Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the Raizada Villa, Bani Dadi sat down on a velvet-upholstered chair. The festivities drifted faintly from the hall, laughter and music just audible, but her mind was elsewhere. She pulled out the card Pranati had handed her earlier, the name scribbled neatly in blue ink.
Her fingers lingered over the numbers for a moment before she dialed. The line rang, each tone stretching the seconds, pulling her attention inward. She thought of the girl who had saved her earlier, her instincts, her courage… and a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.
---
At the chawl, Pranati's phone buzzed against the wooden counter. She picked it up, wiping her hands on her apron, still smelling faintly of flour from breakfast preparations. The screen lit up with an unknown number. Curiosity piqued, she answered.
"Hello?" Her voice was bright, casual, but there was a flutter of anticipation she didn't notice.
"Pranati beta, this is Bani Dadi," came the warm, steady voice through the speaker.
Pranati froze for a heartbeat, then a smile spread slowly across her face. "Dadi! Happy Maha Shivratri!"
"And to you, beta," Bani Dadi replied, her voice calm but carrying a hint of purpose. "I have a request. A small task." She paused, letting the weight of her words hang. "I want you to prepare a sweet dish… something to offer to Lord Shiva. It must be ready soon. I'll send you the address."
Pranati's mind raced, her fingers tightening around the phone. She felt the subtle thrill of responsibility—small, yet important. "Of course, Dadi," she said, her voice softer now, deliberate. "I'll do it. I promise."
There was a brief silence. Then, Bani Dadi's voice softened further, almost like a whisper meant to travel across miles and yet land in Pranati's chest. "Thank you, beta. I trust you."
Pranati held the phone for a moment after hanging up, letting the words sink in. She glanced around her simple kitchen, eyes landing on the ingredients lined up neatly. Her injured ankle throbbed faintly, but she ignored it, taking a slow, steadying breath. This was more than just cooking. It was a way to give back, a way to be part of something larger—faith, devotion, and trust, all wrapped in one delicate act.
She straightened, determined, and began gathering the ingredients, her movements careful, precise. With each measured step, the world narrowed to the task ahead: flour, milk, jaggery, and the intention to honor the divine.
For Pranati, calling her Bani Dadi felt as natural as breathing. There was a quiet strength in the bond, a trust that had taken root in a fleeting, life-altering moment. And today, that bond guided her every step.
Pranati's gold-and-pink flowery lehenga brushed softly against the floor as she moved around the small kitchen, her hair loose and glinting in the sunlight streaming through the window. The aroma of ghee and jaggery filled the room, a warm counterpoint to the quiet of the morning. She hummed softly to herself, her focus entirely on the dish she was preparing.
Jassi lingered near the doorway, arms folded, fidgeting with a spoon. "Pranati… are you taking orders even today?" she asked, trying to sound casual but unable to hide the hint of tension in her voice.
Pranati glanced up, a gentle smile on her face. "No, Mom. I'm not doing this for money. It's a free order. I just feel… it's the right thing to do."
Jassi's lips pressed into a thin line. Right thing to do… hmm. But how do I get her to perform for the client now? She shifted on her feet, realizing she couldn't force the topic yet.
"I… see," she said slowly, forcing a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Sometimes the right thing… isn't the easiest, huh?"
Pranati nodded but didn't respond further, returning to her work with careful, graceful movements, her lehenga rustling quietly.
Jassi muttered under her breath, plotting. "I'll wait. I'll find the perfect moment… when she can't refuse."
She stepped back, pretending to busy herself elsewhere, watching Pranati from the corner of her eye as the girl hummed softly, entirely absorbed in the simple joy of doing what she felt was right.
To be continued....