Was She Shiva?

“Oye! What happened? Whom are you staring at? Do you even know who that girl is? She’s the daughter of a famous goon of our town. Don’t you even think of talking or flirting with her!” My friend, Raj, cautioned me. “How do you know so much about that girl, bro? Do you really know her, or are you just cooking up a story to ward me off against her?” I asked Raj inquisitively. “I am damn sure about her, Rahul. Her name is Kusum. She’s from our college.” My friend reaffirmed. “But I really must talk to her. Her bluish eyes are so saintly. She reminds me of Lord Shiva. There’s something divine in her being. Her piousness is reflected through her gazes. I can’t even imagine flirting or having an evil eye upon her; however, I ought to talk to her.” I somehow persuaded Raj.

With all the guts and optimism, I approached her. “Excuse me, can you tell me, what time is the bus to Mumbai from here?” She looked at me, and just her sparkling eyes expressed. “I’ve no idea.” She mildly nodded and looked away from me. I was just awestruck. Although she didn’t speak to me a single word, her delicate nod and the gentle swing of the lock of her hair spoke volumes.

I visited Lord Shiva’s temple in the evening that day and offered prayers.