The Deadly Conch by Mahtab Narsimhan Page A

There has to be something you can do to help me.”
    Lord Yama’s expression softened. “There is one other way,” he said and gazed at her for a long moment. “But it’s very … no, forget it.” He shook his massive head. “I should never have mentioned it. I must go. There are many matters that await my attention. Good luck, Tara. These things have a way of sorting themselves out. Trust in the pattern that our Creator has laid out for each of us. All you need is patience.”
    Tara jumped to her feet. “Please, Lord Yama. That’s what Mother says, but I just can’t sit around and do nothing. You have to tell me. Whatever it is, I can do it.”
    Yama looked deep into her eyes; it seemed he was looking into her very soul. “I believe you, Tara, Your bravery is unsurpassed. I have yet to see a child as courageous as you. But … are you brave enough to face your own death?”
    It felt as if someone had emptied a bucket of ice-cold water over her. “What-what did you say?” Tara was sure she had misheard him.
    â€œCan you face your own death to save your family and your village?” said Yama watching her shrewdly.
    â€œI don’t understand?”
    â€œWell, like I said, there is a way,” said Yama. “I can take you to the one person who can tell you how to stop Layla; her mother Kali. But to do that I must take you to her — in the Underworld.”
    â€œI’m not afraid of that. I’ll do it!” said Tara, though the thought of seeing Kali again made her break out in a cold sweat.
    â€œI’ve no doubt you can do it,” said Yama. He sat down again and beckoned to Tara. She sat at his feet. “It’s what happens after.”
    â€œWhat … happens after?” asked Tara, searching his face. She knew in her heart she would not like his answer.
    â€œThe rule is that once you go to the Underworld, you cannot come back to the world of the living. I will make an exception in your case and give you twenty-four hours on earth to take care of Layla. But then you must return with me. You will be dead to your family, but you will live the rest of your life in the Underworld, neither dead, nor alive.”
    Tara sat very still as Lord Yama’s words went around and around in her head like a dog chasing its tail; you will live the rest of your life in the Underworld; neither dead, nor alive .
    Neither dead, nor alive.
    She stared at the ground for a long time, not really seeing it. All of the choices that faced her were incredibly hard. She didn’t want Layla’s death on her hands. The price of talking to Kali to stop her daughter was too heavy. And the last option was patience, which could prove fatal for her and her family. A heavy hand rested on her shoulder and she started.
    â€œIt’s a huge shock,” said Lord Yama. “I know. No one wants to die and especially not someone as young as you! I have taken many children kicking and screaming to the Underworld. Children who died unnatural deaths or those who were killed. They did not want to leave their parents. They wanted to remain in the same house forever. It’s one of the hardest parts of my job and a sad one.”
    â€œChildren who were killed?” said Tara. “Why do they need to be in the Underworld? It’s not their fault that they died young.”
    â€œFor a short time only,” said Lord Yama. “Until we determine the cause of death. Sometimes they die young because of the terrible sins they committed in their previous lives. Once it is determined that they are innocent, they are sent to a better, kinder place.”
    Tara nodded, not really understanding. Her own death loomed large in her mind. “But why can’t I meet Kali in the Underworld and come back,” she said. “After all, I’m going there by choice, for the good of the people of Morni and —”
    â€œStop right