The road has transformed into a torturously winding narrow lane. Greenery surrounds them from all sides.

The two girls finally pause and look at one another.

Ragini: "This doesn't seem right. I don't think we're going the right way."

Swara: "It has to be."

Ragini: "I don't know. We should have been there by now."

A moment of silence passes as they ponder their predicament.

Ragini: "I knew it. I knew we were going the wrong way."

Swara: "Just relax, would you? Let's just keep going. It's bound to take us somewhere."

Swara wanders on up ahead but Ragini's feet remain rooted on the ground.

Ragini: "I don't know... There was a shop back there. Maybe we should head back there and ask for directions?"

Swara continues. Ragini bristles as she tags after her.

Ragini: "Shona, Don't you think we should just turn around?"

Swara: "And go where, back from where we already came? Forget that."

Ragini: "But this isn't the right way."

Swara: "So?"

Ragini: "So, don't you think we should stick to the plan?"

Swara: "You and your precious plans. Live a little Ragu, why don't you?"

Ragini: "Oh right. I forgot. You – little miss know-it-all, only follow her passion. No sense in holding onto logic or reason now, is there? Shona, Don't always think that you know anything and everything. Don't know what Sumi aunty had during the time of her pregnancy."

Swara: "Ragu, Stop irritating me...Fine, go back yourself then if you want."

Ragini: "Maybe I will."

She halts and waits impatiently but Swara strolls right along ahead.

Ragini: "I'm going."

Swara: "So go. Who's stopping you"

Ragini: "Fine then. We'll see how far you get on your own."

Swara: "Fine."

Ragini heaves a deep sigh as she turns and heads back down the narrow roadway.  

The stranger maintains his position along a tree cluster nearby.He watches now as the two girls split off in separate directions.  

Ragini marches defiantly down the road. She arrives back at the junction and then stops.She stews a moment, eyeing the trail marker and then takes a glance at her watch. Finally:

Ragini: "Damn it, Shona. Why do you always do this? This is stupid."

She turns around and heads back.

ELSEWHERE

Swara strolls lazily onward, unaware of time or distance. She pauses momentarily and wipes her brow. She takes a swig from her water bottle but finds it empty. She squeezes out a drop and then slaps at a mosquito on her thigh. Agitated now, she looks around distractedly, collecting her bearings.

The stranger follows slowly behind on foot. He pauses, observing her up ahead. He watches now from this spot.

Swara glances about when her eyes lock on the stranger. She freezes. He stands in plain sight at the edge of the road a short ways back, maintaining a purposeful gaze upon her.

Swara: "Hey. You got a problem?"

He says nothing. She holds her ground.

Swara: "Huh.Ya whatever.. "

An approaching vehicle catches her attention. She turns to see a jeep appear from around the bend. It pulls to a stop next to her. The driver turns to her – it's Sanskar.

Sanskar:"Hi there."

Swara:"Hi"

Sanskar: "What brings you out this way?"

Swara:"Uh, no reason. Just looking to get lost."

Right then Sanskar catches sight of the stranger. He feels uneasy

Sanskar:"That's not an easy thing to do out here."

His eyes remain locked on him. Swara notices this and became curious.

Swara:"What is it? Do you know him?"

Sanskar:"Yes."

Swra:"Who is he?"

Sanskar: "No one – just some crazy man... C'mon, I'll give you a lift."

Swara throws her pack into the back and takes a seat next to him in his jeep. The stranger stands motionless as they drive directly past him. He stares after them now, watching as they disappear around the bend.

...................................................................................................................

So Ragini and Swara have split ways... What do you think would be the consequence of this action of theirs..... Comment ...

Lots of love