Sun was rising out in the sky, Rays of which were scattered in the Ganges water. A beautiful morning where nature met with nature. Between both the natures, i.e the Ganges water and the sky, the city of Benares looked as a thin border. Shoppers at the ghat were arranging shops.
Sitting on the steps he watched the boats at the bank ready for having the pilgrims to make their trip easy and enjoyable. Devotees were taking bath in the holy river. They were offering Ganga jal to the sun.
However his roaming gaze stopped at a white figure. A young woman in white sari was praying in silence. The innocence and serenity on her face struck him compelling him to look at her more closely. With eyes shut her long tendrils danced freely in the air, she seemed like an angel to him. She wore no make up no jewelry yet she was beautiful. Her simplicity was her beauty.
His eyes feared to blink, what if she was a dream, he didn't wish to break that spell. As he continued to stare at her, she slowly walked past him. The edge of her sari brushed his face. He smiled and closed his eyes. No he wasn't dreaming. And when he opened his eyes he saw a flower dropped at his feet.
" excuse me."
She took a moment to turn around.
" I think you dropped it."
She peered down at her plate carrying flowers. He extended his hand to keep the flower on her plate but she at once moved back.
" it's a fallen flower. It's dirty. It cannot be offered to Him." The angst in her voice stirred something in his heart. Her eyes refused to meet his.
" a fallen flower is worthless."
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Fluffy clouds glided across the pale blue sky. The sun had awakened and was promptly emerging through the hazy sky. The cloudy layer created a pleasant blanket from the sun.
She smiled as the birds simultaneously tweeted out to each other in a chorus, singing a soothing melodic tune. As soon as the sun rose from the Ganges devotees began to make their way to the ghats for their holy dip in the Ganges to receive forgiveness from their sins and attainment of nirvana.
Every morning she woke up with a dream to have a better and a peaceful life. But dreams remained dreams, far from reality and far from getting realised. The glimmer of hope in her heart faded with each passing day and feared to extinguish completely one day. Every morning she found herself standing at the banks to attain forgiveness and salvation.
Her soft gaze moved across the ghats and stilled at a couple. They were offering pooja and water to the Ganga maa and surya devta. Both husband and wife were together offering the puja to seek the great blessings. The sight tugged the corners of her bruised heart.
Turning her head away she pushed her wavering thoughts aside and slowly stepped down the stairs to offer her prayers. The cool water wetted her legs and feet as she shut her eyes.
There was darkness before her eyes. Nothing was visible. Her life seemed blank as though this darkness had swallowed her whole world.
Inhaling deeply she opened her eyes and picked the diya from her plate to float it in the waters. Her gaze followed the diya as it swam in the holy waters. It was shaky as the tides pushed it but it didn't drown. It floated. The waves were strong and much more powerful than the lamp but still they failed to drown it. The lamp looked weak but even then managed to sail through.
The lamp seemed stronger and braver than her. It had not given hope, unlike it was struggling and fighting to survive. Whereas She was also breathing in this world, but only breathing...not living.
Lowering her head she twirled and then jumped in surprise.
What was he doing behind her? Her eyes peered at him in confusion. He simply smiled down at her. She gulped and averted her gaze then moved to walk away.
" excuse me!"
She stopped but didn't turn around. He came and stood before her. Not lifting her eyes she stared down at the ground. He slowly stuck his hand out with a flower. She looked up and knitted her brows. Then glanced at her plate, had she dropped a flower again? Maybe.
She looked at him hesitantly before parting her lips. " I told you this before, a fallen flower is no longer pious. Hence cannot be offered to Him."
" but I didn't let it drop."
She nodded her head and extended her plate but he didn't keep it there. Instead his intense gaze bore into hers and held her captive.
" it's not a fallen flower. it's pure and I am offering it to you."
