That man slowly approached me and said, “Welcome.” Though he uttered this word only once, it seemed to echo in my ears countless times. Only after this did our conversation begin—

“Where have you come from?”

“Not from very far; it was about two hours after sunrise when I set out from my place.”

“Now,”—glancing quickly at his watch—“it is already twenty minutes past three. Forgive me if my words seem somewhat bold, for the very sight of you has stirred waves of curiosity in my heart.”

“Say whatever you wish, without hesitation. My own curiosity is no less than yours. Although my dwelling is not far from this place, I am certainly far from it in terms of time. Well, tell me, what year is it today?”

“The year 100.”

“Which year?”

“Universal. Which year do you mean?”

“The Christian era.”

“That would be 2124.”

“Oh-ho! So I have been sitting in the cave for two hundred years? No wonder I see nothing but change everywhere. Well, ask whatever you wish to ask.”

“Have you really been sitting in the cave for two hundred years? And how old were you when you entered?”

“Sixty years.”

“Two hundred and sixty years is a great age. I myself am sixty years old. In Vriddhapur there are several men between a hundred and a hundred and twenty years old. But your age—”

So far, I have not heard a single man’s voice. All these things are filling me with even greater wonder; at the same time, a strong curiosity to ask many questions is welling up within me. However, the women and men who are my companions here are no less curious than I am. Therefore, how wonderful it would be if you were to tell your life story in their presence.

x x x

Yes, one more thing. Such garments are no longer in fashion; it would not be improper, would it, if I were to bring you some clothes to wear?”

“No, not at all. In fact, I too have felt the need for them.”

As soon as I finished my sentence, that gentleman called out, “Arjun! Arjun!” and at the sound of his voice, a young man came running. With a smiling face, he welcomed me and asked his companion, “What is it?”

“There must be some dhotis and garments kept in this house. Please run and bring one of them here… for you to wear.”

“Very well,” said Arjun, and he dashed off, returning in two minutes with an impeccably clean dhoti.

Taking the dhoti, I said, “First of all, since we have much to discuss, we should become acquainted by name. My name is Vishwabandhu, and may I know your name?”

“My name is Sumedh.”

“So, Sumedh ji! Thank you for your assistance.”

“No, it is nothing. Now it is time for us to have refreshments. You must be tired and weary—it is only natural that you would be hungry as well. Let us go and have