The evening street was filled with the din and bustle of vehicles and pedestrians rushing home after yet another tiring day. The infamous Bangalore traffic was congested and Nandini’s jeep inched at a snail’s pace. Her driver cursed under his breath at the menacing two-wheelers that swerved recklessly.

Nandini checked herself in the rear mirror. Her thick lustrous hair was tied back in a tight bun, exuding an air of authority and experience. A faint sheen of sweat enveloped her oval, fair face that she wiped away with her kerchief. Her 18 years of impeccable service in law enforcement had imparted discipline and resilience that radiated from her imposing persona. She was chuffed about looking younger than her age.

Her mobile rang. It was the Additional Superintendent of Police, Sahu.

“All set for the new place, Inspector, Shastri?”

“Yes, sir.”

“You sound dejected, Nandini.”

She cognized that tone. Whenever ASP Sahu called her by her first name, it was meant to be a friendly chat.

“I know you from the time you joined the police force, Nandini. I can guess what’s bothering you.”

Nandini sighed. “Transfers are inevitable in our profession. It’s just the place…sir.”

“It’s been 15 years since that dreaded day. You are a fighter, aren’t you? Moreover, your best friend who happens to be my wife is always there to cheer for you,” he asserted.

“I spoke with Suzie a while ago, sir. She made me promise to call her every night,” Nandini smiled. “You both have been my pillar of strength.”

“All the best, Nandini. Let me know if you need anything. You know I’m just a call away.”

                                                                        ***

Two days later, she was at the new place.

“Chikkamagaluru is one of the most beautiful locations in Karnataka, ma’am,” her driver, Ranga said excitedly. “Being a hilly terrain, the weather is always pleasant. People are also cool with warm hearts,” he grinned. “Do visit the coffee plantation someday, ma’am. I can drive you to the highest peak of the Western ghats, Mullayyanagiri peak. It’s breathtakingly beautiful…”

“Enough, Ranga,” Nandini snapped. “Stop the jeep.”

Ranga applied brakes instantly. To the jeep as well as his mouth. Nandini alighted.

“I know the way to the police station. You may leave.”

Perplexed at her sudden mood swing, Ranga zoomed off.

Nandini rubbed her palm together and looked around as she walked. The green and serene town, far removed from the bustle of city life filled her eyes with tranquility. Small houses were lined on either sides of a narrow road. Uniform-clad children chirped as they hopped to their school. Lush green fields swayed at a distance as cows adorned with bells lazily grazed near the edge. Enchanting fragrance of incense and camphor wafted through the air as a nearby temple chimed with the ringing of bells as if convening lost souls to dispense appeasement. The chill in the air soothed her raging temperament.

A sharp pang of guilt hit her for admonishing Ranga. The poor fellow was after all helping her getting acclimatized to the new place.

Ranga stood near the jeep outside the police station.

“I’m sorry, Ranga. I didn’t mean to shout at you.”

Ranga was taken aback.

“Ma’am, it’s my mistake. Please don’t apologize.”

“Take me to the coffee estate on Sunday, ok?” Nandini smiled and entered her cabin.

The day passed without any hassle. Her accommodation was quite nearby.

“I snapped at my driver today,” Nandini told Suzie over phone that night. “The poor fellow was talking about driving me to that dreaded Mullayyanagiri.”

Suzie tutted. “Is it very close to your place?”

“We are at its foothills. I try not to look over there. But it keeps haunting my dream too,” Nandini sighed.

“Are you sleeping well?”

“I have my pills.”

“Take care, Nandu. Sometimes the dreaded enemy turns out to be a faithful friend.”

Nandini peeped out of her wooden window. The chilled breeze kissed her taut face. She peered at the mighty hill. It stared back at her like an infinite shadow, ready to engulf her in its hollow pit. She shut the windows close, muttering I hate you.

The next day was quite eventful. The otherwise silent station echoed with chaos.

“What’s happening?” Nandini stepped out of her cabin.

“Ma’am, it’s this girl, Pihu. She’s such a nuisance,” SI Nitin replied in an irritated tone. “She has complaints for every trivial matter. Once she came to complain about a dog that barked only at her. And another time, she complained about school timings.”

“Trivial?” Pihu placed her palm over her wide-open mouth. “Aren’t the police supposed to resolve our issues, instead of undermining them?”

 Nandini took a closer look at the girl. Not more than 14 or 15, Pihu had large expressive eyes on a small, round face. Her tiny nose twitched as she spoke. She played with her two long braids as she spoke over-dramatically.

“Ma’am, if someone teases you, would you be happy?”

“Pihu, mind your words,” Nitin reprimanded.

“It’s alright. Come inside and tell me in detail.” Nandini commanded.

Pihu stuck her tongue out mockingly at Nitin and followed Nandini.

“Ma’am, there are four boys always seated outside Raghu uncle’s shop. They are jobless, useless and dimwits.”

“Come to the point, Pihu.”

“That’s what I’m coming to. Please have patience,” Pihu hushed Nandini. “Shouldn’t police officers hear our grievances without interruption? My mother says you people are next to God, after doctors, of course.”

Nandini rolled her eyes and exhaled sharply.

“Ok, ma’am. I’ll tell you,” Pihu realized that she was getting on her nerves. “Those boys tease girls who walk through that road. Not only girls, they tease aunties also. If you pass by, they’ll tease you too.”

Pihu bit her tongue. “Sorry.”

Nandini summoned Nitin.

“Note down her complaint. And I want you to go and threaten those boys. See to it that they never repeat it.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Pihu said cheerfully. “You’re really kind. Else, nobody takes me seriously here.”

“We’ll take you seriously if you talk less,” Nitin sighed.

Two days later, a woman created ruckus in the station.

“I want to meet your Inspector madam. Where is she?”

“What’s the hullabaloo about? This is a police station. Please maintain its dignity,” Nandini hollered.

“Ma’am, she is Taramma, Pihu’s mother,” the constable informed.

“Madam, yesterday Pihu came here to complain about those boys, right?” Taramma questioned.

“Yes, she did.”

“Ayyooo… why did you write down the complaint and threaten those boys?”

“Why? What happened?”

“Those boys confronted her today and threatened of severe consequences. One of them pushed her… and…”

“Is Pihu hurt?” Nandini panicked.

“Illa, madam,” Taramma’s eyes widened. “That boy is in hospital.”

“What do you mean?”

“When that boy pushed her, she fell on the mud. The boys laughed and mocked at her. In a fit of rage, Pihu hurled mud on their faces and kicked that boy. He fell on a rock and his head started to bleed. Sighting blood, the other three fled.”

There was silence for few seconds before everyone burst into laughter.

“You people are laughing and that boy’s mother threatened to get my Pihu arrested,” Taramma wept.

“Don’t worry, Taramma. How’s the boy’s condition?” Nandini asked.

“He’s fine. The doctor put 3 stitches I heard.”

“He deserves it,” Nandini muttered.

“Pihu said the same thing, madam. Please don’t instigate my daughter. She’s the only one I have in this world.” Taramma wiped her moist eyes.

“Nothing will happen to her. Pihu is a brave girl.”

The next morning, Nandini met Pihu when the latter was on her way to school.

“I heard about your stunt yesterday,” Nandini remarked.

Pihu gave a sly smile. “That rascal pushed me first. And then…”

“Violence is not the solution to any problem.”

“What would you have done if you were in my place?”

“Stop arguing and get into the jeep. Else you’ll get late to school.”

Pihu sat quietly for the rest of the journey, which was very unusual.

As she alighted, Nandini confessed, “I’d have done the same thing, you know.”

Pihu giggled, “I knew that.”

Nandini was cheerful the entire day. Pihu’s innocent giggle and valiant persona had etched a special place in her heart.

Every morning, Nandini would drop Pihu to school and listen to her nonstop blabber. It was no more annoying to her. It was mystifying how quickly they bonded.

“Ma’am, you’re so kind. Unlike the earlier greedy officer. He refused to take my complaint.”

“What complaint?” Nandini asked.

“About my uncle’s death last year,” Pihu’s face fell. “After appa’s death, he was like a father figure to me. They said he committed suicide by hanging himself on a tree. But I know he wouldn’t.”

“Why?”

“He was excited the day before. Hugging me, he had said, ‘Putti, all our sorrows are going to end.’ He promised to take me to the city the next day and buy a brand-new smart phone. Then… how can he just hang…”

Pihu burst into tears.

Nandini hugged her. Pihu’s tears moistened a corner of her heart. Nandini wasn’t an emotional person. She was a tough nut. However, she was flummoxed as a lone tear escaped her eye without notice. She quickly wiped it away.

“Ma’am, will you please investigate?” Pihu’s large doll eyes bore a drill within the tough nut.

“Let me see what I can do.”

“You’re awesome!” Pihu kissed her cheeks and ran to the school.

The next day, Nandini arrived at Pihu’s school. It was Republic Day, and she was the chief guest. The local MLA’s daughter, Shanthi had arrived to felicitate. A young, dynamic woman wearing crisp red cotton saree, and her dark, voluminous hair tied in a plait came forward with folded hands and a warm smile that matched her calm demeanor.

“Welcome, Nandini ma’am. It’s a privilege to have you here. I’ve always supported girls being educated so that they grow up to be independent, visionary, and brave like you.”

“You are their youth icon, Shanthi ji,” Nandini returned the compliment. “Pihu has mentioned about you many times. About your support towards poor students who can’t afford fees, providing books and uniforms for free. If only all the leaders of our country were like you!”

After the function, when Nandini awaited her jeep, a car halted in front of her. A man in his mid 20’s alighted and plodded towards her. He was drunk, but his clothes and shoes were branded that exhibited his rich upbringing.

“Salute, madam,” he stood erect. “I heard you’re the new Circle Inspector. Hope you like the place.”

“Who are you?” A spasm of annoyance contorted her face.

“Move back, Sandeep,” Shanthi paced towards them. “I’m sorry on his behalf, ma’am. That’s my useless brother. Always drowned in alcohol, lacking common sense and embarrassing me in public.”

Throwing a nasty look at him, she signaled the driver to take him away.

“Shall we leave, ma’am?” Pihu came munching on a samosa.

“I see you’ve got yourself a new friend,” Shanthi smiled.

“A rather pesky one,” Sandeep interjected derisively.

“Not like you, nitwit,” Pihu retorted.

“You, pest. I’ll pull your tongue out,” Sandeep hollered in rage.

“If you touch me, Nandini ma’am will put you in jail.”

“As if she’s in your pocket.”

“She’s my friend and on my request, she’s investigating Praveen maama’s death.”

“Enough!” Nandini bellowed. “Pihu, get into the jeep. RIGHT NOW!”

Sandeep trotted forward anxiously. “That rascal hung himself. Why are you re-opening the case?”

“How does that bother you?” Nandini quizzed.

Shanthi yanked Sandeep’s elbow. “Get in the car. We’ve to leave.”

As their car sped away, Nandini stood for a while.

Why did he fret over this case? Something’s fishy.

Back in the jeep, she reprimanded Pihu for disclosing the information.

“I haven’t promised anything, Pihu. You can’t broadcast it to everyone.”

“Sorry,” she mumbled and looked away.

Back at the station, Nandini asked for Praveen’s file. It was an open and shut case. No suspicions were reported. Praveen was drunk and high on drugs. He had also taken loan which he couldn’t repay. The combination of misery and intoxication had led to his suicide.

Still, Nandini wasn’t convinced. Sandeep’s expression had triggered curiosity in her. Her gut feeling never betrayed. Post dinner, her mind ruminated over the suspicious case. Exhausted, she hit the hay.

However, the nightmare haunted her yet again. The monstrous mountain guffawed as the minibus maneuvered through the rough, wet terrain. It stretched its hideous bushy hands crushing the bus. BEEP BEEP! SCREECH… THUD… HELP… CHINNA!

Nandini woke up with a gasp, trying to catch her breath. She was sweating profusely. Her fingers were ice cold while the whole body shivered. Chinna, I’m sorry. She sobbed. Feeling parched, she entered the kitchen. A shadow hovered outside the window. She checked but saw no one. She proceeded towards the bed when she heard a loud hiss. A cobra slithered out of her bedsheet. She bolted out of the door and alerted the neighbors. One of them, a snake catcher caught hold of the venomous creature and drove into the wilderness.

“A snake?” Suzie gasped as Nandini informed her about the encounter.

“This is a hilly region. It’s the home to snakes, scorpions and what not!”

“What about the shadow you saw outside? Could someone have planted it?”

Nandini pondered. Could it be Sandeep? Her conviction grew stronger.

The next day, Nandini asked Pihu for Praveen’s mobile.

“So, you ARE re-investigating?” Pihu chirped excitedly.

“Shhh… let this be a secret between us, alright?” Nandini winked.

Pihu handed over the mobile. It was an old Nokia mobile. After charging it, she checked the call details. Amongst many other numbers, one particular number was called multiple times. And that was the number that had called him the night he died. It was named ‘Shambhu’.

Nandini called the cyber cell and asked for the details. She also asked Pihu if she knew Shambhu. Pihu shook her head.

“Maama was strange. He used to sleep during the daytime and wake up for work at night when the world slept. When I asked him, he said he worked for a very powerful boss and even the police were in their pockets.”

Nandini dialed Shambhu’s number, but there was no response. Finally, at night, the call got through.

“Hello, Shambhu?”

“Who’s this?”

“Shambhu, It’s about Praveen. I suppose you were good friends.”

There was silence.

“Look, I don’t think Praveen committed suicide. His family needs justice. You spoke to him last. Only you can help us, Shambhu.”

“Why are you calling me? You’re putting your life and also mine in danger. You don’t know the people involved…”

“Who are involved? Hello? Hello…”

The line got disconnected. And then the mobile was switched off.

It was only 3 days later that Nandini received Shambhu’s location from the cyber cell. At once, she left for his house which was in a neighboring village. However, she was shocked to learn that Shambhu was no more. He had committed suicide a day before by hanging on a tree. Just the way Praveen had.

Shambhu’s grieving wife stood in a corner. A pale, skinny woman draped in white saree that covered her head sobbed silently. After all the guests left, she signaled Nandini to step inside the kitchen. She opened one of the masala bottles and retrieved a note.

“Shambhu had told me about this day,” she whispered. There was a tinge of fear and wariness in her tone. “He knew they’d hunt him down. It was just a matter of time.”

Nandini placed her hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

She sniffled.

“He told me about your phone call. About a madam who’d be coming for him. He asked me to hand this over to you. Please don’t ask me anything else.”

Nandini quietly left with the note. She opened it on her way back. It said, ‘Pujari killed him.’

Who the hell is Pujari?

Nandini was sure that Taramma and Pihu would know. She drove to their house and popped the question. While Pihu looked clueless, Taramma’s face turned pale.

“Pihu, could you please run to the market and buy me a packet of cream biscuits?” Nandini asked. “You can have one too. Here’s the money.”

Once Pihu left, Nandini asked Taramma about Pujari again. She fell silent.

“Taramma, for God’s sake… or Pihu’s sake, tell me. He’s the one who killed your brother.”

“What?” Taramma gaped. “But… Praveen hung himself…”

“Do you believe that?” Nandini sighed. “Look, it’s not as it seems to be. Just tell me who’s Pujari and let me figure it out.”

“Pujari’s a crook. Avanu kolegara. He’s murdered people, yet the police never got through him. He’s Sandeep’s best friend. But please keep us away from all this. Pihu is all I’ve got. I don’t want to lose her.”

“Didn’t the previous CI do anything?”

“He was Pujari’s man. Pujari bought his honesty with loads of money.”

“Did Praveen work for Pujari?”

“Yes, I warned him to quit and look for a decent job. But he never heeded my advice. And look where he ended.” Taramma slapped her forehead and sobbed.

Back at the station, Nandini learnt that Pujari was a regular visitor at the local liquor shop every night. She, along with Nitin and a constable decided to get hold of him. And they succeeded to nab the intoxicated fellow.

Being an unofficial arrest, he wasn’t taken to the police station. Instead, he was tied up in an old, abandoned garage that belonged to Taramma. He was thrashed and drenched with water to speak up. Much to her disappointment, he didn’t reveal anything. He was confident that his people would save him. But Nandini wasn’t the one to give up so easily. She went through his mobile and hit the bull’s eye.

“You seem to care less about your life. You think your boss will save you. Bah! He wouldn’t even bother. At least think about your family.” She roared.

Pujari glared at her through his pink, swollen eyes. Her 5’8” athletic frame honed from years of rigorous training was definitely intimidating. A groan escaped his bruised lips.

“I don’t have a family.”

“What a joke. I went through your call details and guess what. I found your wife’s number. I spoke with her, and it seems you have a little daughter too. Chikku. That’s her name, isn’t it? They live along with your aged mother in Durgigudi village, about 90 kms from here, far away and oblivious to your criminal activities.”

Pujari struggled hard but his hands and legs were chained. The more he moved, the harder he cried in pain.

“My people are on their way to get them here. Let them witness your real avatar.”

“No, no… please stop them. They shouldn’t see me like this.”

“Then confess.”

Pujari exhaled. “We smuggle sandalwood and teakwood from our forests and sell them to agents who export them out of India. We’ve our mole within the forest department to overlook the smuggling.”

“Praveen and Shambhu worked for you. Then why did you kill them?”

“We had just started trafficking drugs as well,” Pujari paused. “Praveen got greedy. He wanted a share of the profit. We promised to hike his salary. But he threatened to raise an alarm. He even complained to the CI.”

“But CI was your man.”

“Indeed. Boss ordered me to do away with him. I sought Shambhu’s help. They were best friends. As per my plan, Shambhu called Praveen that night to talk sense into him although he wasn’t aware of my real intention. I injected drugs into his veins and killed him. Shambhu cried and protested. But I threatened him too. We hung him on a tree, and I sent Shambhu away from this place. He was a weakling and vulnerable too.”

“Then why did you kill him?”

“Because you re-opened the case. Boss didn’t wish to keep any ends open.”

“You planted that snake in my room.”

Pujari nodded. “You’re lucky. That’s what she said.”

“Ma’am, you please go and take rest. It’s past midnight,” Nitin informed. “We’ll watch over him.

Nandini set to leave. She stopped mid-way and returned.

“Pujari, who’s your boss?”

He was mum.

“Isn’t it Sandeep?” Nitin whispered.

“No. He said ‘she’ for his boss,” Nandini pulled his collar. “Is it Shanthi?”

“What?” Nitin jumped up from his seat. “She’s the youth icon, very popular amongst the villagers. People love her. It’s her brother who’s the wayward.”

“Speak up, Pujari,” gritting her teeth, Nandini twisted back his fingers till it cracked. He bawled.

“I am Shanthi’s business partner. However, only I’m at the front end,” Pujari confessed. “She’s the inconspicuous mastermind. Sandeep, her stepbrother is a mere dummy- inebriated and nonchalant. A pawn to fall into trouble lest we get caught.”

“And you claim to be his friend! Even fraudsters have frauds amidst them,” Nitin snorted.

“Tell me about your next consignment,” Nandini commanded.

“Tomorrow midnight.”

Nandini gestured Nitin to walk with her.

“Keep him safe here till we get hold of Shanthi. Tomorrow, we have a mission to accomplish.”

The next noon, Taramma frantically called Nandini.

“Madam, Pihu is missing!” She cried.

Nandini rushed to her house.

“She didn’t return back from school. Her friend saw her taking another route. She’s in trouble,” Taramma broke down. “She was so small when I found her. God had been kind to this childless mother. My husband and I had rejoiced the day she entered our lives.”

“Found her? Where?” Nandini asked befuddled.

“15 years ago. There was a major bus accident on the ghats. I’m unsure if anyone survived as the bus had tumbled over and caught fire. But this little girl, about a year old,” Taramma’s eyes shone as she reminisced that moment. “She was alive, by God’s grace but was in a bad state. We took her home and cared for her like our own daughter. And now… she’s gone.” She burst into tears.

Nandini froze. It seemed that the world stopped revolving for an eternity. She felt lightheaded, as if plummeting into a deep abyss. The pit of her stomach churned making her want to retch. Loud screeching noise rang that threatened to burst her ear drums. She clamped shut her ears. Still the noise didn’t subside. Darkness took over, making her breathe heavily. The more her mouth opened to inhale, the lesser she could breathe. The choking sensation usurped till she fell with a loud thud on the cold floor, unconscious.

She didn’t realize for how long she lay still. Taramma sprinkled water on her face.

“Are you alright?”

Nandini sat erect and greedily gulped the water.

“Did you find Pihu on July 1st, 2009?”

Taramma nodded. “How do you know?”

“I was in that wretched bus.” She gulped hard. “My one-year-old daughter and I were on our way to Goddess Durga’s temple at the ghats of Mullayyanagiri. My husband was against it as the route was dangerous during monsoon. He stayed back. I was adamant. I had vowed to shave off her hair at the temple. On our way back, it poured cats and dogs. The driver lost visibility. And then…” Nandini choked.

“No… she must be some other kid,” Taramma protested.

“There were no other babies in that bus. Moreover, wasn’t her head shaven?”

Taramma was silent. She hit her forehead and began weeping.

“All this while, I assumed she was dead,” Nandini sighed. “My husband blamed me for her death and gradually we drew apart. I lived in misery all these years. Can you even imagine?”

Both the mothers wept. For different reasons though. One out of fear of losing her only child, while the other out of joy of reconciling with her long-lost daughter.

“We need to find Pihu quickly.”

Nandini darted out of the house straight to Pujari.

“Where is the main factory where you people operate? Come on, spill.”

Pujari was exhausted to the core. “In Mannagudda,” he whispered.

“You mean at Mullayyanagiri hill?”

He nodded. Nandini let out a deep sigh.

Come on, Nandini. Time to face your biggest fear.

Nandini raced to her jeep.

“Ma’am, we need few items.” Nitin said.

He came back with revolvers. “We’re going to get hold of that double-faced rogue. Shouldn’t there be firecrackers?” He grinned.

She observed him closely. The young six-footer was lean but had an intimidating personality. His small brown eyes exuded confidence that spat fire to accomplish the task.

The jeep zoomed ahead. On her way, she called ASP Sahu and updated him every detail.

“I’m on my way to their factory, sir. And I need backup.”

“Sure, Nandini. All the best.”

The gigantic hill beckoned her with open arms. Strangely, it appeared less daunting. She concurred with Suzie. The dreaded enemy who had snatched her baby was now a faithful friend that returned her back safe and sound. The twists and turns on the hilly terrain synchronized with her inner turmoil. Though her knuckles turned pale maneuvering the steering wheel, her face glowed in anticipation. Crossing each hairpin bend, she felt a step closer to Pihu. Her mind inadvertently shifted to the joyful moment years ago when she had held her in her arms, her tiny, pink fingers cocooned within her palm, her cooing and giggling. She reminisced the day she met Pihu at the police station. Now she knew why she had always felt a mystical connection with her. She had lost her baby once. There was no way she’d lose her again.

A distant truck’s horn blared sharply that rattled her nerves and broke her train of thoughts. They had reached Mannagudda factory. It was 9 PM. They entered through the back entrance.

A sprawling, dimly lit maze of machinery and stacked crates welcomed them. Loud hum of machines rent the air. Her sharp, dark eyes scanned the surroundings attentively. Workers beelined carrying chopped logs of wood. Nandini cognized that she was outnumbered by the thugs. She needed proper planning in order to reach Shanthi. Noticing blind spots, she asked Nitin to create distraction so that she could enter the heart of the factory where probably Shanthi’s office was located. Nitin obliged. He overturned a stack of crates creating a noise far enough to distract them. Nandini swiftly made her way in. Nitin darted towards the power panel. Nandini spotted Shanthi holed up in her office, surrounded by a couple of well-built bodyguards. Sandeep peacefully dozed on a sofa, probably drunk. She knew it was time to implement her years of field training.

Nitin made a clear shot at the power panel, drowning the factory in darkness. Chaos ensued. The goons scrambled in all directions, clueless. An agile Nandini paced gingerly towards one of the bodyguards and caught him off-guard from behind. He screamed in pain as she kicked his calf muscle and twisted his neck. The other guard opened fire. Anticipating this move, she deftly held the guard as her shield and pushed his body over him. In a single shot, she killed the other guard too.

Shanthi hid under a table, trembling in terror. The backup officers arrived and neutralized the goons.

Nandini yanked Shanthi and slapped her hard. Handcuffing her, she thundered, “where’s Pihu?”

Just then, Nitin arrived with Pihu.

“She was tied in one of the rooms,” he informed.

Nandini hugged Pihu and wept.

“I knew you’d come for me,” Pihu whispered in her ears.

“How did you reach here?” Nitin quizzed on their way back.

“I was going back home when I saw Shanthi pacing towards the field,” Pihu said. “My inquisitive mind ordered me to follow her. Something seemed off. She entered a hut where a man was tied while another goon thrashed him hard. I guessed Shanthi, being a noble soul would save him. But she took out her gun and shot him on his forehead, calling him a traitor. Alarmed, I screamed. The goon caught me.

‘Shall I kill her?’ He asked.

‘Not now. The police are investigating her uncle’s case. If she dies, they’ll get suspicious,’ Shanthi hissed. ‘Let’s kill her tonight after the consignment leaves and dump her body in the hills. Nobody would find her.’

I was scared like hell, still I spat on her face for deceiving children like me who had made her our idol.”

“You’re a fighter. Nandini’s fighter Pihu,” Nandini beamed proudly.

***

“I have two mothers? Isn’t that lovely?” Pihu clapped excitedly after Nandini narrated the whole story.

“I’m sorry for hiding the truth, Pihu,” Taramma apologized.

Pihu hugged her.

“Will you be taking her with you?” Taramma tearfully asked Nandini. “Of course, you would. I’m so silly to think otherwise.”

Nandini looked at her and then at Pihu.

“Taramma, you have raised Pihu and only you have the right to decide.”

Taramma gaped incredulously.

“She wouldn’t be happy living away from you, right Pihu?” Nandini asked.

Pihu shook her head.

With a heavy heart, Nandini left in the jeep. However, a part of her was relieved that her daughter was alive and happy in her little world.

The next day, Taramma and Pihu arrived at Nandini’s house.

“Pihu has a suggestion,” Taramma smiled.

“Nandini ma, why can’t you both co-parent me?” Pihu asked.

“Excuse me?” Nandini quizzed.

“I can stay with you whenever I want to. And then go back to my Tara ma. In this way, all of us can stay happy. How’s the idea?”

“Wonderful just like you, my chatterbox,” Nandini chuckled.

“Tomorrow morning, all three of us shall visit Goddess Durga’s temple at Mullayyanagiri. I have to say thanks to Her,” Pihu said holding their hands.

Nandini peeped out of the window. Under the cerulean sky, the bright, verdant mountain reflected her jubilant spirit, welcoming her to rekindle a perpetual camaraderie.