The ray of light

A new bond

**After the Mathura Visit – A New Phase of Life**

Advaita had returned home from Mathura, her heart still full of the divine energy she had felt in Krishna's birthplace. It had been an emotional journey, but now she was ready for the next stage of her young life. At five years old, Advaita was beginning to experience the world beyond the temple walls and her close-knit family. She had reached the age where school was on the horizon, and with it, new friendships, new experiences, and new challenges.

It was on one such bright, sunny day that Advaita was introduced to Preeti, Vivek's daughter, who had come to stay with them for a few months. Preeti, just like Advaita, was five years old, and the moment the two girls met, it was as if they had known each other for years. Their instant bond was something even their families couldn't have anticipated.

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**Meeting Preeti: A New Friendship**

Bela was busy preparing lunch when Advaita came running into the living room, her bare feet making little thumping sounds as she skidded to a halt in front of her mother.

"Mamma, Mamma! Preeti aa gayi! She's come!" Advaita's voice was filled with excitement, her eyes wide with joy.

Bela smiled, looking at her daughter's glowing face. "Haan, beta, Vivek bhaiya ki beti Preeti aayi hai. Jaake usse mil lo."

Advaita needed no further prompting. She dashed out into the garden where Preeti was standing shyly next to her mother, Vishakha, clutching a small doll to her chest.

"Hi!" Advaita greeted her, her voice bright and cheerful. "Main Advaita hoon. Tum Preeti ho na?"

Preeti nodded, her smile shy at first, but then she giggled. "Haan, main Preeti hoon. Hum khel sakte hain?"

And just like that, the two girls became inseparable. They spent the entire day exploring the garden, playing hide-and-seek, and talking about everything and nothing at the same time. They shared their favorite snacks, exchanged their toys, and by the end of the day, Preeti wasn't just a new friend—she was Advaita's best friend.

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**Mischief in the Air: Advaita's Antics Continue**

As the days went by, Preeti and Advaita's bond only grew stronger. Together, they became a mischievous duo that no one in the household could keep up with. Advaita's love for pranks had rubbed off on Preeti, and the two would often collaborate on their little schemes.

One evening, the girls decided to play a prank on Ramu kaka, the gardener. They filled his watering can with paint instead of water and giggled from behind the bushes as they watched him accidentally paint the flowers blue.

"Arre baba! Yeh kya ho gaya? Phoolon ka rang badal gaya!" Ramu kaka exclaimed in shock, looking around, trying to figure out what had happened.

Advaita and Preeti couldn't contain their laughter. They rolled on the grass, clutching their stomachs as they watched the chaos unfold. Bela, of course, was quick to catch on to their antics and came out, hands on her hips.