The Beast

NOTE: All incidents mentioned are fictional and not to be confused for true occurrences.

The little and solitary village of Malana, nestled in the laps of the Himalayas to the north east of the Kullu valley holds its traditions very dear and abides by them strictly. The only way of reaching this almost inaccessible village being trekking for hours through Woods on difficult paths, time appears to have stood still here with nothing of the modern world-vices or virtues- having reached. It can thus be easily surmised that in this ancient and pristine village surrounded by lush green valleys and dense coniferous woods, there are myths and mysteries aplenty, largely unknown to the world.

The fable of the Yeti- a Himalayan beast covered all over with fur and of gargantuan dimensions, often spotted during snowstorms- runs rife through this village. The Yeti, usually known as a mere myth in the form of an abominable monster, is known to have added to the enigmatic atmosphere of this village. A number of legends circling the Yeti abound here and often, to this date, it is said that on nights when a snow blizzard is roaring outside, a long and ominous howl is heard echoing around the mountains surrounding Malana, which of course is attributed to this snow beast. One such legend frequently recounted by the residents and which they are particularly fond of has been recollected here.

There once lived two friends- Madhav and Hari in the village of Malana. Malana is blessed with rich flora. The forests surrounding it contain several rare herbs, which could be used in curing up diseases that are difficult to be treated. Consequently, the people here were often well versed in herbalism. Madhav and Hari too had taken to the study of herbs for their profession. However, though the two were friends and had the same education and profession, yet they differed largely when it came to their approach towards their profession.

Madhav coveted prestige and opulence through his knowledge, knowing well enough that no matter how many villagers adopted Herbalism as their occupation, it was only a few who could suggest the right herbs for illnesses or had the patience and courage to search for the rarest of the rare herbs in the dark and precarious woods- where wild animals often roamed and chances of losing one’s way were high-and then to research thoroughly on their benefits or side-effects. Undoubtedly, Madhav had been an able and intelligent pupil during his University days and continued to treat patients effectively. However, fees charged by him could be so high as to avert the poor.

Hari on the other hand, though equally able as his friend, carried on his profession due to the facts that studying herbs had been his passion since childhood as well as that treating people to complete recovery gave him immense joy.

Now it so happened one very severe winter that people began suffering from illnesses and succumbing to them due to absence of inadequate and prompt treatment. Medicinal plants such as the Rhus Semialata and Aconitum Ferox stored in the village pharmacies were suffering from a paucity, owing to the hard winter. In order to make adequate the supply of herbs, it was necessary for the herbalists to enter the woods some day when the weather would be a bit better.

Madhav and Hari, decided to venture out into the woods, each with a varied purpose in mind. It had snowed heavily the previous night, making the grounds and the needle like leaves of the fir trees glisten with whiteness. Hari somehow progressed faster than his companion in gathering the plants. Madhav, apprehensive that Hari could rake in more profits than him, slyly offered to carry Hari’s basket and continue collecting a few herbs for him while he rested awhile. Though initially reluctant and embarrassed about his friend doing his work for him, Madhav’s vehement insistence made Hari comply.

Madhav, sniggering to himself at having stolen a precious collection of herbs, began making his way towards the village via a route different from the one he and Hari had chosen earlier. However, a snow storm begun all of a sudden. Hari, who had been waiting faithfully for Madhav’s arrival began panicking and not being to find his way in the blizzard, soon lost consciousness due to the excess cold.

Upon waking up, he found himself upon the warm back of a huge and white beast. Panic stricken, he did not utter a noise suspecting the intention of the beast. However, to his surprise, the beast only quietly let him slid off underneath a tree very close to his home, so he was able to return safely. As regards the phony Madhav, he was lost forever in the storm that day. This story, whenever narrated by villagers to their children is always ended with the question- Who was the real beast here?