Arnav straightened, adjusting his kurta, and looked at his younger brothers with an exasperated gaze.
"Alright, are we done with this ridiculous argument over abs and biceps? Can someone tell me why you're actually here?"
Ranav smirked, tossing his hands in the air. "We're here for the performance, obviously."
Arnav's chest tightened. Performance… He recalled Vedshree's words from yesterday, the warnings about the Evil Eye. He could feel the shadow of fear stirring inside him again.
"I… I don't know if I can," he admitted quietly, his voice almost lost in the morning breeze. "After everything… what if I lose control?"
Arav stepped closer, his eyes steady, unwavering. "Bhaiya, we know you're scared," he said gently. "Scared of hurting us, scared of what's inside you. But we'll be there with you. We want to perform with you. You can't hold us back just because of fear."
Ranav nodded firmly. "Exactly. No performance without all three of us. And Lord Shiva… He's always there. He'll take away the fear if you let Him."
Arnav's hands clenched slightly at his sides. He inhaled, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin, the calm steadiness of his brothers beside him. Their faith in him, their trust—it was heavier than any fear, stronger than any doubt.
"Alright," he said at last, his voice low but resolute. "We perform together. Let's do this."
A small, shared smile passed between the brothers, a quiet promise that whatever came, they would face it side by side.
Downstairs, Vedshree paced slowly near the main door, glancing outside and then around the room, her fingers tightening around the edge of the railing. Even with the celebrations in full swing, the unease in her chest refused to ease.
Suman noticed immediately and approached her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Vedshree, what's going on? You look like you're expecting trouble to walk right in."
Bani Dadi followed, frowning lightly. "Beta, it's Maha Shivratri. Today, no dark force can touch this house. You should trust that God's presence protects us."
Vedshree took a deep breath, her eyes briefly closing. The warmth of their faith and reassurance slowly seeped in. "You're right," she said, her voice softening. "It's Maha Shivratri… I will put my trust in Him."
Suman smiled, squeezing her hand. "That's better. Now, enjoy the celebration. Let today be about devotion, not fear."
Bani Dadi nodded, her eyes twinkling. "Exactly. Fear has no place in this house today. Let's have faith, beta."
Vedshree finally straightened, a faint smile returning to her face. For now, at least, the weight of worry eased under the light of Shiva's blessings.
---
The sun streamed through the hall, golden light catching the dust and colors floating in the air. The three brothers stepped onto the stage, and the DJ cued the music. The beat of "Aaj Yaar Ghar Pe Ye Boldo" roared through the space, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
Aaj yaar ghar pe ye boldo, aayenge der se, fikre sab chhod do
(Today,shout aloud at home, let go of all worries, even if we come late…)
Arnav, Ranav, and Arav moved in perfect sync, their steps firm and rhythmic, each gesture an offering to Lord Shiva. The colors in the air swirled with their spins.
Aaj hadd se apne hisaab mein, hum jo karne chale, galti ko jodd lo
(Today,go all out in your own style, whatever we are about to do, leave all mistakes behind…)
The energy was contagious. The girls of the chawl clapped and twirled, their laughter mingling with the song. Every move was playful, exuberant, and devotional, a celebration of the night of Shiva.
Ho khule ground mein aake, ucha sound bajake, red wala color lagake, nachenge hero bankarr
(Come to the open ground,play loud music, throw red colors, and dance like heroes…)
The chorus roared:
O Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, aaj mood hein bhayankar, rang udne do
(Hail Shiva Shankar!Today the mood is intense, let the colors fly…)
Arnav led the spins, his arms raised, his expression both joyful and reverent. His younger brothers mirrored him, their steps sharp and precise.
Ab aaye ban dhankar, k mood hein bhayankar, rang udne do
(Now come,be fierce, the mood is intense, let the colors fly…)
The hall became a living tapestry of devotion: claps, spins, jumps, and the rainbow of colors thrown high into the air. Pranati watched from the side, clapping and moving along with the rhythm, her smile bright, unaware of the protective energy she carried within.
Thumke, khile khile sab sunke, baari baari aaye ghumke, aaja desi kamar pe thumke uchal de
(Twist your hips,dance joyfully, come one by one, jump and spin to the desi beat…)
Every line of the song echoed celebration of Lord Shiva, each beat a prayer in motion. The final chorus rang out:
O Jai Jai Shiv, Jai Jai Shiv, Jai Jai Shiv Shankar, aaj mood hein bhayankar, rang udne do
The brothers and girls bowed toward the idol, hands clasped, chests heaving with exertion and devotion. The music faded but the energy remained alive, lingering in the hall like a blessing.