Madri's voice saying "Please come alone" echoing in my head, I stumble through the tall grasses. I am preapred for the worst, I feel, as I step into the clearing by the lake.
However 'prepared' I might have felt, it was no use. My knees give way as I sink to the ground, seeing Maharaj sprawled on the ground. He's no more.
One look at Madri, and I'm convinced that I need to compose myself. "NOW" I say to myself, trying to take deep breaths, trying to take in what I've just seen.
I somehow stand and going to Madri, put my arms around her. She must feel it's her fault. It isn't. I know it isn't. She must have tried her best. She looks up at me, with a strange expression. Guilt, and.. relief that I understood that this wasn't her fault.
It's Arjunâs birthday, I remember with a start. No, no, no. I shudder thinking of how he'll react. I'm glad I'm holding Madri, because, right now, that's all that's keeping me from falling to the ground. Yudhishtir will have to be told.
I lead Madri back. Hesitantly, I tell Yudhishtir.
His eyes are full of fear for a moment. Then, it's replaced with a look of resolution that makes him look years older.
I go back to Maharaj as Madri and Yudhishtir go to get help. All my resolve not to cry breaks as soon as I look at Maharaj properly. No, it can't have happened.
I hear people coming in the distance. Crying isn't weak, I know, but, right now, it's not a luxury I can afford, I think, as I wipe my tears and somehow manage to stand.
