Fragrance - The invisible connect

Saptarang 

🌲Prologue

🌲Kushali Forest

🌲Vasuki - The Calf

🌲Frantic Seizure and Awakening

🌲Abhisha - The Proud Warrior

🌲Chaos at Saptarang

🌲Lowland Row

🌲Strength or Strategy

Prologue 

I love Bangalore and I very much love travelling in Bangalore because it has given me so much content to write, that I have developed a cult following as a content writer! There have been numerous posts that I have done over the past two years mainly over the WhatsApp status space. Chic!; Creative and Crisp. Imaginations run wild but content blocked to less than 100 words. Challenge accepted and well rewarded too. 

In an effort to quickly share thoughts and develop “that” cult following what has changed is the act of real writing. 

This is age of Instagram and Twitter and status messages. Time is essence. Capturing the attention of reader for mere seconds to make a lasting impact. There is no patience for long sentences... stories…

Facebook lost its face… and I’m not even getting to the “book”. Who reads them?

But isn't this group just to overturn such incorrect norms!

Presenting to you a 7-part series, “Saptarang”. Looking for bedtime stories for your kid? Or do you want to transport yourself to those wonderful childhood days? 

KUSHALI FOREST

It was shades of green to the extent an eye could behold. Light green leaves that had just sprung from the splash of monsoon drizzles. The dark steady range of dense yesteryear trees silently guarding the secrets of the creatures within. The sound of the wind whispering through the vast stretches filled the air like the sound of unending waves in an ocean. Yet, one could hear the sweet calls of the cuckoo, the lazy roar of the lion and the hasty flocking of the birds as the sun quietly rose in the east.

The hill slowly awakened from the darkness that it was engulfed in. The rays of the sun pierced through the tiny little spaces it could find. Even the miniscule sand shone and illuminated the dusky path like diamonds. The stones shimmered from golden to brown as the thick clouds hid the rays of the magnificent sun.

The eager onlookers were drawn back to their shadows as the sun seemingly disappeared for eternity behind the heavy clouds, but their hopes were not tarnished. The wind was their friend. A quick wave of the trees, the clouds parted, and the sun was back again shining ever brightly and giving the onlookers what they keenly wanted. The energy to rise. The flowers bloomed. Happily, in all colours, even the ones that were unknown to mankind.

Not far from the colourful terrain, one could hear the sound of trickling water oozing from a source hidden to a naked eye. Marvel of nature. The mountain deepened itself to create a landscape for the water to gather. A serene pond catering to the thirst of the creatures. A dear baby elephant slurped water merrily while the mother and rest of the herd slowly crossed the “Patila” pond. 

VASUKI – THE CALF

Vasuki was the silent yet mischievous calf of the Panchala elephant herd. Every elephant herd at the Kushali Forest was led by a powerful female elephant matriarch and Panchala was no less. 

Veer Swavera was the female matriarch of the Panchala clan. She was equanimous to all yet showcased severe war skills when under hostility. Most of the elephant herds at the Kushali Forest lived in harmony with the other animals. Swavera played a critical role in moulding every elephant of her clan. She influenced their decisions, kept them away from danger and taught them to take care of themselves and the clan.

Unlike the general nature of any elephant herd of choosing the next eldest elephant as the subsequent matriarch, Swavera believed that every female elephant ought to be trained from the young age to become independent warriors. Swavera was wise. She said, one may never know when one could be in danger in the dark forests. She believed that the forests had more mysteries than any living creature ever knew. Dangers are many and one would never know how, and when one could be attacked.

Vasuki was born into the clan after generations of male progenies. She was pampered and treasured. Swavera was very protective of Vasuki. She could become the next matriarch. Swavera had multiple plans to ensure that Vasuki developed all the necessary skills to lead the clan. Swavera along with the other senior members of the clan had strategies chalked out precisely for every step of Vasuki.

Vasuki however was oblivious to the strategies. All she thought and strategized was about defeating Anant and Vaikunt. They were her companions for play and cousins to tag along during the wondrous expeditions. The Patila pond was their favourite place. They played with the water, dabbled with the mud, spoilt themselves with the juicy fruits from the trees that surrounded the pond. Tough competitions surfaced amongst the cousins for the largest number of fruits plucked.

Vasuki was tiny in comparison to the brothers. She couldn’t reach for half the fruits that were way up the tree. She stretched and fell. Covered in the slush of mud from the swampy area, she looked charmingly angry at the brothers as they enjoyed and laughed at Vasuki. Vasuki trumpeted feebly and the cousins trumpeted teasingly in unison enjoying her annoyance. They played along and she loved them. They were family.

The merry days were drawing close. The seasons were changing. The sun scorched through the forest and the serene pond was drying up. It was time for the migration. Veer Swavera worried as she hadn’t experienced such severe draught in last three decades. She went into deep contemplation. Kushali Forest was known for its abundance. Diversity with divineness. Wide variety of flowers. Exotic trees with fertile offspring and a wonderful habitat for varied creatures. But this year seemed different.

Vasuki ran towards Swavera ignorant of any worries and dashed her Mythree (as the head of the clan was called). “Mythree, shall I go to play along with Anant near Patila.” Swavera looked at the innocent face and the uninhibited excitement of Vasuki. She didn’t feel like thrusting her worries upon her and without much thought, just nodded. 

Vasuki darted off quickly from Saptarang before her Mythree gave any advice. This was her first time alone from the herd. Even if it meant to go just a few clusters of trees away, she was excited to explore the forest and reach Patila by herself. She made happy noises along her way, thinking how she was always protected and surrounded by elders from the clan even if she merely made a step aside. Vasuki looked around. The trees, the flowers, the birds that flew around, everything seemed new to her. She rejoiced her plan.

A stag crossed a little far away and disappeared behind the shrubs beneath. Vasuki was curious. She has heard about the other creatures living in Kushali Forest. The wild boars, the herd of deer’s, the cuckoos, the vultures, the tiny squirrels, and about the pride of lion and pack of hyenas that lived on the other side of the woods.  She knew that the deer also lived in herd like her Panchala clan. Vasuki wanted to know where the stag stayed. She wanted to know if the stag had family like her. Inquisitiveness took over her.

She turned around in the direction of the stag. This was the chance to explore. She looked at the path. It was familiar. She knew the trees. She has come this way to Patila million times with her clan. She decided to just peep at the stag herd and return to join her cousin. Vasuki walked and spotted the stag again gazing at the grasses just a little distant away. The stag however heard her movement and sensing danger ran swiftly behind the high grown shrubs. Vasuki ran behind the stag and behind the bushes. The run continued until she lost sight of the stag. She was lost.

FRANTIC SEIZURE AND AWAKENING

This part of the forest amused Vasuki. It was a bewitching site. Lowland primary forest had more taller trees with greater diversity of fruit bearing trees. Vasuki remembered the discussion of the clan elders about finding new home until the extreme summer was over. The forest on the other side of Patila where Panchala clan stayed seemed parched.

Vasuki wondered why the clan never explored this side of the forest. The clan has moved around Patila pond numerous times, but never did they reach this fertile side. She remembered how in the past few days, the male elephants and the elders went on expeditions to find food and water for the clan. This place did not seem very far away.

‘I must have diverted from Patila just a little away and I found this amazing place’, beamed Vasuki at the thought of finding her own paradise. ‘I just can’t wait to show Mythree about this place. I will definitely boast to Anant. Recently he has been bragging too much of his trips with the clan elders. Now I have found a place which even the elders didn’t find and I’m sure it’s going to be much appreciated.

Oh! I can’t wait to see Mythree, exclaimed Vasuki and turned around to find her way back to Patila.

It had grown dark. Vasuki had drifted from the safety of the clan, from the secure surroundings of Saptarang and was far away. She was completely ignorant of the route she had travelled and was unaware of the time that had passed while she was busy enjoying the sites of the Lowland primary forest. The chirping of the birds suddenly seemed different; the wind seemed to be hushed. The only hustle was of the baby elephant trying to find its way.

A sudden sense of fear emerged inside Vasuki. She grunted and let out what she felt like the loudest call. Yet, her trumpet did not travel far. She ran amongst the trees towards the direction, she sensed as the route back for Patila. The flowers that she had seen on her way, the shrubs that she had crossed after spotting the stag seemed nowhere nearby. She ran erratically, trumpeting along the way with an intention to alert her clan of her whereabouts. But she didn’t hear them back. Vasuki desperately looked for help.

Distant roar of the lion made her stop. She was extremely tired, and panic stricken. She lay on the ground breathing heavily. She missed her Mythree. The mere thought of Mythree brought tears plummeting in high order. She must have listened to her Mythree’s wise words of never exploring alone in the dark woods. Mythree always said the woods had more mysteries than anyone ever knew. A sudden awakening dawned on her.

In a frantic state to reach back to Patila, she had completely forgotten about the teachings of her Mythree. 

ABHISHA – THE PROUD WARRIOR

The skies darkened from blue to grey and to pitch black. The fear kept surmounting within and Vasuki decided to rely on her instincts. Her Mythree has taught her to be brave. She has learned the basic war skills and she has been in several contest battles with her brothers. She can survive the night. She must be calm and think before acting foolishly. She heard heavy thuds; sound similar to herd of elephants walking nearby, she inhaled to make sense of the smell that emanated. It was different. It wasn’t same as her relatives from Panchala. She remembered that the Panchala always hummed during their movement. This surely wasn’t her clan. Maybe it wasn’t elephants. It could be any creature. She could fall into a trap. Tears rolled silently in fear.

Vasuki decided to lay low until dawn and went into deep reverie reminiscing Abhisha.

Abhisha was the princess of Panchala clan. She was to become the next Mythree after Veer Swavera. She was young, energetic, and possessed the qualities of a true warrior. The tale of how she saved the clan from a pack of hyenas during one of the migrations was one of the most sought-after stories which Vasuki and the other calves repeatedly heard. She was a saviour.

As per the legends, it was believed that Abhisha had the blessings of Huguro, the ancient mystic elephant who was the first matriarch of the Panchala clan. Huguro had set out the characteristics of a Mythree. The qualities one must possess to lead the clan. Abhisha owned them all like no other elephant before. Panchala celebrated her. She was admired by all and held in high regard even by Veer Swavera, the greatest of the warriors.

The attention given to her by the elders and the importance that the clan placed on her slowly turned to a craving that Abhisha couldn’t do away with. An obsession to be in limelight. The selfless support and the genuine care that she had for her clan slowly turned into a weakness. She believed that she was indispensable and only she could lead the clan efficiently. The great debates with Swavera turned into aggressive altercations. The birth of Vasuki and the reverence given to her further strained Abhisha’s bond with Swavera.

Swavera understood Abhisha’s insecurity and decided to crown her the next Mythree upon the first rain of the season. It was due in two days. Elephants can sense rain upto 150 miles away and predict when the rainy season shall begin. Abhisha was overjoyed. She trumpeted loudly and dashed Swavera joyously.

The arrangements were made. The clan had gathered at Saptarang as the rain splashed but Abhisha had gone missing. She had last gone to Patila and to seek Huguro’s blessing where his mortal remains were laid. Frenetic search began and the clan dispersed in groups to find her. The scent of Abhisha was followed. Hours sped like minutes. The groups made different trumpet noises in communication with one another around the Patila. Rain was a blessing in disguise. It would be easy to spot the foot prints and follow a trail. But Abhisha footprints were nowhere near Patila. This puzzled Panchala.

There were different narratives the days that followed her disappearance.

One said that her arrogant behaviour brought her this fate, another said the gods didn’t wish her to be the next Mythree, while another said maybe Abhisha was killed and eaten by the hyenas. Veer Swavera was devastated. She always felt loss of a member of Panchala like a loss of part of herself. She knew something untoward has happened to Abhisha, but she couldn’t comprehend what had happened. The different narratives were mere theories for her, not truth. Deep inside she believed Abhisha would return, but for the clan they didn’t have any such hope.  

It has been one whole elephant year, but Abhisha was not found.

Vasuki woke up startled. She felt discomforted. What if, the clan fails to locate her as well. She had to find her way. 

CHAOS AT SAPTARANG

Anant returned to Saptarang from the day’s expedition with the male herd. The male calves stay with their mothers till the age of sixteen and thereafter join the male herd. It was a norm for them to start training from the age of fourteen. Initially sent on short exploits and later to become part of the male herd on long migrations. Anant was two years elder to Vaikunt and Vasuki. This was his first season of expeditions with the elders, and he made the most out of the outings.

Anant excitedly looked out for Vasuki and Vaikunt to brag and share his experience. To share about the woods that were beyond Saptarang. To share about the stories of other creatures that he saw along the way. But he couldn’t spot them amongst the herd of elephants bundled together communicating in tensed tones. Suddenly, Mythree turned around and looked at Anant.

Mythree, his mother Veer Ganga, Vasuki’s mother Veer Kausi hurried towards Anant with Vaikunt trotting behind them. Anant sensed something adrift. The usually serene Veer Swavera looked distraught. The other aunts and elders of the clan looked tensed and kept trumpeting in hushed tones.

“What happened, Mythree? Why do you all look so tensed? asked Anant.

Vasuki… choked the teary eyed Kausi and burst crying loudly.

Vasuki is missing, said the devastated Mythree. She went to Patila in the afternoon to play with you.

But I wasn’t at Patila today. You knew that I was with the elders for the expedition. Why did she go to Patila? Did she go alone? Wasn’t Vaikunt with her? Any case, shouldn’t she have returned by now? Did you check around there.? The questions that popped were unstoppable. Anant couldn’t imagine losing his lovable sister. Vasuki was his dearest.

Yes Anant, we have searched for her everywhere. Vasuki doesn’t know any place other than Patila and its surroundings. She hasn’t yet travelled far. You know we didn’t have reason to migrate since the year she was born, since the Gods have been kind and Saptarang and Patila was always fertile. This is the first year there has been a draught. The elders have looked for her in all the places that Vasuki knows and goes.  There is no mark of her foot prints near Patila. The dry season is proving to be bad for us. The wind wipes away any traces on sand. I’m very worried.

The elders are planning to go in search of her again now. I also intend to go. You be with Kausi and Ganga. You must have learnt signals by now. It’s better you stay here and alert us if Vasuki returns, said Swavera and left hurriedly.

Vasuki is a child. What if she was caught by the cunning hyenas or the hungry lion? Oh, it was my mistake, thought Swavera. I shouldn’t have let her go by herself. Worrying about the draught I failed in my duty to protect her. Worries make us lose sight and lose the presence of mind. Also, I should not let this feeling of overwhelming affection towards Vasuki blind me or affect my thought process. I need to find Vasuki.

If she wasn’t in Patila, where could she have gone?

Swavera tried to recollect her conversations with Vasuki. She remembered the ever-curious nature of Vasuki. The eagerness and desire to know about the other side of the forest, the creatures that lived in there.

I’m sure she wouldn’t have gone beyond Patila. Maybe I should try looking near the side of Lowland, thought Swavera.

LOWLAND ROW

Swavera was on her way to the lowland forest. She secretly wished Vasuki was within the safe terrains of the lowlands. She had been to the lowlands during her young age. The variety of tall trees with colourful flowers were part of her cherished memories. She remembered how the lowlands were fertile for most part of the extreme summers too. It was her home once, before one fateful night. The Angula Battle.

Most of the elephant herds at the Kushali Forest lived at Angula which was the most tropical part of the Kushali Forest range. They engaged in playful battles and supported one another. It helped them stay strong and fight against enemy creatures. However, one duel between Huguro and Divar turned from pretend play to a show of physical power which changed the way the herds co-existed. Elephants liked to establish one’s position within the group. It helped them set ranks within the herds. It was no secret that Huguro and Divar, both wanted to display their supremacy.

Huguro and Divar were equally powerful. The battle lasted for three days, by which the elders and the clan started choosing sides. Duel between individual elephants turned into a battle of sides. Injuries sustained while a few became fatal too. The hyenas, the vultures rejoiced at this battle. The elephants became an easy prey. Divided they fell. The battle threatened the existence of the entire elephant clan at Kushali. The impact of the battle finally dawned on the elders. The herd had split with animosity.

With no clear win, the battle was finally halted based on the Anghudi pact defining territories and rules. Animals had their way of establishing superiority by defining territories. The social ecology has sustained over millions of years due to this. They create the boundaries and territories which reduces the need for conflict.

Lowland was for the Divar clan and Saptarang was for Huguro’s Panchala.

Swavera entered the Lowland crossing the boundaries set. She knew she was breaking the pact, but she didn’t want to take any chance of not exploring the Lowland. She had to find Vasuki and for that she was ready to bear any consequence.  

Vasuki has no idea about the pact. I wish she hadn’t gone too deep into the Lowland. I haven’t heard any signals from Patila or Saptarang. Vasuki hasn’t returned yet. What if she was lost in lowland or caught by the Divars. They could be cruel. Defying the pact could be lethal, pondered Swavera.

She rushed into the Lowland without further thought, trumpeting and signaling for Vasuki. She hummed along the way.  

“It’s a happy day,

there’s always a way,

wag your tiny tail,

and say, I’m here to play.

Vasuki was moving around cautiously trying to find her way back. She remembered the tactics of an escape that she has learnt from Mythree. Stay alert and move along giant trees and bushes to hide quickly in case of an ambush. Uproot trees if possible or snatch branches to defend. Suddenly, she heard noises similar to the dry grasses crushing and rumbling of stones a kilometer away. The sound was similar to a hasty movement. 

I need to stay low until this creature passes by, thought Vasuki and hid behind the giant bush that she found.

Restlessness grew inside her as the sound of the creature’s movement was getting close. But, amidst that noise, she heard the humming sound from the most commanding voice. Vasuki jolted from behind the giant bushes where she was hiding and concentrated. A sense of relief erupted, but she had to be sure. She slowly hummed back and waited to hear back. The humming continued in her most favorite voice.

Mythree!! Vasuki leapt on her feet with utmost joy and ran towards the direction of the sound. She smelled the scent of her Mythree and ran fiercely for half a kilometer on the opposite side.

There, behind the shrubs where she had earlier spotted the stag, she saw her Mythree.

But she was not alone!

STRENGTH OR STRATEGY

Vasuki spotted her Mythree and sprang towards her, but Swavera was surrounded on all sides by herd of elephants. They were new to her. It was not her aunt or elders from the clan. These elephants were more rugged and looked fierce sighting Mythree. She couldn’t reach her Mythree. One elephant on the far right alone looked familiar to Vasuki.

Swavera heaved a sigh of relief looking at Vasuki and nodded, signalling her to remain calm.

Looks like every year one member of Panchala wants to serve the Divar, spoke Motila the current head of Divar clan as she walked towards Swavera.

Last year we had Abhisha, now we have the great Swavera herself to join Divar, mocked Motila. Maybe Panchala has accepted defeat. Prostrate and we will accept you in our clan.

Motila, there has been a mistake. Vasuki is a child. She must have lost her way in the woods. She is not aware of the pact. Let her go, said Swavera steadily.

Ha! Ha. You know the rules Swavera. It is not that easy. Look at Abhisha, she wandered off by herself last year, crossed the boundaries while being completely lost in her fantasy world. Came to Angula challenging for a duel. She thought she could defeat me and become head of everyone. Lost the duel. Now, she is a mere slave!

Swavera was completely taken aback. She remembered the day of Abhisha’s disappearance. The way the entire Panchala clan was worried for her, the number of days they spent searching for her. She never believed in the theories about Abhisha. She always supported and never let anyone speak ill of her. But now, knowing how foolishly Abhisha acted, she resented her. Abhisha had been aware of the pact. She had known the history with the Divars’ yet had recklessly attempted to show her might. Swavera felt hurt and disappointed.

Abhisha was ashamed. She couldn’t dare to look into Swavera’s eyes.

Well, if you want Vasuki back, you have to duel, said Motila interrupting Swavera’s thoughts.

Vasuki realised what was happening. Due to her fault, Swavera must duel. She has heard a lot from Anant about real duels. It wasn’t like the pretend battles that she played with her brothers. The loser of the duel could be banished from the clan and even more from Kushali Forest itself. She knew her Mythree was old and beyond age to fight a fierce battle. She could die. Vasuki couldn’t hold back her tears.

She was petrified and with pure love for her Mythree, looked at Motila and said I will duel with you.

Laughter erupted among the elephants. Vasuki was tiny in comparison to the majestic Motila and it was unethical among elephants to duel before turning fourteen.

Vasuki, be quiet. Motila, I will fight the duel and if I win, I want both of them back with me.

Motila snorted at Swavera and proudly shouted, Divars! We are going to have two more slaves with us tomorrow. Prepare for the duel at dawn.

Vasuki lamented and looked from Swavera to Motila.

Territoriality was a powerful system amongst animals. Once it was breached, creatures felt threatened. Motila wanted to show her might.

The sun slowly loomed large in the sky and Vasuki dreaded every moment as it rose.

With heavy trumpeting, an intense duel began. Motila showed her brute strength while Swavera was sagacious. She had her tactics to avoid heavy blows. Trees were uprooted amongst loud jeering from the herd. The trunks clamped and the sound of the anger travelled across the hills. The heads clashed and the tusks jabbed. There was a mighty fall. Squeals of laughter erupted when Motila seemed to have the upper ground. Swavera leapt up tired.

The sober look on Vasuki’s face, the anxious stare of Abhisha haunted Swavera. She had to win for them.

The battle continued for another hour. It was a duel between strength and strategy. With every passing minute, Swavera grew tired. Motila outsmarted her strategies. Swavera had to think differently. She had to change her methods. Motila came gushing towards Swavera in an attempt to clash the head. One final hit and Swavera will fall forever.

As Motila ran forward, Swavera ran in the direction of Motila and swiftly turned halfway around just before Motila hit her. Motila hit Swavera in the belly. It was a heavy blow for Swavera, but before Motila could regain her ground, Swavera quickly got hold of Motila’s tail with her trunk. She overturned Motila with all her energy and crushed her tuskers with her feet.

Strategy with mindful strength won. The laughter silenced.

Vasuki and Abhisha ran towards Swavera. She was weary but proud.

The three elephants headed back to Saptarang humming their way.

“It’s a happy day,

there’s always a way,

wag your tiny tail,

and say, I’m here to play.

Hordes of anxious elephants came running towards the boundaries of Lowland Forest and trumpeted joyously at the sight of Mythree, Vasuki and Abhisha. Emotions ran high. Anant and Vaikunt dashed Vasuki. Veer Kausi couldn’t hold back her tears. The clan ran around them and wanted to know every detail of where Vasuki went and how she was saved by Mythree. They were surprised at seeing Abhisha and wondered how Vasuki and Swavera found her.

Vasuki lived to tell the tale.

Epilogue

Vasuki lived happily ever after with her clan. She was crowned Mythree by Veer Swavera eight years later. Abhisha had given up her desire to be crowned Mythree. She was a trusted aide to Vasuki. Abhisha realised that she was lured by her own false ambitions. She decided to become a mentor and taught morals to the calves from a young age.

☝Elders have experience. Heeding to them can do no harm.

☝Undue curiousness can lead to unwanted calamities.

☝ Arrogance defies sensibility.

☝Staying grounded is the most suitable ornament to wear on all occasions.

☝Wonders of a calm mind helps across all weathers.

                                                                  The End