Chapter 31 Vishnu's Sword

• Suddenly he felt a hand pull him away and close a door behind. There was a flicker of light and it appeared someone had lit a candle. Then everything went black around him again. When he regained consciousness he found himself lying on a cot with a pillow tucked under his head. It was day and the sunlight was streaming through the openings in the white coloured walls around him. The fragrance of agarbattis filled the room. A fair, benign, saintly man in his mind sixties was caressing his forehead. The man had long, curly hairs, a tilak drawn on his forehead and a soothing smile. In his other hand he held a rudraksha garland. 'Where am I?' Arunava asked and tried to get up. But the man gently laid him down saying 'Not now, now, you are still weak, my son' Then looking at the inquisitive expression on his face took him into confidence. 'You are in safe hands now. Don't worry. Take some more rest. Come, have this glass of milk first. Then some breakfast. I'm sure you haven't had anything since last night. We'll have a word after that' The man had brought a glass near Arunava's mouth. He took it and drank in one sip. Then closed his eyes.
• Arunava hated milk. Even in his childhood he'd create a scene when given a glass of milk to drink. He remembered his grandmother used to tell him stories to lure him into drinking the frothy, white liquid every morning - the drink which turned little boys into strong men . He was enchanted by her storytelling and the glass would be emptied in no time. He had the same feeling in the company of the old man now. There was something in the man's expression too. He gave a sigh of bliss. The milk tasted awesome after remaining hungry for such long . There were fruits, some sweets and a glass of milk again for breakfast. After the meal Arunava felt stronger. The man introduced himself as the priest of the temple whose bells he had heard last night. He was inside the priest room now. It was strange he was so near the temple last night, yet the large structure in white escaped his eyes. The man - his saviour reached him at the right moment. Was it just a coincidence? He had been praying to God. Did he send him in? Arunava gave his introduction and narrated last night's incident. He knew the man could be trusted. Moreover, he might be able to explain and guide him about the strange incidents going on in his life.
• 'Someone had unleashed Vetaal's wrath on you, my child. No matter wherever you go Vetaal's undead soldiers are going to follow you and they are not going to rest unless .. '