“Yes.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. “Maybe I need divine intervention. My life choices are questionable.”
I laughed before I could stop myself. “You? In a temple? You won’t even survive five minutes without checking yourself out in the donation box reflection.”
“That hurts,” he said, pressing a hand to his chest. “I am very spiritual.”
“Your biceps are spiritual.”
“They’ve helped many people,” he defended. “Mostly me. But still.”
I shook my head, walking past him. “Fine. You can come with me but you have to behave.”
He turned, following me. “What kind of behaviour?”
“No flirting with other women.”
He stopped dead. “… Okay, let’s not make unreasonable demands this early in the morning.”
I burst out laughing. “Then stay home.”
“Alright, alright,” he sighed dramatically. “I’ll be a good boy. I’ll pray and fold my hands. I might even close one eye.”
“One eye?”
“I need the other for safety,” he said seriously. “You never know. Temples are dangerous. There are too many aunties and too many opinions.”
I laughed so hard my stomach hurt.
“Go get ready, Miss Morning-Prayer-First,” he said.
“I’ll drive but after that, breakfast is non-negotiable. I’m not letting you survive only on God and attitude.”
I pointed a warning finger at him. “No butter overload.”
He grinned. “No promises.”
As I turned toward the bathroom, I heard him mutter, “God, if You’re listening… Please help me survive a day with her.”
I smiled.
_________
Surprisingly, Saurav drove us to the same temple I had been visiting for the past ten years. The moment I stepped out of the car, something inside me settled as if my soul recognized the place before my mind did.
While Saurav got busy exploring the temple, I quietly slipped away. I went straight to Riya’s house. She had been living near the temple for years. She had lost her parents when she was only two, and her uncle and aunt had taken her in but refused to take responsibility for her education. So I did. That day, I had come to give her tuition fees so she could continue her studies.
As I approached the house, I heard piercing cries from inside. My heartbeat quickened. “We don’t have money to pay for your sports fees!” her aunt screamed.
I stepped inside before another cruel word could hit her. Riya was standing in the corner, trembling like a leaf under her aunt’s rage.
“What’s happening here?” I asked sharply.
“Ask your dear Riya!” her aunt snapped, then stormed out of the house.
“Riya… ”