Holi
For hours, Raja, a majestic white elephant had carried his precious cargo out far beyond the hills and mountains of Malana with only the sun as his guide. As it dipped behind the jagged mountain range, weary Raja stopped, unsure of where next to venture.Whilst the song of the Nightjar echoed out across the valley, Prisha stirred. Feeling the warmth retreat as the sun’s rays faded, she woke; her limbs splayed over Raja’s broad frame. Pushing herself up, stretching against every ache, Prisha’s silver eyes searched the vast night sky for any sign of hope. She pleaded with the stars to show her the way…but to where?Cast out from her childhood home, young Prisha had been found guilty of the worst of crimes; possessing a beauty greater than that of one more fortunate in wealth and rank than herself. But, sadly, Princess Dayan was not blessed with the ability to admire without envy and so both Prisha’s and the entire village’s fate was set…As tears dried and sobs stifled, Prisha heard the deep drone of a Tanpura and sharp cries of villagers in the distance ahead. Raja, lifting his heavy legs, stepped forward, the deep sounds vibrating under his feet, drawing them on.Prisha leant down and whispered in Raja’s ear, quickening his pace…“Let us take my gifts to them instead.”
