‘No, Idhika,’ Aman said. ‘I can prove it. I have pictures of my father standing beside the Kalpavriksha.’

‘Others have mistaken different trees for the Kalpavriksha. Look, Aman. Does this bazaar seem at all of the outside world? There is, and simply cannot be, any movement in and out of here. Don’t you figure I myself would have ventured a trip to the plains?’

Aman could have mentioned the string purse full of danas—also in the box—but he could see Idhika would not believe him.

‘I dearly miss my father too, Aman, and there can be many paths to your goal.’ She paused dramatically. ‘I might be able to help you. But it’ll be a while before I’m ready.’

‘I knew you’d come around,’ Aman said.

‘Nothing can be done yet.’ She wanted to let him down gently. ‘Can I entrust you with the uncommunicated? Not one Vanyasi other than me and Aranyani knows this secret for now; not even Sanaka.’

‘What is it? I promise to keep it to myself.’ Would this information help him with his aim? He waited eagerly for her to speak.

‘The reason Aarti is no longer a concern for me in Gurukul,’ she said, ‘is because Aranyani is teaching me in private. News of the incident with the vulture travelled through the threshold of her hut, and that is where I have spent the majority of the last month. I’m getting better at Atmayog. I won’t be resuming Gurukul with the other Souls for a while.’

‘Why is that?’

‘For the transparent grounds before us. I’m the Blue Rose. Aranyani herself informed me that I’m the Eka, just as my mother was. And rightly so. From what Father had taught me, it is not a simple task. Since I feel responsible for the valley, and know most about our ways, it is only sensible that I lead the Mahayatra.’

Aman realized he would no longer be blamed for failing Adwaita. ‘You have to tell everyone! The whole valley is waiting—’

‘No! Swear to Indra you will not mention this to anyone,’ she said. ‘In return, when I can Atmayog to different locations—even outside of the Seven Hills—I will find your father’s box—’

‘Idhika, run!’ From the corner of his eye, Aman had spotted the mat trader in the distance, making his way towards them through the shuffle of villagers.

She was startled but realized the import of his words. They squeezed past people, through the crowds, and by the time the trader got to where they had been standing, Aman and Idhika were well on their way to the village.

10

Suryast

‘Thank Indra that you reminded me,’ Idhika said, running faster than Aman, leading the way to her hut. ‘It’s almost sunset, and we don’t want to be caught outside during Suryast.’

Aman was relieved he wouldn’t have to explain their hasty exit from the bazaar. When they reached her hut, Idhika led him in and gestured to the cold floor. It dug into his ankles as he sat beside Idhika in the centre of her hut. He exhaled and straightened his back. Time to meditate.