It's been years since my punishment.

I haven't seen my face in a mirror in these uncountable years. I have come to despise myself with the passing of time. Long ago, when the wounds were fresh, I would think how the world was so unjust to a man. Wasn't a man supposed to be the greater one between the two genders?

I understand now. The trees, the juicy fruits that they give us, the bubbling rivers and the singing birds– all are, in fact, woman. Womanly. Feminine. I have been living because of her. Shrouded by lust, I had committed an unforgivable sin.

Mahendra still hates me, I know, although Ahalya is very merciful. It's the nature of women– they forgive easily, but never forget. She has come to me a few times, asking if I have changed. I always tell her that I am changing, and ask her to go back to her husband. She assures me that bitterness has left her mind, and she respects me like a daughter.

I wonder now, is it her external beauty that attracts men, or the unblemished, spotless canvas of her heart?

Time is long for us divine beings. We have so much time to sin that a hundred earthly births would cease in that moment. So, we also have enough time to redeem.

And the wait will end today.

I hear the excited screech of squirrels and see the deer and her doe sway to the tune of the clinking waterfall. Everything around is so otherworldly. It feels like I am a part of a great story.

Moving the mesh of green climbers and bush, two handsome men come towards my ashram. They glow like princes of the sun clan, but their attire is poorer than mine. One is fair, and the other is dark like rain clouds.

The man, bathed in midnight, beams upon seeing me. I stand in awe of his grandeur. The way he holds his bow, the arch of his brows, and his flowy gait– they all clearly tell me he is godly. But who is he, and why is he here?

I find myself joining my hands in reverence and kneeling down at his feet.

"May I get some water? The perilous journey has made me thirsty."

His voice is music, akin to a mellifluous song trickling down a flute. I know this man, my soul does. I have been waiting for him...

"Who are you?" I ask.

The prince lifts me up from the ground and embraces. "Rama," he answers.

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