It was not that both of them were enjoying the breakfast but
perhaps they were wondering who should open the Pandora’s Box first.
Siddharth chose to break the ice. “Are you done with your
shopping? Do you have any such plans for today? I volunteer myself if you want
my help.”
“Thanks Sid, but I am not in a mood to shop today. I would
rather stay indoor today. Don’t you see it’s raining out there?”
He tried to tease her saying “What happened to your mood? Do you
have an inbuilt alarm system due to which u switch your mood so frequently?” A
funny look flashed on her face, perhaps she liked the question.
Both of them stepped out of the restaurant paying the bill
and tipping the waiter. As they came out they saw that the rain had subsided,
clear blue sky and bright sunshine was all over the place. The sun had slipped
away from the grip of clouds and looked bright and fresh.
Samedha felt something similar at the bottom of her heart she
discovered the meaning of that moment, as if she had attained salvation in that
very moment and everything seemed crystal clear to her. The message had been
delivered from her heart to her mind. She recovered from her utter confusion
and knew instantly what she wanted from This
Day. She realized the worth of these few hours that she had in her hand. “I
must preserve these moments. I have to make these moments as the vehicle for my
new dreams. I must live these moments to the fullest. But do not know how.” She
solved this riddle too.
“Hey Sid” the infectious smile returned to its merited owner “what
do you think about going to the temple across the street?”
What could have been a better way to start their journey to a new
life but from a temple?
Siddharth was taken a back. He saw a spark in Samedha’s eyes, now
they were bright and blooming. Until a few moments ago she was silent like a
ghost bungalow but now liveliness was all around. He wanted to say “NO” to the idea of
going to the temple after having breakfast but he could not oppose as he was
already entrapped by that incredible smile. He gave his consent and said “Okay
Sam, your wish is my command.”
“Come on then.” She had already taken a few steps forward by the
time Siddharth recollected his thoughts. “Hey Sam, wait for me” he had to
literally run to keep pace with her but she seemed to be on cloud nine.
The priest was finishing the morning rituals of the deity. There
were few devotees in the temple and some of them were taking a stroll in the
wonderful ambience. Samedha and Siddharth had arrived at the scene just at the
right time.
“Hurry up”, the priest signaled the couple to take the “Aarati”
and “Prasadam”. He gave tiny sugary sweets to both and smeared tilak on their
foreheads. He blessed them and chanted shlokas for their happy life.
On finishing with the rituals, Samedha wanted to pray for a while.
She wrapped her dupatta over her head, folded hands and she sat there for a
while.
Siddharth looked at her; this was a rare chance
he had got to stare at her since morning. Her calm posture allured
him. He noticed a few strands of her hair hanging near her nose and felt that
was annoying her. He wanted to brush them off but instead he chose to watch the
hair dancing in the wind while Samedha was saying her prayer. The hair had
augmented the grace and charm of her face.- to be continued ...
