The Cursed Pond

She was very pretty. Her red lips and blue eyes were upto the mark. She knew all household duties unlike other young girls of her age in their village. When she opened her long black thick hair…seldom one could be diverted with any other scene than that. Her smile…her way of talking…her gestures… made everything perfect. Perhaps her parents knew this when she was born. That's why they have named her Sulakshana…the one with all good qualities. Sulakshhna was equally the heartthrob of the entire village folks. For she was always ready to help others in their needs. Never she thought that she was a girl and lacked sufficient physical strength. Rather she believed herself to be able to do as much as she can do. She learnt to read and write which was very rare in the village life of her time. Village girls were supposed to learn cooking and knitting which she also did. In one way Sulakhna was a girl with no mistakes.

At the proper time Sulakshhna was blessed enough to get a handsome groom. His generous behaviour and dedication for work attracted all. That was the day when Sulakshhna first met Haria ; her would be husband. They went to the backyard of their house to have some private talk. Sulakshhna's mother was preparing food for her future son in law while keeping a watch on them. They sat on the stones near the mango tree and began to talk. Very less was there to ask because they both have almost decided to be united. People also said that both Haria and Sulakhna make a perfect couple whose coordination will be definitely a remarkable one. Both of them believed in hard work and to be honest. Haria lost his parents at an early age. He was left only with a little sister Hema who was now ten years old. Hema also came with him to Sulakshhna's house. Everything was decided as fast as possible. On one auspicious day; their marriage was fixed. Hema danced on hearing this. Within this limited time of their meet ; Hema and Sulakhna became quite intimate. Sulakshhna called her to sit on her lap and fed her with her own hands. At this, Hema's eyes filled with tears as she was the orphan one who never got such fortune to be fed with such motherly love. Sulakhna embraced Hema and kissed on her cheek. Haria thought himself to be the most fortunate man in the world who has the fate to get such a life partner. While going back to their village; Hema was unwilling to leave but the elders soothed her by promising to leave Sulakshana to their house as soon as possible and everybody smiled satisfactorily. 

Before returning back, Haria whispered "next time I will eat what you cook" and smiled without anyone's notice. Sulakshhna's heart melted like snow at this and she began to dream about the upcoming future.

After marriage Sulakshhna left her parents and village far behind and started her journey to Haria's village in a bullock cart . Hema was sitting with her so closely that just after a few moments she fell fast asleep. Sulakshhna grew a very keen affection towards her and she was fondly patting her forehead as Hema was sleeping on her lap. Sulakshhna left her parents but she got such a loving sister in law who made her happy in no time.

Haria was very much loved by all in his village. To welcome the new bride Seven ladies came to his house. They all blew conches and with bands performed all rituals and then the house entering of Sulakshana was done with a grand success. Hema and her friends went on clapping and dancing and enjoyed delicious food at the marriage function.

After all celebration was over, Sulakshhna made Hema sleep and then Haria took her in his arms. Both of them dived in the conjugal bliss together. The small house seemed filled with peace and happiness. Sulakshhna felt contented while Haria was complete after getting a perfect life partner.

Life began with a new thrill. Sulakshhna looked carefully at her new house. The thatched roof with brick ceiling, the small earthen stove and utensils seemed no less than a treasure to her. She touched everything with her affection and took the broom with the Sunrise to clean the surroundings. Haria was a farmer who had a big paddy field like others of the village in the village end near the mountain. Like other farmers , every morning he started his day with his plough to the field after having breakfast. Then Sulakshhna would call Hema to wake up. They both then would go on passing jokes and discuss many funny topics resulting in good laughter. Then they would go for bath and return home after washing clothes or some pottery. Sometimes they would pluck flowers on their way to home or bring some edible plants or fruits from the subway. 

After reaching home, Sulkshahna would engage herself in preparing Lunch. She also took care of Hema's studies as she was the one who was quite familiar with letters. In between she would comb her hair and tie a beautiful garland around the nut which Hema loved the most. But Sulakshhna would put a single flower on Hema's braid telling her that she would do like her once she is married. At this they both would again roll with laughter.

Sulkshana would carry lunch for her husband like other women. But she would not leave Hema alone. They both would sit under a big tree and have lunch together. Haria would rest a bit under the shadow and Sulakshhna would fan her. Hema would share her experiences of how she was passing her time with depression and boredom before their marriage. They would then thank the Almighty for the blessings he had rendered on them and both girls would return after Haria would start his farming.

In the evening Sulakshhna would light the lamp and call Hema to sit with her and pray to God. They both sang beautiful verses. Side by side she would prepare dinner and after Haria would return; all would have food together and sleep after long gossips.

Sulakshhna often thanked Manguli mousi; the neighborhood woman who was taking care of Hema in her brother's absence. Her daughter Bindu was also of Hema's age. So they both were close friends. Mousi's husband passed away years before. She was staying with her brother Shambhu who was working as a masson.

The women were using the nearby pond for their daily requirements. Sulakshana marked that on the next side of their daily path there is another pond near a big banyan tree. She asked Hema to go there instead of the regular pond. On hearing this Hema screamed and told her never to take the name of the pond. Sulakshhna worried why so. Then Hema told her to ask Manguli mousi who can better explain her about this. She said that this pond is said to be fatal and the village girls are deprived of going near it .

Sulakshhna was shocked to know this and decided to ask details to mousi. On hearing her query mousi said…"no dear …don't take the name of that cursed pond. Actually this pond was there since the day of the creation…we believe. Because the oldest man of this village had seen it's existence. People were using this pond for holy purposes long before. They were having the holy bath and then we're taking water to the temple nearby for worship. But soon after the Ashram was built near it; the pond turned into a cursed one. Any unmarried girl if goes near it then the pond would take her and never return." 

"Pond will take? How mousi?'' asked Sulakshana…"and why so? What is the connection of the pond with the Ashram?"

"Sulakshana…the Sadhu baba of the Ashram is a very powerful saint. He has captured many evil souls and kept in his custody as prisoners inside the pond. His Mantra Shakti provided salvation to them and they straight move to heaven after some holy days. But one soul which had taken bath in that holy pond long before has turned into an evil one and is unable to attain salvation because it's worldly desires are not satisfied. This soul snaches all the girls who go near the pond and swallows them up. Not of our village but girls from any nearby village face the same tragedy. "

Sulakshana…"then why girls only are victims?'

Mousi…"don't know re…but it is a fact that we believe and never send our girls there…even ladies avoid going there…and now no male also goes for a bath in that pond. Who knows…? If the soul takes the life then who will be responsible?"

Sulakshhna heard this but could not believe it. According to the custom of the village; she went to bow her head in front of the Sadhu baba with Haria. Sadhu baba touched her head to bless her. But shockingly his touch seemed very awkward to Sulakhna. She remained silent and returned back. But while crossing the pond tried to mark it. As she never believed in supernatural phenomenon; she was not afraid to peep. But found nothing weird in it. But the Ashram surrounding was something where she felt some heaviness in her heart. The desciples and the servants of the Ashram …the puja performed there and the big big thatched rooms at the back of the Ashram…the foreigners roaming freely in the Ashram …all were telling something to her but she was not getting what it was exactly.

On the way while returning back she asked Haria about the Ashram and role of Sadhu baba. 

At this Haria said…

"He is next to God. Whatever the problems we take to him; he gives solutions you know. If someone is not getting a child even after many days of marriage…then the lady has to perform a month long puja in the Ashram and she will surely have a baby. If someone loses any cattle or goat then also a week long puja of the house lady would bring it back. The cattle will come in a transformed way by grace of Devi maa. He is very very powerful you know and has contact with supernatural powers…with Devi maa.Even foreigners come to seek baba's blessings…see"

"But…"something was striking Sulakshhna's mind. But she couldn't utter her doubt and kept quite. 

In regular routine there came a complete twist when one day Shambhu fell from an unconstructed building and broke his leg. Instead of going for any medications; Manguli mousi took her brother to the Sadhu baba who advised three days of puja to be performed by Bindu for which mousi has to agree. Three days of puja were over. Bindu returned home. Still Shambhu's leg was not normal. But Sadhu baba said that the evil spirits are looking badly on his leg and soon they will be punished. He gave him some powdered medicines as the God's Prasad and advised to wait.

Sulakshana could clearly mark some changes in Bindu. She was not behaving normal as before. She had turned to be silent . Sulakshhna asked her what she did in the puja but was surprised to know that Bindu remembered nothing because she was unconscious during Puja time. Bindu wanted to speak out but stopped. Sulakshhna soothed her and went on asking repeatedly and on that Bindu said how weak she was feeling after the puja. She could find some bruises near her armpit she intimated Sulakshana after her repeated affectionate enquiries. Bindu's physical growth could suddenly be marked within two days which made Sulakshana more suspect. After a week Bindu was again called by the Sadhu baba for two day puja and this time after she returned; Sulakshana marked she was more silent than before. She could not understand anything. But on the other hand day by day Shambhu was getting better health and with folded hands was thanking Sadhu baba. But Bindu seemed not normal and just after one day nobody could find her any more.

Manguli mousi felt unconscious and when came back to her senses then wept like anything. Bindu was her last hope of life. One disciple of Sadhu baba informed everybody that he had seen Bindu roaming near the pond last day. Everyone thought Bindu was dragged and swallowed up by the evil soul of the pond. But Hema repeatedly cried out that Bindu will never go near the pond. They both were brought up together and were warned about the curse of the pond. Then why should she go near it to die? Even Sulakshhna had the same question in her mind. Bindu's changed behaviour and her wound were telling many things to her. It was not just the pond and the evil soul but something more than that…she guessed. Without wasting time she instructed Hema to stay at home and took time in day hours to visit some of the women who performed puja to get blessings of child and other boons .

One thing was very common. They all could not remember anything because they were unconscious during the special Pujas. Sulakhna's doubt cumulatively increased and without informing anyone she started towards the Ashram in mid night when Haria and Hema fell asleep. First night she marked the way to enter without anyone's notice . The second night she watched the time when Sadhu baba and his disciples were staying away from those thatched rooms at the back. And on the third night she went in. To her great shock she could see the disgusting hatred picture that she had doubted from the first day.

The rooms were filled by girls and ladies who were unconscious and without a single piece of cloth on their body. The physical torture on them was clearly visible. The scoundrel Sadhu with foreigners was entering any room he was choosing. To her utmost surprise she found Bindu with other two girls in the same condition. Sulakshhna's eyes and heart began to cry aloud but she controlled her emotions. While peeping in the rooms she smelt very strong unbearable odour coming near the pond's side. Her eyes were blank to see reminiscences of the human body there. She understood everything. But she herself can't do anything. She knew it. She has to save Bindu at any cost. When Sulakna saw Bindu ; she was reminded of Hema. It is not impossible that Hema will also be a victim anytime. She has to do something. Sulakshhna came home silently and planned a perfect way to face such a fatal challenge.

Manguli mousi was lamenting as she took Bindu to be swallowed up by the evil soul. Some ladies were sitting near her consoling. The male members of the village were almost in the workplaces. As per her plan Sulakhna went near mousi and sat with a sad face. 

She spoke gently…"mousi… actually in our village if an unmarried girl dies unnaturally then we perform a Shanti Puja for the Mokshya of the soul. Otherwise the soul will never go to heaven. "

Mousi…"What to say re? I lost everything. Now you decide and do Puja for my daughter's salvation. " And continued sobbing.

Sulkshahna…" Mousi…I met Sadhu baba yesterday. I discussed this with him regarding this and he guided me the proper way. We have to do as he said."

Another woman…"We will do as he said..Sulkhahna. Tell us what and how to do Puja for it."

Sulakshana…"actually by doing this special puja we can also drive the evil soul out of the pond. We have lost our kotha and kins. Now it is high time to provide Mokshya to the sacred ones and punish the evil one. As we all know the soul is a monster and harms only girls and women ; this puja has to be done by us women only without letting the men know about this."

All the ladies paid attention to her . Everyone was annoyed and afraid of the soul living in the pond and eagerly wanted to know how to get rid of it. So Sulakshhna said…"Tonight when the moon will be in the middle of the sky fifty women of our village have to be united together. We must hold any iron weapon like knife or axe in our hands. Just like Devi maa. We have to put big dots of vermillion on the middle of our forehead and together we will go to the Ashram. There Sadhu baba will guide us how to fight against evil. But remember one thing. It must not be known to any male members."

Village women nodded their heads as this sounded so justified. Sulakshhna wrote the names of fifty women and told them to gather without anyone's notice. 

The night approached and by God's grace ; fifty strong ladies with iron weapons in their hands gathered together. Sulakshhna was holding a big axe. She guided them to the Ashram and silently took them to the backyard of it. She said they have to be completely silent or else the soul will guess their arrival. All ladies followed her.

The moment they all reached the destination; their faces turned red in anger and shame. Sulakshana has nothing to speak. The scene was open to all and the situation was clearly understood. The bare unconscious bodies of women and the free entry exit of foreigners made all clear. Sulakshhna pointed at the room where Bindu and other girls were kept unconscious. 

The angry mob suddenly attacked the Ashram with their weapons and literally made cuts on their bodies without any delay. Some ladies covered the bodies of the poor ones and tried to bring them back to their senses. The Sadhu baba could not understand what's going on and was slowly trying to slip away. But Sulakshana caught him and roared like a tigress. On hearing the chaos in the night all villagers were gathered there within a short time.

Everything was clear. All can see the torture and misbehave of their adorable Sadhu baba. When Haria and other people slapped Sadhu baba he revealed the fact which was seriously enough to chill the spine.

The Ashram was a trade center of girl trafficking. The Sadhu and his desciples were capturing girls and ladies using the name of puja and …

Women were being raped while girls were being sold. The time the Sadhu was taking for puja was the period when the little girls were being physically eligible for the dirty purpose by injecting hormones in their body. That's the cause of Bindu's wound near her armpit and change in appearance. Once the girl's deal was final…the Sadhu was spreading the story of the pond soul and was declaring the girl dead just as he did in Bindu's case. If someone ever tried to escape then she was being murdered near the pond. The physical contact was making the childless ladies carry the baby while the lost cattle were being bought from market and were told to be transformed in new shape by Devi's grace. Some wounds and injuries were being cured by doctor's medicine mixed in powder and if not cured then the person was being told as a sinful one who deserves the suffering.

The women power was enough to drive the cheaters away from the village boundary who were beaten severely and could hardly survive. Sadhu baba was badly injured and dragged to the police station on Haria's advice. The villagers smashed the Ashram in great agitation and drowned each brick of it in that cursed pond. 

The night was no more dark. The dawn approached. Bindu and her mother hugged each other tightly and found no words to thank Sulakshana. Other women were also welcomed by their families who were seeking pardon for their suffering. The purpose behind Sulakshana's gathering women power and not informing the gents was clear. Everybody praised her because she saved the remaining shame of the poor ladies in the Ashram. In that condition they would have faced unbearable pain to be in front of the entire village. 

The villagers, after such a long time were feeling quite relieved as they were now truly saved from the evil soul who was not inside the pond but was near it as their saviour. They promised themselves never to be biased by such supernatural phenomena and blind beliefs by anyone in future.

And the pond…? It was no longer considered as cursed because it was completely abandoned for being filled with the reminiscences of the inauspicious Ashram. 

Haria often stared at Sulakshana when she was sleeping deeply with satisfaction and appraisal but was unable to gather enough courage to speak it openly. His love and respect for her grew day by day as the villagers now fondly named her…"Devi". And Hema began to call her "Devi bhabi".

He kissed her on the forehead and whispered…"my Devi" without letting Sulakshhna know this and smiled.