Radha watched the evening scene through a window in her home. She didn 't feel joy. She felt as if the setting Sun scorched her love sick heart. The fragrance emitted by the Jasmine irritated her. As if to block the scent, she started to shut the windows. Her heart heaved in her bosom as she moved through the house closing the windows. She reached the front …show more content…
‘It was decided at the town meeting that all the young girls of our community must perform the Katyayani Ritual. If the ritual is properly performed, we will be blessed with good rainfall at the end of a month.’
‘Radha will definitely participate,’ assured her mother. ‘How many girls are there?’
‘Around five hundred thousand.’
‘Five hundred thousand!’
‘The more the better. Group prayers have better outcome. Every single girl has to perform the Katyayani Ritual to save our community. Our economy depends on dairy farming. Lack of rains will adversely affect our livelihood due to drying up of pastures.’
‘But, how do we chaperone five hundred thousand girls?’ The task of managing 500,000 girls seemed very daunting. ‘The girls in the company of their friends would become ill-disciplined and mischievous.’
‘That has been decided by the town elders too,’ replied Charulata. ‘They have asked Krishna to escort the girls to the Yamuna. Have you seen how beautifully He manages the 500,000 cattle?’
‘That’s a relief then!’ said Radha’s mom. ‘Our girls will be safe with …show more content…
She is a divine child!’
‘Of course she is. After all, her parents obtained her from under the shady branches of the holy basil shrub. It will be wonderful for the girls to spend time with her and imbibe at least a drop of her devotion for the Lord!’
‘She spends all her spare time making beautiful garlands for Lord Narayana. Like father, like daughter! Her father spends his time cultivating a flower garden to serve Lord Narayana and Goda helps him by making the most beautiful garlands!’ chimed in Mallika a friend of Vrnda Devi. ‘Mom, may I go to Lalitha’s house for a min?’ asked Radha.
‘What for? You still have your chores to finish.’
‘I will be away for only a min!’ pleaded Radha.
‘I know about your min. One min by your calculation will turn into a whole hour. I really don’t understand what you girls talk about that you don’t pay any heed to time!’
Her mother laughed when she saw Radha look glum. ‘Don’t look so glum. You will be able to chat away your evening tonight!’ her mother laughed.
Radha felt impatient. The time seemed to go very slowly that day.
‘See who that is,’ said her mother when there was a knock on their door.
Radha hurried over to the front door and was elated to see her friend