The final chants of the priests slowly faded into the night as the sacred Ganga Aarti came to an end.
For a brief moment, the entire ghat fell quiet.
Then—
BWOOOOOOOM!
Royal trumpets suddenly echoed across the riverbank.
Another blast followed.
The signal had been given.
The Diwali celebration had officially begun.
Almost immediately, children were the first to react.
Small groups of kids rushed excitedly toward the open spaces near the ghat.
POP!CRACK!BANG!
Firecrackers burst into the night as the children laughed and ran around wildly.
Some covered their ears while others jumped in excitement.
Nearby, the beautifully dressed Apsaras—the royal dancers—stepped onto the decorated stage near the river.
The musicians struck their drums and flutes.
Soft melodies quickly turned into lively festival music.
The dancers began their graceful performance, their anklet bells ringing rhythmically as their movements flowed with the music.
All around the ghat, people began greeting one another warmly.
"Shubh Diwali!"
"Shubh Diwali to you as well!"
Laughter, music, and celebration filled the air.
Many citizens began leaving the ghat, heading toward the brightly lit city streets where even bigger celebrations awaited.
But many others chose to stay by the sacred river, enjoying the performances and fireworks.
Tara quietly stepped away from the royal area and returned to her group of deputy ministers.
Aryav and Kavya were already watching the celebrations with excitement.
Tara smiled at them.
Tara: Shubh Diwali.
Kavya: Shubh Diwali, Devi!
Aryav: Shubh Diwali!
Tara folded her hands behind her back casually.
Tara: So… do either of you have anything special planned tonight?
The two of them looked at each other and thought for a moment.
Aryav scratched his head.
Aryav: Not really.
Kavya shrugged.
Kavya: Just… enjoy the festival, I guess.
Tara nodded.
Tara: Alright then. Let's spend it together.
Both of them immediately brightened.
Kavya: Really?
Aryav: That sounds fun!
But Tara suddenly raised a finger.
Tara: But first… we have some responsibilities.
She pointed toward several decorated boxes nearby.
Tara: We need to personally distribute sweets to the nobles and ministers.
Aryav and Kavya both sighed dramatically.
Aryav: Of course we do.
Kavya laughed.
Kavya: Come on, let's get it over with.
Each of them picked up a beautifully decorated box filled with fine festival sweets.
Together, they walked toward the section where the nobles and ministers were gathered.
They politely greeted each person.
Tara: Shubh Diwali.
Minister: Ah, Devi Tara! Shubh Diwali!
Boxes of sweets were exchanged respectfully.
Some ministers gave sweets back to Tara and her deputies as well.
Soon enough, the entire section of nobles had received their share.
After the task was finished, Tara stretched her arms slightly and smiled.
Tara: You know… I personally really love sweets.
Right beside the royal seating area…
Emperor Chandraveer happened to overhear her words.
He quietly glanced toward her.
Then he called his servant.
Chandraveer: Nayan.
Nayan immediately stepped forward.
Nayan: Yes, Prabhu?
Chandraveer spoke calmly.
Chandraveer: Do not allow anyone to give sweets to Devi Tara tonight.
Nayan blinked in confusion.
But he nodded obediently.
Nayan: As you command.
Chandraveer added quietly.
Chandraveer: I will personally give her the finest sweets myself.
Nayan simply bowed.
He did not question it.
Meanwhile, Tara clapped her hands excitedly.
Tara: Alright! Let's go to the city and buy some crackers!
Aryav and Kavya both jumped with excitement.
Aryav & Kavya: YAY!
The three of them began heading toward the palace exit that led into the city.
But just as they reached the massive entrance gate between the palace grounds and the city streets…
Tara suddenly stopped.
Her eyes widened slightly.
In front of the gate lay a massive, breathtaking rangoli covering the entire stone courtyard.
The design stretched across the ground like a colorful painting made of flowers and powders.
Patterns of lotus flowers, lamps, and swirling designs filled the space.
Large oil lamps were placed carefully around its edges, making the colors glow beautifully in the night.
Standing beside the gate were two enormous royal elephants, decorated with colorful cloth and golden ornaments.
They stood proudly, welcoming guests into the city celebrations.
Tara looked genuinely impressed.
Tara: Wow…
She smiled.
Tara: This rangoli is beautiful.
Kavya crossed her arms proudly.
Kavya: Of course it is.
Aryav nodded.
Aryav: We made it.
Tara blinked.
Tara: You two did?
Flashback
Earlier that day…
Several palace servants were finishing a simple rangoli design near the gate.
Kavya stood nearby watching them.
She tilted her head slightly.
Kavya: Hmm…
Servant: Is something wrong, Devi?
Kavya pointed at the design.
Kavya: Don't you think this looks… a little small?
The servant looked confused.
Servant: But… this is the usual design we make every year.
Kavya crossed her arms.
Kavya: It looks boring.
The servants stared at her nervously.
Then Kavya suddenly declared confidently.
Kavya: Fine. I'll draw the rangoli myself!
Aryav, who had been standing nearby, nearly choked.
Aryav: Huhhh?! Are you serious?!
He looked at the huge empty courtyard.
Aryav: That's going to be impossible for one person!
Kavya smirked.
Kavya: Who said I'm doing it alone?
Aryav blinked.
He slowly turned his head.
Then it hit him.
Aryav: Wait…
Aryav: WAIT—
He immediately started panicking.
Aryav: Actually I just remembered I have extremely important work—
Before he could finish—
BONK!
Kavya lightly smacked his head.
Kavya grabbed his arm.
Kavya: Come here.
Aryav: NOOOO—
She began dragging him across the courtyard while he desperately resisted.
Aryav: This is forced labor!
Kavya: Stop whining and start drawing!
Flashback Ends
Back in the present…
Tara burst into laughter.
Tara: That explains why it looks so impressive.
Aryav sighed dramatically.
Aryav: I suffered greatly for that masterpiece.
Kavya smirked proudly.
The three of them stood there for a moment, watching the glowing rangoli and the decorated elephants welcoming the festival guests into the city.
Beyond the gate, the entire capital shimmered with countless lamps and fireworks lighting up the night sky.
The real Diwali celebration had only just begun.
The moment Tara, Aryav, and Kavya stepped through the palace gates and into the city, a completely different world unfolded before them.
The entire capital looked alive with light.
Rows of glowing diyas lined the streets and balconies of every house. Colorful lanterns hung from shop roofs, gently swaying in the cool night breeze.
The roads shimmered under the golden glow of thousands of lamps.
All around them—
POP!CRACK!BOOM!
The loud sounds of crackers and fireworks echoed endlessly through the city.
Children ran through the streets laughing while lighting small firecrackers, while groups of young men proudly set off louder ones in open spaces.
The sky above the capital flashed repeatedly with bursts of colorful sparks.
Festival stalls lined both sides of the street, each one overflowing with excited customers.
Sweet shops displayed mountains of laddus, barfis, and other festival delicacies.
Nearby jewelry merchants showcased shining gold ornaments and precious stones, since buying gold during the festival was believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.
Merchants shouted proudly to attract customers.
"Fresh sweets! Finest sweets for Diwali!"
"Pure gold ornaments! Bring prosperity to your home!"
Tara, Aryav, and Kavya slowly walked through the lively streets, smiling as they watched the joyful chaos around them.
The festival atmosphere was contagious.
After a short walk, Tara and Aryav stopped at a stall selling various types of firecrackers.
Bundles of colorful fireworks were stacked neatly across the table.
Aryav picked up one box and examined it carefully.
Aryav: So… which one do you think we should buy?
Tara leaned slightly closer to inspect the display.
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Tara: Honestly… they all look like the best of the best.
Aryav smirked proudly.
Aryav: I hope you two girlys aren't afraid of big crackers, because I'm planning to buy the biggest one here.
Tara crossed her arms confidently.
Tara: Me too. I'm definitely not afraid of crackers at all.
Aryav grinned.
Aryav: Oh really?
Then he glanced around.
Aryav: What about Kavya?
Both of them looked around.
Then they blinked.
Kavya… was nowhere beside them.
They slowly turned around.
A few steps behind them—
Kavya stood frozen in front of a food stall.
Her eyes were completely locked on the delicious festival snacks displayed on the counter.
Fresh fried sweets.
Spicy snacks.
Steaming hot food.
Her mouth was slightly open.
And a tiny line of drool had begun forming at the corner of her lips.
Tara and Aryav stared at her for a second.
Then they both covered their mouths.
Aryav: Pfft—
Tara: Pfft—
Trying not to laugh.
Tara quietly walked over behind Kavya.
Then she lightly tapped her shoulder.
Kavya suddenly jolted.
Kavya: Huh—?!
She snapped back to reality and looked around quickly.
Tara smiled warmly.
Tara: Let's eat first.
Tara: We haven't eaten anything for so long.
Right at that exact moment—
GRRRRRRRRRR…
A loud rumbling sound came from Kavya's stomach.
Kavya froze.
Her face immediately turned red with embarrassment.
Aryav burst out laughing.
Aryav: Wow… your stomach answered before you did!
Tara couldn't hold it in anymore either.
She laughed softly.
Kavya quickly covered her stomach, trying to look serious.
Kavya: I was… just checking the quality of the food!
Aryav wiped tears from his eyes from laughing.
Aryav: Yes, yes… with your mouth open and drooling.
Kavya glared at him.
But her eyes quickly returned to the food stall.
The smell of the freshly cooked snacks filled the air.
Tara chuckled and shook her head.
Tara: Come on.
Tara: Let's eat before your stomach starts a festival of its own.
The three of them stepped toward the food stall as the vibrant sounds of Diwali celebrations continued echoing throughout the glowing city streets.
The vendor noticed the three of them staring at the food stall with great interest.
He chuckled proudly, wiping his hands on his cloth.
Vendor: Hey you kids! Come over here!
The three looked at each other and stepped closer.
Vendor: I can see those curious eyes from a mile away. Come here! I will tell you about my food and its speciality!
He quickly picked up a small clay pātel (bowl) and placed a fresh malpua inside it.
Then he slowly poured thick rabri over the golden sweet.
The creamy milk dripped slowly over the edges of the malpua like flowing silk.
Finally, he sprinkled chopped pistachios, almonds, and dried fruits over the top.
The sweet practically glowed under the lamp light.
Tara, Aryav, and Kavya stared at it with wide eyes.
The golden malpua soaked in syrup…
The thick white rabri dripping down its sides…
The shining nuts and fruits on top…
Their eyes sparkled like little stars.
And their mouths slowly began to water.
The vendor noticed their expressions and laughed proudly.
Vendor: Ahh! That is the reaction I like to see!
He crossed his arms proudly.
Vendor: This is not just any sweet. This is my malpua with rabri!
He leaned slightly closer as if revealing a great secret.
Vendor: Me and my wife prepared these ourselves today.
Vendor: The milk we used for the rabri came straight from the cows raised near the Himalayan foothills.
Vendor: The freshest and richest milk you will ever taste.
He pointed toward the large iron pan behind him where thick milk was slowly simmering.
Vendor: Good rabri begins with patience.
Vendor: You let the milk simmer slowly… very slowly… until it thickens like velvet.
Vendor: You must scrape the layers of cream again and again and fold them back into the milk.
Vendor: Do that for hours… and only then does the rabri begin to show its true beauty.
He raised a finger proudly.
Vendor: Making rabri is an art.
Vendor: An art that takes years to master.
Aryav blinked.
Aryav: Years…?
Vendor nodded dramatically.
Vendor: YEARS!
Vendor: Anyone can boil milk. But making perfect rabri? That requires skill passed down through generations!
He then gestured toward the large pot of bubbling syrup beside him.
Vendor: And the chashni… the sugar syrup…
Vendor: The sugar we used was made directly from sugarcane we crushed ourselves.
Vendor: No cheap market sugar here!
He scooped some syrup with a spoon and let it drip slowly back into the pot.
Vendor: See this thickness?
Vendor: This cannot be measured with scales.
Vendor: This cannot be bought with money.
Vendor: The perfect thickness of chashni relies only on instinct.
He tapped his head.
Vendor: A cook must feel it.
Vendor: When the syrup falls just like this… not too thin, not too thick…
Vendor: That is when you know it is perfect.
He then pointed proudly at the golden malpuas frying slowly in ghee.
Vendor: And the malpua itself!
Vendor: The batter must be prepared carefully with flour, milk, and a hint of sweetness.
Vendor: Then it is poured into hot ghee where it slowly becomes golden and crisp on the outside while remaining soft inside.
He puffed his chest proudly.
Vendor: When the malpua is ready, we dip it in the chashni…
Vendor: Then crown it with our finest rabri.
Vendor spread his arms dramatically.
Vendor: And that, my young guests…
Vendor: Is how the best malpua in the city is made!
Tara, Aryav, and Kavya were completely silent.
They stared at the bowl in Tara's hands like it was a divine treasure.
Kavya whispered quietly.
Kavya: Can… can we eat it now?
The vendor laughed loudly.
Vendor: Of course you can!
Vendor: I didn't give it to you just to admire it!
Aryav picked up a piece cautiously.
Tara did the same.
Kavya didn't even wait.
She took a big bite immediately.
For a moment…
All three froze.
Their eyes widened.
Kavya slowly looked up toward the sky.
Kavya: I think…
She chewed slowly.
Kavya: I think I understand why rabri takes years to master.
Aryav nodded slowly.
Aryav: This might actually be the best sweet I've ever eaten.
Tara smiled happily as the warm sweetness melted in her mouth.
Tara: This is incredible.
The vendor crossed his arms proudly again.
Vendor: Of course it is.
Vendor: Did you think I was bragging for nothing?
Tara took another bite of the malpua.
For a moment she simply stood there.
Then her eyes slowly widened.
A soft smile appeared on her face… and to her own surprise, a tiny tear formed in the corner of her eye.
Tara: This…
She looked at the bowl again in disbelief.
Tara: This is like consuming amrit… the nectar of the gods.
Aryav blinked.
Kavya slowly nodded with the exact same expression on her face.
Kavya: Yes…
Aryav nodded too, still chewing slowly.
Aryav: I… I think the gods might actually eat this.
The three of them stood there quietly enjoying the sweet with expressions of pure bliss.
People walking nearby began to notice them.
A few citizens slowed down.
Some stopped entirely.
They stared at the three young nobles who looked like they had just tasted heaven itself.
One man whispered to another.
Citizen: Is… is the food really that good?
Another woman leaned closer to the stall.
Woman: I think we should try it.
Suddenly someone stepped forward.
Customer: Could you make one for me too!
Another voice followed.
Customer: Me too please!
Then another.
Customer: Please pack ten of these for me!
Within moments, the stall that had been nearly empty only minutes ago suddenly filled with eager customers.
People surrounded the counter, all asking for the same sweet.
The vendor watched the crowd forming.
He slowly folded his arms.
A proud smile spread across his face.
Then he quietly chuckled.
Vendor: Heh…
He looked at the growing line of customers.
Vendor: This…
He nodded proudly.
Vendor: This is the real art.
After finishing the malpua, Tara and her friends continued walking through the lively streets.
They stopped at another stall where fresh jalebis were being fried.
The hot spirals sizzled loudly as the batter touched the bubbling ghee.
The vendor lifted the golden coils and dipped them into thick sugar syrup.
Kavya didn't even hesitate.
Kavya: Three of those please!
Aryav laughed.
Aryav: Already?
Kavya: What? We are celebrating!
Soon the three of them were eating hot jalebis while walking through the street.
The crispy sweetness cracked with every bite.
After that, they stopped at another stall selling kachoris.
The vendor broke one open for them.
Hot steam rose into the air.
The spicy filling inside smelled incredible.
Aryav took a bite.
Aryav: Oh wow.
Tara nodded.
Tara: The outside is so crispy…
Kavya: And the inside is so spicy!
By the time they finished eating, their hands were slightly messy and their stomachs warm and full.
Now they walked calmly down the glowing street holding small clay cups of hot spiced almond milk.
The milk was warm, fragrant with saffron and cardamom.
Steam rose gently from the cups as they walked.
Tara took a sip and sighed happily.
Tara: The food was really delicious.
Her face looked completely satisfied.
Aryav chuckled.
Aryav: I hope Kavya's stomach is satisfied now.
Kavya slowly turned her head toward him.
Her cheeks were slightly puffed as she drank her milk.
Kavya: Shut up.
She looked adorably annoyed and continued drinking.
Tara giggled softly.
Then suddenly—
A bright spark appeared in Tara's eyes.
Her face lit up with excitement.
She suddenly raised her hands dramatically.
Tara: NOW IT'S FINALLY TIME FOR CRACKERSSSSSSS!!!
Aryav immediately raised his fist.
Aryav: YES!!
Kavya jumped excitedly.
Kavya: YES!!!
The three of them quickly grabbed bundles of crackers and fireworks from the stalls.
Soon they returned to the royal garden inside the palace, where nobles and ministers had gathered for fireworks.
Some were lighting small sparklers.
Others were watching colorful fireworks launched into the sky.
But the moment Tara, Aryav, and Kavya arrived—
Everything changed.
Aryav placed a large firecracker on the ground.
Aryav: Stand back!
Kavya lit the fuse.
FSSSSSSSS—
BOOOOOOOOM!!!
A massive explosion echoed across the garden.
Nearby nobles jumped in surprise.
Tara laughed loudly.
Tara: That was amazing!
Now Tara placed a spinning firework.
WHIRRRRRRRR!
Bright sparks spun wildly across the stone ground.
Then Aryav brought out an even bigger rocket.
Aryav: This one will be legendary.
Kavya lit it.
The rocket shot into the sky.
FWOOOOOOOSH!
Then—
BOOOOOOM!!!
A giant explosion of golden sparks filled the night sky.
Several nearby ministers turned their heads.
Minister: What in the world was that?
Another noble pointed toward Tara and her friends.
Noble: It came from over there!
They watched as the three young nobles excitedly lit another huge firework.
BOOM!
CRACK!
WHOOOSH!
Soon, curiosity got the better of them.
One minister chuckled.
Minister: Well… we cannot allow them to outdo us.
Another noble grabbed a firework.
Noble: Bring the bigger ones!
Within minutes, more nobles joined in.
Soon the entire royal garden was filled with fireworks.
Explosions of red, gold, and silver sparks lit up the sky.
Laughter echoed across the palace gardens as nobles, ministers, and their families all joined the celebration.
The sky above the palace glittered like a field of stars.
And in the middle of it all—
Tara, Aryav, and Kavya continued lighting fireworks with childlike excitement, laughing as the festival of lights reached its most joyful moment.
The royal garden was now filled with light and noise.
BOOM!CRACK!WHOOOSH!
Fireworks exploded across the night sky, showering the palace gardens with bright sparks of gold, red, and silver.
Nobles and ministers who had once been standing calmly were now laughing and lighting their own fireworks.
Some watched the sky with awe.
Others tried to outdo each other with even bigger explosions.
And in the middle of all of it—
Tara, Aryav, and Kavya were still bursting crackers like excited children.
Tara lit another spinning firework.
WHIRRRRRR!
Kavya clapped happily.
Aryav prepared another rocket.
The sky lit up once again.
At the far edge of the garden, a few palace servants stood watching the chaotic celebration.
One servant crossed her arms and sighed as she looked at the ground.
Paper from burnt crackers was scattered everywhere.
Servant: Ugh…
She shook her head.
Servant: This is going to be such a mess to clean tomorrow morning.
Another servant standing beside her watched the fireworks with sparkling eyes.
Her face was filled with excitement.
Servant: Should we… also join them?
The first servant slowly looked back at the nobles laughing and celebrating.
Another firework burst into the sky.
BOOOOM!
The bright light reflected in her eyes.
She thought for a moment.
Then she slowly nodded.
Servant: Mmm…
A small smile appeared on her face.
Servant: It does look fun.
Before she could say anything else—
The excited servant suddenly grabbed her hand.
Servant: Then what are we waiting for?!
Servant: Let's go!
She pulled her along toward the royal garden.
The first servant laughed as she was dragged forward.
Soon they disappeared into the crowd of celebrating nobles.
More fireworks exploded into the sky.
The palace gardens glowed brightly under the festival lights as laughter echoed through the night.
And beneath the shining Diwali sky—
Everyone celebrated together.
High above the royal gardens, inside the palace…
A large window overlooked the Diwali celebrations below.
Fireworks exploded across the night sky.
BOOM!CRACK!
Emperor Chandraveer stood by the window, leaning lightly against the wooden frame with one arm resting on the ledge as he looked outside.
From there, he could clearly see the royal garden.
Among the nobles bursting crackers—
Tara.
She laughed as another firework shot into the sky.
FWOOOSH! BOOM!
The golden light briefly reflected in Chandraveer's eyes.
He watched her quietly for a moment.
Then a small smile appeared on his face.
Chandraveer: Hmph… smiles
Outside, fireworks continued to bloom across the Diwali sky as the emperor silently watched the celebration below.