They Will Learn My Name

Lakshmi found it quite easy to sneak into the palatial coastal compound of Visakhapatnam. How those so otherwise observant can ignore the hired help on many levels was astounding to her. But useful. She could hear the ocean crashing in the distance. In another life, she would have been in awe of this home. She could never see herself in a home like this before. But this is now. And she was not impressed. All of this beauty that surrounded her was artificial. Built upon human suffering.

She wore her maid's uniform, slowly making her way down the halls, mopping the smooth, cool tiled floors. Large white fans that hung from the ceiling cooled much of the estate through the hot months. It was not that time yet, thankfully.

When people passed, she paused her work and looked down. After they had passed, she would sneak a quick glance. No one took a second look at her. She was simply a poor woman from Bangalore, or at least that's what she intended to say if asked. But she was invisible. This worked quite well.

She finally reached the master bedroom on the second floor and carefully knocked before entering. No response. She tried the door handle. Not locked. She slowly opened the door and peered inside. She then brought the mop and bucket inside with her.

As she was setting up her mopping supplies, she heard, "No. Come back this evening when I am out. I have to get ready."

She turned around to greet the voice and nearly jumped out of her skin. There stood a middle aged man in a towel, hair disheveled from which water droplets fell onto his shoulders and chest.

"Papa," she croaked, barely able to speak. The man stared at her for a moment before gasping.

"Lakshmi!" He said under his breath. "How did you.. how did you find me?"

She was quiet for a while, gazing at the man who used to be in her life. The one who deserted them.

"I wasn't looking for you, but.. it appears that I have found you."

Papa looked utterly confused. He made no motions to move near her, to comfort her. This was not the Papa she remembered. She choked back tears. Anger welled inside of her.

"Do you have any idea who you've hurt?!" Papa put his hand up as if to stop her, but she ignored his gesture.

"I'm not talking about when you left. I know who you are now. I know what you've done. What you have done to me! And what you have done to Adhira."

At this Papa's face filled with immense anguish. He still remained rooted in his spot. Tears started to spill down his cheeks.

"It can't be.” He said. After a moment, he continued, "I- I can't say that I knew. I would never have allowed it!"

"Who cares if you would have allowed it to happen to your daughters." I said, quietly. "Think of all the other daughters out there whose lives you've ruined. Families torn apart. And for what? Your greed?! You couldn't even take care of us, but look where you live. We are still in the same slum!" That last part came out more forcefully than I intended. I took a steadying breath. "Well, we were. Before your henchman sold us."

"I can't believe this. I'll have him killed!" Papa bellowed.

"No need. I've already taken care of him." I looked up now with a smile, a devious one that came through in spite of my tears. One that steeled my resolve. Papa recoiled.

"Is it money you want? A job? Please, just tell me!"

I let that question hang in the air for a long moment. I let the tension build.

"I don't want any of that."

"Then why are you here?" He asked. Then he froze. His face paled as the realization came over him.

I could feel the gun hanging off of the belt under my dress, cold. But this was a personal job, one that required discretion.

Before he could say another word, I was on him with my arms encircling his throat.

He fought. How strongly he fought. He almost managed to throw me off when he threw us both back onto the bed.

As he slowed his movements, I whispered into his ear "I am the one they call Raven. I came for retribution. For everyone."

At last he quit struggling and slumped over. I dared not lay him on the bed, a dog doesn't deserve to be on the bed. You could get fleas.

I carefully dropped him on the floor and looked around the room. Pictures of a new love interest. A wife? A girlfriend? She was nearly as young as me. What a life our father led as we struggled to survive in the slums. The opulence that surrounded me started to turn my stomach, making my skin flush and my blood boil. At least he would not enjoy another moment of his ill gotten gains.

I looked over at the hull that was my father and spat at the ground. I pushed my shoulder length dark hair behind my ear and let out a strangled sob.

It was at this moment that I heard the click of heels on tile floor of the hallway. I ran over to the window and looked out. If I dangled from the window, I could drop onto the manicured lawn next to the gardens. I could make my way across the property and be out of sight before anyone was the wiser.

I dangled from the window, then rolled myself onto the grass. I got up and started jogging. As I did, I heard a scream from the still open window. Wispy white curtains blew out of the window behind me.

I didn't stop. I kept running, until all I could hear was the sound of the ocean and my breath.

As I ran, I shed the moniker that was given to me by my handler. I was born again. I was always Lakshmi, and I always will be. I made them learn my name.