Chapter 4

So, here we go again with the new chapter.....

ENJOY!!!!

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4) Blessings And Beginnings

AUTHOR'S POV

MEHROTRA'S SIDE

As they drove through the morning traffic, Dadi suddenly asked, "Waise, woh chai wala kitna famous hai? Verma Ji ne kya kaha?"

("By the way, how famous is that tea guy? What did Verma say?")

Dada ji's eyes lit up. "Arе, bola ki uski chai mein special elaichi aur adrak hai. Aur woh kulhad mein deta hai, plastic cup mein nahi."
("Arе, said that his tea has special cardamom and ginger. And he gives it in a kulhad, not in a plastic cup.")

"Kulhad mein? Woh toh achha hai. Plastic ka taste nahi aayega." Now Dadi sounded interested.
("In the Kulhad? That's good. There will be no plastic taste.")

Atharv grinned, watching his grandparents in the mirror. "Dadi, lagta hai aapko bhi chai peeni hai."
("Grandma, I think you want to have tea too.")

"Main... main sirf taste ke liye. Dekhna hai kitni achhi banata hai." Dadi said, trying to sound casual.
("I... I am just telling for the taste. Let's see how good it makes.")

"Haan haan, 'taste ke liye' aapko bhi pata hai woh subah se sirf ek cup chai pi hai. Doosri cup ka mood ho raha hoga." Dada Ji teased.

("Yes, yes, 'for the test' you also know you only had one cup of tea since morning. You will be in the mood for another cup.")

"Ashok ji!" Dadi protested, but she was smiling now.

"Theek hai. Plan final - flower shop, coconut, temple darshan, aur phir famous chai. Sab khush?" Atharv announced.

("Okay. Plan final - flower shop, coconut, temple darshan, and then the famous tea. All happy?")

"Bilkul perfect!" both grandparents said together, making Atharv laugh.

"Par pehle Mahadev ji ke darshan. Chai baad mein." Dadi added firmly.
("But first, visit Mahadev ji. Tea later.")

"Haan haan, pehle bhagwan, phir chai." Dada Ji agreed, winking at Atharv through the mirror.
("Yes, first God, then tea.")

As they reached the flower shop, Atharv parked the car under a big neem tree. "Chalo, jaldi se phool le lete hai."

("Let's get the flowers quickly.")

"Beta, tum car mein raho. Hum dono le aayenge." Dadi said, getting out.
("Son, stay in the car. We will bring both.")

"Nahi Dadi, main bhi aaunga. Zyada saamaan hai."
("No, Grandma, I will come too. There's more stuff.")

They walked towards Ramu's flower shop, where the sweet fragrance of jasmine and marigold filled the air. Ramu, a middle-aged man with a bright smile, immediately recognized them.

"Arе Dadi ji, Dada Ji! Namaste! Aaj temple ja rahe hai?" he said, folding his hands
("Grandma, Grandpa! Hello! Going to Temple today?')

"Haan beta, Shiv ji ke darshan karne. Acche se taza phool dena." Dadi replied warmly.
("Yes, son, to see Shiva. Give fresh flowers well.")

"Bilkul Dadi ji. Dekho, abhi subah hi market se laaya hun. Genda, gulab, aur ye special bel patra bhi hai Mahadev ji ke liye."

("Absolutely Grandma. Look, I just brought it from the market in the morning. Marigolds, roses, and this special bell leaves is also for Mahadev ji.")

Dada ji examined the flowers carefully. "Ye roses kitne fresh lag rahe hai. Rate kya hai?"
("These roses look so fresh. What is the Rate?")

"Aapke liye special - 50 rupaye ka full packet."
("Special for you - a full packet in 50 rupees.")

"Done!" Dada Ji shook hands with him.

"Nariyal kidhar milega?" Dadi asked.
("Where to find coconut?")

"Right next shop, Dadi. Suresh uncle ka shop hai. Bahut acche coconut milte hai."
("Right Next Shop, Grandma. Suresh uncle's shop. Good and fresh coconuts are there.")

After buying the flowers and coconuts, they loaded everything into the car and headed towards the temple. The morning sun was getting warmer, casting a golden glow over the quiet roads leading to the temple.

"Kitna shaant hai aaj. Usually, thoda crowd hota hai Monday morning mein." Dadi observed, looking around.
("How quiet it is today. Usefully, there's a bit of a crowd on Monday Morning.")

"Better hai na. Peaceful darshan hoga." Atharv said, driving smoothly.
("It's better, isn't it? There will be a peaceful darshan.")

As they approached the temple, they could see the tall shikhara rising gracefully above the trees. The sound of gentle temple bells drifted in the air, creating a serene atmosphere. There were only a few other cars parked outside.

"Dekho, kuch log hai par zyada bheed nahi, 9-10 log honge bas." Dada Ji said, pleased.
("Look, there are a few people but not much crowd, there will be only 9-10 people.")

Atharv easily found a parking spot near the temple entrance under a large peepal tree. As they got out, they noticed a few beggars sitting along the temple walls - an elderly woman with a small bowl, a man with a walking stick, and a mother with a young child.

"Beta, purse mein chhute paise hai na? Thoda sa dena hai sabko." Dadi asked Atharv quietly.
("Son, you have money left in your pocket, right? Have to give a little to everyone.")

"Haan Dadi, hai." Atharv replied, checking his pocket for small notes and coins.
("Yes, Grandma, it's there.")

"Temple mein jaane se pehle daan dena chahiye, Mahadev ji khush hote hai." Dadi said, preparing small amounts for each beggar.
("Before going to the temple, donation should be given, Mahadev ji will be happy.")

Dada ji nodded approvingly. "Right baat hai. Pehle daan, phir darshan."
("That's right. First charity, then darshan.")

They walked towards the temple entrance, the peaceful morning atmosphere broken only by the soft chanting coming from inside and the gentle requests of 'bhagwan aapka bhala kare' from the beggars as they approached.

As they approached the temple entrance, the elderly woman beggar looked up at them with hopeful eyes. "Mata ji, kuch de do. Mahadev ji aapko khush rakhenge."
("Mother, give me something. Mahadev ji will keep you happy.")

Dadi immediately stopped and pulled out a 10 rupee note from her purse. "Yahan beta" she said gently, placing it in the woman's bowl.
("Here, dear.")

"Dhanyawad mata ji, aapka kalyan ho." the woman blessed her.
("Thank you, Mother, may you be blessed.")

They moved to the man with the walking stick, who was chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' softly. Dada Ji gave him some coins. "Bhole nath aapki raksha kare." the man said gratefully.
("May Bhole nath protect you.")

The mother with the young child was sitting near the temple steps. The little boy, maybe 4-5 years old, looked at them with big innocent eyes. Atharv bent down and gave the mother a 20 rupee note.

"Bachche ko doodh mil jayega. Bhagwan aapko lambi umar de." the mother said, blessing them.
("The baby will get milk. May God bless you with a long life.")

"Beta kitna pyara hai." Dadi said, gently patting the child's head. The little boy smiled shyly and hid behind his mother.
("The son is so cute.")

After giving to all the beggars, they walked up the stone steps to the temple entrance. The marble floor was cool under their feet, and the fragrance of incense and flowers grew stronger.

They placed their slippers in the designated area and walked barefoot towards the main temple area. The cool marble felt soothing under their feet. The temple courtyard was peaceful, with a few other devotees quietly offering their prayers.

The Shivling was beautifully decorated with fresh bel leaves and marigold garlands. Milk was slowly dripping from a copper pot hanging above it, and the soft glow of oil lamps created a divine atmosphere.

The temple priest, a man in his fifties wearing a white dhoti, approached them with folded hands. "Namaste ji."
("Greetings")

"Namaste pandit ji." they replied together.
("Greetings, Priest.")

Dadi handed over their flowers, coconut, and the bag of homemade ladoos to the priest. "Ye hamare phool, nariyal aur ghar ka bana prasad hai."
("These are our flowers, coconuts and homemade offerings.")

"Bahut sundar, main Mahadev ji ko chadha deta hun." the priest said, accepting their offerings with respect.
("Very beautiful, I offer it to Mahadev ji.")

They watched as the priest carefully arranged their flowers around the Shivling and placed the coconut and prasad near the deity. He began chanting mantras while performing the ritual, ringing a small bell rhythmically.

"Om Namah Shivaya." Dadi whispered, moving her rudraksha mala between her fingers. Dada Ji and Atharv also joined their palms and closed their eyes in prayer.

The gentle sound of bells, the fragrance of incense, and the peaceful atmosphere filled their hearts with devotion. It felt like the perfect start to their Monday morning.

After the Pandit Ji completed the ritual, he brought back some of the prasad in a small steel plate along with a few flowers that had been offered to the deity.

"Lijiye prasad, Mahadev ji ka ashirwaad hai." The Pandit Ji said, offering it to them.
("Here, Prasad, you have the blessings of Mahadev ji.")

They each took a small portion of the blessed ladoo and ate it with devotion. Pandit Ji also gave them some sacred flowers and a small amount of vibhuti (holy ash) on their foreheads.

"Bhagwan aapka kalyan kare." Pandit Ji blessed them as Dada Ji placed some money in the donation box nearby.
("God bless you.")

"Dhanyawad pandit ji." Dadi said gratefully, touching her forehead in respect.
("Thank you, Priest.")

They spent a few more minutes in quiet prayer, walking slowly around the temple courtyard. The morning sun was now shining brightly, and the peaceful atmosphere made them feel spiritually refreshed.

"Kitna achha laga, mann ko bahut shanti mili." Dadi said softly as they completed their pradakshina.
("It felt so good, it gave me a lot of peace of mind.")

"Haan, bilkul. Aise peaceful environment mein darshan ka alag hi mazaa hai." Atharv agreed.
("Yes, absolutely. Darshan in such a peaceful environment is a different kind of fun.")

Dada ji was already glancing around the temple premises, his eyes searching for something. "Waise... woh chai wala kahan hai? Verma Ji ne kaha tha yahan hi kahin hoga."
("Anyway... Where is that tea seller? Verma ji had said that it will be somewhere here.")

"Ashok ji! Abhi darshan khatam hua hai, aur tumhein chai ki padi hai." Dadi said, though she was smiling.
("Ashok Ji, we just finished our darshan, and now you are looking for the tea?")

"Arе, bas dekh raha tha. Thoda walk kar ke phir ghar chalne se pehle..." Dada Ji said innocently.
("Arе, just watching. You know taking a walk before going home.")

"Dekho waha, shayad woh hi hai." Atharv pointed towards a small stall near the temple's outer gate.
("Look there, maybe that it is.")

"Haan, wahi lagta hai! Dekho, 'Special Masala Chai' ka board bhi laga hua hai." Dada Ji said excitedly, spotting a small wooden stall with a blue tarpaulin roof near the temple gate.
("Yes, it seems to be the same! See, there is also a board of 'Special Masala Chai'.")

They walked towards the chai stall, where a young man in his twenties was busy preparing tea over a small gas stove. The aroma of cardamom, ginger, and strong tea leaves filled the air.

"Namaste bhaiya, aap hi woh famous chai banate ho jo sabko pasand aa rahi hai?" Atharv greeted the chai wala.
("Hello brother, you are the one who makes that famous tea that everyone likes?")

The young man smiled proudly. "Haan sahab, main Mohan. Sirf 2 mahine pehle yahan stall lagaya hai. Par ab regular customers ban gaye hai sab."
("Yes sir, I am Mohan. I set up a stall here just 2 months ago. But now they have become regular customers.")

"Verma Ji ne kaha tha ki tumhari chai bahut achhi hai. Teen kulhad dena." Dada Ji said, settling on a small plastic chair.

("Verma ji had said that your tea is very good. Give three kulhad.")

"Bilkul sir, abhi banata hun fresh. Special elaichi aur adrak daalta hun. Taste bilkul ghar jaisi." Mohan said, pouring milk into a pot.

("Absolutely sir, I make it fresh. I add special cardamom and ginger. The taste is just like home.")

Dadi also sat down, looking around the simple but clean setup. "Beta, yahan kitni der se chai bana rahe ho?"

("Son, how long have you been making tea here?")

"Subah 7 baje se, aunty. Raat 7 baje tak chalti hai stall. Temple visitors aur office jaane wale log mostly aate hai."
("From 7 a.m., aunty. The stall runs until 7 p.m. Temple visitors and office-goers come mostly.")

"Bahut achhi baat hai beta" Dada Ji said approvingly.
("That's great, son.")

Mohan smiled and handed them the steaming kulhads. "Lijiye sir, fresh bani hai. Sambhal ke piiye, garam hai."
("Here, sir, it's freshly made. Drink carefully, it's hot.")

Dada ji took the first sip and his eyes lit up. "Wah! Ye toh sach mein kamaal hai. Ekdum perfect balance hai masale ka."
("Wow! This is really amazing. The spice has a perfect balance.")

"Haan, sach mein bahut tasty hai. Ghar jaisi feel aa rahi hai." Dadi agreed, blowing on her chai to cool it down.
("Yes, it's really delicious. It feels like home.")

Atharv also tasted it. "Yaar, ye toh hotel walon se bhi achhi hai. Secret kya hai?"
("It is better than the hotels. What's the secret?")

"Secret toh kuch khaas nahi hai sahab. Bas saaf safai aur achhe ingredients use karta hun. Aur pyaar se banata hun - that's the real secret." Mohan laughed.
("The secret is nothing special, sir. Just clean and use good ingredients. And I make it out of love - that's the real secret.")

"Pyaar se banaya hua khana always tasty hota hai. Tumhara business zaroor badega beta." Dadi nodded wisely
("Food made with love is always delicious. Your business will grow, Son.")

"Aunty ke muh mein ghee shakkar. " Mohan said gratefully.
("Ghee and sugar in Aunty's mouth. ")

After finishing their delicious kulhad chai, Dada Ji pulled out a 50 rupee note and handed it to Mohan. "Beta, kitne paise?"
("Son, how much money?")

"Sir, sirf 30 rupaye. 10-10 rupaye per kulhad." Mohan said.
("Sir, it's 30 rupee. Rs 10 per kulhad.")

"Rakh le 50, bachche. Achhi chai thi." Dada Ji said generously.
("Keep 50, Dear. It was good tea.")

"Thank you so much sir! Aap log phir aana." Mohan said gratefully, collecting the empty kulhads.
("Thank you very much, sir! You guys come again.")

They all stood up, stretching their legs after the peaceful morning at the temple. Dadi adjusted her purse strap and Atharv picked up the remaining prasad they had brought back from the temple.

"Chalo, ghar chalte hai." Atharv said.
("Let's go home.")

"Haan, aur main thoda rest bhi kar lunga" Dada Ji said, patting his stomach contentedly.
("Yes, and I will get some rest.")

Just as they were about to take their first step towards the car, Dada Ji's phone started buzzing loudly in his kurta pocket.

"Ring ring ring..."

"Arе, phone aa raha hai." Dada Ji said, fumbling to get his phone out of his pocket.
("Hey, there's a phone call.")

He looked at the screen, squinting slightly to read the caller's name. "Kaun hai Ashok ji?" Dadi asked, noticing his expression change.
("Who is it, Ashoke Ji?")

"Wait, main dekhta hun.. Ye...Verma Ji ka call hai" he said, trying to read the display clearly.
("Wait, I will see. This.... It's Verma ji's call.")

Stepping aside, Dada Ji moved a few feet away to attend the call.

"Hello?" He said, pressing the phone to his ear.

"Namaste Ashok ji! Verma bol raha hun." came the voice from the other end.

("Greetings, Ashok Ji. Verma Speaking this side.")

"Verma ji! Kaise hai aap?" his voice carried over.
("Mr. Verma! How are you?")

Meanwhile, Usha ji called out to him, "Suniye, hum car ke paas ja rahe hai. Aap aa jana jab call khatam ho jaye."

("Listen, we are going to the car. You come when the call is over.")

"Haan haan." Dada ji waved his hand in acknowledgment, still focused on his conversation with Verma ji.

("Yes, yes.")

Usha ji and Atharv walked towards the large peepal tree where they had parked the car earlier. The shade felt cool and refreshing after sitting in the morning sun near the chai stall.

"Pata nahi Verma uncle ne kya kaam hoga." Atharv said, unlocking the car and opening the doors to let the hot air out.

("Don't know what work Verma uncle will have.")

"Shayad koi important baat hogi, aise Verma ji usually itni subah call nahi karte." Dadi replied, standing beside him.

("Maybe there is something important, Verma ji does not call so early in the morning.")

They could see Dada ji in the distance, still talking on the phone, occasionally nodding and gesturing with his free hand.

His expression looked serious, making them both curious about what the conversation was about.

"Lagta hai koi serious matter hai, Dada ji ka face expression dekho." Atharv observed.

("It seems that there is some serious matter, look at Grandpa's face expression.")

Usha ji looked around but her attention was caught by something happening near a small food shop that was a little distance away from their parking spot

"Atharv, zara dekho wahan." she said softly, pointing towards the food shop.
("Atharv, look there.")

Atharv followed her gaze and saw a young girl, probably in her mid-twenties, wearing a beautiful blue kurti paired with wide-legged jeans. Small silver jhumkas dangled from her ears, catching the morning sunlight, and colorful bangles adorned her wrists. She was sitting on a small wooden stool near the food shop, patiently feeding a small child who looked quite poor and undernourished.

The girl was breaking small pieces of roti and feeding them to the child with her own hands, speaking to him gently. Her bangles made soft tinkling sounds as she moved.

"Kitna pyaar se khila rahi hai." Usha ji observed quietly, her heart touched by the scene.
("She is feeding him with so much love.")

"Aur dekho kitni sundar lag rahi hai. Lagti hai badi achhi ladki hai."
("And look how beautiful she looks. She seems to be a very good girl.")

"Haan Dadi, sach mein. Aaj kal koi itna care karta hai kisi stranger ke bachche ka?" Atharv agreed, watching the scene with admiration.

("Yes, Grandma, really. Who cares so much about a stranger's child these days?")

"Eat slowly, beta. Don't rush." the girl said gently, wiping his face gently with her dupatta.

"Aapke ma aur papa kahan hai?" they could hear the girl asking softly while the child continued eating. Atharv and Usha ji exchanged glances.
("Where are your parents?")

"Lagta hai bachcha ghar se bichad gaya hai." Usha ji whispered.
("The child seems to have been separated from home.")

The girl's bangles continued to jingle softly as she lovingly cared for the child, completely unaware that she was being watched by two people.

Ashok ji came walking back, putting his phone in his kurta pocket. "Chalo ghar chalte hai, ho gayi baat humari Verma ji se."

("Let's go home, I talked to Verma ji.")

But Usha ji stopped him by raising her hand.

"Rukiye, hum thoda prasad deke aate hai unko." She said, pointing towards the girl and the boy who were sitting on the stools near the food shop

("Wait, I will give them some prasad.")

She took two ladoos from their remaining prasad and started stepping towards them.

"Kaun hai wahan?" Ashok ji asked, following her gaze. He saw the young girl in the blue kurti feeding the child.

("Who is there?")

"Ek ladki hai, bahut pyaar se ek gareeb bachche ko khana khila rahi hai." Atharv explained to his grandfather.

("A girl who is feeding a poor child with love.")

♡

KASHVI'S POV

I was sitting with this little boy, gently feeding him and trying to understand his situation better. "Beta, mumma aur papa kahan hai aapke? Aap kho gaye ho kya?" I asked softly, wiping some crumbs from his face with my dupatta.
("Dear, where are your mother and father? Are you lost?")

The moment I asked this question, the little boy went completely still. His small hands stopped moving, and he looked down at his plate. Then I saw a single tear roll down his cheek.

My heart sank. I could sense something was very wrong

"Didi. Mere mumma papa nahi hai. Main akela hun. Kuch do mahine pehle ek accident mein... woh chale gaye." he said in such a small, broken voice that it made my chest tight

(" Sister. My parents are not there. I am alone. Two months ago, they died in an accident.")

I felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. This tiny child - he couldn't be more than five or six years old - was completely alone in this world. No parents, no family, just surviving on the streets.

Without thinking, I pulled him closer to me. "Oh beta." I whispered, my own eyes filling with tears. I couldn't imagine what this little soul had been through these past two months. How had he been eating? Where was he sleeping? Who was taking care of him?

I held him gently while he continued eating, my mind racing about what I could do to help him. This sweet child shouldn't have to face the world all alone.

The little boy leaned into my embrace, and I could feel his small body trembling slightly. He was so thin, so fragile. My heart was breaking for him.

"Beta, aap kahan rehte ho? Koi aur family hai?" I asked gently, stroking his hair. It was matted and hadn't been washed in days.

I felt sick to my stomach. This baby was eating from dustbins to survive.

"Beta, aapka naam kya hai?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
("Dear, what is your name?")

"Minku." he said, looking up at me with those big, innocent eyes that had seen far too much pain.

"Minku, aap mere saath chaloge? Main aapko proper ghar dene ki koshish karungi." I said without even thinking. I couldn't just leave him here to go back to that bridge.

("Minku, will you come with me? I will try to give you a proper home.")

His eyes widened with hope, but then immediately filled with doubt. "Didi, aap sach mein mujhe rakhogi? Main bahut trouble nahi karunga."
("Sister, will you really keep me? I won't make too much trouble.")

The way he said it, like he was expecting to be abandoned again, just shattered my heart completely.

"Minku, main promise karti hun. Aap koi trouble nahi ho. Aap ek achhe bachche ho." I said, holding his small face in my hands.

("Minku, I promise you. You are not any trouble. You are a good boy.")

He looked at me with such hope in his eyes, but I could also see the fear - the fear of trusting someone again, only to be left alone.

Just then, I noticed an elderly lady walking towards us with two men. She was carrying something in her hands and had a very kind expression on her face.

"Beta." the elderly lady called out gently as she approached us.
("Dear.")

I looked up, a bit startled. The lady was wearing a simple cotton saree and had the warm, motherly look that immediately put me at ease.

"Namaste, Dadi ji." I said, standing up respectfully, though I kept Minku close to me.
("Greetings, Grandma.")

"Beta, hum temple se aa rahe hai, tumhe dekha humne... is bachche ke saath ho. Bhagwan ji ka prasad leke aye hai tumhare liye." She said with a smile, showing me the small prasad box in her hands.
("Dear, we were coming from the temple and we saw you..... with him. I brought God's prasaad for you.")

"Thank you, Dadi ji, mein ise bas khila rahi thi. Bas..." I started to say.
("Thank you, Grandma. I was just feeding him.")

Minku had moved slightly behind me, still holding onto my kurti. He was looking at these new people with curious but cautious eyes.

"Ye bachcha...?" the elderly lady asked gently, noticing Minku.
("This boy...")

"Ye Minku hai, Dadi ji, iski... iski koi family nahi hai. Parents ka accident ho gaya hai..." I said, gently placing my hand on his shoulder to reassure him.

("He is Minku, Grandma. He.. He doesn't have any family. His parents died in an accident...")

I couldn't finish the sentence. The elderly lady's face immediately softened with compassion.

"Arе beta, kitna chhota sa hai. Kahan rehta hai ye bachcha?" she said, bending down to Minku's level.

("Oh Dear, how younger he is. Where does he live?")

"Bridge ke neeche." I whispered, not wanting Minku to feel embarrassed.
("Under the bridge.")

The three of them exchanged concerned glances. The elderly man, who I assumed was the lady's husband, shook his head sadly.

"Beta, ye prasad lo, aur isko bhi do. Bhagwan ji ka ashirwaad hai." the lady said, offering me the ladoos.
("Dear, take this prasaad, and give him too. This is God's blessings.")

I accepted the prasad gratefully. "Thank you so much, Dadi ji. Aap bahut achhi hai."
("Thank you so much, Grandma. You are very kind.")

"Humara naam Usha hai beta, aur ye mere husband Ashok ji hai, aur ye hamara grandson Atharv." she introduced them warmly.

("I am Usha and this is my husband, Ashok ji. And this is our Grandson, Atharv.")

"Main Kashvi hun." I replied with a small smile.
("I am Kashvi.")

Minku tugged at my kurti. "Didi, ye log achhe hai na?" he whispered in my ear.

("Sister, they are good, aren't they?")

"Haan beta, bilkul achhe hai." I assured him, then broke a small piece of the prasad and gave it to him.

("Yes, my dear. Very Good.")

"Beta Kashvi, tumhara ghar kahan hai? Aise akele baithogi toh safe nahi hai." Usha Dadi said thoughtfully.

("Kashvi, where is your home? It is not safe, sitting alone like this.")

"Dadi ji, main yahan paas mein hi rehti hun. Aur main akeli nahi hun - Minku mere saath hai na." I said, gesturing vaguely towards the residential area.

("Grandma, I live here only. And I am not alone, Minku is with me.")

I looked down at Minku, who was now eating the prasad with both hands, savoring every bite. "Beta, but ye bachcha... iske liye kya plan hai tumhara? Bridge ke neeche wapas bhej dogi?" Ashok Dada Ji asked gently.

("Dear, but this boy. What is your plan for this? Will you send him back under the bridge?")

"Nahi Dada Ji! Main... main Minku ko wapas wahan nahi bhejungi. I'm thinking of... maybe finding some shelter for him, or..." I said quickly, perhaps a bit too forcefully.

("No, Grandpa! Main... I won't send Minku back there. I am thinking... Maybe finding some shelter for him, or...")

I trailed off because honestly, I hadn't thought this through completely. All I knew was that I couldn't let this innocent child go back to living under a bridge and eating from dustbins.

"Didi sach mein mujhe ghar le jayegi?" Minku asked, looking up at me with hopeful eyes, some prasad still stuck to his cheek.

("Will sister really take me home?")

"Haan beta, bilkul." I said, wiping his face gently.
("Yes, Dear. Of course.")

Usha Dadi and her family were watching this interaction quietly. I could see something in their eyes - maybe concern, maybe approval, I wasn't sure.

"Beta Kashvi, tumhare ghar mein family hai? Parents? They will be okay with you bringing Minku home?" Usha Dadi said slowly.

("Kashvi, do you have family at your home?")

That question hit me hard. How could I explain my complicated family situation to these kind strangers?

"Haan Dadi ji, main manage kar leti hun. And there is a lady too. Aur wo lady... we together run a Goshala and she is the owner, she wanted a child so yeah, he could be one. I am going there only." I said, trying to make my story sound more convincing.

("Yes, Grandma, I can manage. And there's also a woman. And that woman... We run a cow shelter together and she is the owner, she wanted a child so yes, he could be one. I am going there.")

But I could see that my explanation was raising more questions rather than answering them. Usha Dadi's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

"Goshala? Tum itni young ho aur Goshala run kar rahi ho? Woh bhi akeli?" Atharv asked, clearly surprised.

("Cow shelter? You are so young and runs cow shelter? That too alone?")

"Nahi, nahi. I mean... main sirf help karti hun wahan. Cleaning, feeding the cows, that kind of work. Woh aunty is the main owner." I said quickly, realizing my story wasn't adding up properly.

("No, no. I mean.. I just help out there.")

Minku was listening to all this while finishing the prasad, not really understanding what was being discussed but sensing the tension in the air.

"Beta, main puch rahi hun because... aise achanak se kisi bachche ko leke jaana... it's a big responsibility. Aur tumhari family ko pata hai tumhare decision ke baare mein?" Usha Dadi said gently.

("Son, I am asking, because....taking a child away from such a sudden way... It is a big responsibility. Do your family know about your decision?")

I felt my chest tighten. These people were being so kind, but their questions were making me realize how impulsive my decision was. I didn't actually have a solid plan.

"Dadi ji, I...I just can't leave him to go back to that bridge. Main kuch na kuch arrange kar dungi." I started, but my voice wavered slightly.

"Didi, main bridge nahi jaana chahta." Minku said quietly, tugging at my kurti.
("Sister, I don't want to go to that bridge.")

"I won't send you back there, don't worry. I am here, okay?" I looked down at Minku and said softly, giving him a reassuring hug.
"Are you sure?" Usha Dadi asked, her voice full of concern.

I knew she was worried about both of us, but I was confident about taking Minku to Sudha ji. She will love him, take care of him and protect him. I knew that very well about her kind heart.

I smiled towards Usha Dadi and said with conviction, "Yes, I am sure."

She smiled back kindly, though I could still see the motherly concern in her eyes.

Suddenly, my phone started buzzing loudly. I glanced down at the screen and saw "Sudha ji" flashing on the display. It might be about Bansari cow - she was in labor.

"Excuse me." I said to the family and quickly picked up the call.

But before I could even say "Hello." Sudha ji's urgent voice came through the phone.

"Kashvi! Where are you... jaldi aao... she is giving birth!"

My heart jumped. Bansari was finally delivering! "Sudha ji, main aa rahi hun. How is she doing?"

("Sudha ji, I am coming now. How she doing?")

"She's struggling beta. I need your help. Come fast!"

"Haan, main bas 10 minute mein pahunch jaungi." I said, already standing up and looking around.
("Yes, I will be there in just 10 minutes.")

Minku looked up at me with worried eyes. "Didi, kya hua?"
("Sister, what happened?")

"Let's go, Minku. I am taking you to your new home. There will be many cows and dogs. You will be very happy. Chalo jaldi." I kneeled down and said while gently fixing his messy hair and gave him an encouraging smile.

"Yayyyy... chalo didi! I will play with them!" Minku exclaimed, his face lighting up with pure excitement. The joy in his voice made my heart feel so much lighter.

"Let's go. Jaldi chalo." I said to him, then looked up towards the kind family who had been so caring towards us.

I smiled at them and said, "It's my time to go now. I have very important work ab."

They could clearly see I was excited and a bit anxious about something, but thankfully they didn't ask further questions.

"Should we drop you? We have our car here." Atharv offered kindly.

"Thank you for asking, but I don't want to give you any trouble." I replied politely, even though a part of me wanted to accept their offer since I was in such a hurry.

"Beta, it's no trouble at all, aur bachche ke saath auto mein jaana safe nahi hai." Usha Dadi insisted.

("Dear, it's no trouble at all, and it's not safe to go in an auto with a child.")

"Haan didi, car mein jaayenge!" Minku said excitedly, apparently having never been in a car before.
("Yes sister, we will go in the car.")

I looked at their sincere faces and realized they genuinely wanted to help. "Are you sure? It's quite far from here..."

"Bilkul sure. Chalo, our car is right there." Ashok Dada Ji said with a warm smile.

"Okay, thank you so much." I said gratefully, realizing this would actually be much faster than waiting for an auto with Minku.

"Yay! Car ride!" Minku jumped up and down excitedly, clapping his small hands.

We quickly walked towards their car parked under the peepal tree. Atharv Ji opened the back door for us.

"Beta, you sit in the middle with Minku, more comfortable for the child." Usha Dadi suggested.

As we settled into the car, I gave Atharv Ji the directions. "It's towards Khandoba Galli, near the old banyan tree. There's a small Goshala there."

"Khandoba Galli? Haan, we know that area." Ashok Dada Ji said, sitting in the car.

Minku was looking out the window with wide eyes, completely mesmerized by everything passing by. "Didi, dekho kitni fast chal rahi hai!"
("Sister, look how fast it is going!")

"Haan beta, car fast chalti hai na." I said, smiling at his innocence.
("Yes, dear, the car runs fast.")

My phone buzzed again - another call from Sudha ji. I quickly picked up.

"Kashvi, kahan ho tum?" her worried voice came through.
("Kashvi, where are you?")

"Sudha ji, main car mein hun. 5 minute mein pahunch jaungi." I assured her.
("Sudha ji, I am in the car. I will be there in 5 minutes.")

"Car mein? Whose car?"

"I will explain later. Bas ready raho, main aa rahi hun."
("I will explain later. Just be ready, I am coming.")

The family in the car could sense the urgency in my voice, and Atharv pressed the accelerator a bit more.

"Emergency hai kya beta?" Usha Dadi asked with concern.
("Is there any emergency, dear?")

"Haan Dadi ji, ek cow ka delivery ho raha hai. She's having complications." I explained quickly, my voice filled with worry.

("Yes, Grandma. One cow is giving birth.")

"Oh, serious hai?" Atharv asked, driving a bit faster now.

"Haan, Bansari is like... she's very special to us. First time mother hai, aur she's struggling." I said, trying to keep my voice calm so Minku wouldn't get scared.

"Didi, cow baby aayega?" Minku asked innocently, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, interrupting their conversation.

("Sister, will the calf come?")

"Haan beta, hopefully. If everything goes well." I smiled at him, though my mind was racing with worry about Bansari.

"Main baby cow ke saath kheluga!" Minku said excitedly.
("I will play with baby cow")

"Pehle baby ko safely aana chahiye na." Usha Dadi said gently, understanding the situation.

("First, the baby should come safely.")

Meanwhile, Usha Dadi turned to her husband. "Waise Ashok ji, Verma ji ka call kyun aaya tha? Kya keh rahe the?"

("By the way Ashok Ji, why did Verma ji's call come? What were you saying?")

"Arе haan, Verma ji wanted a trusted man for an important project. He needs someone reliable to help his son with some business work for a few months." Ashok Dada Ji said, glancing back through the rearview mirror.

"Achha, toh kya socha aapne?" Usha Dadi asked.
("Well, what did you think?")

"Main soch raha hun Kairav se baat karun. Raghav ko bhej sakte hai vaha. Waise bhi Atharv ka assistant already busy hai uske important project mein." Ashok ji explained.

("I am thinking of talking to Kairav. Raghav can be sent there. Atharv's assistant is busy in an important project.")

"Haan, Raghav achha option hai. Experienced bhi hai." Atharv agreed while navigating the roads.
("Yes, Raghav is a good option. He is also experienced.")

"Okay but what about Kairav? His assistant?" Usha Dadi asked with concern.

"Don't worry, thode mahino ki hi baat hai. We will hire someone new for him temporarily." Ashok Dada Ji said confidently.

("Don't worry, it's only a matter of a few months. We will temporarily hire someone new for him.")

"Okay then." Usha Dadi said, nodding in agreement.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Usha Dadi turned to me and asked, "Kashvi, tum job karti ho kya?"
("Kashvi, do you have a job?")

"No Dadi , but I am looking for one." I replied honestly, a bit embarrassed to admit my unemployment to these kind people.

"What are your qualifications?" Usha Dadi asked me with growing interest.

"I have completed my Bachelor's in Business Administration, Dadi ." I replied.

"BBA?" Atharv glanced back at me through the rearview mirror with interest.

"Haan, business management stream. Completed this year only." I added.

"Iss saal complete kiya? Fresh graduate ho tum?" Ashok Dada Ji asked, sounding interested.
("You completed this year? Are you a fresh graduate?")

I nodded. "Haan Dada Ji, abhi kuch mahine hi hue hai. Interview diye hai kaafi jagah, but sahi opportunity nahi mili abhi tak."

("Yes, Grandpa, it's only been a few months. I have given interviews a lot of places, but I didn't get the right opportunity.")

"Samajh sakte hai beta. First job dhoondhna thoda time lagta hai." Usha Dadi said kindly.
("We can understand, Dear. Finding a first job takes a while.")

"Haan Dadi , isliye ab actively dhoondh rahi hun yahan local opportunities." I said.
("Yes, Grandma. Because of that, I am actively finding jobs for local opportunities.")

"BBA in business management...Computer skills kaisi hai tumhari?" Atharv seemed to be thinking about something.

("BBA in Business Management... How are your computer skills?")

"Achhi hai. Excel, PowerPoint, Word, basic accounting software. Aur emails, scheduling, documentation sab handle kar sakti hun." I explained.

("It's good. Excel, PowerPoint, Word, basic accounting software. And can handle email, scheduling, documentation, too.")

"Assistant ka kaam kar sakti ho?" Ashok Dada Ji asked suddenly, turning slightly to look at me.

("Can you work as an assistant?")

"Haan, definitely. Organization aur multitasking mein achhi hun main." I replied, wondering where this conversation was heading.

("Yes, of course. I am good at organization and multitasking.")

"Interesting." Ashok Dada Ji murmured, exchanging a meaningful glance with Usha Dadi .

"Turn left here." I directed as we entered the lane toward the Goshala.

The car turned into the narrow lane, and I could already see the familiar white boundary wall of the Goshala coming into view. The smell of hay and cow dung - which I found comforting rather than unpleasant - drifted through the air.

"Woh dekho, Goshala aa gaya." Minku said excitedly, pointing at the entrance gate.

("Look, we arrived at cow shelter.")

"Haan beta, bas pahunch gaye." I said, gathering my things.
("Yes, dear, we arrived.")

As Atharv slowed the car near the entrance, I could hear the sounds of cows mooing and some urgent voices coming from inside. My heart started beating faster - Bansari must still be in labor.

"Beta, ek minute. Tumne kaha na tum job dhoondh rahi ho?" Ashok Dada ji said before I could open the door.

("Dear, one minute. You said you are looking for a job, didn't you?")

"Haan Dada Ji." I replied, curious about where this was going.
("Yes, Grandpa.")

"Humko actually ek assistant chahiye. Kairav - that's our grandson - his current assistant Raghav ko temporarily kisi aur project pe jaana hai for few months." he explained.

("We really need an assistant. Kairav - he is our grandson - his current assistant Raghav has to temporarily move on to another project for a few months.")

My eyes widened. Were they offering me a job?

"It's office work like managing schedules, handling calls, organizing meetings, documentation. Tumhare qualifications ke according perfect hai." Usha Dadi added.

"Really? But... aap mujhe jaante bhi nahi properly." I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
("Really? But... You don't even know me properly.")

"Beta, character dekhte hai hum. Tumne aaj jo kiya Minku ke liye, that shows what kind of person you are. Aur qualifications bhi hai tumhare paas." Ashok said with a smile.

("Dear, we see the character. What you did today for Minku, that shows what kind of person you are. And you also have the qualifications.")

♡

AUTHOR'S POV

The gallery was quiet and dark. Black walls surrounded everything. Paintings hung everywhere. Some finished and perfect, others half done and messy, some broken and strange. A painting with loose paint dripping down. One with only sketches. Another so perfect it looked like a mirror. Big ones, small ones, all of them different. Two doors led in and out. One window let in a little gray light from outside.

A man stood alone in the middle of the room. He held a paint brush in his hand, but it hung loose at his side. The brush was old and tired. The bristles were stiff and dry, worn out from work.

His eyes stared at the painting in front of him. It showed a pair of eyes. Just eyes. Nothing else. But this painting? This painting was different from all the others. It was not finished.

The right eye was perfect and real, painted with such care that it seemed alive.

But the left eye was only half there. Just rough sketch lines. Raw pencil marks. No color. No life. It stopped abruptly, frozen in incompleteness. He had abandoned it because he couldn't remember. The shape of it had slipped away from him. He had forgotten how that eye actually looked.

His face went tight. His eyebrows came together as he thought hard. Something about these eyes felt known. He had seen them before. Somewhere. But where?

His mind searched and searched. Was it the cafe? Was it the hotel? Was it the garden? Was it a party?

The memory was close but far away at the same time. Like trying to remember a word you almost know. It sits on the edge of your tongue but never comes out of your mouth.

He reached his hand toward the painting. His fingers trembled. He did not know why.

He stepped back from the canvas and stood still. His mind began to wander through memories, searching. Where had he seen these eyes? In person? The right eye he could paint because something inside him remembered. But the left eye - the memory of it was locked away somewhere he couldn't reach.

He closed his eyes for a moment. Breathed. Thought harder.

Then it came.

A memory struck him suddenly, like a door opening that he didn't know was there. It wasn't a clear picture at first but just fragments. The specific way the light hit a face in that moment. And the eyes. Both eyes. The left one with that particular shape, that particular depth. The way it looked when caught in that exact light.

He opened his eyes.

Without thinking too much, he lifted his brush. His hand moved toward the canvas. He dipped the bristles in the paint. White first, then adding the shadows, the colors mixing as he remembered how. His hand knew what to do now. The memory had unlocked something. His body remembered even if his mind had forgotten.

The left eye began to appear on the canvas. The sketch lines were still there beneath, but now they were being filled in. Color was returning. Life was coming back. Stroke after stroke, the eye took shape. Not identical to the right eye. Each eye was different but real. Present. Alive.

He painted carefully, deliberately. The pupil. The highlight. The shadow beneath. The small details that made it human. His brush moved with purpose now, guided by the memory that had suddenly returned.

It felt right.

It felt true.

***************

Here we ends!

I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

And about the cow's birth giving complications, do not worry as I have already searched it on google to be specific enough to write that cows can have complications in giving birth.

What do you think about Kashvi's character? And Mehrotra's character?

I hope you enjoyed it and the banter too. There will be more banters coming soon in upcoming chapters.

And now, what do you think about the MAN who was in a room with full of paintings and the EYES painting he did? Who do you think he is? Whose EYES he painted?