He kept gathering stems as Mallika stood up and walked towards him slowly,
catlike. If he could see her eyes, he would see the smoldering fire that was way
superior to any other. She was all-set for another assault after last night.
She reached him, a few steps away. He didn't realize her presence; he was too
caught up in swiftly binding the stems. After some moments he stood up with a
stressed sigh. In his one hand he held the Torch, and in another he held the
bunch of stems bound by a diminutive cord. As he was trying to turn about, she
stopped him, putting a hand over his shoulder. It startled him somewhat but to
reassure him, she said in stern manner, " keep still, Dev. "
He did. Yet he also sensed her intentions.