The temple bells rang, their soothing rhythm echoing through the morning sky. The fragrance of incense filled the air as Vivan walked between his parents, his hands folded in reverence. Together, they bowed before the deity, the golden light of the lamps dancing across their faces.
Vivan bent down, touching the feet of the priest with respect. In return, the priest placed his hand on the boy's head, chanting blessings under his breath. "May your path be bright, child," he said, pressing a red tilak onto Vivan's forehead.
As the aarti flame circled before the idol, Vivan closed his eyes, his lips moving in a silent prayer. Gratitude swelled within him—for the results, for his parents' love, and for the quiet strength he had drawn from Radha Rani.
After darshan, they stepped outside the temple gates. The morning was alive with devotees, vendors, and the laughter of children. That was when Vivan's gaze fell on a little girl, barefoot, holding a small bundle of peacock feathers in her tiny hands.
She ran up to him, her voice soft yet hopeful.
"Bhaiya[Elder Brother]… mor pankh le lo."(please take this peacock feather."
)
Vivan bent down slightly, his tone gentle. "How much?"
"Ten rupees for one," she replied, clutching the feathers tightly.
"Then give me all of them," Vivan said with a smile.
Her eyes widened. "All… bhaiya?"
Vivan:Yes, all. Ahh "Don't you go to school?"
For a moment, her smile faded, replaced by a quiet sadness.
She lowered her eyes and whispered, " I don't go to school, bhaiya. We have to work, to sell these things. If we don't, then… we have to sleep hungry. No one helps us."
Her words struck Vivan deeply. His chest tightened, and for a second, he could only stare at her fragile frame, at the innocence struggling against harsh reality.
Kneeling down to meet her gaze, he said softly, "Who told you that you're alone? Who said no one will help you?" He pointed toward the temple behind them. "See Radha Rani? She will help you. And from today, you will study too. Because she has sent me… to teach you."
The girl blinked, her eyes glistening. "Really, bhaiya?"
"Yes," Vivan nodded firmly. "What's your name?"
"Ramma," she whispered shyly.
"Ramma…" Vivan's smile brightened. "Do you know, your name and Radha Rani's name are the same? She told me that I must take care of her sweet Ramma and teach her well. Where do you live?"
Ramma lifted her tiny hand and pointed. "Behind the temple… there's a lane with small huts. We stay there."
"Good," Vivan said warmly. "Then I'll come there this evening. Be ready, and call your friends too. Alright?"
Ramma's face lit up with a rare sparkle. "You're so kind, bhaiya. And Radha Rani is kind too. Is Radha Rani… your friend?"
Vivan chuckled, his eyes soft. "Yes… just like she's yours."
From behind, his mother's voice called out, "Vivan beta, hurry up! We're getting late."
"Yes, Mummy, I'm coming!" Vivan answered, then turned back to Ramma. "Here, take the money. Give me just one peacock feather, and share the rest with others who need them. Okay?"
"Okay, bhaiya. Radhe Radhe!" she said, her smile wide.
"Radhe Radhe," Vivan replied, gently patting her head before walking away.
His father was waiting near the car. "Where were you, beta? We have to go to the market too."
"Yes, Papa, coming," Vivan said quickly, joining them.
The family left, but Ramma's day was only beginning.
Clutching the feathers, she walked toward a parked car near the temple. Inside sat two young men—one casually smoking a cigarette, the other scrolling through his phone.
Ramma hesitated, then knocked gently on the window.
The boy with the phone glanced up, annoyed, and rolled the glass down. "What?"
"Bhaiya," she said timidly, "take these peacock feathers."
The boy scoffed. "We don't want them. Go away."
"They're free," Ramma added softly, offering them forward. "Please, take them."
The boy sneered. "Free? Do you think you're some rich girl to hand out free gifts? Look at yourself—do you even own a proper dress? You're nothing but a beggar."
Her tiny fists clenched, her lips trembling. "I'm not a beggar. A bhaiya bought these from me and told me to give them to people who need them. And… I think you need them most."
The boy's face darkened. He shoved her roughly to the side. "Shut up and get lost, stupid girl!"
Ramma stumbled, almost falling. Pain filled her eyes, but she lifted her chin bravely. "If you don't want them, then don't. But remember—Radha Rani is watching. She will punish you."
"Oh really?" the boy mocked, smirking. "Radha Rani will punish us? Let's see."
The one smoking flicked his cigarette aside and leaned over. "Relax, Vansh. If she's giving them for free, just take them. Oye, girl, hand them over."
Before she could react, he snatched the feathers from her tiny hands, laughing as he tossed them onto the car seat. "You were right… we need them more than anyone."
Tears pricked Ramma's eyes, but she stuck her tongue out defiantly. "Keep them! Radha Rani will deal with you!"
With that, she spun on her heel and ran off, her small figure disappearing into the crowd while the boys' mocking laughter trailed behind her.