The sun began to rise on the final day of Gajotsavam, casting a golden hue over the festival grounds. The air was filled with the mingling scents of incense and sweet offerings, a poignant reminder that this vibrant celebration was drawing to a close. The majestic elephants, adorned in elaborate turbans and pearl-studded umbrellas, had feasted well and would soon begin their journey back to their homelands.
This last day, known as Trikartika, would be marked by the lighting of a thousand Kartika lamps, their flickering flames symbolizing piety and devotion. The soft glow of the lamps would be a serene counterpoint to the bustling activities that had filled the days before.
In a small, secluded corner of the festival grounds, Ajmal, Shivatmika, and their team gathered for an early morning practice. The Blue Dragons Music Band was slated to perform the finale, a performance eagerly awaited by all. Their music would provide a fitting end to the series of art competitions showcasing the talents of local artists and children.
As the first rays of dawn touched the horizon, Ajmal positioned himself behind his drums, the familiar feel of the drumsticks in his hands. Shivatmika, standing nearby, adjusted the microphone stand, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. She hummed softly, warming up her voice, the notes blending harmoniously with the early morning stillness.
The team moved with a practiced ease, each member focused on perfecting their part. The tranquility of the early morning was interrupted only by the soft murmur of their preparations and the rhythmic beat of Ajmal's drums. The festival grounds, still quiet in the dawn light, seemed to hold its breath in expectation. Today would be a day of celebration, farewells, and the promise of return.
After the first round of practice, the group sat in a circle, sipping steaming cups of tea. The early morning air was cool and refreshing, a brief respite before the day's festivities.
"Dada..." Sachin called out, breaking the comfortable silence.
Manish looked up from his tea. "What is it?"
"Surya didn't cause any trouble, did he?" Sachin asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
Manish shook his head. "No, he seems to get the point. He's got what we gave him."
Celine, who had been quietly listening, voiced her worries. "Any chance of trouble today?"
"Not likely," Ajmal reassured her. "He's contained. Now we just have to watch out for the team looking for that treasure."
Ajmal, sensing the need to keep everyone informed, picked up his phone and called Vaishnav. He explained the situation in a low, steady voice, ensuring their ally was aware of the potential threat.
Once the call ended, Ajmal nodded to the group. "Vaishnav's got it covered. Let's focus on our performance."
With renewed determination, the Blue Dragons team resumed their practice. The rhythm of Ajmal's drums set the pace, while Shivatmika's voice soared, weaving through the morning air. Despite the underlying tension, their music was a testament to their resilience and unity.
************
Around three in the afternoon, the organizers began preparing the stage for the children's dances. The Blue Dragons, having finished their last round of practice by noon, joined in to help. The unexpected presence of Surya and his friends among the stage setters created a stir of curiosity and wonder among Ajmal and his team.
As they worked, Ajmal noticed Surya smiling at them. The sight left Ajmal perplexed.
"Why is Ajmal Dada looking like this?" Surya called out, addressing Ajmal with the same affectionate term his friends used.
Ajmal looked at him in surprise, as did the rest of the Blue Dragons. Surya met their astonished gazes with a small, knowing smile.
"Isn't this Gajotsavam in Durgapuri held by the whole country as one? Then shouldn't we also be a part of it?" Surya asked.
His words hung in the air, filled with a sense of unity and shared purpose. Surya and his friends laughed and continued their work, their spirits seemingly untroubled. The Blue Dragons, still curious and a bit bewildered, joined them in preparing the shamiana and setting up the chairs.
As they worked side by side, Ajmal couldn't shake the feeling of intrigue about Surya's intentions. The seamless cooperation between the groups was impressive, but it also raised questions about what was truly in Surya's mind.
Once the shamiana was ready, Ajmal pulled his team aside.
Sanju leaned in, his voice low but firm. "Dada, Surya, who's been drinking and just hanging around the festival grounds for so many days, suddenly shows this deep love for the country… I have some doubts."
Atul looked up, his brow furrowing. "What?"
Others in the group turned their attention to Sanju, suspicion and curiosity mingling in their eyes.
"Could he have planted any bombs on the festival grounds?" Sanju's voice trembled slightly with the weight of his accusation.
"Hey, would he do that? I don't think so," Abid interjected, shaking his head.
Shivatmika glanced around the circle, her expression guarded. "We can't say anything for sure because he is unpredictable."
"We don't know if he has anything else in mind. Better to be careful. Wouldn't that be a good thing if he was really good?" Ajmal said thoughtfully, his hand tapping a rhythm on his knee.
Neeraja, her face pale with worry, voiced her concern, "But I don't have enough faith, Dada..."
Atul sighed deeply, the tension in the air palpable. "Anyway, we'll see what happens."
*************
As the last day of Gajotsavam drew to a close, the elephants began their journey home, relieved of their headbands and colorful pearl umbrellas. One by one, they were collected by their mahouts and led away, their regal strides slower now, burdened only by the remnants of the festival's splendor. The festival committee, under the leadership of Satyanarayana Varma, rewarded the mahouts and elephant owners for their dedication and care.
Among the herd, Manikoth Chandrasekaran stood out, his proud bearing and impressive stature marking him as the most distinguished elephant of the festival. His owner, Manikoth Sukumarakurup, guided him towards the festival committee, ready to receive their recognition. Raised specifically for Gajotsavam, Chandrasekaran had come into his own during Vatnuir, the last season of rut. His commanding presence had earned him the coveted Ekkam, the honor of leading the procession, a role fraught with potential danger. Yet, despite the risks, he had emerged unscathed, a testament to his strength and training. His first mahout, Ravunnikutty, and his son, Jayanthan, who served as the second mahout, watched with a mixture of relief and satisfaction.
Throughout the festival, Chandrasekaran had been more agitated than the other elephants, the shouts of the crowd and the weight of his adornments taking their toll. From the first day to the last, he had carried his headbands, pearl umbrellas, and the occasional passenger with unwavering resolve. Now, on this final day, Ravunnikutty turned to Jayanthan.
"Give Chandrasekaran the palmyra leaf-stalk and banana," Ravunnikutty instructed before heading off for a well-deserved drink.
Jayanthan had no other qualification to become a mahout except being the son of Ravunnikutti. He trembled at the mere thought of touching the elephant when his father wasn't around. Waiting anxiously for his father's return, Jayanthan had completely forgotten to feed the beast. Ravunnikutti, who was often inebriated after drinking toddy, failed to remember this crucial task. As a result, Manikoth Chandrasekaran stood in the scorching sun, hungry and restless.
Manikoth Sukumarakurup approached Satyanarayana Varma, bowing deeply before receiving his reward. It was now the elephant's turn to perform. Both the first and second mahouts were entitled to a share of the reward. The task was simple yet ceremonial: lead the elephant to Satyanarayana Varma, where it would bow with folded front legs, paying its respects. The mahouts would then receive their reward and return with the elephant.
Satyanarayana Varma and Ashadevi stood three hundred yards away, watching the proceedings. Among them stood several locals, all gathered to witness the festival's grand spectacle.
Ravunnikutty approached the elephant and carefully unchained it from the tree.
"Walk forward, elephant," he commanded, directing Manikoth Chandrasekaran to move toward the reward. But Chandrasekaran stood his ground, offering only a brief glance in Ravunnikutty's direction.
"Walk forward, elephant!" Ravunnikutty's tone sharpened with irritation. Still, the elephant did not budge, its large frame planted firmly in place.
Ravunnikutty's frustration boiled over. With a scowl, he swung his stick, striking the elephant with a resounding thud. Chandrasekaran met his gaze, and a slow trickle of water began to seep from its musth gland.
The stubbornness of the elephant only fueled Ravunnikutty's anger. "I'm telling you, go forward, elephant!" he roared again. When the beast remained unmoving, Ravunnikutty struck it harder, his anger evident in the heavier blow.
Chandrasekaran, stung by the impact, lifted his trunk and let out a plaintive cry. Jayanthan, witnessing the elephant's distressed response, took a step back, realizing the seriousness of the situation as the scene unfolded before him.
In the temple courtyard, chaos erupted. Ravunnikutty, despite the mounting danger, struck out at Chandrasekaran once more. The elephant, enraged, swung its trunk with a deafening roar. Chandrasekaran's massive form lurched, and with a violent swipe, he struck Ravunnikutty. The impact sent Ravunnikutty flying, his screams piercing through the turmoil.
He crashed into a banyan tree, its ancient branches groaning under the force. The crowd gasped as he fell heavily to the ground. Jayanthan, eyes wide with horror, darted to Ravunnikutty's side, desperation etched into his features.
The sight of the rampaging elephant sent panic rippling through the gathered crowd. People scattered in every direction, their terror palpable. Satyanarayana Varma and Asha Devi, sensing the danger, bolted towards the safety of the temple walls, their footsteps echoing against the stone. They slammed the door behind them, the lock clicking shut with a finality that left the frightened inside secure, but helpless.
Outside, Chandrasekaran's rage knew no bounds. The elephant trampled over stalls and smashed through shamianas, tearing apart the festival preparations with reckless abandon. The once festive atmosphere was now a scene of devastation, children's cries blending into the cacophony of destruction. As Chandrasekaran rampaged on, the echoes of fear and destruction spread, a grim reminder of the power unleashed within the temple's confines.
The Blue Dragons team members, scattered across the festival grounds, quickly regrouped as the chaos escalated. It was then that they realized Shivatmika was missing. Panic set in as they spotted the massive elephant, Chandrasekaran, advancing dangerously close to her position.
Ajmal's gaze locked onto Shivatmika, who was trapped against the wall, her eyes wide with fear. With no clear path to escape, she looked around frantically. Ajmal's heart raced as he remembered the peril that her eighteenth birthday might bring. Now, that danger had materialized in the form of the rampaging elephant.
Without a moment's hesitation, Ajmal dashed toward her. Grabbing Shivatmika's arm, he pulled her away and leaped to the side. The force of their escape sent them crashing to the ground, rolling several times before coming to a stop. As their eyes met, the urgency of their situation was clear.
"Come with me!" Ajmal shouted, pulling her up.
He didn't wait for a reply, dragging her toward safety. Outside the temple walls, a frantic knock resonated as the door was opened. Shivatmika and a few others were quickly ushered inside, while the remaining Blue Dragons members worked to rescue the stranded children, guiding them into the temple's protection.
As the scene unfolded, only the Blue Dragons and a few young men were left to face the rampaging elephant. They scoured the area for Ravunnikutty, the elephant's original mahout, who was eventually found and taken to the hospital. Jayanthan, visibly shaken and clutching a goad, stood among them, his fear palpable.
The young men around him cast helpless glances at Jayanthan, who, for the first time without his father's guidance, was unsure how to handle the elephant. As Chandrasekaran continued his destructive path, devastating everything in his wake, the urgency of the situation left them with little time to find a solution.
Will continue...