Page 48 of Tiger's Dream
“It’s…it’s the women of this city. Many of them have been seeking my aid regarding…regarding finding a mate.”
Anamika turned shocked eyes to me. “What am I supposed to do?” she asked.
I shrugged. “I don’t know. Do youneedto do anything?”
“I’ve never helped in this regard. I have no experience. War is more comfortable for me than affairs of the heart.”
She’d gone as white as the surf. “Perhaps these are the types of supplications you just listen to. Like a therapist,” I suggested.
“What’s a therapist?”
“A counselor. A teacher.”
“But teachers help.”
“Yes,” I acknowledged.
“How can I teach them? Offer advice when I need it myself?”
I smiled. “You need help finding a mate?”
“Yes. No. I never thought to take one. Why do these women not simply choose to live alone?”
“Living alone is difficult. Even if they choose to ignore social convention, a solitary life is no life. Trust me in this.”
“Then perhaps you can help them.”
“Me?” I gave a stunted laugh as she slapped my arm softly, thinking that I was ridiculing her.
Ana’s green eyes were dagger sharp. “Do not mock me in this, Kishan.”
The seriousness in her face took me by surprise. “Do you really want my help?”
“Yes.”
I sighed deeply. “If you’re certain, then yes, I’ll try to help you, but I really don’t think it’s necessary. You’re the goddess of battle.”
Her face fell like a pet that had been kicked by a master. “Despite my skill with such, I don’t wish to be only known for battle,” she said.
“No, I…” I dug the toe of my soft new shoe into a broken paver stone, suddenly uncertain of exactly how to fix what I’d obviously messed up. “Look,” I said, “I didn’t mean you can’t be the goddess of other things. You provide food, you heal the land… Think of all the people you’ve helped. Battle was just on the forefront of my mind.”
“I understand,” she said softly. “How can I expect people to remember me as human, as a woman, when all they see is the warrior-goddess?”
Stretching out my hand, I wrapped my fingers around hers. Tingles shot up my arm and I felt the strength of our connection link us together. “The goddess Durga already is much more than a warrior.”
I brushed my knuckles beneath her chin and waited for her to look at me. When she did, I could see she was anxious, vulnerable. “Can you find them?” I asked gently.
She nodded.
“Then lead the way and I’ll help the best I can.”
“Thank you.” This time she took my hand, grasping it tightly, and she gave me a warm smile that stirred my middle like we’d leapt in time again.
As we walked through the streets, I added, “Keep in mind that I’ve never had a fully successful relationship either.”
“Yes, but you have loved women before.”
I coughed. “Yes, I suppose that’s true.”
