by Faraaz Kazi
A slow rasping sound made me turn. I jumped back, the cell phone leaving my hands and smashing against the concrete floor. Someone was seated on the chair, rocking back and forth. Through the fallen light, I could see those hands placed on the arms of the chair, two gruesome wrinkled limbs with ugly boils plastered over the black skin. The red bangles on its wrists shone in my eyes,
The Other Side
169
momentarily blinding me. That thing and I call it a thing because I could sense it wasn't human as no human could have such a hideous form, as vile an existence as the one seated opposite to my horrified self.
That thing twisted its abominable head my way, its long dirty hair hiding the devilish face beneath but I could see those eyes, those red charcoal eyes burning right into my soul. And then my eyes fell on its body. The thing wore a green bridal lehenga, there was no mistaking where I had seen that before. I screamed but my rapidly pacing heart could not supply enough intensity to the sound. The thing got up from the chair and slithered down, its hideous body stooped over at an angle as it dragged its webbed feet over the ground. It crawled towards me, arms twisted in a horrible manner. The red bangles clanked every time the beast took a step on all its four limbs. I backed up as far as I could, my back touching the wall in the corner. A long forked tongue emerged from the thing's mouth tasting my fear from a distance in the surrounding air. Those blackened lips seemed to smile in a sinister manner, revealing blood-soaked chipped teeth. And suddenly, the thing moaned, wolf-like, rooting me to the spot as I crumbled down, covering myself with all the prayers I could remember. Through the corner of my eyes that were unwilling to look at the monster again, I could see the two gruesome hands with those red bangles on their wrists, clanking, their sound hurting my senses as they made their way towards my throat. I followed the phone onto the floor in a crumbled mess.
The filtered sunlight passing through the window woke me up and I stretched lazily, stifling a yawn. The twittering of the birds outside the window seemed strangely soothing. I blinked my eyes, rubbed them with my fists and then as the horror of the night sank in my heart, I stood up in an instant and looked around. Arti was still lying on the bed. With nervous steps, I walked ahead and shook her frame. The very next instant, I frowned. Arti had been unconscious for over sixteen hours since the time she had stirred in her sleep. This was totally absurd. Even if she had been given the maximum permissible quantity of chloroform, she should have been up by now. And then that remote possibility entered into my mind, locking my breath in my chest. What if…? No! Raw fear, far more than what I had faced last night engulfed me.
I hoped, I prayed I had not given her an overdose of that liquid. I dragged my shaking body to her bound form, lying peacefully on the bed. With shaking hands, I picked up her wrist and let go immediately. Those red bangles! I crossed over and examined the other hand. There too! I let it drop and the hand bounced off on the mattress and rested. No, I can't be scared of Arti. 'She is all that I have now,' I sighed and held Arti's hand again, disregarding the red bangles.
I felt her skin, right below the palm and then as I went lower and lower, I cringed, my expressions changing to increasing degrees of shock, then dread, finally followed by horror. I dropped her hand again, only to place my fingers beneath her nostrils.
With a cry of anguish never before experienced, I fell down on her lifeless body. I tore my hair, beat my chest and cried with tears that washed her lifeless face, the sound shaking the ground beneath me.
“Arti, my Arti… it can't be… how can you leave me now? When I have done everything, everything to achieve your love.
The Other Side
171 Don't desert me like this. Please, please wake up,” I cried, embracing her bridal frame.
She remained as immobile to my love as she had been before. “No, Arti. I can't allow you to go. You will have to rise again for me, for my love. Death is too weak a barrier to separate me from you, to dilute what I feel for you,” I shouted as my voice echoed across the empty house.
I laughed, hollow at first and then a full-throated high-pitched sound that shook my whole body, I envisioned Arti in my arms again. How sweet she looked! Oh, that cherubic innocence of her face. There would be no end to our love. “Arti, I love you,” I whispered staring at her.
Did she just smile? I guess she did. She loves me too, isn't it? Oh, how happy I am. How beautiful the world seems suddenly! How lovely that sunrise!
I kissed Arti, lightly at first and then passionately embracing her lips with mine. Oh, how desperately had I waited for this day! Her skin felt cold but as smooth as wispy clouds in the sky. I pulled open the knots of her bondage and took her in my arms. Unable to restrain myself any longer, I jumped on her, digging my face into her silky black locks. I put my arms around her waist, pulling her in, deep within. Placing my steely lips on hers again, I sucked the nectar of the heavens. I threw open every barrier between our bodies and worshipped each fragment of her with my lips. I licked the buds and stroked the petals. Each part of my existence kissed each part of hers as I pumped into her, my pelvis quivering innumerable times, releasing the dormant passion of a decade and a half.
I couldn't stop. Not now. She was mine. I didn't want to stop even as the lights outside dimmed making it all the more romantic. I didn't stop even when the perfume of her tresses turned sweetly pungent, settling on a delicious rotten. I didn't stop even when I felt her body stir beneath mine. I didn't stop even when I heard her moan, slow almost wolf-like. I didn't stop even when she suddenly opened her red charcoal eyes to check on her lover but I did gasp and managed to mumble a final confession of my love for her when the two gruesome black hands with those red bangles, clanking their sweet tune, wrapped themselves around my throat.
“Here is a list of terrible things,
The jaws of sharks, a vultures wings
The rabid bite of the dogs of war,
The voice of one who went before,
But most of all the mirror's gaze,
Which counts us out our numbered days.”
¯ Clive Barker
The Mark of the Beast
T
he asphalt road ended at the Sari village. A young couple emerged from the taxi. Though the girl was wearing minimal makeup, unostentatious jewelery and was attired in the standard gear of her generation, a tee and Capri's; the dark henna adorning her hands and feet hinted at her newly married status. Her husband was dressed in an expensive designer T-shirt that he had purchased from Harrodson his last trip to London paired with jeans while his flashy chronograph, pointy leather shoes and shaded sunglasses drew attention from the pretty village lasses playing around. He smiled tenderly at Shalini, his newly acquired wife, soaking in the sun the moment his feet touched the ground.
“Our real journey begins now! We start trekking from here. Our next destination is Devariyatal, a lake some 2-3 hours from here. Now tell me if you want to start for it now or tomorrow morning,” he asked.
“Sanath, I'm a little too tired. How about we freshen up and rest for now and start our trekking adventure tomorrow morning?” Shalini replied with a warm smile.
Sanath found them accommodation in the comfortable homestay. He also arranged for two guides who would double up as porters and carry their considerable luggage. After a hot bucket bath, a short nap followed by snuggling in each other's arms and discovering the bonuses a new marriage brings along to the bed, they started late next morning, holding hands as they trudged ahead.
“I thought you said this would be a gentle climb,” Shalini remonstrated as she huffed and puffed her way uphill.
“As far as treks go this is gentle. You are just not used to walking. Don't worry; we'll tread slowly resting our tired limbs. You will get used to it,” Sanath maintained.
Shalini carried on gamely, thankful that Sanath had made her abandon her high-heeled sandals in favor of flat sneakers before commencing the journey. After a while she got used to the terrain and brightened up. She st
arted taking more interest in the surroundings and paying attention to the little nuggets of knowledge that Sanath dispensed as they went along.
“These are rhododendron blossoms,” Sanath pointed out the red flowers that covered the trees ahead of them. “And if you look carefully you'll see a pair of yellow tailed magpies sitting on that branch.”
“How come you so much about them? You have never come to this place before. And if you would not have pointed out the birds I would not even have seen them,” Shalini asked.
“The eye does not see what the mind does not know,” Sanath replied. “Knowing things is simple; you just need to take interest.”
They walked at a leisurely pace and reached Devariyatal in three hours instead of the regulation two hours.
“It's divine!” squealed Shalini as they watched the reflection of the surrounding snow covered peaks in the majestic lake.
The Other Side
177
Ramesh and Brijesh, their guides helped them set up camp. Sanath produced a folding tent and helped the guides to pitch it near the shore of the lake.
“We'll go fishing in the lake post lunch. This lake is famous for Rainbow Trout. We can have them for dinner if we catch some,” Sanath said, rubbing his hands in delight.
Evening descended with a disconcerting suddenness and light faded rapidly. Ramesh set up a bonfire for them while Brijesh roasted the fish they had caught earlier at the end of a long stick.
“I want to go for a walk,” Sanath declared. “Do you want to come along, Shalini?”
“No, no sir,” Ramesh sounded anxious. “Don't go away from the campfire. It is not safe.”
“What do you mean?” Sanath said irritated. “We are just going for a walk around the lake.”
“Sir, this is the jungle. Dangerous animals roam around. And then there are things you do not understand,” Ramesh touched the amulet around his neck for protection.
“What do you mean by things I do not understand? Are you talking about ghosts and spirits?” Sanath mocked.
“Sir, please do not talk about these things at night. I'll explain about them at morning,” the usually reticent Brijesh spoke up. “Right now, I'll request you not to venture out. And we have to worry about madam's safety as well.”
“Okay!” Sanath conceded grudgingly. “Why don't you arrange for our dinner?”
After dinner Sanath led Shalini into their tent and showed off the last surprise of the day.
“This is a special sleeping bag designed to accommodate a couple. I got it from the States as a gift for my bride to be,” he said as Shalini snuggled into his embrace.
The next part of their trek was through thick jungle. They moved uphill towards Chopta, their next destination.
“Okay! You said certain things couldn't be talked about in the dark. Now tell me what you were hinting at last night,” Sanath prodded the guides.
“Sir, the jungle we are passing through has dangerous animals and pathways. We have leopards, wolves and jackals. They usually do not trouble humans at daytime. But they are in their element at night,” Ramesh replied.
“And then there is the great Himalayan bear. They can attack even at daytime,” Brijesh added. “They have been known to carry off young women.”
“Old wives tales!” scoffed Sanath. “The scientific name for Himalayan bear is Ursus thibetanus. They may attack humans occasionally. But they don't carry off women. I know enough about them. I am from America and have trekked in Grizzly Bear territory.”
“Sir, this is a strange land, far removed from your America. We have djinns, bhootsand churailsin these mountains. And then there is the beast,” Ramesh whispered, looking to his left and right.
“Beast? What beast?” Sanath appeared to be amused. “Sssh… not so loud, sir!” Ramesh looked around, this time with raised apprehension and lowered his voice further. “The beast!
The Other Side
179
It is a fearsome creature, half human, half bear. But please don't even mention its name. It brings a lifetime of sorrow and bad luck.” And he refused to answer further questions on the subject.
“These guys are giving us a lot of bull,” Sanath consoled Shalini after seeing her slowdown. “Don't pay any attention and just enjoy the surroundings.”
They reached the ridge at Tali and started their descent. Shalini found the going easy and their pace improved. They reached a mountain stream that danced and sparkled in the afternoon sun.
“We will stop here for lunch,” Sanath announced and the guides immediately started setting things up.
Shalini took off her sneakers and socks and dipped her feet in the cold water. It felt good. Sanath joined her and they sat side by side, enjoying the scenery while the guides prepared their food a little distance away. Shalini felt adventurous and a little frisky. She coaxed Sanath to the middle of the shallow stream and soon they were splashing around like school-kids, drenching their bodies.
“Sir, lunch is ready!” Ramesh called out and they made their way to the shore, looking sheepish in their sodden clothes.
“This place is a veritable paradise. I want to camp here tonight,” Sanath decided.
“No sir! This place is not safe. We need to go uphill for two kilometers and reach Chopta. It will be far better to stay there.”
“I have made up my mind! Pitch my tent here while you go and stay there. Come back in the morning for us,” Sanath was insistent.
“Please try to understand. This is Garhwal, not your America. You cannot do this,” Ramesh coaxed.
“I am not going to change my mind. You'll get your payment only if you follow orders. Just do what I say,” Sanath thundered.
The guides complied with the instructions reluctantly. Then they collected dry wood and built a bonfire near the tent.
“We'll stay with you till evening and will leave before darkness descends. We will leave dinner for you and light the fire before leaving. We have collected enough firewood for it to burn the whole night. Do not venture away from it in the night. This will keep the animals away,” Brijesh informed. Time seemed to fly as the couple chitchatted about their changed lives and planned things ahead. Soon after sundown, the guides left for Chopta carrying most of their provisions, as night was about to descend.
Shalini and Sanath found themselves alone in the middle of nowhere. The fire burned steadily, casting a reassuring glow around. Sanath and Shalini snuggled up under a blanket.
“Ah, this feels like paradise. The air is so pure,” Sanath whispered.
“Yes, I wish our love stays pure like it, standing the test of times,” Shalini said, putting an arm around her husband.
The mountain stream gurgled nearby as the stars appeared on the firmament one by one. The sky was clear and the stars appeared to be much bigger and brighter as compared to the polluted metros they were accustomed to.
Sanath pecked her playfully on the cheek. “I promised you something different, didn't I? Now tell me how are you finding this honeymoon?”
“Camping in the middle of nowhere! Very romantic and all that but I am slightly scared.”
The Other Side
181
The creatures of the night hooted and twittered around them and Shalini inched closer to Sanath. Sanath realised that she was shivering. He tried to divert her attention.
“Allow me to give you a basic lesson in amateur astronomy. The three stars in a straight line just above us are a part of the constellation Orion. Orion is the legendary hunter who is supposed be hunting Taurus, the bull. If you look carefully at that group of stars over there you will see Taurus,” Sanath said, pointing skywards.
“You know everything, don't you?” Shalini said admiringly. Sanath smiled. “The easiest constellation to identify is the Ursa major or the big bear. If you see those seven stars…”
“Don't remind me of bears!” interrupted Shalini shivering involuntarily; the stories she had heard in the morning come back to her mind.
�
�You are cold and shivering,” Sanath said concerned. “Let's get into the tent and I'll make all problems go away,” he added with a wink, tugging at her dress.
The sound of thunder woke Shalini. She was disoriented for a moment, wondering where she was. Then she felt the sleeping form of Sanath next to her. She remembered that they were camped in the middle of the jungle. The tent was flapping and shaking in the wind while frequent flashes of lightening shone through the fabric. She thought she saw the lightening illuminate a large shadow near their tent. Shalini blinked and it was gone. It so resembled a bear on two feet, she thought. She rubbed her eyes, seeing her fears take shape in her mind.
“Sanath! W…Wake up. I think it is going to rain,” Shalini
shouted in his ears.
Sanath stirred, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. Before he was fully awake, it started raining. The thick drops lashed against the tent with all their fury while the wind howled and shook their temporary base. But credit to the American technology, the interiors remained dry.
“Hell! We should have listened to the guides. We would have been safe and sound in Chopta,” Sanath said, peering out to have a look.
“Well, we wanted an adventure and we are getting it,” replied Shalini. “We have no other option except waiting for the rain to subside.”
“I thought I had prepared for every eventuality, but am guilty of not carrying raincoats,” Sanath observed, checking the bag. “Doesn't matter! We will stay dry as long as we are inside the tent,” Shalini said.
The Other Side
183