This is the only way they can wipe their karma clean of the sins of their previous births. Hence they have to live this life out with dignity and tolerate their present sufferings with grace. ‘Vikarma people, my Lord,’ said Nandi sighing deeply, ‘are people who have been punished in this birth for the sins of their previous birth. Nandi laughed along good naturedly as Shiva patted his friend on the back.Īs they turned and walked into the lane, Shiva asked, ‘Who are vikarma women?’ ‘It’s a wonder that just one restaurant can actually make enough food to satisfy your hunger!’ And his kitchen is going to run for at least an hour more. ‘I have found a good restaurant, my Lord,’ said an ecstatic Nandi. Shiva stepped back to let the procession pass as Nandi touched him gendy on his arm. The crier’s tone and demeanour was unquestionably courteous. ‘Would you like to move aside, sir? A procession of vikarma women needs to pass for their prayers.’ Please move!’Ī surprised Shiva turned around to find a tall Meluhan Kshatriya looking down at him. Shiva, lost in his thoughts about the strange practices of the Meluhans, did not hear the announcement of the town crier till he was almost right behind him. These well-mannered idiots would not be able to get any business done in our boisterous mountain market!
The customers spoke softly and in an unfailingly polite manner, even if they were bargaining. None of the shopkeepers came out to scream and advertise their wares. But despite the large number of people and the commerce being conducted, the street was not bursting with noise. It was a busy market area with restaurants and shops spread evenly. As Nandi hurried off, Shiva looked around the street. I will just go and check if we have a restaurant owner who has not taken his vows.’ Why don’t you wait on the side? There are some good restaurants on the lane at the right. ‘This is the time of the year for religious vows, my Lord,’ explained Nandi. Nandi nodded and followed Shiva out of the restaurant. He was stopped by Shiva who signalled downwards with his eyes at the bead covered cravat around his throat.
Nandi blurted out in surprise, ‘But who has taken religious.’ ‘And you know that one of the vows is that I cannot serve meat to fellow religious vow keepers.’ But I too am undergoing religious vows at this time,’ said the restaurant owner politely, pointing to the beads around his throat. ‘What’s the matter, brother?’ asked Nandi. The owner however stopped Shiva at the entry. The inviting aroma of freshly cooked meat brought forth a long-lost hunger in Nandi that had not been satisfied in the past two days at the royal guest house. Walking forward, Nandi guided Shiva towards one of his favourite restaurants. Shiva and Nandi tied their horses in the designated area next to the main Raj at platform market. If I can find some way to make her happy, I will do it. For Sati’s sake, I would not mind breaking any law. ‘That is the difference between you and me.
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