Calming The Storm🌌 (#wattys2019)√

37. Shubho Sharadiya II

"I am the power that binds the world together.
I am the power that can destroy evil.
I am the one who nurtures life.
I am the solution to any grave situation.
I am a born warrior.
I am a WOMAN. I AM A GODDESS. I AM THE INCARNATE OF LOVE, POWER, BEAUTY AND STRENGTH."

-Elegiac_Damsel

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Ashtami
Sampurnaa's pov:

It is Ashtami today. The main day of Durga Puja. There are no plans for pandal hopping today as I am on a fast. The rest of the family apart from Dida and Boudi are also fasting.
Ashtami is the most important day. The Goddess is worshipped in her form as Mahagouri, and Kali during Sandhi Puja.

I woke up at 6 am today. I took a bath and dressed up in home clothes. There is time till the puja begins, so I have ample time to get the food cooked for Dida and Boudi. Only pure vegetarian food is supposed to be cooked and consumed on Ashtami, hence I decided to cook Basanti Pulao and some malai paneer without onion and garlic. It took me an hour to finish cooking.
I have sort of enjoyed cooking since I was 16 years old. I used to watch MasterChef, read recipes and then try and replicate dishes. I don't exactly mind cooking; as long as I am doing it on my own will and not under someone else's pressure.

It was 7.15 am when I cleaned the kitchen and went to take another bath. This time I dressed myself in a new saree that Dada and Boudi gifted me.

Pic credits: google images

I proceeded to wake the rest of the household. Everyone was up and about in no time.
Maa and Baba were stunned to see me wearing the saree. Maa stepped forward and cupped my cheeks in her palm.
"Khub sundor laagche toke maa. Aamar mishti meye."
(you are looking very beautiful my dear. My sweet daughter.)

I rolled my eyes playfully.
"Stop being so emotional Maa! I am telling you, Baba and you are growing old! Get a grip on yourselves!"

Maa hit me on my shoulder when I called her old.
She proceeded to freshen up. Baba was still looking at me.

I waved my hand in front of his eyes and he came out of his daze.
"You are looking beautiful, my child."

I smiled at him in reply and asked him to get ready. He nodded and obliged.

Aunty and uncle were waiting nearby. They had already changed.
Dida was ready too. She looked elegant in the saree that I had selected for her when Indrayan and I had gone shopping. Boudi had just woken up and had changed into a saree for the first time since Pujo began this year. Her brother and my brother were apparently still getting ready. Maa arrived soon after wearing a golden Kanjeevaram. Baba was wearing a white and golden Panjabi. They both were colour coordinated!
I teased them for a while, so did Boudi. I stopped when maa threatened to pull my ears in front of everyone.
She has already done something like that before so I am not very keen on taking her threat lightly only to face the consequences later.
I zipped my mouth.
Dada and Indrayan walked out almost immediately after I fell silent.
Dada was looking handsome in a traditional kurta. His brother in-law was dressed in a spotless white kurta. He looked ready for a political rally to be honest!