Chapter 03 - The Blind game

5 Hours ago -5:00 AM

Present day

31 December 2017

As usual morning pink initiated engulfing the darkness, her blissful morning ragas which is known as the alarm knocks the door of every house of Hampi indicating the beginning of new day. She is a popular diva by her distinct singing forms of ragas which are said to have divine quality in them. Her delightful voice which is well known for the combination of emotions and classical touch was popular across the city for the purpose of meditating and to connect themselves with divine beings. She is also known as a successor of legendary singer Mr. Ratnakar, who served and still serving lord Virupaksha by his soulful devotion.

Devotees, saints were at entrance gate, while Swapna was already lost in her morning raga sitting at the centre of an open pillared hall, sanctum of Virupaksha temple which slowly absorbed her voice all over, a pillared cloister crowded in few seconds, crowd in the cool breeze had started chanting omkara sitting in divine lotus posture keeping spine straight, stopping every thought for a minute, relaxing. Swapna who looked delicate because of her slim fairer complexion and contrasting jet black hair never felt aversion or vibration in her voice for bone chilling cold.

Meanwhile, few saints who finished their yoga and Surya namaskara under the guidance of legendry singer Mr Ratnakar moved towards a well-positioned nine tiered eastern gateway, in to Virupaksha temple for morning worship. They were speaking about laughter therapy, and to organise the same with in few days at the banks of serene Tunga Badra River. And Mr Ratnakar was demonstrating the same while on the way to Virupaksha sanctum. His demonstration was interrupted by an unknown child's scream from somewhere far and was not clear enough to make it out due to interruptions of morning ragas emerging out from portable speakers hung on the pillars.

They observed a kid rushing towards them from inside of one of the small shrines which gathered a small group. This caught attention of Mr Ratnakar, without second thought he rushed towards the shrine. He was completely worried as he was declared as the chairman of Virupaksha temple after sudden disappearance of Mr Adyapak. Tourism Committee and safety commission of Hampi had no better choice than him after his beloved friend. Mr Ratnakar thought several times before accepting the oath for government councils, because he knew he was never a leader nor he had attempted to be a leader, only his fame soulful voice has brought him to this position. He was very clear that he is unviable in high profile position so had argued and refused the invitation from government councils but committee members succeeded to convince him to take charge until the return of his friend Mr Adyapak.

As they approached a smaller shrine, their gaze was instantly drawn to the familiar yellow dhoti on the thighs of 'UgraNarasimha statue'. This directed them to observe blood stains on the feet of deity. A dead body was placed on the thighs of Narasimha statue. Face had blood stains; it didn't take much time for Ratnakar to identify the familiar face of dead body, his emotions busted out uncontrollable. He rushed towards the statue to have a closer look, observing blood covered face of dead body, he ossified and confirmed himself; wiping his tears he announced in excruciating voice "Mr Adyapak is no more"

Ironically, only true stubborn proponent of Ratnakar's life ended his show on earth miserably on a inviolable thighs of Lord Narasimha.

Within no time myriad people gathered to console him. His emotions were implacable at the movement, and asked his men to promulgate the issue to police by circumscribing the crowd from crime scene.