Goa by Kara Dalkey

Author:Kara Dalkey [Kara Dalkey]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tor
Published: 1996-08-15T18:06:57+00:00

13

BAMBOO: This tall grass grows in the East. It has a hollow stem, which is put to a multitude of uses, and leaves shaped like dagger blades. The stem may be eaten, but must be cooked first, otherwise it is poisonous. In India, the bamboo is symbolic of friendship and fires of divine origin. It is said to have sprung from the ashes of a girl who was tricked into marrying beneath her caste. It is believed in the East that if the bamboo blossoms, famine and other calamity lie ahead…

Sri Aditi sat with her arms wrapped around her knees as her dholi bounced and jostled. Her men knew where to take her: But she did not know if she would be welcomed there. She did not dare look to see if the foreigner still followed.

At last her bearers' pace slowed, and sounds quieted around her. The dholi settled to the ground and the cloth cover was raised. With as much grace as she could manage, Aditi unfolded herself and stood up.

They were in the side garden of a large, regal stone house that had stood before the Portuguese, or even the mughul shahs had come to Goa. The garden was shaded by asoka trees, bright with scarlet blossoms. Iridescent peacocks pecked their way through luxuriant ferns and champak bushes.

Sri Aditi removed two gold bracelets from her wrists and handed one to each bearer. "I thank you. Go, but take only side streets. Do not return to this place unless you are sent for."

The men bowed and silently departed.

A servant in a long cream-colored jama tunic and turban appeared at the door, and his eyes opened wide with alarm. "Sri Aditi. We had heard you were gone."

Aditi bowed. "So I was, Dwarpal. But the breath of Indra has blown me back. I must once again beg assistance from your masters."

The servant glanced toward the garden gate. "No one saw you come here?"

"I believe no one knows where I am."

He seemed dubious. "You had best come inside and wait. But I do not know what my master and lady will say."

"I understand. I am as distressed as they will surely be. I can only hope they have some kindness yet to spare for me."

"Lakshmi has worked greater wonders. Come inside, quickly."

Aditi followed Dwarpal through richly appointed side corridors, feeling more like a thief who has been discovered than a guest.

Dwarpal stopped and indicated a doorway that led onto a central garden. "Here is a place you may wait in comfort. I will have clove tea brought to you, if you wish."

"That would be most pleasant. You reflect the grace of your masters, as always, Dwarpal." Aditi bowed and walked out into the colonnaded garden. It was largely filled with a rectangular pool upon which floated pale lotus blossoms. A single spout of water fountained from the middle of the pool. Jasmine and narcissus grew beside it, scenting the air. Twilight was falling and the evening star could be seen in the indigo sky.

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