When Lokya woke up, it was past midnight. He was at the back of a horsecart, dumped over the luggage. Beside him, the priest was sleeping on his seat. A lantern hung in the front of the cart, and its dim light gave the priest a demonish appearance. Lokya realized that he had been abducted. "Stop the cart!" Lokya screamed. "Help, I want to go back." The priest woke up with a start. He looked at Lokya, and slapped him hard on his head. "Shut up," he shouted. "Shut up now, not a word!" "Where are you taking me?" asked Lokya, hitting back. "Take me back to my home." "You fool," chuckled the priest. "Your parents have sold you to me. I am your master now, and you are my slave." "Why did they sell me?" Lokya started crying. "Because they did not want you." The priest was enjoying this. "They sold you for just one silver karshika ." "Still I want to go back home," Lokya s...
Official website of Shon Mehta, acclaimed author of The Timingila and creator of the fictional universe of Jivavarta. Her works include 'The Girl Who Asked Why' and 'Lair of the Monster.' Explore philosophical allegories and stories on human nature.