prompt: This was a 250-word flash fiction for the following prompt for Artoons Writers room
The Last Dance
The roar of the ‘devotees’ filled the night, many drunk to oblivion in the garb of celebrating Goddess Yellamma. The amalgamation of the musical instruments attempting to strike a chord rang through the temple walls, adding to the cacophony even as the odour of sweat and grime of the gathered locals blended unequivocally with the floral and incense fragrances.
Priyamvada adjusted her ankle bells, looking around her chamber, the dark glowing corners reflecting her tanned palor. It was the 14th of August and close to midnight. Straightening her hourglass figure dressed in finery she wondered when the Devadasi’s duties changed to catering to the lecherous mortals. But she had her work cut out. The next day was a historic one if the doctortai was to be believed.
Priyamvada’s fourth baby had been mercilessly snatched away from her womb, yet again… but this time doctortai had said it would be for the last time. Tai had mentioned about some legal Act in place but it didn’t seem any of these monsters adhered to it. The same men who worshipped the goddess treated her forms as objects to satisfy their banal urges.
That night, she quickly finished her performance and ran. She ran through the woods till the dark sky paved the way for the auburn dawn… it was morning. By now the poison in the food would have acted and the monsters would soon meet their makers.
It was a new day and not just the country; she was free too.
