Vaidehi came in and turned on the gas stove, placing a pot over it. She stared fixedly at the blue-yellow flame rising from the burner. The flickering waves of the fire seemed to stir the storm hidden deep within her heart. Her eyes widened, her breath quickened.
It was as though a curtain fell before her eyes and the scene changed. A horrifying vision unfolded—fire everywhere, houses burning, people screaming. Two figures were trapped in the flames, crying out in agony. And at a distance, a little girl—herself—watched it all with innocent, terrified eyes.
"No… no…" Vaidehi whispered.
Her breathing grew heavier, beads of sweat rolled down her forehead, her legs trembled.
Just then, someone placed a hand on her shoulder. Vaidehi flinched, her heart leaping to her throat. She turned—her aunt (Mami) was standing there.
Mami noticed the pot of water nearly boiling over. She quickly turned off the gas and looked at Vaidehi with concern in her eyes.
"Vaidehi!" Mami called gently, "Did you see that dream again?"
Vaidehi stayed silent. Tears spilled from her eyes, and she clung to her aunt.
Mami stroked her back and whispered,
"Calm down, my child… everything is fine… it's just a dream."
For a while, Vaidehi remained quiet. Then, with a voice choked in tears, she said,
"What should I do, Mami ji? In my childhood… I watched my parents burn to death with my own eyes. That scene, those screams—they've turned into a stone lodged in my chest."
Her voice quivered as she continued,
"I try so hard… to forget it all… but I can't. The sight of fire makes my whole body shiver. I'm so afraid, Mami ji… so afraid."
Mami's eyes welled with tears. She cupped Vaidehi's cheeks lovingly and said,
"My child… face that fear with courage. I know you. I know there's immense strength within you. Make your fear your power."
Then, in a deep voice, she explained,
"Change your thinking, Vaidehi. Fire… is not only a symbol of destruction. Fire also burns in the holy havan kund. The same havan kund where two people vow to stay together for seven lifetimes. That fire… connects us with God. That fire… binds us with our life partner."
Her eyes shone with conviction. When Vaidehi looked at her, Mami added,
"Why not see fire not as a symbol of fear, but as a symbol of life? As a form of God? Face it with courage, daughter."
Vaidehi wiped her tears and nodded faintly. A little calmness returned to her face. Mami smiled and caressed her head, saying,
"Good. Now smile and get ready. Today we must go to the temple of Mother Goddess. There you'll find peace."
Vaidehi softly replied, "Yes," and walked towards her room.
Mami called out after her,
"Vaidehi… remember one thing. Whenever you feel afraid, hold tightly to the rudraksha mala I gave you. Trust me—Mahadev will protect you in every hard time."
Vaidehi touched the beads on her wrist, took a deep breath, and walked to her room.
---
Meanwhile, far from Jodhpur…
Near the border, army camps stood alert. The atmosphere was tense. Inside one camp, a few army officers were gathered around computer screens showing maps and flashing alert messages. Their faces bore deep lines of worry.
Suddenly, as the Colonel entered, all officers stood at attention and saluted.
A soldier quickly stepped forward to report,
"Sir… last midnight the enemy attempted to infiltrate through the border. Our men tried to stop them, but…" His voice grew heavy, "Some of our soldiers were injured, and… two lost their lives, sir."
The Colonel's face hardened. His fists clenched.
"All this happened… and where is Captain Raghav?"
The soldier immediately replied,
"Sir, Captain Raghav has gone after those enemies."
The Colonel's gaze sharpened, his lips pressed tightly.
---
On the other side…
An empty barren field. Only sand and wind stretched endlessly. In the middle, the roar of a motorcycle echoed.
A soldier in army uniform rode it. Behind his dark glasses his eyes were hidden, but the fearlessness on his face was unmistakable. His lips were tight, his sharp features radiated sternness.
The bike screeched to a halt. In front of him stood five men, their faces wrapped in cloth, rifles clutched in their hands.
The soldier slowly dismounted. In style, he removed his sunglasses. His eyes gleamed black and intense, burning with passion. On his uniform badge shone the name—
"Captain Raghav Pratap Singh."
The men immediately encircled him. One fired a shot. But Raghav was ready. In a flash, he rolled aside, sprang up, and aimed his gun.
"Rat-a-tat-tat…" Gunfire roared.
Raghav shot one in the leg, dropping him to the ground in agony. Another fired at him, but Raghav dodged, and the bullet struck one of their own.
Now three remained.
Raghav's eyes blazed with frenzy. Every move was sharp, precise. He rolled on the ground, sprang up, and fired two bullets. The enemies' rifles clicked empty—they were out of ammo.
Just then, army jeeps arrived, surrounding the men.
Raghav's voice thundered,
"Drop your weapons! Or I'll put a bullet in your chest."
So commanding was his tone that the three immediately dropped their guns, raised their hands, and knelt.
Raghav holstered his gun and ordered his team,
"Take them to camp."
The soldiers saluted. Raghav slid his sunglasses back on, mounted his bike, and roared forward, his team's jeeps kicking up clouds of dust behind him.
---
Back in Jodhpur…
The golden rays of morning lit the temple steps. The fragrance of marigold and rose filled the air, mingling with the sound of bells that echoed across the courtyard. Crowds of devotees stood with folded hands before the Goddess, their hearts full of prayers.
Amid them walked Vaidehi and her aunt, radiating simplicity and grace. Vaidehi wore a plain white salwar suit, her dupatta draped over her head, and a small vermillion tilak on her forehead that deepened her innocence and devotion.
As soon as Mami stepped into the temple courtyard, she folded her hands and whispered,
"Jai Mata Di! We have finally reached the Mother's door. Now all our wishes will be fulfilled."
Vaidehi too closed her eyes, joining her hands. A peaceful glow softened her face.
Just then, a lively voice called out from behind—
"Namaste, Mami ji!"
It was Gauri, Vaidehi's bubbly, mischievous friend, arriving with her usual cheerful energy, her colorful dupatta fluttering in the wind.
Mami smiled warmly,
"Namaste, Gauri beta. You came too?"
Gauri came straight to Vaidehi, looked her up and down, and teased,
"Oh wow! Today my darling looks like an angel in this white suit. Honestly, if I were a boy, I'd run away with you right now."
Vaidehi laughed and tapped her head lightly,
"Shut up, silly! You even joke in a temple?"
Turning to Mami, Gauri grinned,
"See, Mami ji, tell me—isn't she the prettiest thing ever?"
Mami stroked Vaidehi's head fondly, smiling,
"Of course, you're right! Our Vaidehi is truly beautiful. Her simplicity is her true color."
Vaidehi blushed and lowered her lashes, her lips curling into a shy smile.
The three walked toward the Goddess's idol. The priest was busy preparing for the morning aarti. Spotting Vaidehi, his face lit up.
"You're here, Vaidehi beti? I was waiting for you. You must lead today's morning prayer. Sing a hymn for the Mother with your sweet voice."
Without hesitation, Vaidehi nodded. She picked up the thali, stood before the Goddess, and gazed into the flame. Her eyes shone with devotion as her melodious voice rose to fill the temple.
The temple walls reverberated with her hymn, enchanting everyone. Gauri stared at her in awe, Mami's eyes gleamed with pride.
Meanwhile, a gleaming black car pulled up outside. From it stepped a regal woman, draped in jewels and silks, radiating nobility—Thakurain Shalini, from Jodhpur's renowned family.
When Vaidehi finished, the temple echoed with applause. She handed the thali to the priest and turned—only to find Shalini smiling at her.
Vaidehi quickly bent down to touch her feet,
"Namaste, Thakurain ji!"
Mami and Gauri too folded their hands respectfully.
Shalini placed a hand on Vaidehi's head,
"Your voice is divine, daughter. As if Goddess Saraswati herself lives in your throat."
Vaidehi smiled softly, lowering her gaze.
Mami stepped forward,
"Thakurain ji, we were just about to visit your haveli. I hope we didn't cause you trouble?"
Shalini laughed,
"Oh no, Mala, don't be silly. Our haveli never lacks work or servants. Take your time. Besides, you too deserve peace."
Mala bowed her head slightly,
"Yes, you're right. We'll come tomorrow on time."
Shalini gently cupped Vaidehi's cheek,
"By the way, Mala, have you thought about Vaidehi's marriage? She's of age now."
Vaidehi startled, her cheeks flushing red.
Gauri immediately chimed in,
"Exactly, Thakurain ji! I've been dying to see her in bridal attire!"
Shalini laughed,
"Then why don't I find her a prince myself? What do you say, Mala?"
Mala hesitated, unsure how to respond, only smiling faintly.
Vaidehi's heart pounded wildly. Breath quickened, she blushed furiously, and hurried away. Gauri, laughing, ran after her.
Behind the temple, Vaidehi stopped in the garden, gasping for air, closing her eyes.
Gauri caught up, teasing,
"Oh wow! Just the mention of marriage turned your face red like a tomato. Were you picturing your dream prince—riding on a horse, sweeping you away?"
Vaidehi pouted,
"Shut up, silly! Nothing like that. I never dream such things. And anyway, that only happens in movies."
Gauri widened her eyes,
"Liar! Tell me then—what kind of man do you want? Like Shah Rukh Khan?"
Vaidehi smiled faintly, looking up at the sky, and said softly,
"Just like my father. Someone who stands with me in every joy and sorrow. Someone who respects everyone. Someone who never lets anger control him. I hate anger, Gauri. Anger blinds people. In anger, people lose sense of right and wrong."
Her nose crinkled as she said the last part.
Gauri grabbed her shoulder, laughing,
"Oh wow! Madam has a long list. I'm worried if Mahadev even made such a man just for you."
Both burst into laughter, their giggles mingling with the ringing of the temple bells.
To be continued...