How a Cat came of age (A Catwoman origin story) Chapter 16 : Obstacles and stepping stones

Selina's clothes were nearly drenched as she finished bathing the cows in the Goshala - the cow pen of the Kalari. For the past year, she had been taking care of these cows voluntarily. She was just about to get one of the calves clean when one of the older cows let out a long "MOOOOO!!!"

"Yes your highness, I'll get to you in a minute." Elva told her good naturedly. The cow looked at her expectedly, before letting out a smaller "moo!"

She had stopped pretending that this wasn't the highlight of her day. Helping Narayan and the others take care of these cows, helping feed and bathe them, and occasionally talking to them provided her with a sense of calm. One that had been her guiding light when being forced to confront her childhood traumas. When she first started about a year earlier, she had been terrified. Her nights were often filled with terrible dreams, of all the unspeakable atrocities she had witnessed and experienced as a child being played out over and over again. She would wake up in cold sweat and would want to run away. But regular meditation and Amma's firm leadership had helped her navigate all those murky waters.

Selina had surprised herself with how quickly she had taken to the simple living of this establishment. Once her reservations were broken down, she began to savour the simple joys that this place brought her.

She looked down at her arm, at the scars left behind by a tigerss's claws. Selina had travelled to the Sunderbans with Dr Mukherjee. The purpose of the trip was for her to interact with the most feared predator in the Indian subcontinent - a Royal Bengal Tiger. Selina had been doing quite well approaching wild animals in the forests of Kerela. Leopards, macaques, wild cats had let her near. Elephants had been the most receptive to her communications, coming to her when she called and even playfully lifting her up on their big and strong trunks.

Dr. Mukherjee decided Elva needed a real challenge. A beast who would truly help her figure out just how skilled she had become. The older woman had to speak to forest officials in order to enter the wilderness. Fortunately, they all knew Dr Mukherjee quite well, and were willing to bend the rules for her and her new pupil. The last student she had brought to the Sunderbans was Raghav and his skills had held all of then in awe.

"Be careful, Elva." Her mentor had told her, "Tigers are unlike any animal you have encountered so far. They are highly intelligent and can sense your intentions. So make sure you acknowledge the tigerss's superiority and humble yourself."

Elva was far too excited however, and barely paid any heed to the warning.

It all happened in a flash. In her overconfidence and hubris, Selina had neglected to avert her gaze when the beast looked directly at her. Angered by the direct eye contact and interpreting it as a threat, the tigerss swung it's paw at Selina and had it not been for her incredible agility, the damage done would have been much, much worse than the flesh wounds on her arm. Dr Mukherjee had stepped between Selina and the big cat and was able to calm the beast down.

"It was your pride, Elva, that put you in this position" Dr Mukherjee had admonished her as she dressed her wounds, "you were over confident. You allowed the few minor successes you've had lately to get to your head. But remember, child. Nature will not tolerate your arrogance. Think of her as Kali*. She will crush you if you dare to assume that you are in control of her. This is a lesson that the human race, as a whole, is yet to learn. As for you, it'll do you good to learn some humility. Don't delude yourself into thinking that you've mastered something. You haven't. Don't fancy yourself a master of anything. Instead, focus on being the best student you can be."

The older woman's words had been direct and without any sugar coating. They served as an eye opener. When Amma found out what had happened, her foremost concern would have been Elva's well being. Once the cuts had healed completely, she had assigned several menial tasks to Elva. Among them were helping take care of the cows, serving food in the Bhojan Griham, helping scrub the floors of the Kalari.

She had told Elva that "Seva", the Sanskrit word for selfless service, was the surest way of acquiring the strength of humility. And it absolutely was a strength.

Elva actively tried to keep her haughty nature in check and kept her head down. She was here to learn and would make all necessary changes to gain the knowledge she so craved. She dedicated all her free time to seva. Dutifully serving the Kalari and it's inhabitants.

These past eighteen months had been so productive. Besides gaining proficiency in Kalaripayattu and Pashu Yog Siddhi, Selina had become fluent in Sanskrit and Malayalam. She had learned a lot about Ayurveda, a school of traditional Indian medicine. She had even learned the basics of Mohiniyattam - one of the eight classical dance forms of India, something both Amma and Malini had suggested would do her good.

She pulled out of her reminiscence when she heard a twig snap several feet behind her. She turned around to see Raghav approaching.

"Eyes in the back of your head!" He commented, chuckling.

"Took you how long to figure this out?" Elva shot back.

"Well it's good to see that your sass is unaffected by the amount of mud on your clothes!" Raghav continued his teasing.
As if agreeing with him, one of the cows let out a grunt.

"Hmmm..... Mr Trivedi! Are you making fun of the way I look?" Elva tried her best to feign annoyance.

"No, no! You look perfect. As you always do."

Elva ignored the effect Raghav's compliment had on her. She continued washing the cows as he carried on their conversation. Just talking about the mundane, with the ease that comes with friendship. And for the time being, any interaction with the handsome and intelligent Raghav would have to be platonic. On Amma's insistence Elva had taken a vow of celibacy for the duration of her training. She needed to conserve her energy, the older woman had told her. And also prove that she could resist all distractions and maintain a singular focus on her goals. So, for the time being, friendship is all it would be. Afterwards however......

"I heard you were back from the jungle and just thought I'd come over and say hi." Raghav said as he pet a baby cow.

"Yeah. A whole week of surviving in the wilderness." Selina was referring to the last leg of her Pashu Yog Siddhi training. She was be sent to the unforgiving jungle of Kerela and left there for an entire week. All by herself. She'd had to use all the skills she had acquired in her lifetime to ensure that the wild animals did not rip her to shreds. She hadn't asked about the fate of those who failed in this task. She reckoned some questions were best left unanswered.

During her stay in the forest she did things she never thought she would have to do. This included eating rodents, frogs and even a non-venomous snake to survive. She would simply build a fire, and roast the critters before sinking her teeth into them. She had hesitated the first time she was about to bite into a burned up toad. But she quickly realised that if she was going to do this, she'd have to silence the squeamish parts of her brain. She bit into the amphibian without thinking, chewed and swallowed. Subsequent meals were much easier to consume.

By now her skills with animals, even large carnivores, had developed considerably. Mostly they left her alone. Some would seek out her affection. While others were willing to give affection when she asked for it.

Seven days later, when she emerged from the jungle, she had conquered many fears and opened many doors in her mind.

"When is your turn to do that?" She asked Raghav.

"Not before the next six months. At least. You've learned at a surprisingly quick pace, Elva. I guess Dr Mukherjee was right when she said you were gifted."

"She said that?" Selina asked, genuinely curious even hopeful that her teacher had praised her.

"She did." Raghav assured her, "and she's not the only one who says it."

"Oh yeah?" Elva asked washing her hands under the hand-pump, having bathed all of the cows, "who else says it?"

"Yours truly!" Raghav replied with an impish grin.

"Is that so? And what would you know about me being gifted" Elva asked, smiling warmly.

"I've seen the way the animals in our care have taken to you. The way Babiya eats out of your hand. And I've seen the way you wield the urumi like a bolt of lightning. I've never seen anyone kick the way you do."

"Anyone ever tell you you're too observant for your own good?"

"I don't believe there's any such thing, Miss Barr! Plus, beauty is meant to be closely observed."

Elva responded with a raised eyebrow, and Raghav realised he may have said too much.

"I..... I meant that...." He tried to think of an explanation as to why he liked to visit the Kalari, just to watch Elva train.

"It's OK, Raghav. I appreciate the complement." She almost placed a kiss on his cheek, but then remembered the rules of the Kalari regarding any kind of public display of affection.

"So, I suppose you'll be leaving soon?" Raghav asked. If he felt any kind of longing, he kept it out of his voice.

"I'm leaving the day after tomorrow, Raghav." The next phase of her training would not be here, but in a different place and under much harsher conditions.

"Well....if you ever decide to drop by, maybe....hit me up? We'll hang out. I could show you around."

Selina found Raghav's slightly awkward attempt at asking her out quite charming. She had always been pursued by suave but manipulative men. Raghav wholesomeness was a welcome departure from what she was used to. He was an interesting mix of confident and masculine, and boyish and shy. She found it endearing.

"You know, I might take you up on that!" She told him as they walked out of the cow shed.

"Selina! How're you doing girl. Didn't hear from you last week." Gwen Altamont's said, referring to Selina missing their weekly telephonic conversation. The purpose of which was mainly for Gwen to give Selina updates on Maggie.

"Sorry, about that Gwen. I was occupied." Selina answered, not elaborating. "So tell me, what going on?"

"Well Maggie and Simon are still dating. And I did that background check on him that you asked for."

Maggie had begun dating a fellow student at Gotham University about four months earlier. At the time, Selina wondered if it would be something serious or just a "college fling". Maggie was actually the last person she would to have casual sex, but a part of Selina wished she would do just that. Just let loose for once in her life. However, what she wanted even more was for Maggie to find happiness.

"Anything I need to worry about?"

"Quite the opposite. This guy's actually kinda boring. Grew up in a mid-western town, parents still together, got into GU with a full scholarship, doesn't do drugs, doesn't smoke and only drinks sometimes."

"Hmmm.... not bad. How has he been treating Maggie?"

"He's a complete gentleman. Pulls out her chairs, opens doors for her..... You know, old school kinda shit."

"Does she look happy?"

"She's very happy, Selina. In fact, for the past few weeks, she's been positively glowing. I think this is going to work out just fine."

As the call ended, Selina smiled to herself. After everything her little sister had been through, all the hardships and heartache she had endured, she deserved love and joy. In Selina's mind, no one deserved happiness more than Maggie. Now, she had a good man in her life who treated her with the respect and affection that she deserved. This was the best news Selina had recieved in years.

The sunset formed a gorgeous backdrop to the sight of the two women sparring. Meenakshi Gurukkal aka Amma and Elva Barr trained together one final time, before the later would take her leave the following morning.

"You have truly gained an excellent command over the Urmi, Elva!" Amma commented as they sat down to rest. "All your hard work has paid off."

"And yours too, Amma. You've been a wonderful teacher. " Elva said, genuinely grateful. "Amma.... I just want to thank you..."

"Stop right there, child. I haven't done anything. I am but a tool through which Mahadev does what is needed. You came here, gained all of these skills and knowledge because He meant for you to. But Elva, before you go, I have just one last piece of advice I want to give you. If I may...."

"Of course, Amma!"

"Elva, you have the tendencies of a dark empath. You have a keen ability to understand how other people feel. But, I can tell that in the past, you have used thos agility to take advantage of people. To get them to do things for you."

Elva was about to say something, when Amma stopped her.

"I don't judge you. I'm sure you must have had your reasons. All I'm saying is that your ability to read people is a gift. Just like your combat prowess. Whether you use it for good or evil, is entirely up to you. And I hope you'll use it for good."
"I understand Amma. Thank you." Selina said, thinking of Eiko Hasigawa. The young woman she had ensnared into an affair simply to meet her own ends.

Elva was given a warm farewell by the other students and by Amma and Narayan. Malini presented her with a sari (traditional Indian attire) as a parting gift. Selina Kyle ignored the longing that her heart had already begun to feel for this place. She couldn't get attached. She had much to learn, much to accomplish. She had to keep moving.

As Selina found herself once again navigating the unforgiving Himalayas, a part of her began to wish she had never left Kerela. The snow covered mountains and the cold wind that seemed to stab her, were such a far cry from the warm coastal breeze and the coconut trees to which she had grown so accustomed. If her memory served her right, she was reasonably close to the cave Shankar Upadhyaya had shown her the last time she was here. She had been walking for a few hours before she spotted the trail that led to Shankar's cave.

Then, a familiar face appeared. The same snow leopard she had met nearly two years earlier. The one who came when Shankar called. Back then, Selina had been afraid of him the first time he had approached her, even though Shankar was right there. But on this day, Selina could interact with the beast without any fear.

"Take me to him" She said to the majestic cat, who turned around and began leading Selina to the cave.
After another fifteen minutes, Selina stood at the mouth of that familiar cave. A small fire burned inside it, just like the last time she had been there. The man she seeked, the enigma who had opened her eyes to so much about herself sat right next to the entrance. He was in the lotus position, probably meditating.

Selina considered waiting for him to finish, as she didn't want to disturb him. But then she thought of how the snow leopard, whom she had named "Parvat" (the Sanskrit word for mountain) had walked directly to her. Possibly because Shankar sent him. He was expecting her.

"Pranaam, Guru Ji" She said softly.

Shankar smiles when he heard that Indian greeting in an American accent, and in a familiar voice. He opened his eyes and turned around to face Selina.

"You look wiser."

"I hope I am, Guru Ji. I've seem a lot."

"Are you prepared for what comes next, child? Are you ready to put your body through the most difficult test of endurance?"

"I am, Guru Ji"

The next eight months that Selina spent in the cold and brutal Himalayas were indeed filled with some of the most daunting challenges she would ever face. As she learned Hatha Yog under Shankar Upadhyaya's tutelage, her mind and body were tested to their very limits. She would meditate outside with no warm clothes on. No matter how much the cold punished her, she would not break her concentration. Shankar was determined to develop her qualities of utsaha (enthusiasm, fortitude), sahasa (courage), dhairya
(patience), jnana tattva (essence for knowledge), nishcaya (resolve, determination) and tyaga (solitude, renunciation).
To the point that Selina would gain enough control over her mind and body that only a high degree of pain, discomfort, hot and cold would impair her.

She also ate a measured diet, or Mitahara.

She and Shankar even travelled to the North West of the Himalayas, so she could observe Ibex and try to pick up some of their ability to climb impossibly vertical heights. Selina had claimed buildings before. Many times during her stint with the Yakuza. But it was nothing like this. Learning from these mountain goats meant conquering a very primal fear that affects all primates - the fear of heights. Trying to imitate the way they balanced their bodies, was a different ball game altogether.

By the end of her education under Shankar, Selina Kyle was able to withstand extreme cold, endure hunger for an extended period of time without feeling any physical weakness, climb mountains much better and quicker than most human beings. And her command over wild animals was truly a sight to behold. Parvat now acted like a house cat around her. Cuddling with her at night and following her around during the day. He even waited patiently when she meditated.

"Our association ends here, Selina." Guru Ji said to her, as they together sat in the snow. Parvat lying right next to Selina and enjoying a blissful belly rub.

"Hey, you never know! We might run into each other again." Selina replied.

"No, my girl. I came into your life with a certain purpose. That purpose has been fulfilled. Now, you must continue your journey alone."

"I.... I understand Guru Ji." Shankar had been nothing but kind to her. But when he spoke in such crytic words, she felt a bit uneasy around him. As if he was from another world......

"Where this journey might take you, that's entirely up to you and your Karma. Tell me honestly Selina, why are you doing this? All this hard word and drudgery you have endured..... what do you with to use if for. What need will it help fulfil."

"Guru Ji, as I told you back then, I want to be the world's greatest thief."

"And what need would that fulfil? Don't say 'greed', because we both know that's not true."

"Revenge." Selina replied, surprising herself with how easily the answer came out of her.

"Revenge. You are angry. Angry at this world for all it has taken from you. You want to punish it for the wounds it inflicted on you."

"Yes" Selina felt that familiar anger rise within her.

"I suppose that is as good a motive as any. Just remember Selina, don't let your darkness defeat your light."

"Thank you Guru Ji. Thank you for everything. I'm....I'm not sure how I can repay you."

At this, Shankar laughed.

"Child, someday when your strength helps pull the weak out of an abyss, that's the day you'll have paid all your debts. Come. I'll walk you to town."

Selina was now on a flight to Paris. A very important article needed to be picked up and delivered to its rightful place. She wondered if Gwen, with her ever growing network, had found the information that Selina had asked for.