The Challenge

Yes. It was the greatest challenge of his life.

Wired, the River Creature led a difficult life, like that of Bhishma Pitamah in Mahabharat. Bhishma had vowed celibacy, so that he never had children, who could lay claim to the Throne. He had declared lifelong loyalty to the Monarch and his progeny.

The River Creature was cursed to live for 500 years, and destroy the ships or any living being, that ventured to cross the waters, into His Master’s territory. Only faultless execution would absolve him after 500 years. And he did not want to live in this slime forever. His soul hankered for liberation.

He had pulled down several mighty ships into the depths of the Ocean. The world outside had declared the spot to be a zone of Rip Currents, and advised sailors and holidaying crowds to stay away from it. It helped him. It helped him escape the guilt of destroying lives and economies. But he was bound by the shackles of a curse.

He examined the tiny hook that came his way. This was very different from the massive anchor chains of ships. He used his extrasensory powers to gauge, that the human at the other end was an adventurous kid, perhaps trying to catch some fish. It was a Catch 22 situation. Letting her go would entrap him in the ghastly existence, for another 500 years. Not letting her go, would weigh him down with sin and guilt, forever.

Bhishma Pitamaha had chosen to support the perpetrators of injustice, and betray the righteous people he had so loved. He had confessed his guilt, that no oath is bigger than the larger interest of humanity and justice.

Wired gently released the hook, so that the owner of the fishing line could pull it back.

Written for Photo Fiction #67