‘You’ve known me for so long, and yet you know so little about me! Would you like to go swimming in this? Come in and take a look. ‘You will be amazed,’ Muthu said as he down the stairwell into the well. It was a large well with a lot of water in it. They’re all great. Kali was struck by how tough it must have been for people to break through so much rock and dig so deep. The steps descended straight down, smoothed out at a landing, and then descended farther. Muthu raised his eyes as he stood on the landing. He couldn’t see anyone’s head or shadow in the bright light that poured in. He yelled, ‘Mapillai, be careful!’ He then vanished into a crevice in the wall, reaching out and grasping a boulder on the other side of the downward stairwell. Kali hesitated to follow Muthu into the dark hole, despite his experience roughing it out. ‘Hold on to that rock sticking out,’ Muthu urged as he peered out of the hole. Do you notice that little groove that’s just big enough for your foot to fit into? Don’t be afraid. You’ll only fall into the well if you fall. And there’s enough water to keep you from being harmed.’ Kali moved through the crack in the rock like an iguana clutching even the tiniest of surfaces. Only then did he understand he was standing in a large cave with a rocky floor and a sandplastered roof, not just a hole. The cave’s entrance was hidden behind a curtain of Kovai creepers. Kali was astounded. Muthu had enough supplies on hand to make a feast. Muthu began skinning the two white rats he’d caught earlier in the day and hung from a thread around his waist. The male had swelled balls, but the female did not. They’d be able to produce a considerable amount of meat if they worked together. There was a penknife, a little stone stove, an earthen kettle, and wood in the cave. There was even some cash stashed away. Muthu grilled the meat after pounding some chillies. How did he get wood that didn’t smoke while it burned? Even if someone was getting water from the well, they would have no idea who was in the cave. Kali sat down after stretching his legs. The beef was delicious and paired nicely with the arrack. The small amount of gravy at the bottom was extremely tasty. Kali slurped it down after pouring it into the curvature of his palm. They drank, ate, and slept there for several hours without being disturbed, until emerging in the evening. ‘Do only snakes use well holes, don’t they?’ Kali inquired. ‘I have calamus to keep actual snakes away,’ Muthu responded. ‘Its scent repels them.’ And the fragrance of samburani won’t remain if we smoke it just after we finish eating it.’ ‘No man can find such a place,’ Kali remarked. ‘You’re the serpent!’ That location must still be a well-kept secret. Muthu would shift his hiding place if anyone discovered out. But who was going to descend that abyss? Even if they did, they’d need amazing vision to see past the kovai creeper screen. How long would he have spent working inside? Muthu’s work was superior than that of experienced roof installers. He’d done an incredible job. It would be great if he could come right now. Kali sat up straight. Ponna bolted when she saw this. ‘Do you want some water, Mama?’ He smiled and nodded. She dashed in. Ponna was more sensitive to each of his movements and paid attentive attention to his every need whenever they were here. She appeared to be preoccupied with something else at times, but her attention was entirely focused on him. ‘As if you have some wonder of a husband that no one else has!’ her mother once commented. You run and stand in front of him even if he moves his finger a little.’ ‘You’re right. For me, my hubby is a marvel,’ she responded. ‘Let’s see if you still rush around after a child is born taking care of your husband,’ her mother added. ‘Even if I have ten children, he would always be my first,’ she replied, her face beaming with pleasure. ‘It’s fine to want something. You, on the other hand, are a glutton for punishment. With a sigh, her mother speculated that this is what has irritated even the gods. The discourse came to a halt there, and quiet descended. Ponna now gave Kali an aluminium pitcher full of water, which he drank in one gulp. ‘Were you this thirsty?’ she asked, laughing. ‘Yes, but it’s surely less than Pavatha’s thirst,’ he was about to reply, but he stopped himself. Because it was the day the deity returned to the hill, all of his thoughts were focused on that single event. He asked her, ‘When is your brother coming?’ ‘He went somewhere in the morning and hasn’t returned yet,’ Ponna added. He’ll be here in time to eat, though. It’s your favourite today: drumstick.’ Kali smiled, but his heart wasn’t in it, and his mind was elsewhere. All his broodings would evaporate if he made Ponna lie next to him, embraced her tightly, and rested his head on her breasts.