Prayers of Navraatree..

Madhu flipped the glass in her hands.. the reflection in the mirror paled from overhead lamp by ceiling.. she felt weak.. and very dull.. she didn't want to go to dance floor of "navraatree " .. all night nine days long festival of diety Durga celebrated in common open yard or ground of a village .. but she had to.. otherwise her husband Bakho would be angry.. she stared at her damp hair and dark circled eyes.. and sighed as she put down mirror on the parapet.. of the wall against cupboard.. her mind tripped at the thoughts as her imagination shifted .. and the black and white wall tiles boundary of edge around the room moved halfway through wall from ceiling to downwards and up again.. and she rested against mentle.. Bakho knocked..

Bakho: aren't you ready yet.. ?

He spoke from corridor.. he appeared irritated.. he hasn't talked with her ever since day before yesterday night when she told him that she didn't want to go to the festival.. and she will pray at home.. and do fasting.. .. he came inside the room and neared her slowly.. she trembled in fear.. she hardly knew her  husband yet.. she had married just a few months back..

"I am not well.." she spoke in dull but resentful subdue..

Bakho: we will be back soon.. in about an hour or perhaps sooner.. be ready.. quickly.. i will be back to pick you up in fifteen minutes.. mother has sent this..

He set a jewellery box on the shelf.. and grabbed her by waist.. exhaling in the scent of her wet hair..

Madhu: yes..

He left with a kiss..

She dried her hair with towel.. rubbing faster.. and then.. dripping every single drop of moisture out .. as she changed in embroidered paticote and new saari with golden zari borderd blouse.. the soft violet and green enhanced her complexion .. as she removed her jewellery to put on new from box .. Puri.. .  came in with two rose petal strings..

Puri: these will go to your hair.. let set a knot and style in with these..

Madhu: "yes.. " she breathed a relief.. it was better to make up do as per her sister in law's suggestions.. she thought.. She was very enthusiastic about .. clothes and jewellery.. as she has found out soon enough.. within a few days of her  marriage..

She looked extremely peaceful and loving with a radiance of her husband's most beloved sibling.. she was her sister inlaw..

Puri started to work in her hair..

Puri: this is a perfect pair of saaree and blouse.. dear..

Madhu: you look beautiful as always..

Puri: "oh.. yes.. thanks.. " she cheered happily..

Madhu: have you set the vegetables and dough in rack.. for tomorrow morning.. ?

Puri: mother is still in kitchen..

Madhu: oh..

Puri completed hairstyle with rose petal strings and her favourite silver pins.. and helped further with jewellery..

Puri: beautiful..

Madhu: if ... if .. he asks.. whenever to come back home earlier.. please don't delay.. him.. i want to return soon..

Puri: breath.. you are tired.. yes of course..

Madhu: let's hurry downstairs..

Puri: yes.. let's go..


Madhu felt the drum beat pace increased and the song did lift to the long forestall tempo of rhythm.. about to set up on final few minutes of fast track in few seconds.. and she felt dimm.. she had watched from aside up untill this new song as Bakho had asked her to join for just one song.. trying to cheer her..

Bakho: you can get aside if you feel.. the pace is to lift.. later you can't..

Madhu chanted slowly the opening of running prayer .. for few steps and then slid out of circle.. as did Puri along with her..

Puri: let's sit here..

Madhu: yes..

Bakho came across the few front raws circling aside to where they set.. as soon the song ended.. and three of them left for home..