POST - 4

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 ...