Dhamakedaar Dragons: Welcomes Arya and Family!

Ghar ka dwar deep se sajao
Aangan main rang-birangi rangoli banao
Anand ke geet aaj sab gaao

Man mein sab ke harsh bhara hai
Phuljari ki jagmag roshani jhalaki hai
Aur mooh main mithai ki mithaas ghuli hai
Sab mil aaj manaye diwali
Prem aur sadbhavana se bhari hai pooja thali
Laxmi ka swagat karo aao gayen maa ki aarti

-By Strawbella

Happy Diwali Yash and Aarti! I hope you and your family enjoy a great new year. I hope you two are able to overcome all obstacles and support each other in all the difficult situations you will likely face in your future. You two are a team, a team that rears your children together, a team that protects and honors your entire family, and a team in making your relationship work. Wishing you and your entire family a very Happy Diwali!

- Nina

On this auspicious festival of lights,
May the glow of joy, prosperity and happiness
Illuminate your days.
Shubh Diwali

-Saf

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXNgUUHNf58[/YOUTUBE]


[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmsKLfV9_IQ[/YOUTUBE]


[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAAsXT5WcOM[/YOUTUBE]

"This one-shot is dedicated to Puvz (Puvana) in celebration of her spirit and strength. Puvz - here's hoping that this coming year fills your life with light, joy, laughter, good health and is pain-free with a quick recovery.

All the best from the

Dhamakedar Dragons team "

A Silent Diwali

Part-1

Vidhi, Arti, Paridhi and Pratik had been planning their annual family Diwali celebrations when Ansh, Palak and Payal came running into the room.

"Mumma, Mumma…." they echoed in chorus as the adults looked up enquiringly.

"What is it?" Arti asked, preoccupied.

"Mumma, Papa says we cannot get fire-crackers for Diwali" Palak complained.

"No bombs, no phuljari, no anar or rocket …..or… or anything" Ansh added, agitated.

"Your Papa said that?" Arti asked, now perplexed. "Why?"

Unnoticed by Arti or the children, Yash had come into the room as well. Now he spoke, crossing his arms over his chests "Because Artiji fire-crackers are a waste of money. All you are doing is burning money – when you can use that same money for some good cause on Diwali. Candles and diya are fine, but no fire-crackers." Yash explained his stance loftily before walking out of the room, without a backward glance.

"Mumma!" the three children wailed.

"Hush! Stop crying….I will talk to your Papa, ok? Now run along, go to your room" cajoled Arti as she sent them out of the room.

Pratik and Vidhi exchanged glances. Barely suppressing a grin, Vidhi said "good luck convincing Yash bhaiyya on this one Arti."

"Why?" Arti was puzzled.

Chuckling out loud Pratik filled her in "Bhaiyya is scared of fire crackers Bhabhi! When he was in 7^th he got hurt trying to light a rocket – since then, he won't light fire-crackers."

"Really?" Arti mused "And what about his lofty speech about burning firecrackers is burning money?"

"Well, he does believe that now I guess. For the last few years, he has been using the money to feed the poor on Diwali day."

Arti mulled over the matter that evening. She knew how much the children wanted to see fire-works, but her Yashji was right too – the way he had been using the money was indeed worthwhile. How was she going to make the children happy while keeping Yash's intents intact?...Inspiration came with the breaking dawn…she would need the blessings and agreement of the family to pull this one off.

Part -2

Diwali dawned bright and clear, but with a chilly undertone. Winter was coming..

Arti came out after her shower, brushing her hair dry. Seeing Yash getting out of bed she told him "Yashji, we all have to leave by 5pm. Please be ready."

"Hmmm.?" Yash was still half-asleep. "Where are we going at 5pm today, Artiji?"

"It's a special Diwali ritual Yashji. Please be home before that. We all must go together."

"What ritual?" asked Yash, rubbing his eyes, finally waking up.

"You will see. Just ..be here, ok?" Arti added, almost commandingly but with a slight smile to take any sting out of the words.

Women and their rituals, Yash grumbled to himself. What now? What special ritual had Artiji just concocted?

Yash was running late Artiji would have his hide. What ritual was this anyway?

Cursing the traffic jam silently that had delayed him - not leaving time for even a cup of tea - Yash practically ran into his room to get ready for the evening. And stopped short his new sherwani was laid out on the bed and on the bedside table was a steaming hot cup of tea. Artiji! Bless her! Gulping the hot tea, Yash went into the bathroom to get ready.

After a few minutes, as he came out of the bathroom buttoning the silver buttons on his sherwani, the sight of Arti stopped him in his tracks. She looked breathtakingly beautiful in a deep red chiffon saree that clung to her curves. She had barely put on weight during the pregnancy, just enough to accentuate her curves even more beautifully and the lovely red dragged Yash's eyes to her stunning figure.

Speechless, nearly breathless, Yash walked to her, unable to take his eyes off her. She was struggling to clasp her necklace.

She was already late and now this necklace wouldn't even close!! Arti was gritting her teeth in irritation when suddenly she felt Yash's fingers on her neck. He took the necklace from her and closed the clasp.

Slowly he turned her around to face him.

She could feel his eyes roam over her body, taking in every detail, putting every inch of her on fire.

Her ears were bare! Where were her ear-rings? Tearing his eyes from her face he searched her dresser till his eyes found her matching ear-rings. He showed them to her, silently asking her permission. At her brief nod, he put the ear-rings on her, his fingers delicately brushing her ears, first the right, then the left, leaving her breathless this time.

What was he doing to her? Arti thought as she closed her eyes, savoring his touch. He traced her arms, running his fingers down the center of each arm till he reached her bare wrists.

Yash picked up the bangles and placed them lovingly on her wrists. Her arms were covered in bangles, the mehendi from karva-chauth still showing through, even after nearly two weeks.

He lifted her arms, crossing them over one on top of the other and peered through the gap at her. She remembered the last time he had made her wear bangles in Mumbai. She had been peering at him then. She gasped softly as he winked.

Smiling slightly as he heard her gasp Yash put on the bindi for her. He took a long look at his bedecked wife and then turned her to face the mirror.

Arti drank in the sight Yash was right behind her, holding her by the shoulders, gazing at her reflection. What was that she saw in his eyes? Was it.could it be.was it really longing? Could he really be falling in love with her? Or was it just wishful thinking on her part?

Barely removing his eyes from her, Yash reached out for the kajal. Taking a small portion on his fingertip, he turned her to face him and placed the kajal in her hairline. "Kisikinazarnalage..meribhinahin" he said softly.

His words brought a tear to her eye. And what he did next left her standing still as a statue.

Yash cupped her face in his palms. Bending slightly, he kissed her forehead, and then dipped his head further to drop a light kiss on her cheek.

Immediately her face flamed. She could feel her cheeks turning red. She closed her eyes as the tear rolled down one cheek.

"Bhabhi, Bhaiyya!!" Pratik called, rapping their door loudly. "Are you ready?"

The sound broke their trance. Yash took one last look at his wife, tracing her face with his fingers and then turned towards the door "We are coming Chote" he called back.

"Chalein Artiji?" he asked softly, turning back to her, holding out his hand for hers.

Placing her hand in his, Arti smiled tremulously, "Chaliye Yashji."

Part-3

"Where are we going Artiji?" Yash asked. They had been driving for nearly 20 minutes now. Yash had been surprised to see the driver in their car, but Arti had insisted. He still had no idea where they were going, and this was definitely not the way to the temple they usually went to.

The children giggled at his words. Palak piped up, "it's a surprise Papa. You will see."

Arti just smiled at him and then turned to look at the children who were now laughing openly, their excitement bubbling over.

The cars finally stopped at a set of gates and Yash was stunned as he got out of the car. Deepalaya Orphanage!! This was the orphanage Arpita had adopted she used to distribute gifts to the children of this orphanage at Palak and Payal's birthdays. And Arti had continued that tradition. What were they doing here now?

He turned to see his father and mother alighting. His mother had a broad smile on her face as his father came up to him, placing his hands around his shoulders.

"Suraj Pratapji! Gayatriji! Namaste shubh Deepavali! Please come in, come in all of you", said the manager of the orphanage as she came to the gate herself.

"Vanitaji Namaste! Aapko bhi Deepavali ki shubhkaamnayein", Suraj Pratap replied, on behalf of the family.

A bemused Yash followed everyone in. As the others walked past him, he reached out and grabbed Arti's arm. "What are we doing here?" he asked, still surprised, still unsure what was in store. The rest of the family seemed to know what they were doing so this was a surprise for him. Had to be Artiji's idea!

"Sshhh!! let's go inside. We don't want to hold everyone up" Arti replied, not answering his question.

The children ran inside. Yash stopped at the door the rangoli at the entrance was magnificent. His father commented the same.

Vanitaji smiled, "yes, your bahus are very talented Suraj Pratapji. They helped the children here make this gorgeous rangoli yesterday. And the children have been very careful the whole day today, not letting anyone step on it or disfigure it. They even touched up a few places themselves" she said, her pride in her children sparkling forth.

It was nearly dusk; the evening was turning into night as the whole family dispersed throughout the building. Yash was standing in the entry foyer, feeling a bit lost when Arti came back and took him by his hand. As if it was a signal, the whole building seemed to light up that instant.

All the children, including Ansh, Palak and Payal, came out of different rooms, carrying lit candles and diyas, followed by the adults. Gayatri came up to the rangoli and placed a big beautiful painted diya in the middle. Yash knew Arti had painted that one he had seen her work on it. The children placed the lit diyas and candles outside the front door, lining up the entry way with a soft, yet bright glow.

Vanitaji ushered the children into the dining hall. "Dinner time" she explained. "Will you join us?"

Suraj Pratap nodded, "it will be an honor for us".

As his parents sat, Pratik pulled Yash to the kitchen. "Bhaiyya, help serve the food please." Yash joined in gladly, observing Arti out of the corner of his eyes. She did not carry anything in her condition, but helped serve food to each child, stopping to talk to each of them. The children all smiled at her, replying, responding,laughing. Some of the younger children gave her a quick hug as she spoke to them while serving.

She had spent time here, Yash realized. She knew each child, and they all knew her. A sob caught at his throat Artiji was an orphan herself! Had she grown up at an orphanage too? She seemed to understand these children so well, relate to them.they all loved her, he could see that. He berated himself mentally he didn't even know about her childhood. Had she grown up like these children, spending each Diwali without lights?

His heart broke for the little orphan girl who had grown up to be this beautiful, amazing, strong, loving woman his wife, the mother of his children.his life..and yes,his love.

Yash finally let the realization seep in he finally acknowledged the truth to himself. Yes, he loved Arti. He loved his Artiji, his wife, his soul mate. Tonight the light from the Diwali lamps lit the corner of his heart that he had been hiding, even from himself yes, he loved her. He loved her!!

Next page...

Part-4

Dinner over, the children ran out as the adults who had served the food grabbed a quick bite to eat. He could see his brothers in a whispered conversation was something else planned too? Let it be he would find out soon enough. For now, he just wanted to relish the feeling of sitting beside his wife, eating together, stealing glances at her.

As Yash and Arti left the dining hall with the others, Ansh, Palak and Payal came running up. Grabbing their parents, they said "Come quickly hurry".

Pulling their parents the children rushed them all outside. Yash stopped abruptly at the sight that met their eyes. Boxes of fireworks!

Annoyance crept in and he turned to Arti "Artiji! I thought I had told you no fire-crackers."

"I know Yashji. There are no fire-crackers here. But yes, the children will have fire-works. They will have bright lights and colours turning the dark night into day for them this Diwali."

Taking his hand, she turned him to towards the children of the orphanage. "Look at them Yashji. Look at the anticipation on their faces. They have never experienced Diwali this is their first. And it will be the first of many Diwalis. Some of them have never seen fire-works; most of them have never lit an anar themselves. They have never experienced the joy of seeing a light shooting into the sky, bursting into thousands of coloured sparkles against the night sky."

As she spoke, his father and some of the children lit the first fire-works. The sheer delight on the children's' faces, the rapt attention and then the shrieks of laughter with claps stopped him from mouthing the objections he still had. He turned to look at his own children the three were jumping up and down, waiting their turn to light the fire-works. He couldn't stop them he knew that.

Suddenly he felt a tug at his hand. He looked down to see this small girl, not even Payal's age pulling at his fingers. He knelt down and held her by the shoulders "What is it beta?"

"Uncle, can you lif,lift me up please?" she lisped. "I can't see the lights".

He lifted her onto his shoulders. She clapped as the night sky burst into colour.

"Do you want to light one?" the words slipped out of his mouth. He was as startled by his words as Arti, who was standing next to him.

"Yes!!" the small girl clapped.

Yash put her down. He knelt down and holding her hand, asked her, "What's your name, beta?"

"Arti" she replied and his breath caught. Looking up at his wife, he said "Her name is Arti too".

The child nodded, "I know. She's my favourite. I am going to grow up to be just like her."

Smiling at the child, Yash picked her up as he walked towards the fire-works "You couldn't do better than her. She's my favourite too our secret."

The little Arti giggled as she kissed his cheek, "Our secret."

By Kat (kdsubs1)

TREASURE HUNT

Yash looked down from his perch on the guard tower. His back rested against the warm splintered wood as his palm caressed the smoothness of the worn- out floor. He always came up here late in the afternoon to wait for the beautiful Indian sunset. There was something strangely magical about that particular hour on this archaeological site, and with today being the eve of Diwali, he had decided to spend longer than usual. He needed it after all the dust and darkness from digging beneath that mandir. Bhagvaan only knew why they were searching there for the artifact. He was certain that the head archaeologist had misread the map. Ah, well, no use worrying over that tonight. He wouldn't be there to deal with the mess when the mistake was discovered. Tomorrow he would be home for the Diwali celebrations...and his engagement. He frowned slightly. He wasn't sure how he felt about this whole arranged marriage thing, but his parents had been waiting long enough. He placed his hands against the post, lacing his fingers, and leaned his head into them, admiring the oncoming sunset. His eyes drifted shut, visions of fiery- red sunsets blazing behind his eyelids.

***********

"Yash! Yash! Wake up idiot! I've been looking everywhere for you! Phil figured out that he read the map wrong and he's making us dig right now! Can you believe that gadha? He screws up and we pay the price!"

Yash looked up, bleary-eyed, into the irritated face of Aman. A dig? Now? It was probably ten o' clock in the night! He reached out his hand for Aman to pull him up, and the two descended the rickety ladder of the security tower. Yash chuckled darkly; atleast now he could finally put his archaeology degree to work on something that didn't involve finding broken clay pots dated two years old.

Yash walked companionably beside Aman to the hub of activity; laughing with him as their Indian friends assaulted the misguided American- Phil- with a few rich words. Bob approached the two as they settled their packs onto their back, indicating covertly at Phil's red face illuminated by the lamplight.

"So, I see you guys are teaching my country-mate some new words."

"Bob, you know that man is an idiot. I can't believe you guys came from the same place. Just yesterday'.."

Yash watched on in amusement as Aman and Bob walked off together. He knew that when those two got together Phil was in trouble. Phil still hadn't figured out who had put the monkey hairs in his backpack- which left him with extremely itchy clothing for a week. Frankly, even Yash couldn't figure out how those two had managed such a stunt. He shook his head, and adjusted his headlamp. Time to get the real dig started. That artifact was supposed to be the key to a hidden room containing the depiction of all the Diwali tales on its walls. There were even ancient myths that the weapons of the devious Ravan had been preserved in a secret chamber by the ancient kingdom as a reminder to all of the strength of Lord Ram. It was the only reason Yash had not taken his annual Diwali leave. Discovering something like that would be a tremendous boost to his career.

************

His quiet footsteps echoed in the narrow chamber. Yash couldn't figure out how he had gotten himself separated from his dig partner. The headlamp's thin beam struggled to illuminate the dusty corridor. He had wandered off into a narrow passage that only seemed to shrink in size with each passing moment. Now even the sound of his breathing seemed a bit creepy in all this darkness. He shook his head- leave it to him to drop his torchlight down a hole''and get lost''and forget his walkie-talkie'' He muttered to himself trying hard not to curse Phil. This was his job, and he was supposed to be well- prepared and focused at all times, so he couldn't blame Phil for his misfortune. He frowned. Had he corrected the mapping error, he could have been sleeping in preparation for the long trip home tomorrow rather than hunched over in this narrow tunnel. A sigh escaped his lips as he was soon forced to crawl in the now tight brick corridor. His hands and knees began to get sore from the pebbles and stones, and the dust was irritating his nose. When was he going to get out of this stupid place?

"C'mon, Yash keep crawling. This passage has to even out somewhere." So he hoped, it was definitely too tight to turn around now. "Time to add knee ----- Aaah!!!!"

A loud groan escaped his lips as he landed on his side. He had just fallen through the bloody ground. He tried to move, but winced in pain as he felt what were, hopefully, only bruised ribs throb intensely. "Crap! My headlamp's broken too! " He wheezed as the ribs throbbed more fiercely from the short sentence. This was not good. Not good at all. He pushed himself up gingerly, balancing his weight on the good side. Yash's hands rapidly checked his pockets for some source of light he might still have. His fingers stumbled over his back pants pocket, landing on a box of matches. Grabbing them quickly, he struck a match, trying to gauge where he was. His eyes widened slowly. Everything gleamed in the light. There were gold ornaments, murtis and vessels everywhere! The flame guttered out, casting darkness again. His fingers fumbled for another match, and with the fifth match, he found a wooden torch covered in an old oil- soaked rag to light up the darkness. One by one he lit all the torches in the room, until the entire place glowed with a fierce gleam.

Yash's eyes fell on the walls around him, ignoring the golden objects. Drawings and paintings covered each layer of the room, moving in what appeared to be chronological order. He drew closer to one section, and sharply gasped in shock hissing from the pain. That'..that''that was Ram! Lord Ram! "Holy crap! I found the room without the artifact!" Instantly he stepped back, attempting to read the stories on the wall. His eyes fell on the writing just below the painting he had first seen. Without thinking he began to read it out loud.

"Those who seek must first find. Those who find must later seek; For all who enter must a path travel. For lessons learned are only well- learned when practiced with open eye, brave heart, and willing body. The one who speaks these words will now a journey begin, for such a lesson must be learned, and only once well-learned shall the seeker be allowed to find and seek, to return."

Yash looked at the words open-mouthed. What sort of riddle was that? Before he could think on it further, a slow mist began to circle around him. The lit torches began to flicker, going out one by one. He froze, afraid to move. Maybe reading the words out loud had not been such a brilliant idea. The mist rose higher, hiding the broad pillars, the gold, and finally the drawings on the wall, but not before he noted a drawing of a man dressed in modern clothing. Realisation began to dawn.

************

"Yuvraj! Bade Yuvraj! Aap kahan hain? Maharaja is waiting for you."

Yash stood stock still as Ram Dulare his family's naukar ran in- bowing before him. He looked around him, wondering if that fall had killed him rather than only bruised his ribs''this was not exactly the sort of thing that happened after reading a few words on a wall, right? The floor he stood on was made of white marble, smooth and shiny. A rich carpet of some exotic looking white fur lay at the center of the room, covered with throw pillows of various sizes. He had a feeling that the cloth of those throw pillows were made from silk. A large bed lay a few feet away, draped in some sort of net-like material, while the entire room was supported with circular pillars that appeared to be made out of some white stone. Why was everything in here so white? Did this "yuvraj" person have OCD like him? He stepped closer to the bent Ram Dulare, touching him on the shoulder.

"What are you doing Ram Dulare? Is your back spasming? Stand up straight, nah?"

Ram Dulare looked up at him, confusion written all over his face.

"RamDulare kaun hain, Yuvraj? Main Mohanlaal hain. Woh, Yuvraj, Maharaja wanted to see you before you set out on your quest. You haven't taken his blessings as yet, and he has the entire courtyard filled with people from all over Kosala to see you off. Saint Vishwamitra is waiting for you and chota yuvraj is already in the throne room."

Yash looked at the bowed man in amazement. He looked down at himself. He was definitely not wearing modern clothes, and he certainly did not enter that mandir with a sword a few hours ago'..Tell me I did not just get pulled into the Ramayana. Oh Rama! If I get out of here I'm finding a new career. Wedding planner, perhaps? He struggled not to panic, deciding to focus on the good the journey might bring.

"Ram Dulare'.errrm Mohanlaal'.take me to my father'.? King Dasharatha, right?"

Mohanlaal looked at Yash in shock wondering if the excitement of the battle had done something to the prince's senses.

"Ji, Yuvraj."

**********

Yash entered the ostentatious throne room of his "father", King Dasharatha. He walked slowly, hoping not to draw attention to himself as he approached the throne. He wasn't quite sure of the protocol for these things, so settled on a cursory nod of the head, waiting for his "father" to look up and acknowledge his presence. The king was surrounded by a group of men who were probably his ministers and advisors, and sitting by his side was none other than Yash's mother Gayatri Scindia''but judging from the way things were shaping up in this mind-boggling experience, she would most likely be known as Maharani Kausilya.

She smiled down at him, gesturing for him to come closer while nudging her husband in the arm. King Dasharatha smiled enthusiastically, waiting for Yash to get closer to the throne.

The noise in and around the throne room immediately disappeared, and a young man who looked a lot like Pratiek, Yash's chota bhaiya, came to stand beside Yash. He felt a little less tense, it was good to have Pratiek''errrm Lakshmana'with him. He looked around cautiously, searching for more people from his family.

"People of the great nation of Kosala. Today I stand before you asking that you bless our sons as they set out from home to rid this blessed saint of the evil presences that torment his home''." droned the king.

Yash looked up in surprise, Suraj Pratap-his father- was sitting on the throne. He was beginning to realize that the riddle had done more than just brought him into the Ramayana. It had made him Ram. He had always admired the god, and he didn't know what lesson he had been brought in here to learn, but he was going to learn it well, just as Lord Ram would have.

A firm nudge to his sore ribs brought him back to reality. He glanced at Lakshmana who nodded at their expectant father. He was waiting for them to approach for blessings. Yash and Lakshmana strode proudly to the throne of their father, touching his feet. Yash turned to the crowd, following Lakshmana's lead, drawing his sword from its sheath and kissing it. Unthinkingly, Yash turned back to the throne of his father, removing his bow from his back. He laid both bow and sword at his father's feet, silently requesting that they too be blessed. Then with a hand to his mother's feet, he turned and walked out of the room to the cheers of "Jai Yuvraj Rama", echoing in his ears.

"Ram bhaiya! The horses are this way! Where are you going?" came his brother's voice over the chanting crowd.

"Errrm sorry Prat'..Lakshmana. Challiye! Where's the saint?" Yash smiled sheepishly at Lakshmana. Lakshmana looked at him, shook his head in amusement, and headed off toward the waiting horses. Yash passed a hand over his face- he would have to get used to all these new names. He climbed up on his horse, nodding to the chanting crowd, and galloped off with Saint Vishwamitra in the lead, feeling proud that he was about to do something of use for the first time in his life.

***********

Yash entered the dense forest with his horse at a slow trot. The trees cast deep shadows, and not much light penetrated the thick roof of leaves. Beneath the hooves of his horse he could almost feel the springy moss and rotting leaves. He had managed to ponder every single detail of the Ramayana that he knew, and it was somewhere at this point that the yakshini Tarka would try to attack his brother, Saint Vishwamitra and him. He held the weapon the saint had given him tighter, nodding at Lakshmana as a warning. The two glanced at the saint who had been strategically placed between them. Although he had never fought a battle before, he felt a more mature, strategic version of himself stepping in. Yash sat up straighter on his horse, feeling confident. The horses fidgeted, sensing the impending danger he assumed. He sent up a silent prayer to Rama, smiling at the irony.

A faint rustling sound captured his attention. It was strange in this silence''Hmm'.a silent forest? His eyes searched rapidly for the source of the sound. Suddenly a loud ear-drum piercing shriek filled the air. The three men struggled to control their horses, Yash battling against the desire to drop his weapons and cover his ears. A creature appeared before him, female in appearance but not human. Her hair covered the majority of her ears, but their pointy tips could still be seen. Yash gulped.

"Oh Vishwamitra, these are the warriors you've brought to slay me? The least you could have done was bring Rama to offer me a good battle."

Yash's heart stilled in his chest. How did she know that he wasn't Rama? No one else had noticed. What was going on here? Two fiercer shrieks came from their flank, drowning his thoughts. Hey, Rama. The yakshini's sons. He was afraid to look behind him to see exactly where they were, for he knew that taking his eyes off the yakshini in front of him would only put them all in further danger. This was no time for doubts, conversation or hesitation. With a shake of his head that he hoped his brother would be able to interpret, he charged toward the smirking demon, leaning over his horse. She laughed at him, sending arrows and a sword flying in his direction. From behind he heard the sounds of even more arrows. Perfect. The sons were engaged with him as well. Fear tightened his stomach. Guide me and protect me Rama. Let me live up to the strength of your name. Help me to conquer these demons as you once did so long ago.The arrows fell about him, touching neither him nor his horse as he raised the mace the saint had given him. Anticipation filled his body and strengthened his grip on the powerful weapon, the metal feeling hot to the touch. He held the yakshini's black eyes in his gaze, stomach turning from the overpowering sense of evil he read there. The weight of his weapon connected to her skull with a stomach churning sound...and she fell, shock written on her face. He felt the shadow of Subahu fall across him, and he swung the weapon in that direction catching the demon in the stomach. Its limp body flew into the nearby trees, breaking five of their trunks with a thunderous crash. Wooden splinters flew everywhere as a shower of leaves came down. A twitch of movement caught his eye, turning his attention to Mareech who had leveled an attack at his brother and the saint. An intense fury swept through his body. No one threatened his chota bhaiya. No one. In one fluid movement, the bow that was sitting in his other hand rose, mace dropping between his knees and the saddle as he reached for an arrow. He settled the shaft of the arrow against the bow's window, looked at the demon, aiming with ease. Taking a deep breath, he drew the bow to its breaking point enjoying the feel of the taut string against his fingers and released.

The arrow flew cleanly threw the air, seeming to move in slow motion before Yash's eyes. He watched in satisfaction as the arrow pierced the demon's armour, lifting it from its feet and carrying it through the air. He stilled, shocked at the distance the arrow seemed to have taken the demon. Demon and arrow had cleared a path straight through the thickly forested area, letting in light that had not been there before. He took his eyes off the disappearing figure to see how the saint had fared.

"Wise one, is all well with you?" asked a relieved Yash.

"Ji haan. Shrukiya beta." smiled the saint.

"Ram bhaiya'.yeh kya hua? How could you put yourself at so much risk? You didn't leave even one for me to destroy." came the angry voice of Lakshmana.

"Chote, woh'"

"Jai Prabhu!" An ecstatic voice resounded in the forest. "I've found you! And now I am at your service."

"Who are you?" Yash looked at the being who was more monkey than man. He didn't know if the stress had affected his mind or not, but this'..this'.this looked like Hanuman. Otherwise, something must have hit him in the head when he wasn't paying attention.

"Challo Prabhu! To celebrate your victory there's another victory to be won." Hanuman smiled enthusiastically." Off to Mithila where King Janak has begun the svayamvaraa of his daughter." He leaned in closer to Yash speaking softly so that no one else would hear, "You aren't my Rama, but I knew that you were coming. What you seek you shall find."

Yash looked up puzzled.

*******

The noise was intense. There were many men gathered to try their hand in the svayamvaraa King Janak had called. Those who had gone before were strewn in various groups watching on in good humour as they're friends tired themselves in participation. Yash looked at the object of their efforts, and frowned. How was he supposed to lift that bow? It was like nothing he'd ever seen before. He was about to give up and walk away when he saw her. Dark silky hair waved around her face, shielding the alluring eyes he had caught a glimpse of a minute ago. They rose slowly, partially hidden by their long lashes, and his breath was gone. There was so much fear and confusion hidden in those brown pearls, yet he could see the resilient gleam bursting through all of it. He wanted them to be filled with love and happiness only. Without a second thought he goaded his horse up the stairs, hopping off before the dais where the King and his family sat. He bowed to them, and gazed at her. She smiled at him and the whole world lit up. Conscious of every eye looking at him, he reached down and raised the bow, enjoying its weight. Absolute silence filled the arena. He strung the bow, and pulled it to its full strength. The sound of its shattered pieces falling filled the silence. Dropping the destroyed bow, Yash walked toward King Janak. The King nodded, and signaled for his daughter to be led toward Yash.

"Sita of Mithala belongs to Rama of Kosala!"

Cheers broke out everywhere. Yash looked down at the grinning Lakshmana, but returned his attention to her.

"Why do you look so afraid?" he asked.

"I'm not Sita, I'm Aarti. I don't belong here, Rama." she whispered.

Yash smiled down at her. "That makes two of us. You can call me Yash'.and by the way, you are not going to believe what happened to me."

******

As they walked around the sacred fire Yash could only think of the soft palm in his hand, and downcast gaze of the woman behind him. Aarti. Those who seek must first find. Those who find must later seek He had found something without seeking it, just like that riddle had said. Something completely unexpected. Love. It had only taken one glance into her eyes, seeing the depth within to fall completely for her. He was afraid now. Yash knew that every step he took from now on would lead him farther away from her. They were staying in this world on borrowed time, and he didn't know if he would ever meet her again once this was over. Her fingers tightened around his hand as if she had sensed the direction of his thoughts. Together they spoke the unifying words after the last vow.

"We have taken the Seven Steps. You have become mine forever. Yes, we have become partners. I have become yours. Hereafter, I cannot live without you. Do not live without me. Let us share the joys. We are word and meaning, united. You are thought and I am sound. May the night be honey-sweet for us. May the morning be honey-sweet for us. May the earth be honey-sweet for us. May the heavens be honey-sweet for us. May the plants be honey-sweet for us. May the sun be all honey for us. May the cows yield us honey-sweet milk. As the heavens are stable, as the earth is stable, as the mountains are stable, as the whole universe is stable, so may our union be permanently settled."

"I'm coming with you."

"Chote, have you lost your mind? You are not coming with me!"Yash looked at Aarti, before turning his attention back to the insistent Lakshmana.

"Think about your wife! Think about our father, King Dasharatha! He cannot afford to lose two sons for fourteen years." The frustrated Yash clenched his fists, no wonder Pratiek was the face of Lakshmana. These two were one and the same.

"Bhaiya, please. You will not do this alone. Bhabhi, make him understand that we all go." Without another, Lakshmana left the room, his wife trailing tearfully behind him. Yash knew that there was no way she would be going into the forest with them. It was difficult enough for him to take Aarti along, but Lakshmana's wife would never be able to survive in the forest.

"Aarti'.I'"

"Hush. Come here." She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head under his chin. "No matter what you say, I'm coming too. We don't know when the magic will wear off and send us back home, and after that'.."

Yash squeezed her tightly.

"I'll always find you. No matter where we end up, I'll search until you're with me again. Challo biwi, if I remember the Ramayana correctly, our hut awaits us, but for Rama's sake do not ask me to go searching for a golden deer." Laughing at her irritated face, he planted a light kiss on her forehead, staining his lips with the sindoor. His rested on her hair, as they stood cocooned in each other's comforting presence.

****

Yash lay silently inside the darkened hut. He was wondering for the thousandth time what would happen when they were to meet the requirements of the entire riddle. He had already learned so much here, and for the first time in his life, there were things that mattered other than himself. He had never been oblivious to the world around him, but being here had brought it all to the forefront. The freedom of being in the modern world, the joy of having his parents' affection without fear of being banished from all that he loved. He could not believe that he had come all the way here to lose his family twice. He twirled a few strands of the sleeping Aarti's face. She looked so angelic when she was free of worry...what would he do without her? He had learned the hard way what indifference and obsession could do to a family, driving a wedge between him and his modern family that he hadn't even noticed. He couldn't believe that he had chosen work over them at Diwali. What was he thinking? This trip was definitely teaching him something. He knew that all that was left was for him to actively seek out something, but what would it be? He pulled Aarti closer, drifting into a restless sleep.

By Kadeen (Kittiya _Cullen)