Adhiraj's POV

This morning was hectic. I hurriedly washed up and got ready to go to the temple as it was almost time for the puja to start. With my cast on my right hand, I headed downstairs.

Nandini was busy instructing someone to deliver the items on the table to the temple. When I cleared my throat to gain her attention, she turned to me.

"Bhai, oh my god, you look so handsome! But what happened to your hand?" she asked.

I didn't want to lie to her, so I simply patted her head and said, "Bachha, you look beautiful. I don't have time to answer your questions right now, just tie my turban, I'm getting late," while handing her the turban cloth.

Sitting on the single sofa, I urged her to hurry, but before she could move, her eyes sparkled mischievously as she noticed something behind me. Before I could ask her anything, she ran in that direction, dragging someone with her hand near me. When I looked at the person she dragged, my breath got stuck in my chest.

"Bholenath, this creation of yours will be the death of me someday. How can someone look this alluring?" I thought to myself. The silk saree she wore made her look not like an angel, but a goddess.

I scolded myself internally to control my reactions and stop gawking at her. As I was lost in my thoughts, Nandini spoke, breaking me from my reverie.

"Anna, tie the turban for bhai. I'm getting late. I need to go. Ok? Bye. Bye, Bhai," she said before running out of the hall, smiling and winking mischievously at me.

When will this kiddo grow up? But am I complaining about her actions? No. How can I, when she's presented me with an opportunity to stay closer to my Jaanam?

I glanced at Annahita, who was fortunately looking at me, or I should say, checking me out. I cleared my throat to gain her attention, which was fixated on my chest. Should I start roaming shirtless so that she'll look at me with this much intensity every second? Ok, I'm getting lost in her again.

I gestured for Annahita to tie the turban. She hesitantly moved closer to me and started tying the turban on my head. After a few minutes, she was done and stepped back. I wanted her to stay closer, but I didn't have time right now.

I could stay here for eternity with her like this, but I couldn't. So, I stood up and went closer to her. Bending towards her, I whispered in her ear, "You look so beautiful, Jaana. But don't look at me like this, or I'll forget everything, even my own existence. I love you, Jaan."

I moved back and looked at her face, which turned red due to shyness. Chuckling, I held her hands in mine and led her towards the car. She didn't say anything but followed me without question.

We sat in the car and headed towards the temple when finally she spoke, "Why are you not wearing anything on your upper body?"

"Jaana, I'm going to perform the puja myself, and that's how we are supposed to be dressed. And I've draped the cloth around me securely so it won't show too much of my skin. Although if you want, I can show it to you," I said to her, causing her to blush at my remarks and playfully hit my arm while saying, "How shameless."

I chuckled at her reaction. After a few minutes, we reached the temple, and Annahita went towards Nandini and Maa. I smiled subtly at her behavior and made my way towards the head priest who was waiting for me. Shivaay was standing with the head priest, engaged in conversation, when he noticed me.

He approached me and whispered, "After the puja, we need to talk. It's urgent."

I nodded at him, and he went away.

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Author's POV

Adhiraj stood before the sacred altar, his hands folded in reverence as he prepared to commence the Kali Puja. The temple was illuminated by the soft glow of flickering diyas, casting dancing shadows on the ancient walls. Incense wafted through the air, carrying with it a fragrant offering to the divine.

With a deep breath, Adhiraj began the rituals, his voice resonating through the sanctum as he recited the ancient chants passed down through generations. The melodic intonations filled the temple, weaving a tapestry of devotion and reverence.

Adhiraj stood alongside the temple priests, their voices blending harmoniously as they performed the sacred chants of the Kali Puja. The ancient Sanskrit verses resonated through the temple, their cadence imbued with reverence and devotion.

"ॐ जयंती मंगला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी।
दुर्गा शिवा क्षमा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तु ते॥"

The sound of the mantras reverberated off the temple walls, filling the sacred space with an aura of divine presence. Adhiraj closed his eyes, his heart beating in rhythm with the ancient chants, each word a prayer of reverence to the Maa Kali.

He lit the ceremonial lamp, its flames flickering in homage to the Maa Kali, embodiment of strength and protection.

Annahita watched from a distance, her eyes alight with wonder as she witnessed the solemnity of the ritual. The rhythmic cadence of Adhiraj's chants seemed to transport her to another realm, where the divine and mortal worlds intertwined.

Together with the priests, he offered flowers, incense, and holy water to the deity, each offering symbolizing his devotion and gratitude. The flickering flames of the ceremonial lamps cast a warm glow upon the altar, illuminating the divine presence of the goddess.

As the chants reached a crescendo, Adhiraj felt a profound sense of connection to the divine. It was as if the barriers between the mortal realm and the spiritual world had dissolved, leaving only an unbreakable bond of love and devotion.

With each verse, Adhiraj poured his heart and soul into the Puja, seeking blessings for his family, his loved ones, and his kingdom. The words of the ancient mantras carried his prayers to the heavens, where they would be heard and answered by the benevolent goddess.

And as the Puja drew to a close, Adhiraj felt a deep sense of peace wash over him, knowing that his offerings had been received with grace and compassion. With a final prayer on his lips, he bowed before the altar, his heart overflowing with gratitude and reverence.

The temple was bathed in an aura of tranquility and serenity, a testament to the power of devotion and faith. And in that sacred moment, Adhiraj felt a profound connection to the divine, knowing that his prayers had been heard and answered.

The sound of the conch shell (sankh) reverberated through the entire temple, signaling Adhiraj's departure. Annahita was taken aback by his sudden exit amidst the ongoing puja, as they hadn't yet made offerings to Maa Kali. The ritual remained incomplete.

She turned to Nandini, whispering urgently, "Nandu, why did he leave?"

"He didn't leave. He's gone to fetch Mishti for the final ritual," replied Nandini.

"Who's Mishti?" Annahita asked, puzzled.

"Just wait and see. Don't act surprised. She's harmless," Nandini reassured her, but her cryptic response only added to Annahita's confusion.

As they waited, Annahita's heart raced with anticipation. Adhiraj returned to the temple, accompanied by someone unexpected-a lioness. Annahita's grip tightened on Nandini's arm, her eyes widening at the sight. She had never encountered a lioness before, let alone in a temple.

Nandini winced at Annahita's grip, prompting Shivaay to hold her other hand, offering reassurance. "She's harmless, Anna. She's here for the puja. Look, Adi is sitting with her in front of Kaali Maa," he explained soothingly. Annahita looked in the direction of Adhiraj and found him sitting in front of Maa Kaali along with Mishti.

Adhiraj observed Mishti closely, noticing her unusual behavior. "What's wrong, Mishti?" he inquired.

Mishti glanced at him as if she understood what he said before fixing her gaze on Annahita. Understanding Mishti's silent message, Adhiraj approached Annahita and gently took her hand, guiding her to sit beside him.

Terrified, Annahita whispered, "Sarkaar, what are you doing? Let me go."

Ignoring her protests, Adhiraj pulled her to sit with him and gestured to the head priest, who replaced the offerings in front of Mishti with those meant for Maa Kali.

Adhiraj spoke to Annahita,"Maa Kaali ki taraf dekho Anu. Tum unke saamne ho. Dar kyu rahi ho? Mishti kuch nhi karegi tumhe"
("Look at Maa Kaali, Anu. You're before her. Why be afraid? Mishti won't harm you.") His words reassured her, calming her racing heart. "Maa Kaali doesn't accept offerings if fear resides in one's heart. Mishti won't accept anything until your fear dissipates. Overcome it and offer the prasad to Maa Kaali and Mishti."

Annahita, bolstered by his encouragement, approached the deities with trepidation. With Adhiraj's support, she made the offerings, watching as Mishti finally accepted them before departing from the temple.

The temple once again filled with the resonant echoes of bells and the sound of the conch shell. Adhiraj smiled at Annahita, signalling her to return to her seat. With a bow to Maa Kali, Annahita resumed her place, her heart now filled with newfound courage and awe.