As the first rays of the sun kissed the sacred city of Varanasi, the narrow streets began to stir with life. The cobbled lanes, bordered by centuries-old buildings, whispered stories of devotion and time. The aroma of incense mingled with the earthy scent of wet stone, as shopkeepers sprinkled water to settle the dust in front of their small stalls.
The ghats along the Ganges were bathed in a golden glow, where priests performed the morning Ganga Aarti, their chants resonating in harmony with the ringing temple bells. The river flowed calmly, reflecting the pastel hues of dawn, while devotees lined up to take their purifying dips, their prayers dissolving into the sacred waters.
Near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the air felt electric with reverence. Devotees, clad in saffron and white, thronged the temple gates, hands folded, eyes closed, murmuring heartfelt prayers. The temple's towering spire, adorned with intricate carvings, gleamed in the soft light, as if it were a beacon connecting the heavens and the earth.
Inside, the faint fragrance of sandalwood and jasmine filled the sanctum. The rhythmic chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echoed, creating a surreal symphony that seemed to transcend time. The Shiva Linga, adorned with fresh marigold garlands and smeared with holy ash, glistened under the flicker of oil lamps, a centerpiece of devotion and awe.
Outside, street vendors began setting up their carts, offering piping hot chai, kachoris, and fragrant garlands for offerings. Pilgrims and sadhus wandered the lanes, their steps slow and deliberate, their faces reflecting serenity. In the midst of the bustling activity, a sense of peace prevailed, as if the city itself breathed in unison with its ancient soul.
Among all the devotees there is a beautiful girl who is 20 years old is selling flowers near the temple. Her face is very calm and peaceful with a faint smile on her lips. A 5 year old boy come to her and said, "Nandini didi pandit ji aapko bula rhe hai."
(That girl is our Nandini Mehra female lead of the story)
"Aacha abhi aati hu" said Nandini.
I went inside the temple with Shivu (son of pandit ji 5 years old boy) for aarti. I love to sing aarti and bhajans for God, but my uncle and aunt didn't like all this so I used to cover my face with dupatta while singing the aarti so that no one can recognise me amongst the crowds. Only pandit ji knows about this, he is more like father figure to me. After my parents death he is the one who used to console me and he has 5 years old son Shivu who is more like my little brother. I spend lots of time with Shivu, he is too much adorable child. Pandit ji and his wife take care of me like his own daughter. I can do anything for pandit ji's family.
After taking prasad, I went to home and prepare tea for uncle and aunty. I come to them to give tea. Then aunty take tea from my hands and give one cup to uncle. She took one sip and throw whole cup of hot tea on me.
My eyes started getting moisture as burning sensation hit my hands but somehow I controlled my tears and started cleaning the floor.
"Haye Ram, itni garam chai Mera to muh hi jala diya isne. Jaao aur phir se chai bna kar laao ", said aunty.
"j--ji cha--chi ab--abhi la--laai", I shuttered while saying.
Then I went inside the kitchen and started making tea while tears were started coming down from my eyes. I didn't apply any ointment on my burns and its pain is started increasing but I didn't care much.
After making tea I completed all the household chores alone. Now it is evening and my sister Shreya didn't come from her room since morning. She isn't in home last night God knows where she is. She is very rude towards me. But as a sister I care for her and now I am worried so I went to her room and started knocking on the door after one minute the door opened and she came out of her room and said in an irritated voice" what are you doing here?"
"You didn't eat anything since morning first eat and after that do your work." I said in a low voice. But she shouted at me "I don't want anything to eat so you mind your work and get out from here."
Tears started filling my eyes and I come to my room and locked the door. I sat on the floor and started crying.
Mamma papa, why you went away?
Ha why you leave me alone here?
I don't know from how many hours I cried before drifting to a deep slumber
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