The smoke from the chillum clouded the chilling air of the Mansarovar. Beyond the ailing wind and freezing cold, a shadowy figure appeared, taking repeated puffs from the grey ash smoke tube held in his arms. The heavily muscular built man was merely covered in golden tiger skin, beads wrapped around his arms and neck, and marked with brutal battle marks all over his body. And the strangest of them, the one he bore on his forehead, right in between his eyes, was reminiscent of his past....
his 'Sati'.
It was a beautiful tale, one which was destined to be preached for ages to come.
It all started on that day, the day a tribal man fell in love with a princess, the day etched in the leaflets of time.
His mind wandered in the thoughts.....that day....
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The manly tribal man glimpsed at the marvelous architecture of the Vaishnava temple. The stone scriptures adorned the tall walls, seemingly depicting some sort of a folktale. The structure supported a round dome, visually appealing columns were carefully placed, provisioned not to disturb the comfort of the visitors. It was more like a serene atmosphere of a secluded garden, than a religious building dedicated to chants and rituals. He felt the pain of an exhausted journey, he had come a long way, and was sweating profusely. He had come to the temple for meeting the sage Vishwanayaka, known for his extraordinary knowledge and believed to be of divine heritage, to seek the answers to what left him hopeless in front of that child.
It was that little child's belief, that he could save his mother that deeply wounded him. It was as though that innocent mind mistook him for someone inhuman. And here he is now, galloping his way, away from his native place, seeking answers to rid a feeling of guilt.
The temple hallways seemed empty, there were none to even help him find his way towards the sage. But he kept on following the attractive mosaic footpath, his destiny seemed to await him beyond the path. The long corridor merged to a large central courtyard, decorated beautifully with flowers and garlands. There were very few people in the circular space, his eyes wandered around until it came to a sudden halt. Before he knew it, he was staring at her
The breeze brushed past her silken hair, seemingly dancing to a melody, swaying along in a rythm. Her eyes, he felt like never stop looking for the rest of his life, allowed nothing be noticed. And the smile, it was a moment that he would have lived a million lifetimes over and over again searching for it, left him in a stunned state. His breath was the only thing he could hear.The tribal had never seen anything like this, never had he felt this strange feeling in his strong heart.
The tribal man has fallen in love.
He stood in the courtyard, rooted to the ground, gazing at someone whom he felt, deep inside, was part of his soul. He felt like this was someone he couldn't afford to lose.
But then...reality got a grip on him
What was he?,
A tribal man! Wandering away from where he belongs, starting to dream about something he would never have. He knew this could only end up in one thing...a dreadful feeling called pain.
He knew.... that answers he seeked was always within him. It was just the questions he got wrong.
With these thoughts he turned away, leaving the love of his life, not even daring to steal her sight. "Good bye...dear",he murmured. With heavy steps, he walked , his heart feeling a pain he could hardly bare. Yet he walked.....
This was all meant to be an end.....
but...
life... is sometimes really strange....
and strange it was....
it was only a beginning.
Destiny...had intervowen their lifes.... the tribal was meant to meet his princess again.
It was the begginning of a saga... one that would live within generations to come...
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The tribal took a long puff from his chillum, it had become his refuge to spare him the pain. Many years have passed, ages have passed, no longer is the other half of his soul alive, but his love never dies. With a pain in his heart,
he still remembers her final words,
" Live a life.....Sh.."
