Episode 8: The Last Nautch Girl
Content Warning: This post contains graphic descriptions of sensitive topics that may be upsetting to some readers. Unsuitable for all readers under the age of 18.
Bhanu stood on the sidewalk looking up the dark and desolate street. The night air was freezing cold. But Bhanu was burning. A fire of rage emanated from his very being. Sweat poured down his hard-worn face. His shirt was soaked through. The rifle in his hands seemed heavier than usual.
Presently, a rickshaw could be heard in the distance. Next minute, it came into view at the far street-corner. A weary-looking old man in ragged clothing pulled the rickety old carriage. Bhanu braced himself. He went down on one knee and poised the rifle, ready to shoot. His breathing grew hard. As the rickshaw neared him, Bhanu felt the sweat from his forehead flowing into his eyes. His vision was getting blurry. Each time he tried to wipe his eyes, more sweat flowed into them. With a sudden jolt, he realised that he was crying. He felt disgusted with himself. This was no time for remorse.
The rickshaw reached Bhanu. The light of the dingy street lamp fell on the passenger seat. The Major lay drunk and vulnerable. Bhanu smiled inwardly. He took aim and pulled the trigger. A loud blast resounded through the empty street. The rickshaw driver jumped and lost his footing. Bats seemed to burst out of the street lamps and screech their applause. Bhanu stood up feeling the heat inside him start to cool off. When he looked at the Major again, he was shocked. A dummy made of straw lay where the Major had been. A great smoking hole was visible in place of the torso. Bhanu looked around him in confusion.
The rickshaw driver stood up. He looked at Bhanu with glassy ageing eyes that seemed to pop out of his skull. “Thank god, son,” the old rickshaw driver said. “You’re no murderer.”
Bhanu leapt back in fear as the entire rickshaw burst into flames. The driver and the dummy, both were engulfed by the fire. Suddenly, Bhanu felt weak. The rifle fell out of his hands. He groped at the burning vehicle with the mad notion that once he touched it the flames would stop. But the heat in his stomach would not let him move. He looked down to see what was holding him back. The lower half of his body was also consumed in flames.
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