RESTART

chapter 32

The family reached the Kuldevi temple in the morning. The air was fresh and crisp, carrying the scent of flowers and incense from the temple. Abhiman and Jeevika, along with Veer and Riddhi, made their way through the temple courtyard, where they could hear the sound of bells ringing and devotees chanting.

Jeevika adjusted her saree's pallu over her head, feeling a sense of peace as they entered the sacred space. Abhiman, walking beside her in his dhoti, glanced at her and smiled. Despite all the teasing earlier, he was grateful that Jeevika was by his side. This journey to the temple wasn’t just about tradition; it was a way for him to ground himself, and Jeevika’s presence made it all the more meaningful.

As they reached the main shrine of the Kuldevi, Abhiman’s parents were already waiting for them. His mother greeted them with a warm smile, her eyes lighting up as she saw her son and daughter-in-law in their traditional attire.

“Bahut acche lag rahe ho tum dono,” she said, her eyes filled with pride. Jeevika touched her feet to seek her blessings, and Abhiman followed suit.

The priest approached them, beginning the preparations for the ritual. The family gathered in front of the deity, the atmosphere heavy with devotion and reverence. Jeevika closed her eyes, folding her hands in prayer, silently asking for strength and protection for her family. She could feel the weight of responsibility she had taken upon herself, but in that moment, she promised herself that nothing would break the peace and love that she had found in this family.

As the priest performed the rituals, Abhiman’s mother gestured for Jeevika to join in. She guided Jeevika to offer flowers and light a diya at the shrine, and Jeevika did so with steady hands, feeling a quiet determination settling within her.

After the prayers were complete, the family received blessings from the priest. As they stepped out of the temple, the peacefulness of the place seemed to linger with them.

Veer stretched his arms and yawned. “Chalo, ab kuch khaane ka time hai. Bhook lagi hai,” he said, making everyone laugh.

Riddhi giggled. “Veer bhaiya, tum bas khaane ke liye jeete ho!”

Abhiman chuckled, looking at Jeevika. “Kya soch rahi ho?” he asked her softly, noticing the distant look in her eyes.

Jeevika turned to him and smiled. “Bas yeh soch rahi thi... kitna sukoon milta hai yahan,” she replied, her voice calm. “Sab kuch thoda dur lagta hai yahan se.”

Abhiman nodded, understanding what she meant. “Haan, yeh jagah kuch aisa hi hai. Sab kuch clear ho jaata hai.”

Jeevika looked at him, her heart swelling with love. Despite the storm brewing around them, moments like these reminded her that they would face everything together.

As they made their way back to the car, Jeevika felt a renewed sense of purpose. The temple visit wasn’t just a ritual — it was a reminder of the strength that came from faith, family, and love.

With the blessings of the Kuldevi, they were ready to face whatever came next.