‘Private Veerbhadra,’ said Nandi, his tone different with a subordinate, ‘firstly, this country is
not wretched. It’s the greatest land in the world.’
Veerbhadra playfully put his hands together in a mock apology.
‘Secondly,’ continued Nandi, ‘we dance only when an occasion demands it, like the Holi
festival or a public performance.’
‘But the greatest joy of dancing is when you do it for no reason at all, Captain,’ said
Veerbhadra.
‘I agree,’ said Shiva.
Nandi immediately fell silent.
Without any warning, Veerbhadra suddenly burst out into one of the folk songs of his region.
Shiva smiled at his friend, for Veerbhadra was singing one of his favourites. Continuing to sing,
Veerbhadra rose slowly and began dancing to the lilting tune, now accompanied by Shiva. The
combination of marijuana and dance immediately changed his mood.
Brahaspati stared at Shiva, first in shock and then with pleasure. He noticed a pattern in
their dancing, a smooth six-step combination repeated rhythmically. Shiva reached out and
pulled Brahaspati and Nandi to their feet. They joined in, tentative at first. But it was only a
matter of time before a reluctant Brahaspati was dancing with abandon. The group moved
together in a circle around the fire, the singing louder and livelier.
Shiva suddenly darted out of the ring towards Sati. ‘Dance with me.’
A flabbergasted Sati shook her head.
‘Oh come on! If you can dance while your Guruji and I watch, why not here?’
‘That was for knowledge!’ said Sati.
‘So? Is it wrong if we’re not dancing for knowledge?’
‘I didn’t say that.’
‘Fine. Have it your way,’ said Shiva with a frustrated gesture. ‘Ayurvati, come!’
A starded Ayurvati didn’t know how to react. Before she could decide on a course of action,
Shiva held her hand and pulled her into the circle. Veerbhadra lured Krittika in as well. The
group danced boisterously and sang loudly, making a racket in an otherwise quiet night. Sati
got up, clearly agitated, glared at Shiva’s back and ran into the rest-house. Shiva’s anger rose
even higher as he noticed her absence when he turned towards the veranda.
Damn!
He got back to his dance, his heart in a strange mixture of pain and joy. He turned once
again towards the veranda. There was nobody.
Who’s behind that curtain?
Shiva was dragged into the next move by Veerbhadra. It was a few moments later that
Shiva was in a position to look again at the veranda. He could see Sati, outlined behind the
curtain, staring at him. Only at him.
Wow!
A surprised and delighted Shiva swung back into his dance, moving in his prime form. He
had to impress her!
singke
(singke)
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