Reporting Live ...

Reporting Live ...

"And that's the latest from here in Mumbai... Reporting live, I'm Alex Rigsby, CON News." Bill, the camera man, made a cut gesture and Alex relaxed.

"That looked really good," Bill said, "with the Taj Mahal Hotel burning in the background. Very impressive."

"Well, I hope this will convince the network to let me move on." Alex had been reporting from India for two years and couldn't wait to be reassigned.

"Get down!" shouted Bill over the unmistakable sounds of bullets ricocheting off the pavement.

Alex felt something hit his shoulder, spinning him around, then something slammed his chest throwing him to the ground. Alex lay there, gasping.

"Alex, hold on man!"

Why does he sound so panicked? Through half open eyes, he could see Bill's face.

"Help me!" Alex heard but wasn't sure of where the voice was coming from.

A strange face appeared above him. It was a wild painted face and the faint clicking of beads seemed to pick up the rhythm of his words and motions.

Although confused, Alex recognized the face as a Sadhu, one of the Hindu monks. Why is he here? Where's Bill? thought Alex.

So tired ... can't – seem – to Alex's thoughts drifted into darkness.

The sun rose with a fiery brilliance, reflecting off the warm waters of the ocean. Alex blinked as the light forced its way under his lids.

What the hell? he thought as memories flooded his mind. Struggling to his feet, Alex became aware something was wrong ... four legs, the bulky mass that surround him - he was in the body of a Brahma!

Something touched his side. Startled, Alex turned and saw the Sadhu.

"Good morning, a-ghnya! Welcome to India!"

Oh God, he thought, I never thought I'd see this place again as the truth sank in.

Notes

Word Count: 300 .

An entry for July 29 "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the phrase: I never thought I'd see this place again.

In India, cows are referred to as a-ghnya - Sanskrit for "that which may not be slaughtered"

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise are all equally welcome.

Ken