समय

Art Of Letting Go...

As pandit ji went to prepare for the task discussed by Mr Malik before hand, Haseena turned to the confused lady, With a deep breath, she hoped that everything would go smoothly and proceeded to explain the situation to the lady,

"Ham jante hai shayad jo ham kehne wale hai aapko achha lagega ya nahi bhi.. Lekin kahi na kahi yai bat bohot jaruri hai aur aapke karibi hone ke nate hamara farz bhi hai, Darsal ham yaha Mr and Mrs Singh ki atma ke shanti ke liye unka pind dan karvane aaye hai Ms Singh!...

Karishma looked towards the lady in shock, tears welling up in her eyes as soon as she heard her parents mentioned. Memories flooded back, and she struggled to contain her emotions. Even after two years, the pain lingered, and Karishma wasn't sure how to react, as she hadn't yet learned to move on from that heartbreaking experience

Haseena understood the silence and continued, "Ham jante hai aapko unse kitni mohobbat hai, aapka dard ham nahi samajh sakte lekin shayad kahi na kahi mehsoos kar sakte hai ki aap andar hi andar kitna ladh rahi hai in sab se.. Isiliye yai bohot jaruri hai ki aap unhe jane de, unki atma ki shanti ke liye at least! Kyuki aapko itne dard mai dekh kahi na kahi wo dono bhi dukh mai honge. Unki atma ke shanti ke liye yai sab karna aapki jimeedari hai Ms Singh!".

Karishma found herself grappling with myriad of conflicting emotions. Despite her confusion, she realized that she had never truly learned how to let go of the pain of her parents' death. The memories of that fateful night haunted her, and she struggled to imagine a life without them.

However, deep down, she also wished for her parents to be at peace, and she was willing to do whatever it took to ensure that they were in a better place, she replied, "Malik ji.. Ham pind dan karne ke liye tyar hai!".

Haseena felt a weave of relief wash over her upon hearing the positive response from Karishma. She gently rested her hands on Karishma's shoulders, offering her reassurance and support in this difficult moment, saying,

"Aap akele nahi hai Ms Singh! Ham hai aapke sath. Aur vada karte hai aapse ki hamesha rahenge no matter what!".

Karishma offered a warm smile to the lady, appreciating her presence and support. As Pandit ji returned and informed them that everything was set, he couldn't help but felt a bit uncertain about the ritual, given that traditionally it was supposed to be carried out by a male figure, he asked,

"Haseena beta? Koi ladka nahi hai unka? Jo iss pooja ko sampan karega?".

Haseena anticipated the impending question and replied confidently, "Fikar mat kijiye Pandit ji, Pind dan hota hi apno ki shanti ke liye na? Jinse ham bohot chahte hai? Aur yai tabhi mumkin hai jab koi asa shaksh uss pooja ko sampan kare jo sahi mayne mai unse bepanah mohobbat karta ho! Aur iss hisab se hame nahi lagtaa Karishma ke alawa koi aur hai jo Mr and Mrs Singh se unse jyada pyar karta hoga.. aap shuru kijiye ham tyar hai!".

As Pandit ji nodded in agreement, acknowledging the true purpose of the ritual beyond gender roles, he handed some white clothes to Karishma, instructing her to change into them before immersing herself in the holy waters of the Ganga river.

Haseena guided Karishma to a nearby changing room, and they returned after Karishma had changed. Karishma tied her hair into a bun and covered her shoulders with a large white cotton scarf before stepping into the water, lost in her own thoughts and emotions.

As the pureness of Ganga enveloped her body and soul, a profound sense of calmness washed over her. Closing her eyes, she offered water to the sun and joined her hands in prayer, silently seeking solace and guidance inwardly.