Rishikesh opened his eyes and looked around.He was lying near a small well in the middle of a garden. Behind it is a clean yard and a house that looks like a big traditional style home. He wondered how he got here.
'In my sleep I felt as if the car was going out of control and running somewhere. Was it a dream!! But where is others?' He paused by thinking all these. That bag alone was still clinging to his chest like a baby. It comforted him a lot.
He walked in because he thought someone was staying at home. Instead of a calling bell, a traditional bell was hung there. As soon as he touched it, a beautiful sound of 'Neem Neem' was heard all over the place. Within seconds a woman came to the door from inside.
The sandalwood color saree with golden border looks same as the color of her skin. A flower was inserted into the long hair that was lazily braided. He was fascinated by their splendor and beauty.
The woman is stunned at the sight of something unbelievable. When the first panic subsided, Rishikesh started talking.
"I went up to ask for a favor. This is my first visit to this place. I was left alone by those who came with me. I came to know, if I could get a bus or a vehicle to go back to the city ?"
"Please sit down" She welcomed him with sweet voice.
Then she hurried inside. Rishikesh sat on the verandah thinking that she could call someone else in the house.
But she went straight to the prayer room. With tears of joy she returned, thanking God for the result of her long wait.
'How did you get here?' She asked with a skeptical face.
He summed up what had happened that day.
"I could not find my companions. I came to see if I could get a vehicle to go back." He repeated.
"Now it's evening for the bus to arrive .Stay here until then .Eat lunch here."
He liked that polite talk. He wished he had a girl like this in his life. Actually she looks like unmarried. He wish to know something about her. Before that he started talking about himself. They had heard his words with a mesmerizing smile. For some reason Rishikesh felt an unprecedented happiness. He felt ashamed of himself for feeling close to a woman he did not know.
When told about the knowledge he had acquired from his grandfather from a young age.
She replied "That's why you came here and saw me."
Rishikesh was curious when he heard that." Why did you say that?"
Without answering, she invited him over for lunch.
She prepared very delicious dishes for him. He had never eaten these much tasty food from anywhere.
"Who else is in this house?" He asked after lunch.
"I'm alone."
"Where did everyone else go?"
"I have no one .I 've been living here for years."
"I would like to know more about you ." Rishikesh said openly.
"It's better you do not know my story. If you know my story, you should leave here as soon as possible"
"Hey, don't say I will be scare while hearing your story. I believe, I have the wisdom to deal with it all ,if you are a spirit or a goddess even an evil too."
"It's not .I'm a human woman .But my story is very strange."
"Please tell me. I am very eager to listen that ."
She sat on a swinging cot with carvings. Now she looks as glorious as an ancient heroine. She started to tell her story.
"My name is Navami" Rishikesh liked the name very much.