Samarpita got up very early, slowly came near her bedroom window, pulled aside the window curtains and looked outside. From her window, one could see the blue-green mountain which had now some left-over clouds from last night's rain. She opened the window sash little bit, chilled air blew through her long hair and she shivered little. Sun was yet to come up, or it would be a gloomy day like yesterday. She stared outside blankly.
"Wish to be sunny one", She loved sun rays, and being from the hill station she loved little sunny days which were not pretty much common here.
She looked at the garden below. From her first floor window, one could see the back yard garden where a heavily bloomed violet-blue hydrangea looked fabulous. Beside the hydrangea, there were lavender and golden mountain lilies which were now in half-bloomed state.
She hoped to see them full-bloomed on her birthday. That would be the perfect birthday gift. A small smile crossed her face. She had to get ready for the morning prayers with her grandmother.
After bath, she was looking for her dress through her wardrobe and chose a white salwar kameez with green applique work on it, with green border. It was a new dress, bought by her aunt few months ago and she saved it for today. She was a person with a very quite presence,however she was a shadow where everyone in the house rest when they were in distress. Thus, in their lives she had a low key but essential presence. No one can find her shouting in the drawing room while watching cricket matches or music competitions or she was not the person to demand anything to anyone. After her mother's death, she became quieter and more silent than ever before.
She could hear her grandma's chanting while stepping to the ground floor through the staircases. Her cousins, her brother all the young generations were still in bed. Aunt was in kitchen, giving directions to the cook and uncle was in pooja-room. Her father was out of station, visiting nearby city for some work. In their joint family, there were no difference treating children. Altogether ten members of the family were very close-knitted.
She entered the pooja room, smell of sweet jasmine,mixed with agarbati enthralled her sense. Her grandmother was sitting in front of Durga Murti, made of nine gems or Nav-Durga, decorated with marigold and rose garlands. Her eyes closed and she was totally engrossed in chanting her durga-mantra. Samarpita sat little behind her, she knew today's puja was little especial because of her birthday and being a mother-less child she was always very especial to her. Her grandma was always worried about her and her brother, though her brother was the eyeball of everyone in the house. Samarpita knew it was she who made her grandma worried. Her being aloof or remain silent on everything made her grandma very anxious on her well being.
Puja was over and grandma looked back, gave red tika on her forehead and said, "Did you have to wear this white today ? Do not you have any bright colour in your wardrobe ?"
Thats the problem between her and the rest of house.
She loved to wear light, loved to be engrossed in her gardens,flowers, readings. She finished English Hons this year and planning for her Masters in English literature in the upcoming semesters. She loved her way of life, and hated the loud life of city. This was the reason she did not go to Delhi for higher studies, chose Dehradun itself.
"We will go to temple before lunch. But I want to give Bihu some money and fruits today." Grandma announced.
"I can drop this to Bihu", replied Uncle, "while I go to office".
" Can you drop me too? I have not met Bihu-chacha for a long time. I will go to temple from there by walking, said Samarpita, She was very fond of their gardener Bihu who was employed here for a very long time. He was not keeping well recently.
Ok, take Don also. Grandma commanded. I will reach temple by 11:00 am.
Oh,Don and yes Don, their favourite himalayan Husky and her lone protector in this mountain road.
