“Do you have sympathy for them?” asked Viraj.
“Dhatakis have to clean the filth of Vanpore, and in return they get a hellish life.” said Tasvak. “There is no way out for them. Why? Because in the past, someone decided that Dhatakis don’t deserve to be treated as humans.”
“Fine, you can accompany me.” Viraj relented. “But keep in mind, whenever the history of Vanpore will be written, the Dhatakis won’t play any part, except emptying the filth pots.”
“Maybe, but what if someday they decide not to play that part?” asked Tasvak.
“If I were you, I would keep those thoughts to myself.” warned Viraj, making his displeasure clear. “They are considered treason in Yashantika, and for good reason.”
As he entered the Dhataki settlement, Tasvak was shocked by the inhuman living conditions. There was filth and stench everywhere, and malnourished children roamed around in the garbage.
Viraj was there to meet Khoram, the leader of the settlement.
“You are getting greedy, Khoram.” said Viraj. “For three boys, you are asking fifteen silver karshikas.”
“I am asking fifteen silver karshika for three Dhataki lives.” said Khoram.
“I don’t understand.” said Tasvak. “These boys will be taking lives, not giving their lives.”
“Do you think anybody in Vanpore is going to protect a Dhataki assassin?” asked Khoram, leaning forward. “No, these boys are dead for sure. Their families are going to lose their sons, forever. They need more money.”
Khoram sounded like a righteous protector of Dhataki rights, but an occasional smile and the spark in his eyes belied something else. Viraj knew his kind well.
“Khoram, I don’t think you are going to give more than a silver karshika each to those families.” said Viraj. “You are going to pocket the remaining. Why do you need so much money?”
Khoram looked at Viraj, gave a broad smile, and dropped the pretense. “I have five daughters.” said Khoram. “I need money for their marriage. Fifteen silver karshikas, or the deal is off.”
As they left the settlement, Viraj cursed loudly.
“He tells me that he cares for his daughters.” said Viraj. “But, given a chance, he will not think twice before selling them, too. The man is nothing but a filthy leech.”
“Then why do you deal with him?” asked Tasvak.
“Because he is the leader of his people.” answered Viraj. “It might surprise you, but the Dhatakis have a strong social hierarchy among themselves. Khoram is a highborn among the Dhatakis, and so carries a lot of clout among his people.”
“But he is a victim of the society’s excesses.” said Tasvak. “How can he be a bad person?”
“Why not?” said Viraj. “Being a victim doesn’t make one virtuous.”
Tasvak nodded. He had learned a useful lesson that day.
'The Timingila' is a fast-paced fantasy thriller, now available worldwide on Amazon and Google Play.
Khuram is pure scum.
ReplyDeleteWell said .... “Being a victim doesn’t make one virtuous.” We all should remember that.
ReplyDelete