Then her eyes fell on a building that stood a little distance. The red-tile-roofed building stood in stark contrast to a sweep of green grass around it. Anu looked at it mesmerized and started walking towards it. As she neared it, she squinted against the evening Sun and read the word ‘Karma’ etched artistically on a brass signboard. Her reverie began to crumble slowly as she realized it was a yoga and Ayurvedic health centre. She would probably have to sell herself to even set foot in there. As Anu was about to turn back, a tall and very graceful young woman in a saree sashayed towards her.

‘Ma’am, Good Evening.’

Anu felt like an ungainly pig facing that woman. She returned the greeting and stopped to hear what news that nymph had for her.

‘Are you here for the trial yoga class? The class has just begun. You can join in.’ God, even her voice was so melodious.

Anu decided to go along. It was her lucky day, after all! Free tennis classes and now a free yoga class in that gorgeous building. She was curious to see how it looked from inside. Probably had all kinds of vintage stuff with posts to pillars hauled from old houses in Kerala. She loved those.

‘Sure. I would love to go in.’

The woman took her tennis racquet and led her inside the beautifully carved door. The moment Anu stepped inside, her smile vanished. It was hot as hell in there! People were sitting cross-legged, with their eyes closed and profusely sweating. Hot Vikram Yoga! Anu started to feel so claustrophobic, she was certain to faint soon. Before she even had a chance to escape from there, the instructor, an older and a lot sterner version of the woman who ushered her in, signalled Anu to take a place bang in the middle of the room. Great! Now there was no escape.

17

17

Wedged between a slim girl on her left and a large woman on her right, Anu closed her eyes as per the instruction. ‘Breathe deeply. Inhale … hold … exhale … hold.’

Well, Anu could do all that easily if only she was not getting roasted to a crisp. Sweat trickled down her back and face. She tried wiping her face with the back of her arm but the next instruction, gentle but stern, stopped her in her tracks. ‘Do not move. Hands in Chin Mudra and breathe.’

How long was this breathing thing! Anu suddenly felt nostalgic remembering Supriyaji’s classes. It was so nice and airy in her house. And all her routines were just about right.

‘Now, take a break and have a sip of water.’ The tone made Anu remember the movie Hunger Games, where if you didn’t follow the instructions you would have to die. This was no different.