Life is Not a Joke, Boss! But...

Ritual

One morning, Krishna Kumar and Leela were eagerly watching the monitor during their baby's ultrasound, their hearts swelling with happiness. The doctor smiled and said, "Your baby is growing healthy and fit." Few seconds paused and conveyed, "However, there's something we need to monitor, there hasn't been any movement, and the heartbeat is starting to slow."

Krishna Kumar and Leela felt their joy stretch tight with concern, anxiety creeping in.

Sensing their worry, the doctor continued gently, "This can happen in some cases. Don't worry too much. I'm prescribing some medication. Just take it and stay hopeful. Let's trust that everything will turn out for the best."

Both Krishna Kumar and Leela were somber after hearing the doctor's words. As they drove home in their car, the silence was heavy with unspoken worries. Leela, deep in thought, finally broke the quiet, "Krishna, should we consult an astrologer, for once?"

Krishna Kumar sighed, his voice tinged with frustration, "Leela, I stopped believing in those things after my father insisted that our horoscopes didn't match. That's why they refused to accept our relationship and you."

Leela didn't want to push further or start an argument. She quietly accepted his response, choosing silence over conflict. As the car rolled on, Leela's thoughts drifted like clouds, filled with memories of her parents. She thought of them now, knowing they, too, had never accepted him and their relationship.

In defiance of his skepticism, Krishna Kumar valued Leela's feelings and beliefs. Wanting to support her and avoid causing her any more stress, he decided to take her to his family's trusted astrologer, Vijay Shastry, to discuss their baby's situation.

When they arrived at the astrologer's place, Leela was speechless. This was one of the many reasons she loved Krishna Kumar so deeply. Even when he didn't fully agree with something, he would go out of his way to fulfill the wishes of those he cared about. At that moment, Leela felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love for Krishna Kumar, appreciating his willingness to put her peace of mind above his own doubts.

Vijay Shastry carefully examined their planetary positions in the horoscope cycle, his eyes focused and intent. The room was filled with the soothing fragrance of sandalwood, a scent that mingled with the sacred aura of the space. Before them stood a magnificent five-feet idol of Durga Devi, whom Vijay Shastry worshipped with unwavering devotion every day. The idol was adorned with a fresh garland of red roses, and a vivid maroon bindi graced her forehead. Durga Devi was craft seated on a lion, her expression fierce yet serene, a natural smile playing on her lips as she blessed her devotees.

Vijay Shastry himself was dressed in traditional attire, a testament to his deep-rooted spiritual practices. He wore an orange dhoti and scarf, paired with a light yellow khadi shirt. At fifty-five, he exuded a peaceful aura, his face framed by a full beard and mustache. A vertical tilak marked his forehead, while his hair, now half white, hinted at his age. He also wore earrings and a bracelet, both in keeping with the traditional customs he held dear.

Vijay Shastry had been Krishna Kumar's family astrologer for over 30 years, a figure of unwavering trust and reverence. The family turned to him for all significant events—festivals, ceremonies, and crucial decisions. He was not just their astrologer; he was practically family, always taking their matters to heart as if they were his own.

Years ago, when Vijay Shastry first read Krishna Kumar and Leela's horoscopes, he had seen troubling signs and had advised against their union, predicting difficulties in their future. However, over time, he came to understand the deep bond they shared and the urgency of their current situation.

As he checked their horoscopes again, this time with even greater care, Vijay Shastry's expression became thoughtful. He reviewed the planetary positions multiple times, his mind flashing with visions of what might unfold. Finally, he looked at Krishna Kumar and Leela with a knowing calmness and said, "Everything will be fine. It's all part of a greater plan set by Lord Shiva."