'Happy new year' wishes echoed around- The temple was just as Meera remembered it. "Wow, nothing's changed", she thought as she stood at the base of the stairs. The same stone steps, the old wodden door with its creaky hinges, and the colorful sunlight streaming through the glass above the entrance. It felt like stepping back into her childhood, except this time, she was alone.
Walking up, she pushed the door open, its familiar groan echoing inside. The scent of incense hit her instantly. She smiiled, "Still the same". she murmured, letting her eyes adjust to the dim light. She found a corner and sat down, just like she used to with Ma and Pa.
Sitting there in silence, Meera closed her eyes and let the calmness seep in. it was like all her worries melted away, leaving her weightless. "How did i forget this feeling?" she whispered to herself. It was as if time had stopped and for a moment everything felt just right.
The chanting of prayers began, soft and rhythmic, filling the room with a sacred energy. She stayed, letting the sound wash over her, feeling grounded and connected to something bigger than herself. When the prayer ended, she walked up to recieve the aarti. The priest holding the small diya its flame flickering gently, and Meera cuped her hands to feel its warmth before touching her forehead in reverence. The scent of the incense lingered as she took the prasad, a small piece of sweetness that seemed to carry the temple's peace with it.
But then, the ache of missing home crept in. She could amost hear Ma's soft voice, reminding her to bow her head, and Pa's warm chuckle as he nudged her to pay attention. "God, I miss home." she whispered.
After a while, Meera stood up and made her way out. As she almost crossed the threshold, she paused - there was one last thing she used to do everytime with them. Feeding the pegions.
Steeping outside, Meera got and scattered a handful of grains on the ground and held some in her palm. The pigeions flocked to her almost immediately, their soft cooing filling the air. Watching them brought a smile to her face. It was a simple act, yet it tethered her to those childhood memories, to a time when life felt easier, more connected.
"Can I try?" a small voice asked.
Meera turned to see a young girl, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Of course", she said, handing her the bag of grains. The girl took a handful and held her palm out, hesitating for a moment. When a pigeon hopped closer and started pecking, her face lit up. "It Tickles!" she giggled. Meera couldn't help but laugh with her. "It's fun isn't it?" Meera asked, watching her delight. "Yes!" the girl said and nodding enthusiastically, scattering more grains on the ground and marvelling at the way the pigeons flocked around her.
When the pigeons finally flew away and the girls family called her back, she turned to Meera with a big grin, "Thank you!' she said before running off. Meera stood there for a moment, watching her go. 'Thank you,' she whispered, not entirely sure who was she thanking.
Meera stood there for a while longer, thinking about the year ahead. Life would keep moving, as it always does, but she'd carry this memory with her. A reminder that even in unfamiliar places, even in solitude, there are moments that feel like home. She felt an inexplicable warmth. It was as if the universe had conspired to remind her that home isn't always a place. Sometimes, it's a fleeting moment.
Perhaps in the years to come, Meera would find these little pieces of home in the most unexpected places. A temple, a handful of grains or in a stranger's smile.
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Happy new year dearest readers <3
