PART FIFTY-SEVEN:
The target, the trapped and the tumble:
Juja felt like she was sweating inside her reptile body. She became hot and extremely bothered, when she heard the queen’s voice and footsteps. It was coming close to the place, where she clung desperately. If the queen was cooing and singing, thought the young woman. Then it meant that she had the baby princess with her. She always did sing playfully, when she had the baby. And cooed lovingly, whenever the baby was fussing. Now Juja wished, that she could steady her racing heart. This was the very reason, that she had struggled to and somewhat succeeded in keeping her mind. By forcing herself awake, while the transformative and manipulative spell was in process.
She fought every induced sedation to stay alert and aware. That determined vigilance, had helped to stall the hypnotic and conniving process. It was interrupted, from spreading and controlling her thoughts and actions. The spell’s deceptive and destructive nature, had failed to clamp down on her decisions and actions. For that, she was encouraged and hopeful. It was while Juja was mulling over her situation and all that was happening around her. That she felt the soft, gentle yet firm grip on her back. She knew that the form of snake, in which she was trapped inside. Was a small and lithe one. Her captors had made it that way, for easy mobility and possibly non-visibility.
However, her size of snake did not diminish the viperous and potent capacity of its type. The initial soft feel of an attempt to grasp, told the trapped woman that the princess had gotten a hold of her. He heart sank in disappointment and overwhelming fear. She had worked so hard and strong, not to get anywhere near the baby princess. Now the very precious one she had wanted to avoid, was not only close by. But was actually holding her. Juja then began to chant her lines of meditation. Every plan she had made, was suddenly imploding she thought dismally. Trying as she did, not to move or wriggle in the baby’s hand.
As she hung limply in the loose and gentle grip, her head reeled in trepidation. Then suddenly, she heard another scream. It was alarmingly very close to her. And it was quickly followed by, what sounded like the stumping of several feet. A uniform and determined match, that seemed to be headed angrily for her. Maybe it was better, if it ended this way Juja decided. Resigning herself, to the projected and expected onslaught of wrath. It was good that they would now destroy this monster and protect the baby. Then just as instantly and surprisingly, the grip on her back loosened. She was again let go. Dropped unceremoniously, this time on another soft landing.
One encounter and boundless overflows:
The man saw the woman by the roadside, tying up big and full sacks together. He had not seen her for a while. Shortly after the wide spread and frenzied search for her kidnapped daughter, he along with the rest of the concerned community. Had all gone on with their waiting lives. Either hoping for the best, or assuming the worst. Nevertheless, he knew she had not let go or moved on. How could she possibly have? He could only imagine the pain of losing a child in such manner. And then not knowing, if they were still dead or alive. It was unbearable to even think of and he felt a tinge of guilt, for not having checked up on her earlier than now.
She had at some time in the past, helped him out with his invalid son. She was a caring and considerate person, who did deserve to suffer alone. Besides she had two other children, which would also be hurting for their sister.
“Do you have to carry all that with you?” He asked, walking up to where she stood. And pointing at the sack bags, that she appeared to be tying up in bundles. "I can certainly help," he added further. The woman sort of looked up momentarily, nodding an absent-minded yes to his question. Then when recognition dawned on her almost instantly, she looked up again. This time with a wide smile and response.
“Yes I do have to carry all of it,” she started. Pulling firmly at the ropes she had around one of the sacks. “I didn’t expect it to come out to so much.” She dropped the strings, to spread out her hands in demonstrative proof. “I usually get about a fraction of this, for the same amount of payment. But this time,” she continued. Laughing nervously at the many filled bags. “I got a whole lot more, than I could imagine. Things just keep getting bigger.” She shrugged, in a show of fulfilled acceptance.
“That’s quite interesting to hear,” began the man. “And it is good to know, that you are very well provided for.” He added sincerely with a smile.
“I apologize, for not having checked up on you in a while now. I have been extremely busy.” “Oh not to worry at all,” dismissed the woman cheerily. “Everything has been going well, especially since the ‘angel king’, paid me a visit.” “The ‘angel king’?” The man interjected, feeling as perturbed as he was amused.
“Yes, the ‘angel king’.” It was obvious, that she was serious about what she was saying. “He came out of nowhere, with goodwill. And he was dressed magnificently, like a king.” She suddenly seemed defiant and defensive as she continued. “He made all this provisions and promised me that my daughter would return home.” On that note, she started humming a merry tune under her breath. And went back to tying the bundles, in front of her.
The patient dog, gets the royal attention:
“Did your friend Miluh, finally get to meet with the queen? I know you said she was lucky and able to have an appointment with her majesty.” The man asked his wife. His expression, a contrasting and vivid picture of distress. “I have not seen her yet,” the woman started to respond. “She had said she would talk to me, as soon as she had met with her majesty. She also offered to give us advice, on how to go about our own mission. You know, like how we could request an appointment and then subsequently present our revelation to the queen.”
“So then, if you have not heard from her yet." Her husband jumped in almost immediately. "Then it means, that she never got to meet with the queen. Or may never even have the opportunity to.” The man was restless and disturbed in his pessimistic outlook. “I can’t say for now. And we should really not draw any conclusions yet.” Replied the woman with a sigh, before proceeding. “We have to be patient. We will definitely know for sure, sooner or later.”
“Be patient? What do you think I have been doing all these years.” Countered the frustrated man, not really expecting an answer. He continued, knowing that this conversation could only lead to a place of frustration. “I have been carrying this guilt and secret, for a very long time. And now I am ready to let it go.”
“Of course, you will eventually let it go.” Cajoled his wife, feeling emotionally drained and exhausted herself. “But holding on, just a little bit more. Will not hurt us any further. We are closer now, than we have ever been before.” Her husband only nodded hesitantly, before concluding. “…. Closer now, you say. I hope so, I sure hope so.”
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