Chapter 3

So, the 3rd Chapter is here!

Hope you like it!

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3) Kashvi Goenka

AUTHOR'S POV

"I will be coming in an hour. Just make sure she doesn't feel more pain. But tell me - how long do you think it will take for her to have the baby?" Her voice was sweet and carrying that familiar mix of concern and hurry as she took her steps on the footpath to make her way towards Shiv Parvati temple.

The elderly woman's voice crackled through the speaker, warm and reassuring. "Kashvi, beta, don't stress yourself. These things take time. By the time you reach here, she will probably still be in labor. Take your time getting here, and please don't rush and hurt yourself, okay? I am going to check on her now. Bye."

"Alright, I will be there soon. Take care, Sudha ji." Kashvi ended the call.

The elderly woman was Sudha Kashyap. The caretaker of Krishna Goshala, a cow shelter. She had seen many births, but this one was difficult.

The cow was restless and in pain. Sudha had called Kashvi because she knew about animals and had gentle hands that could comfort them.

This was Kashvi Goenka - twenty-six years old and somehow different from most girls of her age. She had this rare combination of being completely modern yet holding onto simple values. Her heart was as warm as summer sunshine, but her mind was razor-sharp when it needed to be.

While other girls her age were caught up in social media trends and weekend parties, Kashvi found peace in morning prayers and temple visits. She had deep faith in Lord Shiva and the divine love of Radha and Krishna.

It wasn't that she was old-fashioned - she just chose a different path, one that felt right in her soul. And she prioritizes oxidized jewellery over gold, silver and diamond.

She had the kind of face that made you stop and look twice. Not because she was trying to be noticed, but because there was something naturally beautiful about her - the way some people just are.

Her skin looked soft and healthy, like she spent time outdoors but took care of herself. When the light hit her face just right, it seemed to glow from within.

Her hair was thick and dark, falling in loose waves that moved when she turned her head. It looked like the kind of hair that always fell perfectly without much effort.

Her eyes were what you noticed most. They weren't dramatically made up or anything flashy. They were just... deep. Like... she was always thinking about something important or maybe remembering something that made her smile a little. The kind of eyes that seemed to understand things without you having to explain.

BACK TO THE STORY.

At the Krishna Goshala, one of the cows was in labor. And Kashvi wasn't there to help.

Kashvi put her phone back in her bag and quickened her steps. The temple bells were ringing in the distance, their sound mixing with the morning traffic. Her heart was beating fast - not from walking, but from worry.

Kashvi walked faster, her dupatta fluttering in the morning breeze. Her gaze swept across the temple area and stopped at the flower stall on the corner. She stepped towards the shop and stopped.

"Lata ji, jo le jaati hu vahi de dijiye." she said to the elderly woman at the stall. Her voice carried a gentle warmth that can make anyone love her.

("Lata ji, give me what I take.")

Lata ji smiled and quickly gathered marigold flowers and some green leaves. She knew what Kashvi always bought - the same flowers she took to the temple every morning.

"Sab thik hai na, beta?" Lata ji asked while wrapping the flowers in an old newspaper.

("Is everything alright, dear?")

"Sudha ji ne hame call kiya tha or kaha Bansari ko problem ho rahi hai janm dene mein." Kashvi said, taking the flowers.

("Sudha ji called me and said Bansari is having trouble giving birth.")

"Ah, these things happen. Your presence will help. Animals can feel when someone cares. Chinta mat karna. Sab thik ho jayega." Lata ji said with a kind smile.

("Don't worry. Everything will be fine.")

"Thank you, Lata ji." Kashvi paid quickly and hurried on. The morning sun was warm, and she could hear the distant sound of cows mooing.

She climbed the stairs. Slowly. Each step at a time. Feeling the stairs in her bare feet.

The whole place felt so peaceful and lovely. People were walking into the temple and coming back out. Everyone was holding fresh flowers in their hands. Their lips moving softly as they whispered prayers to themselves.

Some people were standing near the big tree, praying and pouring water around it. There were lots of families - children with their moms and dads, and some with their grandmas and grandpas.

The little kids were doing different things. Some were running around happily. Others were playing games together. Some were sitting quietly next to their families. And some were trying to pray just like the grown-ups. Some people were taking rounds of temple.

Many people sat with their eyes shut tight, putting their hands together right under their chins. Their lips were moving in quiet whispers. It looked like they were having secret conversations with God, either asking him for things they really wanted or safety for their family or success in life or happy life.

Beggars were sitting around different spots, with small bowls placed in front of them. Inside the bowls were just a few coins - one or two rupees that people had given them. Their clothes were very dirty and torn from wearing them for so long without washing.

Their faces looked tired and sad. Some had wrinkles from being in the sun too much. Others looked thin because they didn't get enough food to eat. A few had their heads down, almost like they felt embarrassed to ask for help.

But even though they looked poor and hungry, they sat quietly without bothering anyone. When temple visitors walked by, they would sometimes look up with hopeful eyes, silently asking for a small coin or two.

Some of the beggars were very old, with bent backs and shaky hands. Others were younger but still looked worn out from living such a hard life. They all seemed to know that the temple was a place where kind people might help them.

The beggars were part of the temple scene too, waiting patiently for someone to notice them and drop a coin in their bowls with a little kindness.

A few temple visitors would stop and gently place a coin or two in their bowls. Some would even give them a small piece of bread or fruit they had brought for offering. When this happened, the beggar's faces would light up with real gratitude, and they would whisper 'God bless you' or join their hands together in thanks.

One old beggar woman had a small baby sleeping in her lap. She rocked the baby softly while holding out her bowl with her other hand. People walking by would sometimes stop just to look at the sleeping child, and many would drop coins especially for them.

A young beggar boy, maybe ten or eleven years old, sat near the temple entrance. He was cleaner than the others and would sometimes help elderly people climb the temple steps. When they thanked him, he would point to his bowl with a shy smile.

Even though they were poor, the beggars seemed to respect the holy place. They spoke in quiet voices and never pushed or grabbed at people. They understood that this was a place of peace, and they were just hoping to receive a little of the kindness that filled the temple air.

Some regular temple visitors knew the beggars by sight and would always save a few coins for them. It was like they were all part of the same big temple family - those who came to pray and those who came hoping for help.

Kashvi walked to the stone steps that went up to the temple. She softly touched the first step with her hand before starting to climb. This was her way of saying hello to the holy place.

As she climbed each step, her mind felt more and more peaceful. Her breathing slowed down and became very calm. Her heart was beating in a steady, nice rhythm that made her feel relaxed and happy.

Her bare feet touched the rough stone steps. The steps were old and had been walked on by so many people for so many years. Some parts felt smooth, other parts felt bumpy. The stone was cool against her feet and felt good.

When she got to the top, she touched the last step with her hand too, just like she did with the first one. This was her way of showing love and respect to the temple.

Then she stepped inside. She made sure to put her right foot in first. Her grandmother had taught her this long ago - always step into God's house with your right foot first. It shows respect and brings good things.

As soon as she went inside, everything felt different. The air was cooler and quieter. It felt full of all the prayers that people had said there before. She could feel the temple's peaceful feeling all around her, like a warm hug from God.

Walking deeper into the temple, Kashvi moved the flowers from her right hand to her left hand. She looked up and saw the big brass bell hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the temple.

She reached up with her right hand and pulled the thick rope attached to the bell. The bell made a deep, beautiful ringing sound that filled the whole temple. The sound was loud but peaceful, like it was calling God to listen to her prayers.

After the bell stopped ringing, she brought her right hand down to her face. First, she gently touched her eyes with her fingertips, then she touched her forehead.

The bell's sound was still echoing softly in the temple. Soft. Peaceful. Serene. Sound.

Walking closer to the main part of the temple, Kashvi went to the pujari ji (the priest). He was a kind old man wearing white clothes who took care of the temple every day.

She held out her flowers to him with both hands. The pujari ji smiled and took the beautiful marigolds and green leaves from her.

Then Kashvi bent down low and gently touched the pujari ji's feet with her hands.

After touching his feet, she stood up straight again. She put her hands together in front of her, like she was praying.

The pujari ji looked at her with kind eyes and gently placed his right hand on top of her head.

She closed her eyes for a moment and felt truly blessed and protected.

Opening her eyes slowly, Kashvi looked straight at the beautiful statue of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The idols were decorated with fresh flowers and looked so peaceful and loving. She felt like they were looking back at her with kind eyes.

Then she closed her eyes again and put her hands together near her heart. She started talking to God in her mind.

"Bas itna hi chahti hu ki aaj Bansari ko koi bhi pareshaani naa ho. Uska dhyaan rakhna, Shivji." she whispered quietly, so only God could hear.

("I only want one thing today - please don't let Bansari have any problems. Please take care of her, Lord Shiva.")

Her voice was full of worry and love. Bansari was like family to her, and she was scared that something bad might happen during the birth. She didn't ask for money or anything for herself - just for her dear cow to be safe and healthy.

As she prayed, she felt like Lord Shiva was listening to every word.

She stayed there with her eyes closed for a few more moments, sending all her love and hope up to heaven, trusting that everything would be okay.

Walking slowly backward, Kashvi went to her special spot - a place next to a thick stone pillar where she always sat. From this place, she could see the statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati very clearly. It was right in front of them, like having the best seat to talk to God.

She sat down on the cool marble floor, crossing her legs comfortably. This was her favorite place in the whole temple. She had been coming here every morning for years, and it felt like home to her.

For twenty whole minutes, she sat there without moving. Her mind became completely peaceful and quiet. All her worries about Bansari, all her daily thoughts, everything just melted away. She felt like she was floating in a calm, happy place.

Her eyes stayed fixed on the beautiful statues the entire time. She didn't look anywhere else - not at other people, not at the decorations, just at Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It was like they were having a silent conversation with their eyes.

Very quietly, she started saying Lord Shiva's name over and over. "Namah Shivay... Namah Shivay... Namah Shivay..." She counted on her fingers, saying his name exactly 108 times. This was a special number that made prayers more powerful. With each name, she felt more connected to God and more sure that everything would be alright.

After finishing her prayer, Kashvi slowly stood up from her sitting place. She walked a few steps closer to the statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Then she got down on her knees on the cold marble floor. She bent forward and gently touched her forehead to the ground.

She stayed like this for exactly 11 seconds, her forehead pressed against the cool floor.

After 11 seconds, she slowly lifted her head and stood up. She put her hands together in front of her chest again.

Then she started walking backward, step by step, still facing the statues. She didn't want to turn her back on God - it felt more respectful to walk backward while still looking at him.

When she reached the stairs, she sat down on one of the stone steps. She wasn't ready to leave yet. She wanted to sit there for a little while longer, feeling the peace of the temple and letting God's blessings fill her heart.

Roaming her eyes around the temple, her gaze stopped on a little boy.

Kashvi felt her heart breaking as she looked at the little boy. She couldn't just walk away. After asking God to help Bansari, she knew God was now showing her someone else who needed help right away.

She walked over to the boy and knelt down next to him. The little boy looked up at her with his big, sad eyes, still crying softly. He was scared at first, not knowing if she would be kind or tell him to go away.

"Beta, aapka naam kya hain?" she asked in a very gentle voice, like she was talking to her own child.

("Dear, what's your name?" )

The boy wiped his nose with his dirty sleeve and whispered something so quietly she could barely hear. His voice was weak from hunger and crying.

Kashvi looked around and saw a small food stall near the temple entrance. An old man was selling hot puris, sabzi, and sweet tea. The smell of the food made her realize how hungry the little boy must be.

"Aayiye hamare saath, aapko kuch khilate hai, hai na?" she said softly, holding out her hand to the boy.

("Come with me, let's get you something to eat." )

The boy's eyes grew wide with surprise and hope. He couldn't believe someone was actually going to help him. Slowly, he took her hand with his small, dirty fingers.

Kashvi walked with him to the food stall, her heart full of love.

At the food stall, Kashvi smiled at the old man selling food. "Uncle, ek plate puri or sabzi ke saath ek chai dijiyega." she said kindly.

("Uncle, please give one plate of hot puris with sabzi, and one glass of sweet tea.")

The food seller looked at the little boy and then at Kashvi. He understood what was happening and nodded with a warm smile. He quickly served hot, steaming puris on a clean plate with delicious-smelling vegetable curry.

The little boy's eyes got so big when he saw the food. He had probably not eaten a proper meal in days. His hands were shaking a little as Kashvi guided him to sit on a small wooden stool near the stall.

"Eat slowly, beta. Don't rush." she said gently, sitting beside him.

The boy started eating very fast at first, like he was scared the food would disappear. But when he realized Kashvi was staying with him and no one would take his food away, he began eating more slowly.

Kashvi watched him eat with tears in her own eyes. She was happy to see him finally getting food, but sad that such a small child had to beg for it. She ordered another glass of milk for him, too.

"Aapke ma and papa kaha hai?" she asked softly while he ate.

("Where are your mother and father?")

The boy looked down and shook his head. Kashvi understood - he was all alone in the world. Her heart felt even heavier, but she was glad God had brought her to help this little soul.

OTHER SIDE OF THE TEMPLE

Two people were standing in the shadows near a big tree. One person was pointing toward Kashvi, who was sitting with the little boy at the food stall.

"Zara vaha dekho." the first person asked the companion in a low voice.

("Just take a look.")

The companion squinted his eyes and looked carefully at Kashvi. He was wearing an expensive, well-tailored suit that looked out of place near the simple temple. His whole appearance was quiet and calm, like someone who was used to being in control.

He stood very still, watching her with sharp eyes. He nodded slowly.

"Kitna pyaar se khila rahi hai. Aur dekho kitni sunder lag rahi hai. Lagti hai badi achhi ladki hai." the first person said and observed quietly.

("She is feeding with so much love. And look how beautiful it looks. She seems to be a very good girl.")

MEHROTRA'S SIDE

Atharv sat on the soft couch in the Mehrotra family's big house, tapping his foot impatiently. He kept checking his watch - fifteen minutes had already passed, but his grandmother Usha was still nowhere to be seen.

"Where is she?" he muttered to himself, looking toward the staircase. It seemed like Usha Ji had completely forgotten about their plans.

Finally, he couldn't wait anymore. Cupping his hands around his mouth, he called out loudly, "Dadiiiii! How much longer will you take? We are getting really late! It's already nine o'clock, and you know it takes at least half an hour to reach the temple. Please come quickly!"

His voice echoed through the house. Atharv was genuinely worried now. They had made such nice plans that morning during breakfast. Both of them had decided to visit the Shiv temple together, the one that was about thirty minutes away from their home.

It was supposed to be a peaceful morning trip, but at this rate, they would be rushing the whole way.

He stood up from the couch and walked toward the bottom of the stairs, hoping to hear his grandmother's footsteps. The temple visit meant a lot to both of them, and he didn't want to miss the morning prayers.

All he could do now was wait and hope Dadi would hurry up so they could finally head out for their spiritual journey together.

Just as Atharv was about to call out again, he heard the familiar sound of his grandmother's slippers shuffling across the marble floor upstairs.

"Arе, beta! I am coming, I am coming! Just give me two more minutes!" came Dadi's voice from her room.

Atharv rolled his eyes with a small smile. 'Two minutes' in Dadi's language usually meant at least ten more minutes. He could hear her moving around upstairs - the sound of drawers opening and closing, probably looking for her prayer beads or the special dupatta she always wore to the temple.

"Dadi, what are you doing up there?" He called again, but this time with more affection than frustration.

"Beta, mujhe meri rudraksha ki mala nahi mil rahi. Aap jaante hai na ki ham iske bina mahadev ke mandir nahi jaate." She replied, her voice getting closer to the staircase.

("Beta, I can't find my rudraksha mala anywhere! You know I can't go to Mahadev's temple without it.")

Atharv shook his head, chuckling. This was so typical of his grandmother - she had probably placed her prayer beads somewhere 'safe' and then forgotten where that safe place was. He walked to the main door and grabbed the car keys from the small table nearby.

"Dressing table par jo chhota box hai vaha dekho. Aap hamesha shaam ko vaha hi rakhte hai." Dada Ji suggested patiently.

("Check the small wooden box on the dressing table, you always keep it there after evening prayers.")

"I already checked there, ji. It's not there!"

Atharv could hear his grandfather's footsteps now, clearly getting up to help search.

"Aapke pillow ke niche dekha kya? Jab aap raat mein pray karte hai to kabhi kabhi vaha hi rakhte hai." Ashok ji said thoughtfully.

("What about under your pillow? You sometimes keep it there when you do late night prayers.")

"Under the pillow? Why would I... wait, let me check." There was a rustling sound of bed sheets being moved.

"Arey, you were right! Thank you, ji. I don't know what I would do without you." Usha Ji laughed at herself.

"Should I start the car, Dadi?" Atharv asked.

"Haan haan, start the car, Atharv! Your Dadi found it - it was exactly where I said, under her pillow!" Ashok ji called down.

Within moments, Atharv could hear both their footsteps coming down the wooden staircase, finally ready for their temple visit.

As Usha Ji and Ashok ji came down the stairs together, Atharv could see his grandmother clutching her precious rudraksha mala in one hand while adjusting her cream-colored dupatta with the other. Ashok ji walked beside her, carrying a small cloth bag.

"Finally! Main soch raha tha hum lunch time tak temple pahunchenge." Atharv said with relief, jangling the car keys.

("Finally! I was thinking we would get to the temple at lunchtime.")

"Arе beta, itna impatient kyun ho? Bhagwan ji kahin bhagne thodi na hai. Aur dekho, maine ghar ka bana prasad bhi laya hai - besan ke laddoo." Usha Ji said, tying the mala around her wrist.

("Arе beta, why are you so impatient? God is not running away. And look, I have also brought homemade prasad - besan ke laddoos.")

"Ladoo? Ye kab banaye aapne?" Atharv asked, surprised.

("Lado? When did you make it?")

"Kal raat, tumhare sone ke baad. Tumhare favorite besan ke laddoo." she replied proudly.

("Last night, after you went to bed. Your favorite besan ke laddoo.")

Ashok ji chuckled. "Raat ke 11 baje tak jagke banati rahi. Maine kaha tha temple shop se prasad le lenge, par tumhari Dadi ko kaun samjhaye."

("It was 11 p.m. and she was making it till late. I said we would take prasad from the temple shop, but who will explain to your grandmother?")

"Temple shop ka prasad alag baat hai, Ji. Ghar ka prasad mein zyada pyaar hota hai, zyada bhakti hoti hai." Usha Ji protested.

("The offerings of the temple Shop are a different matter, Ji. There is more love and devotion in the offerings of the house.")

Atharv smiled warmly. This was exactly why he loved going to temple with his grandparents. It wasn't just about the prayers - it was about all these little moments.

"Chalo, ab chalte hai. Bas Dadi, promise kariye - beech mein koi shopping nahi. Pehle se hi late hai." Atharv said, opening the front door.

("Come on, let's go now. Just promise, grandma - no shopping in between. It's already late.")

"Haan haan, seedha temple." she nodded, though Atharv caught the mischievous glint in her eyes.

("Yes yes, to temple only.")

"Usha ji, flower shop se phool lena hai na Mahadev ji ke liye?" Ashok Ji asked innocently.

("Usha ji, do you want to buy flowers from the flower shop for Mahadev ji?")

Atharv sighed. "Dadaji, aap bhi!"

"Haan, bilkul! Fresh phool lene hi honge. Bina phool ke puja kaise karenge?" Dadi said excitedly, clapping her hands together.

("Yes, absolutely! You have to buy fresh flowers. How will you worship without flowers?")

Atharv looked at both of them and shook his head with a smile. "Dekha maine! 'Seedha temple' bola tha na Dadi. Ab flower shop bhi jaana hai."

("I saw it! 'Straight Temple' you said this, Grandma. Now you also have to go to the flower shop.")

"Arе beta, sirf 2 minute ka kaam hai. Waise bhi us flower shop wala Ramu bahut acche phool deta hai. Temple ke paas wala expensive hai." Ashok ji said, patting Atharv's shoulder.

("Arе son, it's only 2 minutes of work. Ramu from that flower shop gives very good flowers. The one near the temple is expansive.")

"Haan, aur woh Ramu ka beta kitna pyara hai. Hamesha 'Namaste Dadi ji' kehta hai. Kitna sanskaari bachcha hai." Usha Ji added.

("Yes, and how good that Ramu's son is. He always says 'Namaste Dadi Ji'. What a cultured kid.")

Atharv started the car engine. "Theek hai, theek hai. Flower shop, phir temple. Bas aur koi jagah nahi rukna hai."

("Okay, okay. Flower Shop, then Temple. We don't have to stop somewhere else. After this.")

As they all settled into the car, Usha Ji in the front seat and Ashok ji in the back, she suddenly gasped.

"Arе! Coconut! Coconut toh bhul hi gaye hum. Shiv ji ko coconut chahiye na puja mein."

("Fire! Coconut! We forgot about the coconut. Shiva ji needs coconut in worship.")

"Dadi! Ab coconut bhi?" Atharv exclaimed, putting his head on the steering wheel dramatically.

("Dadi! Now even coconut?")

Ashok ji laughed from the back seat. "Beta, coconut wala bhi flower shop ke paas hi hai. Ek saath sab kaam ho jayega."

("Beta, the coconut seller is also near the flower shop. Everything will be done together.")

"Chalo phir, flower shop, coconut, phir temple. Final list!" Atharv said, reversing the car.

("Come on, then, the flower shop, the coconut, then the temple. The Final List!")

"Haan haan, bas itna hi." Dadi said sweetly, though she was already thinking about the prasad distribution after the puja.

("Yes, just these things only.")

"Wait, aap to aane nahi wale the na, Ashok ji. Fir kyun aaye aap?" Usha ji turned back and suspiciously looked at her husband who was nervously glancing around mischievously.

("Wait, you weren't going to come, were you, Ashok? Then why did you come?")

Dada ji fidgeted with his kurta and avoided her direct gaze. "Arе... woh... main... matlab..."

("Aree... that... I... means...")

"Kya matlab? Subah room mein clear clear bola tha - 'Mujhe mandir nahi jaana, mere knees mein dard hai' Ab achanak se knees theek ho gaye?" Dadi mimicked his voice perfectly.

("What do you mean? In the morning, you said clear in the room - 'I don't want to go to the temple, I have pain in my knees', now suddenly knees are cured?")

Atharv watched this drama unfold in the rearview mirror, trying hard not to laugh.

Ashok ji cleared his throat. "Actually... woh... Verma Ji ka phone aaya tha. Woh bhi temple ja rahe hain aaj. Toh maine socha..."

("Actually... Whoa... Verma ji called. He is also going to Temple today. So I thought...")

"Verma Ji? Woh jo chess game mein aapse haamesha haarte hai? Unse milne ke liye temple ja rahe ho?" Dadi's eyebrows shot up.

("Mr. Verma? The one who always loses to you in a chess game? Are you going to the Temple to meet him?")

"Nahi nahi! Woh... main genuinely... Mahadev ji ke darshan karne ja raha hun. Bilkul sachchi bhakti se." Dada Ji waved his hands quickly.

("No, no! Whoa... I am genuine ... I am going to visit Mahadev ji. With true devotion.")

"Sachchi bhakti? Ashok ji, sach sach batao. Kya chakkar hai?" Dadi turned around completely now, ignoring her seatbelt.

("True devotion? Mr. Ashok, tell me the truth. What's the matter?")

Dada ji looked helplessly at Atharv through the mirror. "Beta, car start karo na. Temple mein der ho rahi hai."

("Beta, start the car. We are getting late for the temple.")

"Pehle jawab do!" Dadi insisted, not turning back around.

("First answer me!")

Dada ji shifted uncomfortably and finally let out a long sigh. "Achha theek hai... sach bata raha hun. Woh... Verma Ji ne kaha tha ki temple ke bahar ek naya chai wala aaya hai. Bahut famous hai. Special masala chai banata hai."

("Okay, okay. I am telling the truth. Whoa... Verma ji said that a new tea seller has come outside the temple. It is very famous. Makes special masala tea.")

"Chai? Chai ke liye temple ja rahe ho?" Dadi's voice went up an octave.

("Tea? You are going to the temple for tea?")

"Nahi nahi! Pehle darshan, phir... agar time mile toh... thoda chai-wai..." Dada Ji said quickly, waving his hands.

("No, no! First the temple, then... If the time passes... A little tea-wey...")

Atharv couldn't control himself anymore and burst out laughing. "Dada ji, aap bhi na!"

"Dekha maine! Bhakti nahi, chai ki pyaas hai aapko. Main samajh gayi thi ki kuch toh gadbad hai." Dadi pointed her finger at her husband.

("I saw that! Not for devotion, but you are thirsty for tea. I knew something was wrong")

"Usha ji, please yaar, Waise bhi main aa gaya hun na. Mandir bhi ja raha hun, darshan bhi karunga. Bas thoda chai bhi pi lunga. Kya problem hai?" Dada Ji said sheepishly.

("Usha ji, please, I am already here. I am also going to the temple and I will also visit it. I will just have some tea. What is the problem?")

"Problem? Problem ye hai ki aap hamesha jhooth bolte ho. Pehle clearly refuse kiya, ab achanak se aa gaye." Dadi huffed.

("Problem? The problem is that you lied to me. At first you clearly refused, now you are coming, all of a sudden.")

Atharv started driving slowly. "Dadi, chalne do na Dada Ji ko. Waise bhi company mil jayegi aapko."

("Dadi, let him come. Anyway, you will get the company.")

"Company nahi, chai-pany!" Dadi muttered, but Atharv could see her trying to hide a small smile.

("Not company but tea-pany.")

"Achha baba, sorry, next time seedha bol dunga - chai peene jaana hai." Dada Ji said, leaning forward to pat her shoulder.

("Okay, Baba, sorry, next time I will directly tell you - I have to go for tea.")

Dadi turned back to face front, but her anger was clearly melting away. "Hmph! Agle baar se seedha bolo na. Itna drama kyun karte ho?"

("Humph! tell directly from the next time. Why do you do so much drama?")

"Achha baba, promise. Ab naraz mat raho." Dada Ji said, relief evident in his voice.

("Well, promise. Don't be angry anymore.")

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So, I hope you liked this chapter. I know, in the starting, it was boring. But this is the only way I could have described Kashvi and her life and how is she in actual.