Chapter 2 PERSEPHONE And HADES

In Rajasthan, India

The Sawan month (July-August) was marked by complete devotion to Lord Shiva. This month was dedicated to Lord Shiva and also known as 'Shravan' and in the SINGH family, Women were observing fasts on Mondays.

{The Sawan month, also known as Shravan month, is considered auspicious among Hindus. The Hindi calendar month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort goddess Parvati and they are worshipped during various fasts and festivals that are celebrated in their honour. Monday fasts are observed by both single and married women for fulfilment of wishes and blissful married. Sawan month is observed as the holiest month in Hinduism}.

During this time, on every monday, all ladies of SINGH family visited the temple and offered flowers, milk, and holy water to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

At this time, Adrija who was wearing a dark green Sharara dress, covering her head with the dupatta (stole) which had a mirror worked on it, was offering Jal (holy water) on the Shiva Linga (The Symbol of Shiva). Her eyes were closed, lips were painted in nude shades of lipstick and face was donned with light natural make-up.

Her mouth was chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' , 'Om Namah Shivaya' (I Bow down to Shiva) mantra back to back.

Her wrists were full of green glass bangles and designs of henna that left a dark colour on her palm was beautifully decorated and caught the attention of other women.

Watching her daughter on a complete fast of 'No food and No water' and also devoting to the Lord Shiva, filled Adrija's mother's eyes, "Hai Sambhu Nath ! Meri Addoo par apni kripa hamesha banaye rakhna"

(Oh Lord Shiva ! Please always shower your blessings on my daughter Adrija)

Adrija's second aunt heard it and smiled while looking at Adrija and said confidently, "Sister ! Don't think too much. Our daughter Adrija will get a husband like Lord Shiva.

Finally, after listening to sweet words from her Co- sister , Adrija's mother beamed and said happily, "Sweets in your mouth".

Both Co-sisters , Mother and second aunt of Adrija said in unison happily, "Everywhere is God".

~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

Across the long hall, a youth skipped his footsteps happily while humming a song.

la la la la la la la

He stopped at Adrija's room and burst into the room happily.

BANG

"Diiiiiiiiii" (elder sister) .... ,, Like a puppy wagging his tail, Kshitij, Adrija's younger brother joyfully walks in and marches straight to Adrija who was practicing her dance moves.

"What's wrong?" .... ,, Adrija pushed away her brother who was acting like a Golden retriever and Adrija hated cats and dogs.

"Diiiii (sister) ! I'm so happyyyyyyy. Youuuuu areeeee aaaaa celebrityyyyy nowww" ..... ,, Kshitij said and ruffled her hair.

Adrija pushed him away and straightened her hair and asked irritatedly, "Are you done? Why are you stretching each word of yours?"

Kshitij grinned like a buffalo and showed his big white teeth and said proudly, "Ahh ! My sister is an idol. She won the music competition named Rajasthan Idol. You are a celebrity now and very famous on social networking sites which are sharing your performance and appreciating my super sister So, obviously i will be happy for you. I'm proud of you"

Adrija smiled politely and said, "You are exaggerating so much. It's just a singing competition. And my main goal is to win 'BHARAT IDOL' a national level of singing competition and then the Indian Film & music industry"

"Ohh ! You are my Super sister. I know that you will surely achieve your next goal" .... ,, Kshitij replied to Adrija who could only shake her head

"When is the audition starting for BHARAT IDOL?" ..... ,, Kshitij asked her Adrija who started to practice her dance moves as she heard him and replied, "After two Months in Delhi"

Kshitij nodded and ran out of her room while saying, "I will go with you".

Adrija stopped practicing dance and stared at her brother. She sat down on the floor and thought about the days and her hard work that she did in order to win the title of 'RAJASTHAN IDOL' singing competition appeared in her mind.

After fighting with other contestants for three weeks, finally she won the title at last and achieved one of her goals. She, not only won the title but also gained popularity, prized money and most importantly She made her parents proud but still there was no satisfaction in her heart.

Adrija leaned on the wall as she rubbed her stomach which was hurting because of dancing in empty stomach.

Adrija sighed weakly and wiped the sweats from her face. Her eyes landed on the mirror which had her reflection on it.

Adrija touched her face with her finger tips and felt sad because she was not satisfied with her looks and appearance.

For everyone, Adrija was a beautiful young girl with the best education and loving family but Adrija didn't love herself at all.

Adrija looked away from the mirror and again stood up to dance to maintain her figure.

Adrija was aware about this fact that Her life was different from her elder cousin, Chandni. Her sister lived with the loads of restrictions and rules but Adrija's life was nothing like her sister.

Adrija's parents were lovely and caring. Her elder brother was protective and supportive. Her grandparents and family of her second uncle was also very good and always supporting her. She got everything best in her life.

Adrija's parents gave her time , space and mostly freedom to enjoy her life. She wore whatever she wanted. She did without any care of anyone.

Adrija's life was like a princess since her childhood. She studied in the best school and College of Rajasthan. She had good friends. She could do anything in her life without the permission of her family.

Adrija's father was her devotee and loved her dearly. Her family was her backbone who always stood for her. She could roam around with her friends and enjoy the time. She could do anything that another girl couldn't even think to do or wouldn't get permission to do in her life.

But Adrija was different. A star of her parents'eyes. An apple of her other family members. Everyone hold her carefully on the palm of their hands.

Her family loved her wholeheartedly. But still There was no peace in her life.

Adrija felt that something was missing from her life.

Thank you

ShineeSunshine ❤️