GRIST TO THE MILL

It was a full moon night and moonlight sparkled over waters of the Reed river. Spiritual and yoga instructor Yogi stood on the steps of a quay with his disciple Jag. Facing them stood Rani who was totally nude. Yogi said “Jag let the initiation into tantra start. I’ve given you details. Use the oils I specify and apply to the region I mention. Start with bottle one which is for her head. Go slow and apply as if she was a mere marble statue: You’re getting acquainted with her body.”

Jag dutifully complied.

When the anointing was over Yogi said “Now cast off your clothes and allow her to anoint you.”

He mumbled “I’m a bit ashamed.”

“So was she when I asked her to unclothe. The difference is due to your becoming conscious of the reactions in your body on seeing an unclothed female. That is what has to be shed first. I had taught you to do it.”

Jag controlled his breath and the tumescence dropped. Rani applied oils to Jag’s body. Then he said “You two take a bath in the river.”

That done Yogi said “As I sit and meditate, Jag use her as your woman laying her on the grass. Only remember that both of you avoid orgasm. Just concentrate on the pleasures which come over your body.”

It took a long while and a lot of will power. It was past midnight when the two got up. Yogi said “The ritual should continue at home. You can go home while I go to my abode.”

Why was all this gone through? I am coming to it: The city of Reed was no doubt a modern metropolis but it had inhabitants who continued to live the traditional way. For instance requiring desired grain size used in cooking, and perhaps lacking mixers/grinders at home, some people would need milling of grains. The Jubilee Flour Mill in a suburb had been serving the populace for years and the current owner Jag had two mills working in his shop. He was about 23 with a big moustache which spread across his lip and descended to his chin. He also had long flowing hair on his head which he would cover with a cap. Jag didn’t have much education. He had somehow got addicted to yoga and would regularly practice it. Yogi, 35 who was a yoga professional would guide Jag when needed.

Jag was married to Kavya daughter of a farmer. She wasn’t much of a looker and her education matched Jag’s. One of those who would come to the mill was Rani who was only 18 and was a widow. It was said her husband had died only days after the wedding. She was great in her looks and Jag had a soft corner in his heart for her. However she longed for him despite the fact he was married. She lived in her place near Jag’s home with an old woman – a relative - for help. When Kavya smelt Rani’s fondness for her husband she was furious. Husband and wife had frequent quarrels despite his saying he had nothing to do with Rani.

One day Kavya said “Jag, it is a year since we were married but we have no child. I sought medical opinion. The doctor merely suggested you give a semen sample for examination.”

“I won’t. It is shameful. It is you who should be blamed.”

Privately however Jag confided in his mentor Yogi. Yogi thought a little and said “I’ll teach you tantra. It will uncoil energy concealed in the lower reaches of the spine which will result in greater sexual satisfaction, slower aging, rise in extra-sensory perception besides spiritual enhancement. That may solve your problem.” He explained the tantra process.

 Kavya wasn’t convinced about Jag’s innocence and after a violent quarrel he left his home. Rani owned a house which was unoccupied and she accommodated him there. When Kavya came to know of this development she was incensed. She sobbed and shouted publicly “The fellow didn’t till the field adequately and blames me for his incompetence to produce a child. And now he has gone to live with that whore Rani. It is humiliating. I’ll commit suicide.”

News of Kavya’s predicament spread and a counselor was sent to talk her out of thoughts of suicide.

It was at this stage that Jag’s mentor Yogi had initiated his disciple in tantra on the river bank: Jag was preparing for the future like reconciliation with Kavya. Since Yogi had said that participation by a female was necessary to learn tantra, Jag spoke to his landlady Rani. She at once volunteered to partner him. However following the initiation ritual both partners didn’t come together.

 Kavya’s plight was noticed by two do-gooders of the locality. It was an old couple. They spoke to Kavya asking her if she was agreeable to make peace with her husband. After much argument she consented.

The old couple next spoke to Rani. She said “I had no intention of spoiling his marriage.”

The do-gooders also spoke to Jag. Jag said “Kavya was stupid to approach the doctors about lacking a child. She quarreled with me about Rani when I had had nothing to do with her. And she suspected my manhood. I was ashamed when she had said the doctor had suggested examination of my sperm. I’m willing to let bygones be bygones. First let her come and apologise to me.”

The old couple arranged a get together when Kavya and Jag again met. The old lady said “Kavya, Jag will come and live with you after you’ve apologized to him. Shall I say you apologize?”

She said firmly “I do.”

The miller said “I’ll go back to Kavya.”

Yogi was also happy at the rapprochement. 

Rani contacted Yogi and said “I want a job, could you help?”

He said “Give me some time. I’ll try to help you.” After a few days he said “Rani, a film director who is my disciple is willing to try you out.”

She jumped at it and soon moved out of Reed city. In three years she became an important film star. Then she came back to Reed. She sent a message inviting Jag and Kavya to her house. Kavya refused but Jag went.

Rani played the perfect hostess. Talking to Jag she said “I’ve to thank Yogi for introducing me to films. I was told he has gone somewhere overseas.”

“I’ve also lost touch with him.”

“How is Kavya?”

“She is fine and is busy looking after our two year old son.” He then asked “What about your future?”

“I’m marrying tennis champ Rita.”

There was silence for a moment. She laughed and said “I was introduced to her and we fell in love. I had suspected I was an LGBT-Q and was convinced of it after the tantric initiation ritual. It was you who made me conscious about my sexuality. I’ll send you an invitation to the wedding. Bring Kavya along.”

END