‘I also hope you know that despite there being no doors, no theft or burglary ever occurred in this place called Shani Shignapur. Some who have tried to steal have died vomiting blood within minutes of their act and before they could cross the boundary. Many others who attempted a theft were punished with long sickness and mental imbalance.’

Rajjo shook her head.

‘I don’t believe that. It’s the same how these people believe Rani Maa can cure them and do miracles. So what do you think?’

Kuljeet sighed and after a brief interlude she cautiously added, ‘I am sorry I did not hear your plans, because if I did I would have to tell Rani Ma.’

Dismissing Rajjo, Kuljeet turned around to give another set of instructions to the men who had just walked into the storeroom.

Rajjo wanted to dance with Joy. Kuljeet liked it! She was on the right track. Just when Rajjo was leaving the dark musty room, Kuljeet asked the men to leave with the quilts in a sharp voice.

‘Your time is running out soon. Rani Maa will know, it’s a matter of time. Give yourself a month or so before she finds it and parcels you off to nowhere land. Don’t underestimate her, Rajjo. She still wields a heavy wand here. ’

A surprising lump climbed up Rajjo’s throat at Kuljeet’s concern. ‘Someone wise has said no great thing is created suddenly, anymore than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me you desire a fig, I’ll tell you that there is a time for everything, let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen. Says Epictetus, in the red diary of the man that wasn’t!’ Rajjo declared in a prudent tone.

Kuljeet bunched up her nose in irritation.

‘You and your man and that Epictetus have a month to ripen your fig or there won’t be any fruit left for you! Or any teeth to eat it with!’

Kuljeet limped away, worried for Rajjo.

Rajjo was now set against time. But she was ready for the battle. She could feel the trumpets of victory stirring in her stony ear. Or then, they could be the cries of the ghouls in a wasted graveyard.

December 1992

Rajjo and Raahat had taken leave from the ashram on the pretext of visiting their families. Arjan had allowed them a week off. That’s all they had between them, along with some money, some cigarettes and a red diary.

They were in the city of Ludhiana. Rajjo knew her husband’s town was nearby, and she could seek him out when the time came.