-: Pancha Vastra :- ( By Shailu )

[shailu4ever]

 
Then Arjun notices movement near the shoreline.
 
Nine figures.
 
They walk slowly along the curve of the beach.
 
Their garments glow against the dark sand.
 
Arjun leans forward slightly.
 
It takes him only seconds to recognize them.
 
The women.
 
The nine he pulled from the burning granary.
 
Something strange happens then.
 
Even from this distance, too far to clearly see their faces, he can somehow tell them apart.
 
The small woman who looked at him just before the fire walks near the center.
 
Her posture is quiet… thoughtful.
 
The tall woman who fought him when he dragged her from the smoke walks beside her with long, determined strides.
 
Another moves with fluid grace, her steps light and rhythmic.
 
A dancer, Arjun realizes instinctively.
 
The others follow behind them.
 
Each different.
 
Each carrying a presence that feels intentional.
 
They walk in a single line.
 
Their heads are slightly bowed.
 
They are moving toward a small shrine at the water’s edge.
 
The structure is simple, stone, wood, and garlands of flowers hanging from its roof.
 
When the women reach it, they stop.
 
For several seconds, none of them move.
 
Then, one by one, they kneel.
 
Arjun frowns.
 
“Praying?” he murmurs.
 
Maybe.
 
Or meditating.
 
Or perhaps,
 
A strange thought forms in his mind.
 
Deciding something.
 
But deciding what?
 
A soft knock interrupts his thoughts.
 
He startles slightly and turns toward the door.
 
“Come in,” he calls.
 
The door opens.
 
Amma Lakshmi steps inside.
 
She carries herself with the same calm authority he remembers from the moment he first arrived on the island.
 
Her white sari is immaculate, the red border falling in perfect folds.
 
Her silver braid gleams softly in the light.
 
In her hands she carries a wooden tray.
 
The scent reaches him instantly.
 
Fresh rice.
 
Lentils simmered with spices.
 
Warm vegetables.
 
And sweet ripe mango.
 
His stomach responds immediately with a loud, embarrassing growl.
 
Amma Lakshmi’s eyes soften slightly.
 
“You need to eat,” she says, placing the tray gently on a small table near the window.
 
“Your body has spent three days healing itself.”
 
Arjun sits and begins eating.
 
The food is simple.
 
Rice.
 
Dal.
 
Soft vegetables with turmeric and cumin.
 
But after days of unconsciousness, it tastes extraordinary.
 
Warm.
 
Grounding.
 
Real.