10. Soldier is brought to the village

CHAPTER 10

Soldier is brought to the village

All were watching as the youths dragged the soldier named Jaidev to the centre of the village.

Drummer, “Chikka Naik, they have caught him. They were dragging him here.” 

He beat the drum hard.

All the villagers got up anxious to see the Jaidev being dragged to Chikka Naik. They became ferocious and started hitting Jaidev.

Stopping them, Chikka said, “Till I give the order, no one is to touch him. I know what is to be done to him.”

All became silent. Chikka was their leader and they all obeyed him.

Jaidev looked at Chikka Naik in shock.  “What is this Naik? You cured my leg, lunch and sent me after filling me with love. Then what is this? You have tied me up and dragged me here.”

Going near Jaidev, Chikka said seriously, “You are not a human being.”

Looking at the villagers, Chikka said, “First tie this fellow to that tree.”

They tied him to the tree. Jaidev was scared. People were shouting slogans against him.

Jaidev shouted, “Why are you tying me up? What has happened to you all? Have you all become mad?”

Putting his hand on Jaidev’s neck angrily, Rupla said, “Chikka Naik, if you say ok, I will make his breathe stop.” 

Chikka said seriously, “That job is not for you. None of you should do anything to him. I know what to do to him and how to do it.”

All became silent. They watched angrily and waited for an order from their leader. Each of them was ready to peel Jaidev’s skin.

Going near Jaidev, Chikka said angrily, “Animal is better than you. You have gone below that.”

Sadly, Jaidev said, “You all looked after me so well. What mistake have I done that you are punishing me like this?”

Angrily, pointing a finger at him, Chikka said, “Don’t you know that?”

Jaidev said, “Have I stolen anything from your tribe? Or have I raped any girl from your tribe? Tell me what I have done.”

Chikka said seriously, “I will tell you. I will make you understand what you have done. Just watch. Jamali, Rupali.”

The girls got up. “What is it Chikka Naik?”

Pointing to Durga, Chikka said seriously, “Take that girl and get her a head bath in saffron water. Take her to the forest goddess temple for puja.”

The girls made Durga get up and took her away.

Looking at the other ladies, Chikka said, “All of you go with them.”

All followed Jamali. Jaidev looked at them with fear. He wondered what these people are going to do to him.