Prologue Mala sat on the bare ground hugging her knees, waiting! There was a strange anxiety tingling in her heart. It was a mix of anticipation and hope. She raised her tired eyes to stare at the sky above in a silent fear. She half turned to look at Mangal lying prostrate next to her and shivered slightly. His arms were casually splayed across his chest; his mouth half open. His blank eyes staring back at her. Her hands trembled as Mala moved them lightly over his lids to pull…
