Bhalka temple...

Satu.. set down under a large neem tree.. putting aside coir pot taking down from atop.. on a nearby flat rock.. and readjusted the red checkered print cloth.. On it.. She might not get well chance to pray at bhalka temple in the way.. between her aunt's village before few miles ahead .. winter days were short and night longer and cold as ice.. . she wanted to reach next village outskirts before dusk.. to her aunt's hut was just around outskirts.. and adjoining small farm.. she was going to live with her permanently after her mother died.. her aunt had insisted.. When she had come visiting her only sister ailing from incurable sickness..

Khimli: Satu.. please send a word as soon after your mother pass..

She wailed on the verge of breakdown.. sobbing..

Satu had realized her heartache .. greater as her mother had indicated putting responsibility to look after Satu.. to her younger sister..

"Look after her.. " she had croacked..

Satu noticed Sun yet high on western stretch.. edging down from behind tree.. the sunlight warmth soothed on her limbs.. as she wiped cold from her face and neck.. looking at a hut nearby well.. a large mango tree on this Roadside farm .. she might get some water..

She looked about to confirm safety of her coirpot and bundle.. checking.. and reset the items on a small flat behind tree.. hiding from passerby view on road.. and entered the farm from a gap in line of weed and irregular small bushes on the edge to road and between farm.. crossing narrow trench in a leap.. knowing well it was good that she hid her belongings.. not taking with.. the trench being regular and a little deeper to carry items atop her head to cross over.. she managed easily with a support of a loose neem branch.. and went ahead through tree line of inside boundary..

On nearing the hut.. she spoke with even tone of a confident passerby..

Satu: can i get some drink of water..

A middle aged man in grey trousers and loose tunic came out the hut..

He looked as if he hadn't slept many long nights..

Man: Satu.. !!

Satu starteled..

He looked at her with genuine intrest..

" i am the carts man.. drove your aunt to your place.. she came in my cart.. ..

Satu remembered.. easily.. her aunt being curious to suggest her the man..

Khimly had said.. " he is middle aged still single .. your late uncle's relative..

He pointed to the cot.. " please sit.. "...

He bought a glass of water and a some fruits..

" i will prepare cart.. will drop you at your aunt's.. hut.. "..

She drank water and went away to bring her bundle from neem tree..

Satu: i will be back bring my bundle..

The man: we will fetch from turnout we pass from around the out main road.. Please mount.. the cart is ready..


They took around to out line.. she took the bundle and they continued to go her aunt's village..