Chapter 1️⃣

MAHASHIVATRI NIGHT 🌜

On this day, every worshipers of Lord Shiv are at the temple to celebrate him. The Dharma Family was not an exception. A lady was seen with a venerating plate performing puja in front of Lord Shiv statue. It has always been like this all year. The celebration has already finished. It was already late but every one is preparing to go home. When the Dharma family got home, Aloki, the eldest in law of the family called her mother in-law. Mother, have you found any girl for Arjit to marry? After All you want a virtuous and religious lady for him. No. None of those mistress of the rich families are up to what I want in a daughter in-law. They are so spoilt. All they know is to go shopping and partying. Their mode of dressing is also bad. They are always half naked. I don't think I will have them as my daughter inlaw. Said the Sharma's matriarch. Erm..... Mother, actually... I have someone in mind. Aloki said. Who is it asked he matriarch

Do you remember the girl who always perform puja on every celebration? I think we should find out more about her because she looks like a good girl. Every time I go to the temple, she was either praying or teaching the kids there. Suggested Aloki. Ok then. The matriarch agreed.

The second day, the matriarch, Aloki and Archie(Sharma's youngest daughter) went to the temple. They met the priest sitting at his usual place. Greetings priest, the women greets him. Greetings the priest answered. The matriarch was the first to speak. Actually we came to find out about a lady here. Who is it? The priest asked. She was the one that perform puja yesterday. Answered Archime. Do you mean Advika? Asked the priest again. Is that her name? The matriarch asked. Yes. Actually I wanted her to marry my son. All the lady's we've seen are not what we want. We would like to talk with her parents. Said the matriarch. Parents? Advika was adopted by me. Said the priest. I met her during one of my visits to other temples. She was about three years then. She doesn't know who her parents are. When I report to the police, they also try finding her parents but they couldn't. I couldn't bear to leave her so I adopted her. She has been such a lovely and religious girl. Every one in the temple loves her. She would have been marries but I cant leave her. She has been with me for almost twenty years that I have forgotten she is not mine. But I will ask for her consent. If she agree, then I can't stop her. Explained the priest. The three women were surprised to hear that. Then we will await your reply. Here is my phone number. Call me if she agree. The Sharma matriarch said and they left.

That night, the priest told Advika everything and was surprised to hear that she agree. Papa, if I don't get married, won't those kids call me aunt even when I have become an old lady? she said. Advika, this is a matter of your future. You don't even know who the man is. Didn't you always say you want to get married to the man of your dream? I wouldn't agree with you. I want the best for you. You don't have to agree because of me. I will always support you on whoever you want to marry, the priest said. No papa. It is time that I should marry so I won't have to worry you all the time. I've made up my mind.

The Sharma's matriarch was happy when she heard that she agreed. She then choose a day for Advika to visit them.

On the day of her visit to the Sharma's, Advika choose to wear a yellow Anarkali suit with a black ballet flat sandal. A car has been sent to pick her by the matriarch. It was a thirty minutes ride from the temple to the Sharma's Mansion. On getting there, Advika was surprised seeing the building in front of her. This is a palace she thought. She quickly recover from her shock and proceed to go inside. On getting to the door step, she first entered with her right leg followed by the left. The matriarch was surprised by her action and said to Aloki, we really made a good choice. After entering the house, Advika bent down to touch the matriarch feet and greets her. Greetings grandma. Greetings beta(child). She answered. You can call me mother. She said with a smiling face. Advika then proceed to greet the other members. They were all happy with her. They all sat down and started introducing themselves to her. They were all chatting and Aloki stood up to go and prepare lunch. Seeing her stand up, Advika also follow her. Aloki was surprised to see her. Why are you here? She ask. I came here to help you. Aloki was surprised again. None of those ladies before has ever help whenever they come. They will only sit back and and do nothing. Advika dear, you are our guest so we have to take care of you. But I... Said Advika. You will soon become one of us, you can help then but not now. Go and meet others. I will be done very soon. Aloki cut her off.

An hour later, Aloki was done and was setting the table. Advika went to help her. After they we're done setting the meal, Advika went to call the others.

Where is Arjit? Asked the matriarch. He has gone to the office early this morning and is not back yet. Replied Archie. Rehan, call him and tell him to come back now. Ordered the matriarch. I'm here no need to call me. They all heard someone said. Advika turn to look at the person as her back was facing the front door. She saw a young man wearing a black suit. He has a viking gold hair, bristly eyebrows, an almond shaped sea rover-blue eyes, and a hawkish nose. His movements are majestic. Good afternoon grandma. Why did you leave the house when I already told you we are having a guest today huh? The matriarch reprimanded him. Sorry I left without informing any one. The is an urgent matter I have to resolve at the office. But am here already. Right? He said. Advika, this is Arjit. It was then that Arjit noticed her. She has a fair and glossy skin, round face, slender eyebrows, velvety eyelash, round and blue eyes with a ebony black hair that reach her elbow. She is such a beauty. Arjit thought. Hi. Advika was the first to speak. Hi. He replied back. Alright everyone should sit. We will give you two space to know each other better after the meal. Afterwards, food was served and everyone started eating. The food Aloki prepared was basmati pulao with chicken tikka. Archie saw that Advika was hesitating and asked what was wrong. Its nothing. Reply Advika. After everyone has finished eating, Aloki, Advika and Archie went to clean the dishes. After they we're done, they were about leaving the kitchen when Archie noticed the change in Advika. Are you alright? She asked her. Hmm. Am okay. Advika said trying to hide her flushed and already swollen face . Archie was already leaving when she noticed that Advika was about falling and quickly went to support her. She had fainted. Eldest sister in-law look, Sister inlaw had fainted. Aloki was surprised and they quickly carry her. What happened. The matriarch asked them. She was behaving strangely when we were cleaning the dishes earlier but she told me she was fine. When we were about coming now she suddenly fainted. Quickly call the family doctor to come. They were all surprised when Arjit carried her and took her and headed upstairs to his room.

Ten minutes later. The family doctor had arrived and was checking on her. I think she is having an allergy reaction. said the doctor. The only thing she ate was..... Is she allergic to nut?asked Archie. I think so. Replied the doctor. No wonder she hesitate before eating. Archie said. What should we do now? Rehan asked. I already gave her injection. That would help. Said the doctor. Here is the prescription. She should apply it to her skin to clear the swollen parts. He explain and said his goodbye. Aloki, all the priest and tell him that she would not be returning today. It would not be a good thing if she were to return like this.

It was already evening when Advika woke up. Every one rushed to her side. The matriarch sit beside her. You should have told us you are allergic to nut and we will have another food prepared for you. Said the matriarch. Sister in-law had spent a lot of time preparing it. I don't want to disturb her any more. Advika said. They were all astonish that she said that. Aloki remember the ladies the matriarch had first choose. They will always complain on whatever was given to them. She could not help but even love Advika more. You should rest. You are still weak because of the injection. The matriarch told her. I have to go home

My father will be waiting for me. We've Already inform him. You don't have to worry.

SNEAK PEEK

Who are you? Advika asked. I am here to protect her. The woman replied. Why? Advika asked again. Because I don't want to see her dead again. She gas to fulfill all her duty in this lifetime. What duties? Advika asked again. To protect the Naagmani