This story tells u about the epic love that set in 1946, yes the year before India's independence.
The story revolves around Thomas Edward, a young British officer known for his charm, kindness, and unwavering loyalty, and Manjari, a woman of extrao...
It was evening, and I hadn't prepared anything. I decided to perform my first dance again-this time, in the temple.
Nervous but determined, I knew I could do it!
After a quick shower, I dressed in the Bharatanatyam attire that Gauri had bought for me.
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This is the dress she is wearing!!!
I
finish getting ready and glance at myself in the mirror, my eyes welling up with tears. Taking the Surma/Kajal, I carefully apply it to my eyes.
I look beautiful.
Then my gaze shifts to the clock-6:30!
"Hey ram bohot der hogayi"
{Oh god, I'm late!}
Grabbing my ghungroo, I hear my door creak. Turning around, I see Gauri standing there, her mouth hanging open in shock.
Walking up to Gauri, I gently close her mouth with my hand. She grabs my wrist, scanning me from head to toe.
With both hands, she quickly makes a protective circle around me, muttering, "Thu Thu Thu, kisiki nazar naa lage."
(Taking out an evil eye)
I smile warmly at her.
"Arey, meri tareef baad mein karna," I tease. "Abhi hume jaldi pohonchna hai, bohot der ho gayi! Chal, chal!"
{You can praise me later! Right now, we have to hurry-we're already late! Let's go!}
I hear soft giggles and turn toward the sound. Beside Gauri stands a little girl, no older than four, clutching her dupatta with wide, curious eyes. Her tiny fingers grasp the fabric tightly as she gazes at me in fascination.
Frowning, I glance between them. "Gauri yeh kaun hai"
{Gauri, who is she?}
Gauri stiffens for a moment before quickly forcing a smile. "Uhm.... uh...woh bas pados ki bachi hai"
{Oh... uh... she's just a neighbor's kid}
The little girl tilts her head, still staring at me, as if mesmerized. Gauri shifts uncomfortably, clearly not wanting to explain further.
I arch a brow but decide to let it go.
~~~~
At the Temple
As we arrive, Baba sees me and smiles. He offers me Aarti and gently places Kumkum beneath my bindi.
Blessing me, he says, "Acha karna! Tumhari maa tumhe dekh ke bohot khush hogi, beta."
