Anil: You saved my life, while I tried to kill you.

{What? Why is he talking nonsense? Has the venom affected his brain too?}

Anil: Do you remember the accident you had a few years back?

I immediately turned to Radha didi. She gave a small smile. But she had a strange expression coded on her face; which I could not decipher. He continued, his voice barely audible.

Anil: I was the one who did it. I was the one who rode the lorry that night. And it was not an accident. I was intentional ... the collision ... was a murder attempt ... at the 2 of you.

"YOU BEAST!!! What have we done to you?"

My heart screamed with hatred and anger. But not a single word escaped my mouth. I was standing motionless like a statue. All my attempts to react, were useless. I felt a strong force around me, restricting me from even a slightest motion. I tried desperately to break free. But Radha didi warned me against it. I gave up the struggle.

Anil: I am really sorry.

{Sorry?! Can your sorry bring back didi to life? Can it undo the past?}

Anil: But I ... I ... swear ... I was only following orders. I did not have another option. I had to kill anyone entering the vicinity of the hill. I was not aware of what I was guarding ... but it must be something dangerous and illegal.

By now, he barely had energy to speak. His meek voice continued.

Anil: I had no other option left. When I joined the job, I was not aware that it was such a brutal one. I was just eager to find a job, to support my family. But by the time I realised, it was too late. I was trapped. The lives of my wife and two kids were at stake. If I did not follow their orders, they could kill my whole family. I was completely helpless ...

He broke down crying again. I was surprised at myself for developing a soft spot towards him. {Maybe it is because I saw him in a desperate state. Maybe because he was my patient. Or maybe because he was helpless. Or I felt pity for his family.} Whatever the reason, I found myself calm down slightly and instantly, the force restraining me reduced in intensity. I looked at her, perplexed; but she only gave me a small smile as an answer.

Anil: I know that all these reasons don't justify my sin. That is why, I surrender completely, leaving my life at your mercy. You can punish me anyway you want. I deserve it. But only one request. Please don't pull my family into this. My wife cannot bear to know that her husband turned into a criminal. My children are not the offspring of a criminal. You can just tell them that I am dead. So they could at least live a dignified life ...

I gently patted his shoulder to help him compose himself.

Me: Can you tell me what happened that day, with all details ...?

Anil: I was on my regular duty guarding ... umm whatever. It was then that I noticed you and a young man approaching towards me. I panicked because I was strictly instructed by Rahul to shoot anyone I could sight, in the vicinity of the hill.

Me: Who is Rahul?

Anil: Rahul was my friend. He was the one who made me join this horrible job. I never met anyone else. All I had to do, was follow Rahul's orders. That is how he became my senior. He used to tell me that 'THE BOSS needed loyal workers who never asked a single question'. If these conditions could be satisfied, we would be employed for a handsome salary. Being unemployed, and the father of two young kids, I agreed without any hesitation. All I needed was money.

He looked at me with guilt filled in his eyes.

I simply nodded, signalling him to continue.

Anil: Initially, I was not ready to harm you. but I got a call from Rahul, instructing me to finish the both of you. I protested. He threatened to kill my family. So, with no other option left, I climbed into one of the lorries there and sped towards you. I had not switched on the headlights because it might alert you. I was just about to hit you people, when you bent suddenly. That put me out of focus and I deviated slightly, missing him. But you were hit. I sped away, not daring to look back.

He looked at my face. But I kept it emotionless. I should rather say, Radha didi made me keep an expressionless face. I could feel my body get stiffen.

Anil: After the hit-and-run, I had escaped into the woods. But I got trapped there. Rahul told me to stay there for a few days, until he finds the situation favourable for me to return. I obeyed him. But he never informed anything to me later. I roamed deep into the woods, frustrated, frightened and miserable. I lost all contact with the outside world and eventually I lost my way too. I wandered aimlessly, trying to protect myself from fierce creatures. I deserved much more, for trying to harm you. I lost all hopes of life, until I met you. You fed me and even saved my life. I had not recognised you then, I was blinded with hunger and thirst. But that moment, when you injected the anti-venom, my mind got detoxified of its evil nature. I recognised you. And before I could speak out, I passed out. I am ... am ... a monster.

I could not stay there anymore. I wanted to cry my heart out. But I cannot do that in front of him. So I was about to leave the room.

Anil: I am ready to accept any punishment.

Me: Since the matter is regarding my life, I have the right to decide about it. And I have decided not to blame you for the happening. You can lead a happy life with your family.

I was surprised by the words that escaped my mouth. {Does that mean; he is forgiven? What is Radha didi doing? How could she...?} I tried to look at her, only to see her disappearing. He looked equally astonished. But he recovered soon and did something unexpected, something which made my heart melt.

HE BENT DOWN AND TOUCHED MY FEET.

I jumped in terror.

Me: What are you doing?

Anil: You are a goddess.

His eyes glowed with gratitude.

Me: No. I am just a normal human being. Don't bother yourself too much.

My phone buzzed in my hand. I got a message from Krishna. "Come soon." {Is anything wrong?} I had to get to him as soon as possible.

................................................................................................................................................................

How are you all? Thanks for your patient waiting. Thanks for reading.

I would like to make it clear to you all, that I have no intention to defame Krishna. Never have I claimed that the main character is God. And please remember that it is a fiction. I hope you understand.

Thanks again.