POTION OF LOVE

46. 𝐀 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐎𝐮𝐭

The bells chimes softly at the distance, the morning sun falling across the lake, casting a golden ripple on the water. I adjust the edge of the dupatta over my head, watching everyone walking ahead of me.

“It's alright if you wanna wait here, it will just take a small visit” I say, removing my shoes near the temple steps. I turn to face Lucas — a flicker of surprise crosses my face as I watch him remove his shoes too

He smiles, his perfectly done morning hair now messy due to the wind. “I wanna come along. If that's alright?”

“Are you sure?”

He nods, already stepping up to stand beside me “I want to, maybe take some blessings too” He says, looking forward to the temple. Something about the sincerity makes me feel calmer.

We both walk upstairs. Right after breakfast, we all left for this cousin's day out. Our first stop was supposed to be at ambrai ghat, although we are still there — we all decided to pay a visit to the temple nearby while Kunal and Nikhil booked a boat trip for us.

Inside, the temple was cool and quiet. The peace of morning along with the calming presence of Lord Shiva made me realise I needed to come here.

A soft chant echoed in the background from other visitors mingled with the scent of marigold and incense. I feel the worries lifting off my head as I press my palms together and close my eyes.

“Hey bhagwan, mere bhai ki is nai safar mai madad karna. Uski is nae zindagi ku aasan aur khushiyan se bhar dena. Joh rastha bhai aur bhabhi ne chuna hai, baas unh par apna aashirwad bane rakhna. Aur aapne jo meri zindagi mai nai khushi ki wajah laae hai, uske liye shukriya. Dheere hi sahi, lekin mujhe yeh ehsaas hora hai ki uske bina uske ab acha nahi lagega. Please please, aap humesha uski raksha karna”

[Translation - Oh Lord, Help my brother in this new journey of his life. Make his new life easy and fill it with happiness. The path my brother and sister in law has chosen, just shower them with your blessings. And the new source of happiness you have brought in my life, thank you for him. Slowly maybe, but I have come to a realization that I wouldn't like my life without him. Please please, always protect him]

I slowly opened my eyes, glancing at Lucas who was mimicking my position. His hands pressed together, shoulders tensed and eyes shut. His lips moved softly and slowly while he prayed too.

He finally opens his eyes and looks at me “Now?” He asks carefully, waiting for my direction. I gesture him to follow me — Veer, Kabir, Kavya, Sonia and Maya have already moved forward.

Lucas followed me, he didn't question anything. My breath slowed as he followed my bow. Copying my gesture with respect and gentleness.

His body tensed when Panditji pressed kumkum against his forehead but he didn't reject it. I moved my plans forward to take the prasad and he did it too. When I pressed the prasad against my forehead, he looked at me amused.