He could smell the fear of running away from a riot, the relief of finding Rajjo, the comfort of falling in love at the ashram, the stubbornness of following his own path and leaving the religious faction to come to America for a better life, the bittersweet good bye and the parting gift his friend had given him – a life in America. She had done it for him with a sense of betrayal but a deep commitment. She was the only family he had. He wished her peace and happiness. He wished for a chance to say goodbye.

A video played out on the computer. A reporter’s face came alive as the picture of a beautiful Godwoman floated on the screen. ‘A thirty-four-year-old Godwoman immolated herself in a live camera recording, in the presence of a small-time cable operator Kesar Kishori and a constable at a temple in the outskirts of Manali after claiming that she was taking ‘samadhi’ for people’s welfare. The video she left for her devotees has gone viral and sent the devotees and followers in a frenzy…However, claims that the video was tampered with have drowned in the overwhelming frenzy of her devotees.’

Rano and Karam stared at the video, watching Rajjo was engulfed in flames. ‘As the body of Durga Maa was consumed by fire, two witnesses sat on the ground near the pyre and were seen holding their palms together in reverence.

‘The question remains what happens to the huge empire that she has left behind. Some initial reports indicate that the assets will be managed by a trust for charitable causes. None of her family members have been given the reigns, but a young cable operator who was with the Godwoman when she threw herself in the pyre will be taking over the trust. The police have taken the cable operator for further questioning.’

Harsh was numb and excited at the same time. He was on his way to freedom. He was heading for Manali. He wanted to visit the place where Rajjo had bid adieu to the world, to her family, to her devotees and to him.

As he crossed many cities in his car, he could see giant posters of Durga covering the cityscapes. Her devotees hailed her as the goddess who took all their sins. Perhaps in her death she found the ultimate love and devotion.

To Harsh, her skin was radiant, her eyes shining and her smile captivating. Every poster he crossed seemed to reach out to him. Rajjo was in his soul and his breath as he reached the outskirts of Manali.