The Deadly Conch (27 page)
A sliver of sun peeped over the horizon. Tara watched the glow spread across the sky, turning grey to gold, and knew that no matter what happened, there was one person whom she could always rely on â herself.
And that was all she really needed.
“I forgive you,” she said.
| Arre | Slang for “Oh.” |
| Ayurvedic Medicine    | Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine, native to the Indian subcontinent and practised in other parts of the world as a form of alternative medicine. |
| Biryani | A South Asian dish made primarily of rice, spices, meat, and/or vegetables. |
| Blouse | Most commonly refers to a woman's shirt. |
| Dupatta | A long, multi-purpose scarf that is essential to many South Asian women's suits. |
| Ganesh Temple | Place of worship for the elephant-headed god who is also considered the god of knowledge and the remover of obstacles. |
| Ghaghra-choli | A long, flowing skirt reaching the calves or ankles, worn with a fitted blouse with short sleeves. |
| Himalayas | A mountain range in Asia, separating the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. |
| Holi | Also called the Festival of Colours, celebrated by throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other. |
| Kalyug | Or “Kali Yuga,” is the last of the four stages that the world goes through as part of the cycle of yugas described in the Indian scriptures. The other ages are Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, and Dvapara Yuga. Hindus believe that human civilization degenerates spiritually during the Kali Yuga, which is referred to as the Dark Age because in it, people are as far removed as possible from God. |
| Kurta-Pajama | A loose shirt falling just above or at the knees, and normally worn with loose trousers with a drawstring waistband. |
| Mantra | A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that are considered capable of “creating transformation,” normally of the spiritual kind. |
| Mojri | Also known as a “pagrakhi,” is traditional ornamental leather footwear originating from Rajasthan. |
| Monsoon | A monsoon is traditionally defined as a seasonally reversing wind accompanied by seasonal changes in precipitation or heavy rain. |
| Pooja | A form of worship, that relates to dedication and belief in a particular god. |
| Poori | A South Asian unleavened bread commonly consumed in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It is eaten for breakfast, as a snack or a light meal. |
| Prasad | Anything, usually edible, that is first offered to a deity and then distributed in His name. The prasad has the deity's blessing residing within it. |
| Raat-ki-Raani | A shrub that goes by the botanical name of Cestrum Nocturnum. Its light-green flowers open at night and emit an intoxicating fragrance. |
| Raita | An Indian condiment based on yogurt (dahi) and used as a sauce or dip. The yogurt is seasoned with coriander (cilantro), cumin, mint, cayenne pepper, and other herbs and spices. |
| Rakhi | Holy thread tied by a sister on her brother's wrist. The brother, in return, offers a gift to his sister and vows to protect her for as long as he lives. |
| Saree | Garment worn by females in the Indian subcontinent. A saree is a strip of unstitched cloth, ranging from four to nine metres in length, which is draped over the body in various styles. |
| Shalwar-Kameez | Is a traditional dress worn by both women and men in South Asia. Salwar or shalwar are loose pajama-like trousers. The kameez (shirt) is usually cut straight and flat. Women normally wear this with a dupatta. |
| Shendi | A long lock of hair gathered at the back of a normally bald head, resembling a pigtail. |
| Sindoor | A red powder (vermilion), which is traditionally applied at the beginning or completely along the part-line of a woman's hair (also called “mang”) or as a dot on the forehead. Sindoor is the mark of a married woman in Hinduism. |
| Tandav | “Tandava” or “Tandava nrtya,” the divine art form, is a dance performed by the Hindu god, Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Shiva's Tandava is a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation, and dissolution. |
| Thali | A round tray made of steel or silver with smaller bowls or compartments in which a variety of foods are served. |
| Turban | The word turban is a common umbrella term, loosely used in English to refer to several sorts of headwear. |
M
y heartfelt thanks to:
Rahul, Aftab, and Coby for putting up with me while I create my masterpiece. Mom, for always being there for me. Dad, who still continues to inspire me to do my best. The rest of my family in Toronto, Mumbai, and New Delhi, for your love and encouragement. Ayaan Indorewala, who brightens my day with his antics and adorable smile. Raunak and Simran Sood for your keen questions that make me think. Anne Lilly, Anne-Louise Gould, and Lies Weijs for your warmth and friendship. And finally, thank you to my wonderful editor, Shannon Whibbs, and the Dundurn team for continuing to believe in Tara and in me.
â Also in the Tara Trilogy â
The Third Eye
978-1-55002-750-1Â
 $12.99
For Tara and her brother, Suraj, the year since their mother and grandfather fled the village of Morni has been a nightmare. Their new stepmother is cruel and deceptive and the men of the village have been disappearing, often returning in a strange, altered form. When a new healer, Zarku, a mysterious man with a third eye possessing strange power, suddenly appears in Morni, all are mesmerized by his magic â all except Tara, who sees through his evil disguise. With nothing but her own courage and wit, Tara tries to find her missing mother and grandfather, the true healer, in time to save her village.
The Silver Anklet
978-1-554884-452
 $12.99
What if the only way to get rid of your worst enemy was to sacrifice your brother? When hyenas snatch Tara's brother, Suraj, and two other children from the local fair in Morni, Tara and her newfound companions decide to rescue them on their own. Tara soon discovers that Zarku, her nemesis with the third eye, is back and intent on revenge. A deadly game of hide-and-seek ensues, and Tara and her companions must work together to survive. But it is soon clear that Zarku is only after Tara; the others are dispensable. Should Tara risk the lives of her friends? Or can she once again defeat Zarku and save her brother, armed only with belief in herself and a silver anklet?