Episode 9: The Last Nautch Girl
Rahim lay back against the hard stone wall to ease his tense shoulders. He blinked. His eyes were used to the darkness around him. He had been on the watch for the last four hours. Any time now, Saptarishi would be here. Technically, there was nothing to do but wait.
On the stone wall directly opposite to where he sat, a wide rectangular cavity was faintly visible. The sound of gushing water and a draft of air flitted in through it from time to time. It was the only respite from the heat inside. The wall itself was of enormous length and height. To the left, it stretched into complete darkness. To the right, at ten yards from the cavity, was the western corner. Here a larger niche in the adjacent stone wall housed a stone staircase that disappeared upwards. The massive cellar where he sat, even had pillars at strategic points. Clear lines, where huge wooden crates might have stood, still marked the dusty, old stone floor. Now, the place’s emptiness gave it a terrifying individuality.
An unused oil-lamp stood on Rahim’s right. Bhanu Da had strictly forbidden its use during the watch. Rahim didn’t mind. It was easier to sit in the darkness. The solitude drove away any drowsiness he may have felt. Although the time passed slowly, his whole body stayed alert. On his left, he had kept his rifle, a pack of firebombs and a box of matches. In case there was a hostile intruder, Rahim would have to light the firebombs as quickly as possible. The noise would alert the rest of the group sitting in the hideout. They could make a quick get-away. The ensuing chaos would most likely confuse and incapacitate the enemy, leaving ample time for Rahim to flee.
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