Look Into My Eyes 10

Chapter 3

Night

In the quiet of the night, Mahitha was startled from her sleep by a sudden noise. Groggily, she made her way to the corridor, only to find her brothers moving hurriedly about the house. It seemed that no one had slept, and all were engaged in a flurry of packing and activities.

She gazed at one of her brothers and inquired urgently, "Ammu, is it a short circuit? Don't worry, give it five minutes."

She walked back into her room, preparing to lay down, when her elder brother entered. Concerned, he asked, "Ammu, are you okay?"

She replied, "Ha, Bhai."

He reassured her, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to come to me or give a missed call. Don't be scared; we'll be around your room.

After her elder brother left, her father came to check on her, displaying the same level of concern. Once her father left, her grandma paid a visit, followed by her grandfather. The succession of family members made their rounds, seemingly ensuring her well-being and safety.

By the time the clock struck 1 am, she found herself in a comical yet challenging situation-surrounded by well-meaning family members who, while offering care and concern, unintentionally prolonged her efforts to find some rest. Their vigilant and loving gestures, despite the late hours, created a humorous yet endearing scenario, making it difficult for her to catch some much-needed sleep.

★★★

Dressed in a resplendent silk yellow lehenga adorned with intricate golden-threaded designs of yellow roses, Mahitha's attire was a vision of elegance. The lehenga had a stunning dark maroon border showcasing temple-inspired flying bird designs from the knees down, adding a touch of tradition and sophistication. Her blouse was embellished with maroon designs that complemented the overall ensemble, while the floral Maroon silk dupatta gracefully draped around her shoulders, adding a sense of grace and poise.

Standing in front of the Kalika Devi temple at 3:30 am, she was accompanied by her brothers and their respective partners, with the pandit chanting sacred mantras. Despite the early hour, Mahitha remained composed and focused on the prayers.

Amidst the rituals, her thoughts briefly flitted back to a previous visit to the same temple after her engagement, recalling a potentially dangerous situation she had managed to navigate. Brushing these memories aside, she centered her attention on the sanctity of the ritual, displaying a quiet strength and determination.

The Pandit instructed her to proceed inside, urging her to pray to Kalika Devi while chanting the Kali Kavach. Gathering the pooja samagri, she ventured into the temple. The space enveloped in darkness amplified the sound of her footsteps, each step echoing as she moved forward. She felt a stark contrast-her own heart's pulsation and an inexplicable presence of heavy breath in the air, causing a shiver to run down her spine.

Alone in the darkness, the musical tinkling of her anklets resonated with each step she took. As she approached, she carefully illuminated the Akanda Jyothi (eternal lamp). The sudden burst of light spread in all directions, casting a glow upon the Kalika Devi statue, revealing the powerful and majestic presence of the deity. The contrast between the eerie silence and the sudden brilliance of the divine light created a profound and stirring moment within the temple.

Tall idol of Kalika Devi stood towering above, emanating an aura of fury and power. The dark and dimly lit temple hall accentuated the intimidating presence of the idol, with its intricate architecture and shadows playing tricks on the walls. The fierce depiction of the deity created a sense of both awe and trepidation.

Mahitha stood before the idol, a mix of fear and profound devotion enveloped her. The dim light cast eerie shadows, enhancing the imposing presence of the idol. The architectural details and the darkness evoked an intense sense of reverence and a touch of fear, instilling a deep sense of devotion in Mahitha as she stood in the sacred space.

She diligently followed the Pandit's instructions during the pooja, she closed her eyes in a moment of devotion. Suddenly, a few flowers fell from the idol, stirred by the wind, landing on her. Startled, she felt a mix of emotions-fear, awe, and a sense of the divine-all merging in a whirlwind of overwhelming sensations. Uncertain about how to react to this inexplicable occurrence, she cast a glance at the statue once more before joining her hands in prayer and returning to her brothers.

All the buses were lined up, and Mahitha entered one, finding her family already settled inside-her father Aditya, grandparents, Kranti, Arpita, Ajas, Zia, and their children. The luxurious bed onboard boasted various amenities, including furniture and a television. Suddenly, an overwhelming sensation of drained energy hit her.

Making her way to the bedroom area, she sat on the bed, feeling weak and fatigued. Concerned, her granny and her father approached her. "Ammu, what happened?" her grandmother inquired.

"I don't know, Granny. I suddenly feel weak," Mahitha replied.

Kranti, sensing something unusual, moved to check on her. As he attempted to reach out and hold her hand, he experienced a strange sensation, feeling a different kind of energy or vibration, preventing him from touching her.

Kranti disembarked from the bus and immediately phoned Eshwar's great-grandfather, recalling the prior advice he had received. When the great-grandfather answered the call, Kranti explained the situation to him.

"Don't worry, let her rest. Everything will be fine," reassured the great-grandfather.

Upon his arrival, Kranti observed Mahitha peacefully sleeping, with Granny, Aditya, and Arpita by her side. Kranti assured, "No need to worry; she just needs some rest."

As the driver commenced the bus's journey, the rest of the buses, carrying Mahitha's family members and the people from Athreyapuram, followed suit.

★★★

At 6 am, Mahitha woke up and proceeded to freshen up. Upon joining her family, she noticed the bus moving at a leisurely pace. By 8 am, the bus had arrived at Anandagiri, marking the completion of their journey. This journey, as described, unfolded calmly, with a gradual movement leading to their destination by the specified time.

Ignore mistakes

Keep smiling

Chandanakshi