Adventure on Takladweep by Arundati Dandapani

Author:Arundati Dandapani [Dandapani, Arundati]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mobilism
Publisher: Srishti Publishers & Distributors
Published: 2013-02-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter

10

“HODI HO! HODI HO ...” and then the rhythmic drumbeat, melody had filled the air.

Fisherwomen and their children proudly sashayed across the shimmering sands in various shades of earthy brown. Tall beefy fishermen flashed their bare bronzed bodies in the scorching heat of the sun. They marched up to their own families and looked chivalrous as they posed near their Chinese nets. Another group of inter communal settlers had now taken their place in the center, and were drumming, and clapping their hands together alternately. The moment they started their dance, the fishermen and women followed, forming an outer ring of the circle. The fishermen’s children also formed a separate union and they danced with nets full of the morning’s catch!

The passengers of Bharat Airlines’ looked on in veneration as they witnessed the festive proceedings. They were all huddled together in one side overawed by the culture that typically characterised Takladweep. Nikhil observed in wonder as he noted that the locals and settlers appeared very powerful and aggressive with their big round eyes and thick crown of hair, quite different from the native tribes he had encountered the previous evening. They wore no jewellery, only tattoos made from natural dyes.

Alongside, practice sessions for the Hodi races were about to begin. The settlers had removed their drums, and were beginning to line up near the coast to take up their own boats. More fishermen also arrived. These locals took turns to handle the drums and ultimately approached the neglected passengers. Their good natured babble helped the passengers overcome their apprehensions and shyness. It was the Marathi family who first joined in the dance. The rest of the passengers were soon to follow in the liberating dance for peace and fraternity among humankind ...

Nikhil, Gulsheen, the boys and all the families were enjoying themselves thoroughly. They had like everyone else, lost themselves to natures powerful forces as they hopped and skipped and tried to match their steps with the locals ... The children had forgotten about the earlier events of the afternoon.

The celebrations went on with great enthusiasm. Nikhil began to observe and appreciate the attachment between all the families around. His thoughts took a sudden sharp turn, and his dance stopped abruptly. To him it felt like as if the entire island was dancing to celebrate family ties. Nikhil’s eyes turned moist. He was beginning to miss his mother. His silent tears gave vent to anger. Quietly Nikhil made his way out of the mass carnival, without his friends even noticing.

Nikhil walked a distance till he reached an old couple whom he had seen on the flight, now lazily resting on a jute mat under a palm tree, completely oblivious the surroundings. His eyes furiously searched for Vatsala. But to his surprise and dismay, there was not a trace of any of the cabin crew close by. Having no choice but to wait, he hovered close by thinking of where to contact Vatsala Ghosh. He felt a surge of anger and

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