‘For this honour, the honour of coming to the valley as a Soul, cannot be purchased. The role of the Eka, the torchbearer, is not a position afforded to those who covet it. Instead, the lord offers it to the Soul that has it in their destiny. And every decade, the Eka has led the trek up to the ancient mountains as a mandatory service to him. It’s the Eka’s duty.’ Jagrav paused to face Idhika. ‘As it was once your mother’s, Child of the Valley.’

The wind was starting to draw heat out of their resting area. Idhika picked up a rock by the fire and tucked it under her feet for warmth. Jagrav said, ‘Now that I think about it, Aranyani did look exceedingly worried. And the five of you, Idhika, Fayza, Aman, Prithvi and Ujal, were standing together, not saying anything. Aman, you looked like you were sleepwalking. Sanaka went on, “Many brave yogis fulfil their purpose by taking on this treacherous journey laden with difficulties. Some are taken by the cold, some fall and feed the ridges, while the weary terrain makes a few perish. But the Eka’s guidance and instincts will not only help you find Madhu but also keep the Mountain Pishachus at bay.”’

As fresh flakes of snow started to rain down on them, Aarti, who already knew the events of the morning, stifled a yawn.

‘“Excess weight will not be taken and only the necessities will be laden upon you. Minimum weapons for you so you can move fast and keep yourself secret from Chayan. If you return empty-handed—as per tradition—you will find the gates of Vanyasa locked. Madhu alone will grant you entry.” Then Sanaka mentioned how the duration of the journey could vary between a couple of days to almost a month, depending on the sharpness of the leader. When he finished, and no questions were put forth, he said, “Don’t forget, the journey lies within,” and left, with Aranyani following him. We stowed our luggage into these cloth bags, the villagers accompanied us till the gates in the Seven Hills, singing the Song of the Valley and its many variations, and bid us farewell. We followed Idhika as she ventured forward.’

When Jagrav was done, all the Souls looked at Idhika for a response. She stood up, lost in thought, and began walking away from the fire, into the dark by herself. Aman thought to accompany her but knew she couldn’t possibly stray far from the heat it was radiating.

And sure enough, she was back within minutes. ‘I’ve been thinking,’ she said, ‘it is not a good sign that Sanaka delivered his speech this morning with so much confidence. Now, listen, do not let your eyes wander from the surroundings. Guard me. It will take me a while to go home and come back.’ She sat down.

When Idhika fell into Atmayog, something told Aman to keep an eye on Aarti. He sat beside the meditative Eka, in front of the fire, alert to anything Aarti might pull. Savitri and Ujal quietly munched on dried fruits and raw vegetables next to him, each wondering privately where Idhika could be, which companion she had assumed the form of and, most importantly, what she would find when she reached home.