The temple invited quite number of devotees and ordinary people at early hours of the morning. The enchanting sound of the bells and holy fragrance from the incense sticks were equally enticing. The temple priests chanted the morning mantras as a part of the morning rituals. The morning puja was about to start as the young priest hurriedly decorated the aarti plate with the lit diya and flowers.
Sakshi stood at the entrance of temple. She was hesitant to enter inside after so many years. After what had happened to mother several years back , she had vowed that she would never ever take the solace of God again. She was teenager back then. She had never realized that she would be back after many years. Sheila had coaxed her several times to accompany her to temple. But she simply declined. Sheila never asked her again. After many years, she was at the same place with a plate filled with offerings to God. She had no option other than praying God for his mercy. Her family was at stake. Only God could help her family and her out.
Few minutes of hesitancy and hidden rage didn't stop her. Her love for her family thawed the hatred for God in her. She stepped inside. She watched some people praying for unfulfilled wishes , while some people thanking God for boons they received and others praying as part of their duty. She was lost soul looking for tiny hope, strength to fight and help from God.
The puja began. The loud sounds of bell woke her soul from dreams of helplessness. Tears welled up from her eyes as she watched the old head priest chanting mantras while performing morning prayers to Lord Vishnu idol . She asked silents questions to God about how should she start, what she should do, how would he help her and when will this end. The old head priest walked slowly past the people who stood for Aarti. As few of them placed the coconuts and flowers as offering to god on offering plate, he chanted mantras after asking their Gothras.
He stopped in front of Sakshi as she placed her offering. He asked her for her Gothra for which she replied that she didn't know. He stared at few minutes, chanted few mantras and walked away. While he walked towards the idol, he tried to recollect memories of where he had seen her. He felt he had known her.
The Aarti was performed. He offered the coconuts and flowers to God and did the ritual prayers. He returned the offering to the people with the Aarti. He walked towards Sakshi with her offering and asked, "Are you Lakshmi's daughter?" Sakshi stared at him with astonishment.
(To be continued)
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