Lotus among the Roses

Saving Her

As Kumud and Ketki wandered through the temple grounds, marveling at the intricate carvings and towering spires of the Kailasanatha temple, they were enveloped in a sense of awe and reverence.

The temple was a masterpiece of architecture, a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who had built it centuries ago.

Ketki eagerly pointed out various features of the temple to her sister, her voice filled with excitement as she described the grandeur of the structure.

She gestured towards the towering gopurams adorned with elaborate sculptures depicting scenes from Ramayan, Mahabharat among various other epics, and the ornate pillars that lined the temple courtyard, each one intricately carved with intricate designs and motifs.

"You know Didi, mother wanted to bring you here, and see, you are here, Ah! Fate!"  Ketki said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
" You know Didi, she said that this temple was built just a year before you were born. She said that there was a renowned astrologer, who had looked at her pregnant stomach and said that a person destined to change gates would be born soon. Oh! How mystical!" Ketki exclaimed.
Kumud said nothing, but smiled warmly, looking at this adorable younger sister of hers.

" Oh! Didi! Look at this pillar !" Suddenly Ketki moved ahead.
" Can you imagine the dedication and skill that went into building such a magnificent structure?" Ketki said in awe.

Kumud nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on the temple's towering spires and ornate facades. Despite her troubled thoughts, she couldn't help but be awed by the sheer beauty and majesty of the temple.

As they continued to explore, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred site, their reverie was suddenly interrupted by the sound of screams echoing through the temple courtyard.

Kumud's heart skipped a beat, her senses on high alert as she instinctively turned towards the source of the commotion.

Without a word, she and Ketki exchanged a knowing glance before breaking into a run, their feet pounding against the smooth stone floors as they raced towards the sound of distress.

When they arrived at the scene, they were met with chaos and confusion. A crowd had gathered around the sacred pond, their faces twisted in fear and concern as they watched the drama unfold before them.

  In the center of the commotion, a small child could be seen struggling in the murky waters of the pond, his desperate cries for help ringing out amidst the chaos.

  Nearby, a wealthy-looking woman had thrown herself into the water in a desperate attempt to rescue the child, but she seemed to be struggling against the powerful currents.

  Kumud's heart clenched with fear as she watched the scene unfold before her. Without hesitation, she sprang into action, pushing her way through the crowd until she reached the water's edge, her mind focused on one thing and one thing only: saving the child from the clutches of the pond's treacherous depths.

  As the chaos unfolded around them, Kumud wasted no time in springing into action. With a determined look in her eyes, she exchanged a quick glance with Ketki before diving headfirst into the murky waters of the sacred pond.

  The cold water enveloped her in its icy embrace as she plunged beneath the surface, her senses immediately assaulted by the darkness and the deafening roar of the water rushing past her ears.

  Despite the fear and uncertainty that gripped her heart, Kumud forced herself to remain calm, her mind focused on the task at hand.With powerful strokes of her arms and legs, she propelled herself through the water, her eyes scanning the depths below in search of the struggling figures. It didn't take long for her to spot them, their forms distorted and blurred by the swirling currents.