the temple Anjana being a good guide showed him everything, glorifying every spot in the whole tour was nice he was absorbing every detail of that place. He only asked her about the temple and city hiding his willingness to know her better deep inside. Things started changing gradually the cold greetings between them turned into warm ones with a smile as days passed. It takes a special moment to change a girl’s perspective and Rajan made a lot of them. Everything he does from giving treats to innocent children or helping others or his professionalism and most importantly respecting everyone, he was nothing like the city boys Anjana heard about. One evening she finally opened up to him when they meet to complete Rajan’s last part of his work ‘The cultural dance’.
Near the river, she danced like a peacock enjoying the rain and here rain was Rajan’s praises enjoying that she danced and danced for hours portraying the cultural dance of the city beautifully, giving Rajan the best shot at his life. Everything just seemed so perfect at that moment they ate together, laughed together, and walked together and she was comfortable around him now. Their closeness started to affect other people, and rumors about them spread like wildfire. Head priest tend to ignore these but others won’t let him.
" Pandit Ji it’s time that Anjana fulfills the duty assigned to her “.
The head priest didn’t utter a word but anger was growing up on him.
" We all are aware that Anjana is your favorite but you have to fulfill this ritual. You already gave her a lot of time and freedom. She has to be a devadasi now”.
DEVADASI those words sound alarming and his anger grew even more reflecting in his eyes all red from anger. All other priests took a step back seeing his anger. Only one stood with his hand folded in front of his chest, showing absolutely no sign of fear - Vikram.
“Council has called this morning, informing president would be present at the festival this time. Prepare well, also mentioned presenting a new devadasi to him”.
The head priest eyes grew bigger in shock. He always loathed this practice as how it turned to be in modern days but was unable to do anything. He protected Anjana long enough and now it’s time. he couldn’t do anything. With a heavy heart, he proceeded.
" Start preparations for the wedding. Send invites to the council. festival starts in 4 days, we need to get the wedding done in 2 days”.
A smile filled the place and as all left the room The head priest falls to the ground, cursing himself as to how he would tell all this to Anjana.
Anjana and Rajan are on their way back to the temple. Exchanging words of wisdom.
" Where this leads to?” Fear rose in Anjana’s eyes and also the realization of her future association with that place.
“Just an old abandened Haveli .” Somehow calming herself down she exclaims.
“Let’s go this way today. I might get a spooky story too.” He laughs and starts walking that way.
“Noo!” she shouted.
" Whoa! Easy girl, What happened?” Rajan took a step back seeing her like this.
“That place is cursed”
“How?”
Ignoring his question she walks on the way leading to the temple. Rajan followed her quietly. She wanted to tell him, the truth and her reality but she will be risking his life. Also, in the worst-case scenario, he might freak out and leave her. She just wants to hold onto this feeling, whatever it is. Silence filled the place only broken when Rajan’s phone rings and he gets summoned back to his office by his boss.
" Okay, boss! I will catch the next train available. Bye ”
" What happened ?”
" My boss just asked me to come back. He sounded tense, I should hurry and leave immediately.”
" Please stay the festival is in 4 days. I am performing for the first time there. I need you there.”
" I would have if I can but it’s really important for me”.
Anjana got teary eyed realizing this might be the last time, she sees him. A feeling of love takes over her, she rises to her feet and her lips sealed that of Rajan’s, he opened his arms open to embrace her. They deepen their kiss, with their tongues colliding. A tear left her eye, at the thought of separation.
“Don’t Cry I will come back for you. I will I cross my heart”.
They hug each other and smile with teary eyes as they part ways.
The next morning Rajan leaves for Mumbai, not meeting Anjana as it would make it difficult for him.
Anjana enters the temple hoping, she will see Rajan one more time but is disheartened when she knows that he already left.
His words ” I will come back for you ” crossed her mind she blushed remembering her kiss. She came back to reality when she bumped into Vikram. He gave her a wicked smile. She tried to walk past him, as he always creeps her out. He held his arm out and grabbed her hand. She angrily shook it off.
" Be within your limits or else I will tell Uncle about it.”
" Go on I don’t fear him, no one else will the day after tomorrow and you will be ours.”
Her anger turned to shock. All his words pierced like a knife into her chest. She knew exactly what he was talking about. Still, in disbelief, with teary eyes, body shaking, and hundreds of questions in mind. She runs to her uncle’s room hoping to find answers. She opened the door and run towards the window. A cry “Uncle! ” left her mouth. People came rushing only to witness the head priest jump into the stream. Her world shatters and now her fate was sealed. Sitting lifelessly at the shore, she mourns for his uncle. Remembering her past and how the priest cared for her like her daughter, even though she was a devadasi. He always told her not to worry and that he will figure it out. He did but only for him. She thought to end her life too but Rajan’s thoughts didn’t let her. She will endure everything just to see him again. Other than her no one seemed bothered, everyone, carried on with the wedding processions as if nothing happened.
The whole temple was decorated with flowers. Musicians sat in one corner playing different songs, little girls in front of them dancing. Food stalls were set up in other. Everyone in the village was invited. Anjana took a glance out of the window in normal circumstances she would be out there galloping but now nothing mattered, on the outside, she appeared pretty dressed in a red saree and endowed with ornaments from head to toe but on the inside, she was broken, only one bandage of Rajan’s memory keeping her together. She witnesses Vikram lustfully looking at her through the window. She wished she could slap him but those lustful eyes were only the beginning. She shivered at the realization of what waited for her in the future. She felt suffocated and run for the door, only to find the palanquin bearers waiting for her. She took her place in it. Lifted in the air, bearers walked toward the temple entrance. Anjana looked out all were hailing her presence. She got angry but then realized these innocent people don’t know a thing. For them, she will marry god and dedicate her life to his service. If this was the reality she would happily do this and consider herself lucky but that wasn’t the case. These priests and council members would in turn make her serve them. Every night she has to warm their bed and never marry in her life. What was considered the purest form of devotion, now forced little girls into prostitution all because of their lust. She entered the temple pleading the god to save her, she always connected with them but today her mind was crowded with negativity. Her hopeless eyes fall to the ground. People welcomed her with flowers that would at night change into thorns. She took her seat and the wedding started a Image of Deity was placed on the other. Vikram performed all the rituals as the representative with a wicked smile. He took the Mangalsutra and tied it around me. For her, it wasn’t Mangalsutra but a chain to a cage.
" Be ready tonight, I am the head priest now. Your first service belongs to me”. He hushed
She wished for the ground to swallow her as now if she is defiled even Rajan wouldn’t accept her or wish to see her. Helplessness took over her, she didn’t pay attention to anything now. When the Ceremony ended everyone take turns touching her feet in a wish to gain blessings. She was then brought to the head priest’s room every event traumatized her even more. Without a thought, she ran to the window, the one from where her uncle jumped. She wished it all to end. She reached for the panels helping her up. With teary eyes, she raced back to all the happy memories of her life. With a deep breath, she took a step forward in the air. Just when her second leg moves forward, pair of hands pull her back holding her up from the waist. She cried.
“Please leave me, I don’t want to live. ”
“I beg you please”.
“Anjana”
She opens her eyes turns to the voice and in mixed emotions hugs him. Tears came flooding her eyes, she thanked god for finally hearing her pleas. She cupped his face in her hands and started kissing him all over his face hurriedly in fear that someone will take him away soon. He resisted on his knees to let her consume him. She still couldn’t believe that Rajan was here. He puts her head to his chest, slowly stroking her hair to calm her down.
" What’s happening here? seeing you like this trouble me please tell me, Anjana. What happened? And where is your uncle ?”
" Dead”
“What? Why? How ?”
" He couldn’t bear it seeing me become a devadasi.”
" Devdasi?” Rajan was in disbelief. He was aware of the practice and its shortcomings.
“Why didn’t you tell me before? I would have stopped it all. Practice is illegal. Wait let me call the police.”
" Local police work for the council. It’s Bigger than you think. The system of prostitution and drugs is set by the council. Only one devadasi is kept at the temple to comfort the villagers, all others are sent to the brothel.”
“You have to leave, they will hurt you if they see you,” Anjana replied with a cold voice.
" No, I am not leaving you with these monsters here. ”
They both hug each other tightly and cry at their helplessness.
“let’s run away. We will go out of state and contact the police their they will respond. They will punish these people. ”
" They will hunt us down and kill you.”
“I don’t care, till my heart beats I will protect you”.
It is noon right now and they still have time to plan their escape.
Rajan made some calls to his friends. Some were eager to help and some apologetically declined. They planned to take the forest route to the station as everyone was busy with the celebrations and no one will come for her, as they think she has no aid to help her. Disguised as a beggar couple they mingle in the crowd. They seek the blessing of god from afar and start their journey and hoping for a new life. Looking back at the temple she remembered how her parents offered her to the temple. The Head priest was always against this practice and swear to protect me. On their journey to the station, they looked back occasionally to check if they are being followed. They reached the station safely and settled themselves on the train destined for Bombay. As the evening grew darker, they started getting tensed knowing that Vikram would now realize her absence. They finally smiled when the train moved forward. Anjana couldn’t believe she is finally free. She looked out and smiled her worries away.
" You left for Bombay?”
“And I came back for you.” she blushed.
“My boss called me for a promotion, and when I shared the news with my parents, being typical Indian parents they called the Matchmaker. So before they could set me up with someone else, I came to ask for your hand.”
A smile followed with worry crossed Anjana’s face.
“Will they accept me ?”
Rajan wasn’t sure about his parents but was about himself. For him only she mattered, and he will do everything in his capacity to keep her happy.
" I do, Only that matters. ”
With her head on his chest and his arms encapsulating her, they both went to sleep. Their cocoon was burst when the train took an abrupt stop and a mob with fire torches in hand came running towards the train. All the passengers hurriedly run towards the exit. From the entrance, goons entered the coach searching for someone. A gunshot followed by screams.
“Quiet! everyone, come back here. If anyone tries to run we will shoot them. It’s better if you obey us.”
“Thailava is here.” Someone from goons said loudly.
Chandresh enters the coach all kneels to him. Behind him was Vikram. Anjana trembles in fear.
“Identify the girl”
