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Harsh stood beside her, his head slightly bowed in respect. However, curiosity got the better of him, and he peeked through one eye, glancing at Mahek discreetly.
As he observed her, he noticed how peaceful she looked, her features soft and serene in the warm glow of the temple lights.
Her hair fell gently over her shoulder, and her saree, now perfectly draped, added an elegance to her presence.
Her lips moved silently with the prayers, and Harsh couldn't help but find himself captivated by her quiet grace
Harsh's Inner Thoughts:She's truly beautiful...
He marveled at how she seemed to fit so naturally into the family, despite the newness of it all. Her gentle demeanor and subtle strength were evident even in this moment of prayer.
For a brief second, he felt a sense of contentment and wondered if she sensed the same.
But Harsh, true to his reserved nature, kept his thoughts to himself, choosing not to disrupt the sanctity of the moment. Instead, he focused back on the prayer, feeling a slight warmth at the idea that he might have the chance to share many more such moments with her.
The aarti came to a close as the panditji blessed each family member, offering them a small flame to wave their hands over and touch to their foreheads.
Panditji: "May you all be blessed with health, happiness, and prosperity."
As the family stepped forward to receive the blessings, Harsh and Mahek found themselves standing closer, a quiet camaraderie forming between them. Harsh stole another glance at Mahek, his eyes soft with newfound respect and admiration.
The aarti had concluded, and the family was slowly gathering their belongings, preparing to leave the temple.
The air was filled with a sense of tranquility and reverence, the resonant chants still echoing in the temple hall.As Mahek stepped aside to offer her final prayers, she overheard two pandits engaged in a quiet conversation near the temple's entrance.
Panditji 1: (leaning towards the other pandit, speaking softly yet audibly) "Dekho, pahadi wale mandir mein aaj kal zyada log nahi jaate. Lekin wo kitna pavitra sthal hai, bina juto ke vahan jaane se toh bada fal milta hai. Bilkul Bholenath ka darshan jaise."
(Look, not many people visit the temple on the hill these days. But it's such a sacred place, and going there barefoot brings great blessings, just like having a vision of Lord Shiva himself.)
Panditji 2: (nodding thoughtfully) "Haan, wo mandir purani paramparaon ka mahatva rakhta hai. Jitni shanti vahan milti hai, kahin aur nahi milti."
(Yes, that temple holds the significance of ancient traditions. The peace found there is unmatched.)
Mahek's curiosity was piqued by their words. The allure of the hill temple was strong, and the idea of experiencing something profoundly spiritual drew her in. Impulsively, she decided to visit the temple on her own, unaware of the challenges ahead.
As she began her ascent, she felt the rough stone steps beneath her bare feet.
The climb was challenging, but Mahek was driven by a sense of purpose.
The heat of the day was already starting to intensify, and she could feel the warmth radiating from the stones.
.........
Back at the main temple, Harsh finished his prayers and looked around, realizing that Mahek was nowhere to be seen.
Concern flickered in his eyes as he turned to his sister.
Harsh: (quietly) "Aditi, have you seen My wife?"
Aditi glanced around, then smirked, sensing an opportunity to tease her brother.
Aditi : (grinning) "Oh, bhaiya, already missing your wife? Can't stay apart for even a minute?"
Harsh rolled his eyes, trying to hide his worry.
