The sun beams cheerfully down from the sky, illuminating all that is alive.
Though the terms "life," "being," and "soul" seem interchangeable, each and every living thing has a completely distinct meaning.
Still, it sounds nice and cheery to all the animals in the Alaknanda forest. Pretty enticing, huh?
It would definitely uplift the spirits of one from our modern generation, it feels like people living here are so lucky.
You can see those Sal trees standing tall and high, providing shade to these small creatures. Squirrels rushing out of their homes—well made, to be honest. These Sal tree trunks are quite lavish for their families. Their everyday schedules appear to be quite hectic, and they all appear busy. Ants moving in a straight trail just to seize the body of a bigger ant—that might be their morning breakfast. It should fill half of their fleet bellies, really.
And all of this beauty and life ultimately lead us to the magnificent Alaknanda River, which is the real lifeline.
The running water manifests morning sunlight as if it were all divine—a sight to remember.
Voice from far: Hey, wait for me…!
It sounds like someone is rushing towards the forest.
Vanya: That's enough, Da!
It appears a small girl is running to catch his elder brother, as he's onto something I am sure she wants to be a part of.
Varuna: You should not follow me, Vanya!. I don't think you are really going to help me, rather than just being a troublemaker for me!
The boy looks frustrating, as his sister is not in the mood to hear him. Well, that's not a new thing for anyone for us. That's how little sisters act —-persistent and stubborn—to make you convinced of what they want.
Vanya: Please! I just want to come with you this time.!
The boy stops while reconsidering his decision over it.
Varuna: Why do you do that to me every time, Vanya?? This time, I am not going to take your blame. (showing some anger)
Vanya: Please, I also want to see that fish!
(Tries to act calm, but it appears like tears are in her eyes as she speaks to him.)
Varuna makes an effort to persuade her that it is useless, but...
Vanya: I.. promise I won't (breathes heavily)
Varuna: Hey, hey, don't cry . This is no place to cry, really. All I want is to get hold of the thing as quickly as I can.
Just follow me and stay away from water, ok?
(tries to convince her)
Vanya: I want to see those fishes myself.
Varuna: I will show you myself, so don't worry but just stay at one place. No messing around…!!
Vanya: Okay! (smiles while a tear falls out of her eyes.)
Varuna keeps moving briskly down the entire length of the creek.
He searches beneath the river's currents for something. Since the soil is fairly loose around the edges, he takes care not to stamp it out with his toes.
Vanya: You found it?? (displeasing of the time she had to wait to see it for herself.)
Varuna: No, not yet, my langur!!
Vanya: How long, Da!! I thought you'd be smooth sailing with that! (taunting with an underwhelming expression. )
Varuna: Exactly! That's why I wasn't ready to come with you. It takes a lot of patience and determination to find it. If you want to be a great hunter someday, you should first consider learning these fundamentals. (sounds really frustrated)
Let me focus now!.
He observes a yellow reflection on the water, which makes him have the haste to grab it with his hands.
He charged swiftly into the waters to catch it.
SPLASH!!
Varuna: Whoa! (laughs with delight). You are really fast. Now that I can see.
Watching his elder brother struggle to catch fish under water. Sighing with boredom, Vanya took a seat beneath a Sal tree.
Vanya: I should have stayed with my mother instead… (yawning..)
Varuna continues to catch it with her bare hands. But its hard to catch it.
Varuna: Come on, just one more time!! You would be mine…
Nevertheless, its of no help!!. He was about to give up hope when he noticed the reflection of a sharp branch from a tree above him.
He dashed towards the trunk and jumped to retrieve the spiked branch, which he had meticulously sharpened to serve as his hand-held spear.
He tested the sharpness by slashing one of his fingers, causing blood to flow from his index finger.
However, he was pleased with the amount of blood spilled because he was confident he could catch the massive Golden Mahseer.
There is a local saying about the Golden Mahaseer: "Mahseer ka Darshana, Bhagya ka Nishana," which translates to "A Sighting of the Mahseer, A Sign of Good Fortune!"
Perhaps this is why Varuna is so pleased with the new wound.
Varuna prepared and lowered himself into the water, attempting to balance the waves that were rushing towards him. He's trying to focus on the swiftly moving fleet of golden Mahseers as he's starting to move towards them.
SPLAAASH! tries stabbing him with his handheld spear.
But nothing works! These fish are so intelligent that it must be difficult for anyone to catch them.
Varuna: Clever!! Not for long.
He took a deep breath and focused on the movement of a fish that appeared out of sync with its fleet.
And he stabbed in the blink of an eye. SLASH!!
Varuna: Holy!! (laughs in excitement.) Got you this time..
The crystal clear water turns red as he tries to see the fish…
Varuna: Come on!! you stubborn piece of living..
The wounded fish panicked while struggling with a massive blow , it swims so fast that it got a real deal for Varuna to follow where its going..
Varuna: I'm not letting you go!!
He dove in to follow that massive fish… The water goes all bubbly as the boy starts to lose his breathe…
Varuna: Oh my goodness... she's so fast (breaths swimming to the surface), but I'm going to get it anyhow. (Now in true desperation.)
In the depths of the river, the hunter can locate its prey thanks to the tranquil river current this afternoon.
Varuna took a deep breath and directed towards the depth while he's onto something, the beauty underwater is divine. It really pacifies with life existing around, while the sun gives off light exposing deep down. Its truly a majestic place to be…
Delighted by the sight, Varuna discovered his quarry swollen on the riverbed, with smaller fish vying for its substantial flesh.
Varuna manages to reach his hand onto it while being amazed by the beauty of the fish , the golden scales, and the persistence of the fish. He grabs it with both hands and starts swimming up to the surface.
He's truly tired, his faint hand-leg kicks say a lot..
Varuna: (after reaching the surface) I made it!! Woo-hoo (deep breaths). Hey Vanya!! (yells at his younger sister.)
She's such a sleeping beauty now... I mean, really, what can you expect from an eight-year-old?
The natural world is truly stunning; when one creature perishes, the other experiences joy. Truly astonishing..
The happy, glistening eyes said it all.
While the river rushing, it has been so calm until now. It did not take long for it to turn into a raging waterfall that would carry anything with it.
Varuna: Something is wrong! (hastily making for the land)
The heavy fish doesn't help him. He starts panicking.
Varuna: Come on!? Huh (inhaling fragrant roses)
He threw open his arms to increase the force.
Even though it is now very obvious that a rush is about to occur towards him,.
Varuna: No!! Not now (continues fighting with the force)
Its a fleet of the propulsive river dolphins coming down his way.
The situation looks tense considering the waterfall nearby; it could be so dangerous for a boy carrying that heavy bloat of Mahseer to swim safely to the edge of the river.
His prized prey is something he does not want to lose.
THE FLEET ARRIVED WITH PROPULSIVE WAVES generating the giant waves of water.
As the month of Jayestha approaches, hundreds of dolphins are making their way to the cold region in preparation for autumn.
With the weight of the fish and the approaching river dolphins, Varuna struggled to stay above the surface.
The surface is filled with violent waters splashing all around the lands nearby as the fleet of river dolphins passes through it..
Varuna lost his hold on the fish and held out his hands to the surface as though he wanted to escape, his facial hair standing on end and bubbles bursting from his mouth.
He appears to be choking after being drawn down into the riverbed.
His half-lit face shows an expression of impertinence , he has so much unfinished business.
He just cannot let it go!
His eyes starting to shut down, as if he's down with peace.
And then he felt - he's so light.. He is being lifted to the summit as consciousness begins to return.
He now can feel the intense sunlight on his face.
While his body is on a sticky, hard surface; its none other than a river dolphin trying to carry him along.
He manages to let go of the dolphin and dives into the water.
Varun, perplexed, senses the dolphin's desire to take him along.
Varun: (panting) No! Leave me alone… (water enters his mouth).
The dolphin seems to be a baby, and he's too playful. Pushing Varuna around him and not letting him go.
Varuna: Huh, (breathing). You are as stubborn as my little sister, huh? (smiling-laughing while brushing his hand towards it's head.)
The baby dolphin dives into the water, producing a water thrust, and moves around in joy emerging with a majestic bloat of Mahseer in its mouth.
Varuna: (laughs) You are intelligent, no doubt.. (praising him through brushing his hand over its head.)
Suddenly, a spear got stabbed to the dolphin aimed at it… the baby dolphin whistled till death as the river dyed with blood..
Varuna: "Nononono..." wait buddy (concerned and terrified).
Attempts to get that spear out of its body. But it got worse as blood won't stop bulbulering.
Varuna cries, "Stay, Bud..." .
As he is struggling to keep hold of the dolphin, he gets engulfed into the water.
He slowly drove it to the edge, where he tried to take that spear out..
Man carrying a spear-pouch: Hey kid!! What do you think you are doing huh!! (yelling)
Two man running came out of sight, as it was evident they were on a hunt.. .
Man 2: See ! He has seized that dolphin..
Man 1: Kid! Do you have an injury?
Varuna: (he is so terrified to say something at this moment.) I am fine.. .
Man 1: Let us help this child.
They both helped him get out of the water, as they were so happy that he got the dolphin for them.
Man 2: You are brave kid!! It's so heavy for a kid like you.
Man 1: He even got a baby Mahseer. Look that!!
One of the men grabbed it and offered Varuna the half fish..
Man 2 : Take this kid!! Its a reward from us.. What's your name?
Varuna: (breathing heavily) I am Varuna. From Raji's.
Men: (laughing unanimously) So, who do you think we are?
We are Raji's too. We just got here from the Himavat last night.
Varuna: Oh! Are you one of the exchange companions?
Man 1: Yeah!! (impressed) You are bright kid, really impressive. You are going to be a great hunter someday.
Man 2: You really demonstrated your abilities here; it is not easy to catch a river dolphin migrating in fleets.
Varuna watches the dead baby dolphin beside him while his expressionless face says it all.
The scene changed to a large indoor tent, a grand canvas woven of vibrant silks and shimmering cotton.
As the sun dips low, the scene shimmers with an otherworldly glow, beckoning you to step inside.
Inside, a young woman sits above water , beholding her appearance while another lady helps her.
Lady helping: Look Yukti!! You appear to be extremely beautiful. As though you were a clan princess.
Yukti: Don't exaggerate it, Aani!! Still, many things need to be done. (laughs shyly )
Varuna enters the scene slowly, while his big sister chatters and laughs with the lady.
Varuna: Di!! (Calling out her sister).
Yukti: Varuna, tell me how am I looking?? (she's so excited.)
Varuna: Is that true Di?? (asks calmly)
Her excitement suddenly dips down as she realized he is onto something.
Yukti: Yeah!! I will be leaving the day after tomorrow.
Suddenly, the atmosphere is silent, as if a storm is approaching.
Varuna: You have grown up huh !! (taunting her sister)
Yukti: So as you, look how tall you are as compared to me.
Varuna: (smiles) After all I am a boy …
Yukti: That is right, the innocent-looking boy grew up fast after all. Do you realise how annoying you were when you were young?
Varuna: Nah!! Do not say it to me; I can not forget our previous joint ventures...
Yukti: Ssshhh… She's here too!!
(Lady appears to be busy getting ready, as if she does not care about anything other than applying Mai [mascara].)
Varuna: Don't worry about that, Look what I brought for you!
He shows an amulet with a fish-bone.
Varuna: Its Mahseer's . Grandmother told me it brings good luck to the person who wears it.. (hands it to her)
Yukti: You caught it yourself?? (sounds shocked)
Varuna: Yeah!! (smiling and blushing)
Yukti: (astonished) छया! नानो भाई… (while beholding the amulet)
Varuna: Naah, its fine . (laughing and shying around)
Yukti wears it around her neck, while Varuna watches her with gleaming eyes.
Varuna: It looks gorgeous on you!!.
I will miss you and me moving around quietly, watching the guys practice hunting. While I was amazed by their skills and tactics, you stares the guys around… (laughing so hard).
Yukti: hmm, you have really grown up now, telling me my idiocy, huh!! (smiles)
Varuna: No truly!! I am going to miss you. Our family is incomplete without you.
Yukti: (eyes full of tears) No, don't make me cry this early, there's still some time left for that. (wiping her eyes).
Your hair has grown a lot, huh!! (messing with his hair). You look good in these.
While both brother-sisters were laughing and chatting, the younger sister entered the scene, chewing on a piece of pork and holding some pieces in her hand.
Vanya: Aani!! See what I have got for you. Its the giant golden Mahseer that I have caught with big brother. (offering with great pride)
Yukti: Ohh! Really, is that so? (surprised and glances at Varuna.)
Varuna: Well, yeah ! She helped me. She slept under the shade, which helped me concentrate on catching. Vanya, you have done an excellent job!! (taunting her while smiling)
All three burst out laughing at once.
A young pregnant woman enters, calling for Varuna.
Mother(Naima): Varuna!! All men are gathering for the sacred hunt. You should join them.
Varuna: Ok mother! (Varun went to the open ground.)
Yukti: Are you okay, Mother? You should rest now, after all its your eighth month.
Naima: I will, dear. But look at how lovely you look!
Everyone seems to be so cheerful about the upcoming wedding of the older sister Yukti.
The Raji's had a tradition of exchanging girls with the tribe living in the mountains.
It not only helps them maintain their loyalty and faith in them, but it also makes them appear united on various occasions.
It's just their way of community development that maintains their social integrity among various groups within tribes.
Yukti is the older daughter of Raji's ruling family, so it is an excellent time for them to celebrate and present gifts to the newlyweds. Its a matter of pride for the tribe if they're offering rare artefacts to the opposite party during the pious ceremony.
However, they seem to outdo it sometimes, but its a matter of self-esteem for the tribe, and the leader must try to maintain it at any cost.
Varuna's grandmother was chosen to be the leader of the Raji's living in the lower mountains because she was his father's only child and because people in the tribe were so loyal to her family, she was naturally conferred as the tribe's leadership successor.
However, it appears that the curse of no male heir has been passed down to the next generation, as Athini was widowed at the age of twenty-two, with a girl in her arms for about four months.
The villagers gathered in the centre, expecting their leader to make an announcement.
Local Woman:(seems so old to live actually) Son Varuna, where is your mother?
Varuna: She is inside, Daadi!! (telling her directions)
Woman: Thank you!! (offering blessings)
Varuna walks into the area where a group of men were sharpening their weapons and knives for the upcoming tribal ritual.
A wooden mask carved with sharp stones decorated beautifully from the paintings made of alta (red dye).
It reveals the inner emotions of a Raji hunter to its prey, allowing them to overcome their fear of death.
A traditional drum made of carefully peeled bear leather has been played as loudly as thunder in one's ear.
As the tribe's leader arrives, the hustling ceases and the villagers become increasingly anxious.
Athini: "May nature continue to bless us with harmony and peace."I am delighted to see so much happiness on each of your faces. Winter is nearing its end, and the sun is about to shower food in the coming days.
There could not be a better time to send our best wishes to our brothers and sisters in the mountainous regions. We will bless them not only with food and other necessities of life, as we do here, but it is our sole responsibility to ensure that the cycle of life continues for them as well.
Thou, I shall announce the arrival of autumn with the auspicious marriage of my beloved grand-daughter Yukti with the son of our own leader of the mountains.
(Excitement grew in the villagers as it's an auspicious occasion for everyone around in the village.)
Athini: As per our Raji's traditions, a ritual must be performed by the men of our tribe by hunting down the most deadliest creature(animal) around. I would like you to join the bride's father's militant group and assist him in gathering the dowry that he should offer to the groom's family.
(Everyone starts talking about the father of the bride, who is an outsider in their tribe-Jabali.)
Varuna appears to be uncomfortable with the reactions of his own villagers.
The crowd's noise appears to increase with each passing moment, culminating in a man raising his objection to his leader.
Mainak: My leader! I want to speak on behalf of all of us.
Mainak descended from the pedigree that governed all sects within the tribe several generations ago.
Athini looks around, tensed, as she prepares to hear Mainak on the part of the other villagers, nodding and allowing him.
Mainak: We all know that as a tribe, we put our hearts and souls into the protection and prosperity of our community. It is because we were born, raised, and have spent our entire lives here. However, we are unsure whether an outsider who has been living with us for several years will be able to participate in this auspicious tradition. (expressing uncertainty)
"It will be a disservice to our forefathers, my leader."
Jabali had his head down in front of the villagers, as he was accused of being an outsider despite spending a lot of time here helping and adhering to the tribe's traditions.
Varuna notices his father's compulsiveness as he is questioned about his loyalty to the tribe.
Naima: (reached as soon as she heard about the discussion) It's of no use Mainak, he has proved us on various occasions.!! (fiery)
Mainak: Sister, that is true, but let our leader decide what should be done, right? (acting innocent) I hope she won't let our ancestors traditions down.
Athini: Everyone, Jabali is the father of our beloved daughter Yukti, and he is supposed to lead the ritual according to tradition. However, he must rally everyone behind him in order to accomplish this. I believe it is time for him to prove his loyalty in front of us.
Varuna and his family were stunned by his grandmother's decision.
Mainak: Leader! I propose the ultimate sacrifice for Jabali in order to demonstrate his loyalty in front of us!!
(All the villagers were appalled of the proposition given by Mainak.)
Varuna's eyes filled with rage as his father was forced to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Athini: (really tensed , glances at her daughter, showing refusal) At dawn, as the sun sets down; the ultimate sacrifice should be performed by Jabali in order to prove his loyalty to our rituals and traditions.
(Mainak smiled.)
However, (pauses and hustling stops) a subordinate should be appointed who will be helping him on this ultimate test.
Mainak quickly adds: How about his son, my leader? (Everyone's shocked, as a teen child has been called to subordinate the ultimate sacrifice that too his father. )
Athini:(enraged) He's still a child, Mainak. And never it has happened that an inexperienced member has been sent to a venture like the ultimate sacrifice.
Mainak: My leader! I just want to emphasize the fact that maybe some other person would not be a true helper to an outsider like Jabali. As a result, his son is the best option for believing that he will not back down.
Naima: Mother, he is not suited for this. Please use wisdom.
Athini: (anger) Naima! Here, I am not your mother. I lead our tribal clan. This is not the way how you should address your leader.
(She silences her pregnant daughter, whose family is being questioned by other villagers.)
Naima is breathing heavily while being scolded by his leader cum mother, whom she thinks is not thinking about her family.
Athini notices Varuna's shock and frozen expression, as he never expected the tribe's behaviour towards his family.
Athini: I would like to ask the young boy if he is any tizzy about the proposition..
Everyone views Varuna as having the final say over whether or not to submit to his father through this ultimate sacrifice.
Varuna: (appears to be very silent; reflecting, taking his time) I would be by his side no matter what!
(People stood up, looking astounded that a teenage kid could muster this much courage.)
Athini: (smiles proudly) Okay, so the father and son will perform the ritual today.
(Everyone kneels as their leader departs.)
Varuna appeared to be very focused because it is his duty to uphold his family's honor among the tribe.
The sun has already begun to set, and a few hours later, young men can be seen getting ready for the hunt.
The villagers appear to be occupied, but Athini, the leader, appears anxious about the choice she made for her family. Though she knows it will be extremely difficult for her family, she may have felt justified in doing so as a leader.
Calmly, she watches the sun set and the sky turn orange as a fleet of birds migrates overhead. Although there is sadness in her eyes, there is also a hint of pride.
Jabali walks in.
Jabali: May I?... (requesting to come in)
(Athini nods.)
Jabali: I am ready ,leader. (Exhibits resolve)
Athini:(gives a nod), Jabali. (pauses) Do you know why I let my daughter marry someone she did not think she was deeply in love with?
Jabali observes while Athini talks.
Athini: It's because I was scared…. I was scared about my family being torn apart as my daughter who would leave me, her tribe to marry a man who no one knows is right for her.
Jabali: I understand.
Athini: When you two got married, I was not very happy. But one thing that I am glad it happened in the family… -the birth of Varuna. The only boy who has been born since two past generations in our bloodline. I was glad you married her and broke the curse on our family.
I wasn't very happy when Yukti born as I was scared of the curse. Perhaps it was for that reason that I made distinctions between my grandchildren. But one thing I have known for long, is the strength we have as a family, its unbreakable.
It doesn't matter if I accept you in my tribe or my family, but I am glad you were there as a bond that kept us together. (with slight smile)
(pauses)
I can not imagine my daughter going through the kind of suffering I did. She is happy, and as long as I can see her, I want her to stay happy.
I want you to promise me something, Jabali.
Saying yes, Jabali stands motionless as silence reverberates.
Athini: Defend Varuna at all means. Our family has nothing but hope in him.
Jabali: (breathes) I will , (pauses) mother!!
As night draws near in the Alaknanda forests, Athini, filled with happiness, turns to see the sun setting.
It's almost night as the clear sky full of stars illuminates the environment.
Jabali: (calling the men together) Ideally, the valley should be deserted so that I can start hunting as soon as possible. I want to know where our other men would stay.
Mainak: Everything is sorted Jabali. We will be on the other side of river that will allow us to safely wait for you to be done with whatever has to happened. (In a mocking tone)
Jabali: (nodding) I want everyone to be able to see the bison group clearly. In the dark, it is difficult to see them move. It will be an all-around challenging task.
Mainak: You don't have to worry much about that. According to our ritual, the herd would be set on fire as they have enough fur grown in winters. As far as it is concerned, seeing them is not problematic.
Jabali: But that would turn them into such vicious, violent creatures that it would be difficult to subdue them later.
Mainak: Exactly!! (in a raised voice) That's the ultimate sacrifice. It is not supposed to be an easy run, after all.
It appears that all of them concur with what Mainak told Jabali.
Varuna: Where am I supposed to be, Papa?
Jabali: With me!! (assuring him with a smile)
Jabali seems to be so immersed now, as he knows he can't let his family and his son down.
While others waited for the first impact, the father and son headed towards the valley.
Since bisons appear to be sleeping in bushes at night, other men obtained a fire torch, which he would use to burn down the bushes that would allow the fire to spread and result in furred bisons.
Anticipating the impending rush, father and son stood with their legs bent. Everything seems so peaceful while both of them carrying spears and knives with them to hunt down one of the bisons as an offering to the groom's family.
However, the father has to capture a bison alone as part of his ultimate sacrifice, which would help others hunt it down easily.
'Papa, you have not stood up for yourself in front of Grandma during the gathering', Varuna said. I didn't understand it? (crickets chirping in background)
Jabali: See, son, sometimes you just have to have faith in destiny.
Varuna: But Papa, you have led numerous hunts and are a formidable fighter; you could have demonstrated your regal bearing. After-all you are the best fighter who can do amazing hand-combat in our tribe.
Jabali: That's because I am an outsider, son. I grew up in difficult circumstances where we experienced war on a regular basis. With that, I could not have demonstrated my loyalty.
Varuna: But papa (emphasizing)
Jabali: Hey, let us do more than just use words to convince people. I have got to show them what I am capable of; my loyalty is not something that I would let someone question just like that. I would make it so hard for anyone that he has to think so many times before he can lay a finger on me and my family.
As a family, we are so mighty that we can overcome any obstacle. Together, we can conquer any obstacle. (smiles)
You get it?
Varuna: Yeah!! (ponders)
Jabali: Now show your strength; the bisons would understand you're weak if you showed slight fright to them even for a single moment.
(Fire seems to flourish so quickly that bisons sleeping panicked while they were on fire.)
Jabali: Here comes the rush!!
(Holds a spear in both hands while wearing a wooden mask over his face.)
Varuna is so nervous that he can hear his heart beating rapidly.
Jabali: Now wait for my signal! ok? (stands and runs in front of the mighty-looking herd of bisons charging towards them.)
The fire could be seen from miles as the bisons were running so fast.
Jabali is completely focused on the approaching beasts, as fire gleams in his eyes.
Varuna watches his father, determined to demonstrate his family's allegiance to the tribe.
The bisons' running caused the sandstorm that accompanied them, making it difficult to see what was going on.
Varuna, bended on his knees, watches the bison charge towards them.
While the yellow flame passes through his eyes, everything fades and turns white.
It is a house made up of hay-sticks burning, as the shed is half destroyed while the bray of horses running can be heard.
Comes the Stranger we met previously,
Stranger: Pathetic!! That was not something I suspected.
He noticed something wrapped in a baby-cloth, lying down beneath a wooden cot.
He took it in his arms and unwrapped it to discover what was inside.
He saw as a strange silence emerges out.
He wrapped the cloth again while leaving it under the same place as before.
Stranger: Not again!! (shouts in pain as his voices echoes in the valley nearby) He can't be dead again . (kicked the ground in frustration.)
The scene ends with a tear falling from his eyes as he leaves the location alone. As he disappears through a luminous portal, his hand appears to be wet with blood.
After all, the night is cold, and so is the stranger.
You were reading Episode Two (The Mighty) from Am I? Volume One The Time is Now... .