Where are you?

The prayer hall smelt of incense , fresh flowers and sandal paste.The softly sung “Bhajans ” emanated from the sanctum-sanctorum.

Ramakrishna was lost in reverence. Something he chose to call ecstasy.He swayed with the rhythm, his eyes closed, clapping gently to the beat of the music. He could visualise his “mother”, the Goddess Kali , and the vision , for him, was enchanting enough.

On the cold stone floor, next to him sat the Queen, Rani Rashmoni.She was perturbed. The rains had been scanty, and the granaries were nearly empty. Soon, as the famine and drought took hold, people would arrive in hordes to her home , the “Annapurna “(one who provides the food), how could she …….?

A stinging slap silenced everything. The bhajans came to a shocked halt. Rani cradled her burning cheek , eyes filling with tears.Ramakrishna towered over her , his eyes blazing ,
“Where are you ?” He demanded angrily