CHAPTER 6

Vikarma, the Carriers of Bad Fate

Nandi waited at a distance in the garden as he had been asked to, while Shiva went
behind the hedge to the dance area. The silent dance stage had already convinced Nandi that
his Lord would not find anybody there. However, Shiva was filled with hope and waited
expectandy for Sati. After having waited for the larger part of an hour, Shiva realised that there
would be no dance practice today. Deeply disappointed, he walked silendy back to Nandi.
‘Is there somebody I can help you find, my Lord?’ asked an earnest Nandi.
‘No Nandi. Forget it.’
Trying to change the topic, Nandi said, ‘My Lord, you must be hungry. Should we go back to
the guest house and eat?’
‘No, I’d like to see a litde more of the city,’ said Shiva, hoping that fate would be kind to him
and he would run into Sati in the town. ‘Shall we go to one of the restaurants on the Rajat
platform?’
‘That would be wonderful!’ smiled Nandi who hated the simple Brahmin-influenced vegetarian
food served at the royal guest house. He missed the spicy meats that were served in rough
Kshatriya restaurants.

‘Yes, what is it Parvateshwar?’ asked Daksha.
‘My Lord, I am sorry for the sudden meeting. But I just received some disturbing news and
had to tell you this in private.’
‘Well, what is it?’
‘Shiva is already causing trouble.’
‘What have you got against the Neelkanth,’ groaned Daksha, raising his eyes in disapproval.
‘Why can’t you believe that the Neelkanth has come to save us?’
‘This has nothing to do with my views on Shiva, my Lord. If you will please listen to my
news. Chenardhwaj saw Shiva in the gardens yesterday’
‘Chenardhwaj is here already?’
‘Yes your Highness. His review with you has been fixed for the day after tomorrow’
‘Anyway, so what did Chenardhwaj see?’
‘He is also sickeningly taken in by the Neelkanth. So I think we can safely assume that he
doesn’t have any prejudice.’
‘All right, I believe you. So what did he see the Neelkanth do?’
‘He saw Shiva dancing in the gardens,’ answered Parvateshwar.