# THE ROBOT HELPERS
## By Vijay Sharma Erry
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# Chapter 10: The Festival of Lights
Diwali was approaching, and the Malhotra mansion was buzzing with preparation. It would be the first Diwali since Arjun's parents died, and everyone was determined to make it special—a celebration of life and light after so much darkness.
"We should celebrate properly this year," Dadi announced one morning. "Last year we were too sad. But your parents loved Diwali. They would want us to celebrate."
Arjun agreed, though his heart ached at the thought of Diwali without his parents. His mother had always transformed the house into a palace of lights, and his father had personally overseen the fireworks display. How could they possibly recreate that magic?
"We'll help," Maya said immediately. "Tell us what needs to be done, Dadi ji. We'll make this house shine."
Over the next two weeks, the entire household worked together. Dadi directed the decorating, sitting in her favorite chair and telling Maya and Akash where to hang each string of lights, where to place each diya lamp, how to arrange the rangoli patterns at the entrance.
Maya learned to make traditional Diwali sweets—laddoos, barfis, and gujiyas—under Mrs. D'Souza's expert supervision. Her precise measurements and perfect timing meant every batch came out flawless, though Mrs. D'Souza insisted on adding the final touch herself—"the love that makes them special."
Akash helped Dada clean and organize the entire house, dusting every corner, polishing every surface until everything gleamed. They worked companionably, Dada telling stories about Diwalis past while Akash listened and learned about the deep cultural significance of each tradition.
"Diwali is about the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil," Dada explained. "After this year we've had—losing Vikram and Priya—we need this reminder that light always returns."
"That is beautiful, Dada ji," Akash said softly. "In a way, that is what all of us robots represent too. We were created from grief and loss, but we bring light and help to others. We are your family's Diwali—light emerging from darkness."
Dada stopped polishing and looked at Akash with tears in his eyes. "Yes. Yes, that's exactly what you are."
Arjun invited everyone who had been part of their journey—Dr. Kapoor, Judge Mehta and his wife, the board members from the Silver Years Foundation, Dadi's kitty party friends, Dada's army buddies who lived nearby, and even Mr. Ashok Rao with Vikram.
"We wouldn't miss this for the world," Ashok had said when Arjun tried to convince him the trip was too difficult. "You changed my life. The least I can do is celebrate this moment with you."
The evening of Diwali, the mansion glowed like a jewel. Thousands of diyas flickered on every surface, string lights outlined every window and doorway, and elaborate rangoli designs decorated the entrance in vibrant colors. The air was filled with the scent of flowers, incense, and Maya's delicious cooking.
Guests began arriving at sunset, gasping at the beauty of the decorations. The robots welcomed everyone at the door, Akash and Vikram looking distinguished in traditional kurtas, Maya in a beautiful silk saree that Dadi had insisted on draping on her.
"You look lovely, Maya," Dadi said, adjusting the pallu. "Just like a daughter of this house should look on Diwali."
Maya's optical sensors glowed brightly—the robot equivalent of tears of joy. "Thank you, Dadi ji. That means everything to me."
The celebration was magical. Priya had been given permission to leave the senior care facility for the evening, and the three robots stood together, serving guests, ensuring everyone had food and drinks, and facilitating conversations between people who might otherwise be shy.
"This is remarkable," Judge Mehta said to Arjun. "I've been to hundreds of Diwali celebrations, but I've never seen one run so smoothly. And look at how comfortable everyone is with the robots. They're not just tolerating them—they're genuinely enjoying their company."
It was true. Dadi's friends were chatting with Maya about recipes. Dada's army buddies were swapping stories with Akash and Vikram. Dr. Kapoor was explaining technical details of the robots to fascinated guests. Children from the neighborhood were playing games with Priya, delighted by her patience and creativity.
But the most touching moment came during the Lakshmi Puja, the religious ceremony at the heart of Diwali. The family gathered around the altar Dadi had prepared, decorated with flowers and diyas. Traditionally, the eldest male performed the puja, but this year Dada asked Arjun to lead it.
"You are the man of the house now," Dada said quietly. "Your father would want you to do this."
Arjun's hands trembled as he lit the ceremonial lamp and began the prayers. He had watched his father do this every year but had never performed it himself. As he chanted the Sanskrit verses, he felt the weight of tradition, of responsibility, of connection to his ancestors and to the future.
When the prayers concluded, Dadi did something unexpected. She picked up a small diya and walked over to where Akash, Maya, and Vikram stood respectfully at the back of the room.
"Come here," she called to them. "All three of you."
The robots approached uncertainly, unsure what was expected. Dadi placed the lit diya in Akash's hands.
"You are part of this family," she said, her voice strong and clear for everyone to hear. "You may not be human, but you have brought light into our lives. You have cared for us with dedication and love. On Diwali, we honor the light in all beings. That includes you."
She touched each robot's forehead with a small vermillion mark—the traditional blessing. "May you always shine brightly. May your purpose always be fulfilled. May you bring joy to all you serve."
There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Even the guests who had been skeptical about robots felt moved by this moment of inclusion, of recognition that care and compassion could exist in forms beyond traditional human ones.
"Thank you, Dadi ji," Akash said, his voice uncharacteristically emotional. "We are honored beyond measure."
After the puja, the celebration continued with dinner—an elaborate feast that Maya and Mrs. D'Souza had prepared together. The dining table couldn't accommodate everyone, so they set up multiple tables throughout the house, creating an intimate, festive atmosphere.
Arjun found himself at a table with Dr. Kapoor, Mr. Ashok Rao, and Judge Mehta, talking about the future of the robot project.
"The pilot program has exceeded all expectations," Judge Mehta said. "All three robots have demonstrated not just technical excellence but something more—the ability to truly care. The foundation wants to expand the project. We're talking about funding for twenty more robots over the next two years."
Arjun nearly choked on his gulab jamun. "Twenty? That's... that's huge!"
"It's necessary," Mr. Ashok Rao said firmly. "Vikram saved my life. He gives me independence and dignity. Everyone deserves that opportunity. Every elderly person living alone, every overwhelmed family caregiver, every senior care facility—they all need this technology."
"But I'm leaving for MIT in three months," Arjun protested. "I can't build twenty robots while studying for my degree."
"You won't be alone," Dr. Kapoor said with a smile. "The foundation is hiring a team of engineers and programmers. You'll design the protocols and oversee quality, but others will help with construction. And we're filing for patents, creating a company, building infrastructure. This is becoming bigger than any of us imagined."
Arjun felt overwhelmed. Just over a year ago, he had been a grieving sixteen-year-old boy trying to help his grandparents. Now he was on the verge of creating a company that could change elderly care across India and maybe the world.
"I don't know if I'm ready for this," he admitted quietly.
Judge Mehta placed a hand on his shoulder. "Your father wasn't ready when he started Malhotra Industries either. Nobody is ever truly ready for greatness. But you have something more important than readiness—you have purpose, skill, and the support of people who believe in you. The rest will come."
As the evening progressed, they moved outside for the fireworks display. Dada had insisted on continuing his son's tradition, and with Akash's help, he had set up an impressive array.
As the first rocket shot into the sky and exploded in a shower of golden sparks, Arjun looked around at the faces illuminated by the light—his grandparents, happy and healthy; his robots, serving and protecting; his mentors and friends, supporting his dreams; and guests from all walks of life, united in celebration.
"Happy Diwali, Papa. Happy Diwali, Mama," Arjun whispered, looking up at the stars beyond the fireworks. "I hope you can see this. I hope you're proud. Your dream has become something beautiful."
Later that night, after all the guests had left and the house was quiet, the family gathered in the living room—Arjun, Dada, Dadi, Mrs. D'Souza, Akash, Maya, and Priya (who had permission to stay the night before returning to the care facility).
"This was a perfect Diwali," Dadi said contentedly. "Maybe the best one we've ever had."
"Even without Mama and Papa?" Arjun asked softly.
"They were here," Dada said with certainty. "In every light we lit, in every prayer we said, in every moment of joy we shared. And most of all, in the robots you created in their honor. Their love lives on through all of you."
Akash, Maya, and Priya stood together, their optical sensors glowing softly in the dim light of the remaining diyas.
"We are grateful to be included in this family's traditions," Priya said. "To serve humans is our purpose, but to be accepted as part of a family—that is an honor we will treasure always."
"You're not just part of this family," Arjun said. "You ARE family. Human or robot, what makes a family is love, care, and being there for each other. We have all of that."
As they sat together in comfortable silence, watching the last diyas flicker and burn, Arjun realized something profound. He had built Akash to help his grandparents cope with loss. But in the process, he had helped himself cope too. By creating life—even artificial life—he had found a way to honor death. By programming care into circuits and code, he had learned what care truly meant.
The darkness of grief hadn't disappeared, but it had been balanced by light—the light of purpose, of connection, of hope for the future. That was the true message of Diwali, and it was the true message of what they were building together.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges—the expansion of the robot program, preparation for MIT, the ongoing care of his grandparents. But tonight, they had this moment of peace, of celebration, of family gathered together in the glow of Diwali lights.
And it was perfect.
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**End of Chapter 10**
*Word Count: 1,502 words*
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**THE ROBOT HELPERS - Chapter 10**
**By Vijay Sharma Erry**
**Previous Chapter:** Vikram's First Mission
**Next Chapter:** Unexpected Challenges
