WV-31/2

31/2

Khushi and Alberto went through the rest of the stuff which was very interesting, but Khushi could feel that restlessness in Alberto as if he was searching for something and he could not find it. When she was looking up a soup bowl of Padmanabh Simha’s era, he excused himself and went in to speak to the cleaning staff about the famous flower holder of the Simha clan, which was a part of the plate of worship that the Simhas carried to the Maasani Amman temple for the annual festival of the goddess!

As Khushi frowned at Alberto’s impatience and admired the intricacies of the silver rimmed ceramic soup bowl, she felt an odd sensation and then sniffed in the air. She realized for the moment she was alone in the huge gallery, as the staff had retired downstairs for a short break. As she sniffed she could distinctly decipher the scent that wafted across- The Valley of the Willows’…She looked around her but there was none and then she heard the whisper close to her ear, “Have you not listened to the Legend unread?DO NOT GO ALONE ON PATHS UNTREAD!”

Khushi broke into goosebumps and looked around and took courage to ask,” Who is there?”

Although she aimed at shouting her question, she found her voice failing her and it came as a hiss.

In reply there was a low whistle, and also the scent of the famous perfume of Willow Feathers and the hair on the back of her neck stood erect on its end when there was a moment towards her left and a cardboard box fell spilling its content on to the floor.

Khushi was so petrified, that she jumped and contemplated on shouting for help. Alberto was just in the other room a few paces away.

What was this strange eerie feeling!

 She shook her head to shirk off her errant thoughts, and opened her mouth to call for Alberto!

“SHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!” The voice in her ear echoed and this time she found the voice surrounding her, but she could not see anyone around.

This was getting scary!

She thought and bolted to her left to get out of the place, but as she moved, she saw the stuff spilt on the floor and a red bound book caught her attention. Khushi looked at the room where Alberto was and she could hazily see him turned with his back to her and chatting up the young lad who was cleaning the stuff… she felt better although still scared, but something in her urged to check the red bound book and she walked to it and picked it up. It did not have any title. It was strange. Then she found a small metal object, which was in a hexagonal shape. She stared at the objects and a strange urge developed in her to explore further, but she could then hear Alberto saying his goodbyes to the cleaning staff and she did not have time to go through the book.

Its only a book Khushi! She told herself and the metal object she did not have any idea about. But she just wanted to check them before replacing and she did not somehow want to share it with Alberto. She did not have any reason for thinking so. But she had to act fast. She closed her eyes and asked herself, Am I stealing?

But you are the wife of the heir to the whole place! Her heart told her. So technically all the stuff belonged to her husband and she being the wife had a right to it. Although she was taking it without informing others.

OK! I shall replace it tomorrow. She immediately stuffed it inside her coat and zipped it up and turned just in time to greet Alberto asking, “Any luck?”

“Well yes and no!” He said moodily. “The flower holder is not for exhibition and well the translations of the quartet I might just get to see, as they are yet to open one last cardboard box still. But I am not allowed beyond four o clock here. So…well… I guess it wont help!”
“Alberto! What is it that you are looking for?” Khushi asked him straight.

“Me? Nothing.” He smiled and his eyes gleamed. Somehow Khushi thought that they were extra bright.

“Then how come you are so restless?” She continued interrogating him.

“Restless? Oh! Not all! Why do you think so K?” He narrowed his eyes at her in denial.

“I don’t think! I can actually see that you are searching for something and you are disappointed right now.” Khushi took him head on.

“Ok! He shook his head and said, “Yes I am searching for something. And yes I am disappointed. Actually… I am searching for the missing transcript and the authenticity for the curse. Both of which I am unable to establish any link to and without that you know I can’t publish. He said shrugging.”

“But… why are you so… worked up for such a small issue?” Khushi asked him.

“Small issue? Well may be. But you are a writer too. The legend is incomplete and they say it’s cursed. Can you find anything that is out of place there?” He asked her.

Khushi nodded in the negative.

“Well that’s what makes me frustrated. You go round and round and you just don’t find any answers.” He cribbed.

“Exactly.” Khushi couldn’t help but agree with him.

“That’s what ignites that writer’s instinct in me. Listen! Either there is something definitely more to all this or this is a very big and old joke that is played by some over imaginative creative mind to keep everybody going in circles as an eternal joke” Alberto said in one breath.

Khushi stared at him as he spat the words in frustration.

At her silence, he got encouraged and said, “ If you read further, you will find they got married and Arnav Simha went through several motions of life. The story stops abruptly there for me. Although the history talks about a series of battles and progress of the Valley and take over by the British East India Company etc… but there is something missing K, which I cant somehow get through.” He said.

He was bang on! Khushi thought. He seemed to be harmless but she must be careful.

“So what next?” She asked.

“One last effort I want to put before the Annual Ball tomorrow evening.” He said seriously.

“And what is that? May I know?” Khushi asked him.

“A visit to the local Library. That’s what I plan to do tomorrow.” He said.

“But why? May be there would be some clue there from the local lores.” He quipped and said, “I just want to know the quartets. I feel there is something hidden in them. Some message.”

“Ok. But why do you suspect anything at all? You say the legend is ordinary.” Khushi said with a sinking heart. She too thought so much off it and it was like an anti climax after all those imaginary scenes her mind played through expecting the worse at every twist and turn in the story.

“Oh Trust me! There are lots of cues in the story if you read between the lines” Alberto said and something in his voice alerted Khushi about his intent and she found something of a glint in his eye which he quickly camouflaged by a smile and said,” You did not confirm about the date tomorrow evening. Can I take you to the ball?”

Khushi now was in a fix.

Should she reveal her identity?

She somehow  was not sure.

She simply said,” I told you I am staying with one of the founder family and I am sure they might have arranged someone for me. It would be rude to… well… go with you. Thanks but sorry!” She smiled at him.

“That’s fine!” He said smiling ruefully and immediately added,” Would you like to go to the library with me tomorrow?”

Khushi somehow did not feel like it. Especially after that whisper and the eerie experience. And it was in the morning and too close to the evening ball. She had to get dressed and also be ready for Arnav and Nani. She shook her head and said, “I am afraid the answer is no.”

“Why not?” Alberto insisted.

“It’s just that… I feel there isn’t anything much to all this. Or may be whatever it was, is now no longer there! You understand what I say?” She asked him.

“I do but I disagree.”He said and shrugged and gave her his card saying,” Just in case you change your mind, that’s my hotel number and also… you know where to find me.”

He then said goodbye and left. Khushi closed her eyes and calmed herself down as the workers now were back and she felt secure.

Joel came up just then and they walked down to go back to the Casa.

The Whisper Valley

After having dinner, Joel retired saying that he had a hectic day the next day. Khushi sat with Garima by the fire which made the parlour cozy. Garima watched the television, while Khushi inspected the book she found at the ball room. It was a red bound book with a single thin gold line that was spread horizontally across the foot of the book. It was strange with no title or markings on it. She opened it and found the edges gone, eaten by may be termites and it smelt musty. She concentrated on the first page, which was yellowed beyond recognition and was so faded that she could not make anything off it. The second page was similar but the third had a few lines that were faintly legible and she could read a few words written in someone’s hand writing, that read, “…and the jungles that surround the temple are testimony to the Goddess’s power and her grandeur. The ancient relics are preserved by the tribal chiefs for centuries and…” the script faded off. Khushi frowned and turned the pages and could not find anything that was legible. At several places the ink had blotted over and made it impossible to read through. In between she caught the Simha plaque merely by its shape and the drawing was poor but there was a big ink blot to the foot of the drawing. She turned the page and she saw a map. May be of the jungle she thought and then turned few more pages and found pages that were half eaten by termites.

No good she thought and put it aside and then she dove into her shirt pocket, and extracted the metal object and stared at it. It was black and hexagonal in shape, and was full of grime and everything was blotted off. “I will just be back ma!” She said and walked into the kitchen and washed it with the cleaning liquid and a brush. As she cleared all the dirt, she gasped at the object as lying in the palm of her hand, was a shining hexagonal box that was sealed but with the Simha plaque at its upper center, and below it were some etchings which Khushi was sure was in Tamil script. She stared at the small container and wondered if it was just a small container where people stored snuff in those days or was there more to it. She rotated between her fingers and tried to open it but she could not, as years of keeping it closed had jammed it.

She searched and took a spoon with a sharp edge and tried to open it but in vein.

What could it be? She wondered.

She missed her mobile. She could have googled it. She had heard that such ancient containers had special opening systems, which were secure yet there was no actual lock on to the container. But that was only for very important containers that had special stuff in them.

Did she happen to stumble on one such? Or was she going bonkers over somebody’s personal effect? She shook her head and walked back to the parlour where Garima was talking on the landline and she saw Khushi and handed over the phone to her saying,” Khushi Arnav!”

The Contrivance-7/2

7/2

Khushi was so disoriented, that she smarted and Devyani feeling encouraged said, “ Believe me I had my doubts but now… she looked at them and smiled and said,” I just don’t have any. You are perfect for my Chotey. He needs a woman who can match him and rule him. Stubborn that he is… and well…”she chuckld and looked at Varsha, who was trying her best not to fall over on to the hand-woven thick blanket that they were using as a carpet.

“Gran! Listen to me…” Arnav tried to speak, but she stalled him by the swish of her hand and said,” No! I want the your lady to speak. Tell me my dear, How do you manage this brat? I think I will take a tip or two from you. ”

Khushi was so much in shock that she forgot that she was sprawled on Arnav and she simply smarted and said,” I….I don’t manage him at all!”

Arnav went still under her and glared at her.

Khushi lowered her eyes at him and having seen his glare, panicked and looked at granny and said,” I mean…I just take him as he comes!”

She knew she said something wrong the moment she did it, as his hand on her wrist tightened so much that she winced, as Devyani guffawed saying,”Atta girl! That’s the way to handle him. So tell me do you usually scratch his eyes out and overpower him like now? Does he accept that? Usually he never lets anyone an inch you know?”

Khushi’s mind went numb. What was the lady saying! She was assuming that she was his… nooooooooooo! She shook her head in negation but Devyani understood differently and asked,” Then how?”

“How?” Khushi looked at her confusingly and just blurted out, “Stop! Will you?” as she found Arnav to be wriggling under her.

“What? You just get off me first!” Arnav finally spoke.

“You stay away! I just had enough of your arrogant snooty nose! And next time you come barging in, try to bring a better story” she said and moved to her left to allow him to get up.

“Move” he nudged her and Khushi was so upset that she swatted on his hand saying,” DON’T ORDER ME.JUST GET THE HELL OUT O HERE!”

She then remembered granny was watching and bit her tongue and sat up saying,” I am sorry. Its not how you think it is.”

“Then please explain” Granny said smiling.

“Gran…” Arnav tried again.

“Your times up young man. I gave you ample time and you never bothered then. Let your woman speak” she said beaming at Khushi.

Khushi flinched and said,” You got it all wrong Ma’am. He came here, just for me.

Devyani smiled and Varsha rolled her eyes! It sounded so RIGHT!!!! In the wrong sense.

“Ofcourse he would!” Devyani looked at Varsha for support nodding.

“You see he came here coz he didn’t like it that I refused to go with him to his weekend hideout last night… “ Khushi said and Varsha hissed, “Khushi what are you saying!”

“Good!” Devyani was happy.

“What good Ma’am? He just came barging in… “she supplied.

“I said good coz, don’t heed till he places that ring on your finger.” Devyani supplied.

“But… it’s not that. I just don’t want him to treat me without respect.”

“Aha! That’s the way…”Devyani was grinning.

Khushi both Arnav and Varsha called out making her flinch and say…”Let me talk to the lady and she went on in her mode…” You see things don’t happen that way for me. I am not like other woman who he meets. I just don’t care… and I certainly wont warm his bed for…”

That’s enough Arnav caught her by her arm and said,” Gran…now since you have had our fill? Can we have some privacy so that I sort this woman out?”

“By all means! But after I have my word with her” Granny said.

She stepped forward and extended a small wrapped box to her and said,” This is from me. I don’t know about him but I know that you are the woman for him. Just keep this with you and this she gave her an envelope and admonishing her protests said,” Tonight lets meet at our residence for dinner”She glared at Arnav smiled at Varsha and was gone.

Whoa! Is everyone like this at your place? Khushi’s question was met with a glare by Arnav as Varsha asked what is in that box?”

“What else some stupid ring I guess!” Khushi said and gave it to Arnav saying,” Take this and tell her I am not the your latest ninny.”

“Listen. This is going far!” Arnav quipped and he suddenly went quiet and said, “ Why didn’t I guess it before and tore open the wrapper much to Khushi’s and Varsha’s amazement and exclaimed,” I knew it!”

Nestled inside the small jewelry box was a small golden key.

“What is that?” Varsha asked nervously.

“The key to my life” he quipped with a frown.

Khushi took it and playfully turned it placing it to his right temple and quipped,” Sorry! You are rusted and it doesn’t open!”

What happened next sent Varsha scurriying behind the single recliner they had, as Arnav crushed Khushi to him by working his hand round her waist and growled,” Enough!”

“Wwwww hhhhhaaaaaatttttt are uuuuuuu you doing?” Khushi stammered.

“ Havent done any! But will, if you don’t stop being a nonsense! He growled and said,” Do you know what it contains?”

Khushi just shook her head in the negative petrified by his nearness.

“It is the key to my mother’s vault.” He supplied.

“So tattttake…iiiiitttt back.I don’t want it”she stammered.

“HA!” He tightened his arm further, giving her a punishing squeeze saying,”You think my gran is an idiot like you?

“I…. am…nnnnooottt an idiot” She managed.

“Shut up!” he said and looked at Varsha who was trying to grab a sauce pan and said,” Stop beinga n idiot and open that envelope!”

“What?” Varsha was taken aback.

“I said open it.” He said.

“Ok! I will but let her go!” She prevailed boldly.

Arnav glared at Khushi for a long time and let her go and ripped open the envelope himself and exclaimed,” Just as I guessed”

Khushi raised her eyebrows at Varsha who rolled her eyes in exasperation.

“Listen, you guys sort your family issues at your home and leave me to my fate.” Khushi said feebly.

“Sure. But now, my dear… you are family.” Arnav Sing Rajwada said smirking.

“Whhhhhhhaaaaaaat? Whhhy? But hhhaaa how?” Khushi felt a sinking feeling as she could somehow sense something very odd the way he said that.

WV-31/1

31/1

Khushi walked around the hall that was being decorated. She and Joel took a short ride to the west of the property to reach the Ball Room.

“I thought it was in the Town Hall!” Khushi exclaimed getting down.

“No Ma’am. This is the place where the Simhas hosted their parties and public appearances.” Joel said. He showed her one of the gates that opened to the road that directly connected with the Long Road, and said, “You see it made sense that the guests just entered from the Western Gate and drove right through. Parking of coaches was easier with the vast open grounds and not to forget the security for Casa Willows! The main residence remained secured and cordoned off irrespective of the get-togethers here.”

“Oh!” Khushi exclaimed and looked around as Joel excused himselves. The workers were at it scrubbing the glass windows which were secured owing to thick fog outside, and polishing the Rosewood furniture and getting the crystals in shape. Khushi wandered to the farther corner of the rectangular ballroom that was typical. Its one end had a big portrait of the Great Annual Valley Ball which Khushi concluded must have been painted in the eighteenth century while the end she was standing at, had a mark on the wall which indicated that there was something hung there. Going by its size which was almost four feet by two, Willow deduced that it must be a similar painting and asked a worker who was busy polishing the wooden floor there.

“Oh! They have taken it for treatment” he said and explained that the portrait was taken for anti aging, and would be hung by the night.

What could it be! Khushi mused. She then walked up the stairs and stood on the landing looking at the magnificent swords crossed and kept in just below the Simha emblem sporting the two lions on a hexagonal plaque. A set of circular wooden steps lay beneath, …may be to clean them! She thought.

She then walked up the set of stairs to the right, as the stairs deviated just at the landing. As she moved up she saw a moment in the corner of her eye and immediately stopped to look above her diagonally. She trotted up the rest of the stairs, gasped as Alberto Rossini came face to face with her exclaiming loudly, “ Por Dios” What have we got here! The lady Simha appears again!”

“Alberto!” Khushi sighed and narrowed her eyes asking,” How come you are here!You had ne scared there for a moment. You know?”

“I need to ask you that K. We met and then after the coffee, you just vanished” he said cautiously.

“Wasn’t it Spanish that you spoke just now?” Khushi asked him suspiciously.

“Yeah! But I told you I am an Italian American. I speak Spanish too” he said and then added, “ You said you were a tourist then how come you are here?”

Khushi was tempted to tell him the truth but thought the better off it and sad,” I came to just..er..see the ball room…er…who knows I might not get a chance to even enter the compound tomorrow.” She winked at him for the right effect, hoping that Joel would not get back. He said he would come in an hour’s time.

 She then asked him, “… and you?

“Well…I took permission from the government and the Simhas to er…look at the artifacts that would be on display tomorrow. You see tomorrow, there would be a mob and then the food court is there just on to that side…”he showed her the other side of the upper balustrade,  an area that was being prepared to host food stalls, smiling at her.

“And did you?” Khushi asked him. What was he looking for!

“Hmmm Yes and no.” Alberto said looking around.

“Whatever do you mean by that?” Khushi was curious.

What was this Italian to do with the artifacts? He was a storyteller. May be he was looking for some authentic research backing.

“You see Ms.K,” Alberto dragged her to the corner farthest from the workers and whispered,” I am searching for the rest of the transcripts. Plus I want to see the famous sword of Arnav Simha , the emerald studded bread casket of Willow, and also some very historical pieces of interest like Suraj Simha’s diamond studded belt and photos of the lineage and the successors of  Sir Arnav Simha.

Khushi listened to him, and he smiled at the look on her face.

“Hey!Would you like to see Arnav Simha’s sword? He enquired.

She nodded. Here it is he showed a wooden box that had a glass top and nestled inside in purple velvet was a huge sword whose handle was covered in gold polish with the face of the Masani Amman goddess and just below that the two lions that tapered into a long blade. The scabbard nestled by the side was similar but the top center had a gem studded into it or so it seemed, by the huge diamond slot left empty there.

You know something? The mark left is of the missing sapphire, which Arnav Simha lost in the last battle of Cherambadi. The Saphire studded in it went missing after he beheaded the enemy.

“OH!” Khushi tried to imagine the gory scene. She shuddered and he bent forward and said,” There is also the English translation of the transcripts summed up as the eight quartets. How I wish! If I get one chance to look it up!

“Why” Khushi didn’t get him.

“That would give the entire legend and may be who knows… the curse too.” He shrugged.

“You mean its in here?” Khushi’s eyes, widened in anticipation.

“May be” he said pensively.

“Then lets look through…” Khushi said. She had a full hour before Joel happened.

“Atta girl!” he said and they went on to the wooden clothes box of Willows grand daughter. After that, they got to see the emerald studded casket of Willow.

“It was a gift by Arnav Simha to Willow. You see they ate rice down south and she was specially served bread and that too kept in this casket.” Alberto said smugly. “But it is said that the first lady later used it to store important documents and kept it in the kitchen.”

“What?” Khushi could not believe it.

“Yeah! With Willow Feathers Simha you never know” Alberto said rolling his eyes much to Khushi’s amusement.

To be contd/-