The back door flew open. Tara screamed and flung herself backward, raising her arms to ward off an attack. Parvati staggered in, carrying an unconscious Suraj. Raka stood by the door watching them. His turban was askew and rivulets of sweat dripped from his haggard face. Tara ran to help her mother. Together they lay Suraj on the ground and made him comfortable. His face was pale and gaunt. Tara put a hand on his chest. Only when it rose and fell gently did she move away, exhaling noisily. Parvati, too, looked close to collapse as she stared at Raka wordlessly. “Mother, what’s going on?” said Tara. “Why are you here?” “Ask him,” said Parvati jerking her head at Raka. She sank to the floor beside Suraj and sighed audibly. With a brief nod, Raka stepped out and shut the door. Tara raced to it and pulled it open. “Rakaji, please tell me what’s going on?” she said. “Is someone going to try and burn us up again? Once was not enough?” Huge sobs welled up within her, but she swallowed hard, staring into his eyes, silently demanding that he speak the truth.
