To The Land Encased in Water

The next day, early in the morning, the local entourage of Chengmei left together for their journey back home. They arrived on schedule and were happily welcomed by the whole town. The people have all been waiting for them quite anxiously, so when they heard the good news, they were ecstatic.

And when they were told Aheiba, the beautiful Sandrembi actor was the real culprit, they started making comments-

"I knew it, that person was attractive but something was wrong with him."

"Yes, obviously, he was too good to be true!"

"And those artists had the audacity to framed our boy! Hmph!" another almost spat out.

"I know what you mean. No person of Chengmei would commit such a sinful act. We are peace loving folks."

Ahanlem raised her brows slightly at their words, it is as if these same people didn't try to beat up an old lady and her son almost to death last time.

Soon after that day, the usual peaceable routines returned to the town. But one afternoon, an unexpected visitor showed up at Tomba's courtyard. The chieftain, Khaba and his attendant stood before them.

"Sorry to intrude at this moment, lads." The man greeted.

Tomba and Ahanlem stopped their tasks immediately and went to greet the guests.

"Oh no, it's alright, sir!" Tomba said hastily.

The chieftain smiled and said, "I will cut right to the point then. I came here today because I have a favor to ask of you both."

Both the youngsters were vehemently surprised at his words. What kind of favour could the respected head of town would possibly need from them? Was the question running inside both their minds.

In the small verandah, a straw mat was laid out for the guests to sit down. Then, Ahanlem brought out two brass cup filled with water and some sliced fresh papayas. The man courteously ate two and began to say,

"After you both went through such a terrible ordeal, I felt I wanted to do something to lighten your thoughts. After all, I wasn't able to do much..."

"Ah, no, no. We never felt that way, sir!" Tomba exclaimed.

"You have done a lot than we ever thank for, sir." Ahanlem also added firmly.

The chieftain gave them another small smile and said, "No, as the head of the town, I feel a little responsible for everything that happened." Then, looking serious, he added, "The thing is, I will be going to Taningtha, along with your twin friends' father, Ibomcha. The king has ordered me to go there to find a certain friend of ours and bring him back to the capital.

And I sincerely insist both of you to accompany us."

Tomba and Ahanlem were taken by surprise at the man's request. But at the same time, Tomba's eyes lit up in excitement because the place, Taningtha was a very popular and beautiful place where one doesn't simply get the chance to go.

However, Ahanlem spoke up, "But sir, why the both of us? What could we youngsters, possibly do to help on such an important mission? Rather, we will become a burden for the journey."

The chief looked at the sceptical expression on the young person's face, he was quite amused at the uncertainties instilled at those words. He took a sip of the water that taste of the earthen pot in which it was kept, then answered slowly, "No, it's alright, you don't have to do anything. I just invited you both to come and enjoy the beauty of Taningtha. Nothing else."

"That's what I meant, when I said I wanted to do something nice for you boys." He added in a genial tone.

Ahanlem pursed her lips, embarrassed at having hinted her doubts so indiscreetly. But Tomba did not notice her feelings and blurted out excitedly, "Sir, will you really allow us to accompany to Taningtha?"

"Of course."

"Really, thank you for this, sir!" Tomba said cheerfully.

"Don't mention it." The man said and soon after he left with his quiet attendant.

Despite her suspicion, Ahanlem herself was excited to go. The truth was that Taningtha was a beautiful island that was located on the largest lake in the state. Its appeal were significantly varied, plenty and very attractive. Even at Ahanlem's timeline, it was a popular spot to visit on holidays, so she was very intrigued to know how the place will present itself at this period of time.

But still Ahanlem can't help but think there was an underlying reason why the chieftain invited them.

Anyway, Ahanlem and Tomba made their preparation to go to this unexpected trip. Under the request of the chieftain himself, their house was arranged to be looked after by the neighbours. Their friends, Chaoba and Naoba also agreed to check on the property for them frequently.

They set out for the trip and arrived two days at the place. Taningtha was a special recreational island located in the land of Moirang. It was one of the five main islands of Loktak Pat, the largest freshwater lake in the kingdom.

The unique attribute of this lake were the phumdis, which are floating circles of thick vegetation. This characteristic of the beautiful lake sets it apart from all other lakes across the world. Another notable feature was Keibul Lamjao which was the exclusive habitation of the Sangai deer. They were a beautiful species of brow-antlered deers found only in this place. Later in the future however, the Sangai became endangered species. All in all, Moirang was the land of rich heritage and natural beauty with many ceaseless attractions. In Ahanlem's timeline, it was also an unrivalled tourist site, with Taningtha fast growing as a modern resort frequented by many. So, Ahanlem was brimming with excitement to explore the place at this era.

After they arrived near their destination, the beautiful scenery of Moirang greeted them. All around they saw vast expanse of deep blue lake waters, decorated with numerous, vibrant green circles of phumdis everywhere. And on either sides of the cobbled road they were walking on, the waters near their vicinity were filled with purple hyacinths, as well as budding pink and violet water lilies along with hundreds of small lily pads. It was quite a colourful sight.

Ahanlem and their group then went to the harbour to catch a hii. They got onto the long canoe and travelled on the deep waters all the way to the island of Taningtha. On the way, Tomba and Ahanlem looked to their left and right, over and above, dazzled at the sight of the scenery around. Well, truth be told, unlike Tomba, it wasn't Ahanlem's first time at Moirang. She had already visited the place in her timeline twice with friends and family for picnics.

As their ride finally close ashore after some minutes, they look at the approaching pier and saw a short man with a beard, who seemed to be in his middle age, standing on the bamboo pier. When the boatman gestured for them to go, they finally got up and climbed onto the deck.

The short man smiled warmly and greeted them, "Finally, you have all arrived, I had been eagerly waiting all day."

"Are you the king's messenger?" The chieftain asked as he returned the smile.

"Yes, just one of his many humble servants. Anyway, you must all be famished and tired from the long journey. Come, I have already made arrangement for your stay." The man said.

"Thank you, we are genuinely grateful." The chieftain told the man.

Ahanlem, Tomba, and their friends' father, Ibomcha trailed after the man, right behind the chieftain. They climbed on the ascending path of the hilly terrain of Taningtha. After a while, the steep path finally opened to a flat ground at last.

Ahanlem rested her hands on her knees while catching her breath. She was already tired from the length of the journey from Chengmei and now having to walk on such a path depleted her energy immensely. Honestly, she has been running, jumping and exploiting her muscles a lot ever since she came to this era.

"We are here." The short man said.

All four of them looked up in relief. There, right in front of them was a magnificent establishment on top of the hill. The said building extend to quarter of a mile, made of wood, bamboos and mud and was complete with two storeys. It's entirety was decorated and attached with flowering trees and orchids of varied colours, kinds and shapes. And in the spacious space between them and the building was a well tended flower garden and a vegetable garden on each side with a cobbled path in the middle. The building was also painted white from limestone extract and it looked quite extravagant, seeming to look as if the whole thing was carved right from the hilltop at the back. It was truly an enchanting abode.

They entered the building soon enough, where they were brought into a large, clean room filled with the smell of delicious, cook food. They eagerly approached to where their meal was laid out already. They were all hungry from the journey and sat down to eat the tempting display of dishes. Ahanlem and Tomba ate their fills heartily. Then, soon after, they left first and were introduced to their own rooms by a staff of the house.

Feeling relaxed, Ahanlem laid down on the small bed inside her room. The area of the room was very small, with only one furniture but it was enough. Completely sapped of energy, Ahanlem soon lulled herself to a deep sleep.

Later, she was woken up by the sound of crickets in the evening. Ahanlem lazily sat up and rubbed her eyes groggily. Then, she looked out the little window besides her bed and saw the scene of the setting sun.

The sun was already setting into the far off surrounding hills. But it had dyed the measureless sky with many colours; the soft clouds were painted with shades of orange and purple while the surface of the lake wear ablaze in golden red. Across the skies, the dark silhouette of the birds can be seen, flying swiftly homewards to their nests. And also on the lake, the numerous phumdis floating appeared to be strokes made by the heavens.

Ahanlem's eyes stared on, completely enraptured by the unparalleled beauty. From her view atop, everything above and below were grander and more peerless than the memory in her mind. She thought quietly, this was truly the original, untouched and natural appeals of the Loktak lake.

Then, sudden knockings on her door broke her musings. Ahanlem got up and opened it. Tomba was standing outside with an excited grin.

"Ahanlem, come on! Let's go see the dancers! Hurry!" he said animatedly.

"Eh? What?" Ahanlem asked still feeling drowsy.

"No time! They have already started!" Tomba told her as he grabbed hold of her wrist and dragged her all the way.

The two of them arrived to the edge of the hilltop which was located a good distance besides the building. And on the wide, sturdy cliff overlooking the lake view was a huge spherical open mandop. And on its platform were young men and maidens, dancing gracefully to the tune of the singers and the musical instruments while bathed in the twilight.