A PASSING GLANCE
That morning, I went to the temple with my parents to perform a special pooja. The air was filled with the fragrance of incense, the sound of ringing bells, and the rhythmic chanting of sacred mantras. After offering our prayers, we began the ritual circumambulation around the temple, walking with devotion and reverence.
As we continued, my eyes briefly fell on a young girl walking a few steps ahead. She was dressed in a simple yet elegant traditional outfit, with a small red bindi and sacred tilak adorning her forehead.
For a fleeting moment, I looked at her.
Before another thought could cross my mind, my mother gently called out,
"Manas, come this way."
I immediately turned my attention back to my family. It wasn't in my nature to stare at strangers, especially while I was at the temple with my parents.
To me, it was just a passing moment.
Wait...
...
...
I completely forgot to tell you who I am.
I'm Manas Yadav.
Age: 18
Father: Satyanarayana Yadav
Mother: Mahalakshmi
I'm the only son of my parents. We belong to a humble Yadav family. My parents have always taught me to stay grounded, respect others, and value relationships over everything else. They are my biggest strength, and no matter where life takes me, they will always come first.
Well... that's enough about me for now.
...
...
...
After completing the pooja, we helped with a few arrangements around the temple. Before leaving, my father handed over the pooja items to the temple priest, Anantha Rama Shastri Garu. We took his blessings, offered our respects, and returned home.
That day passed just like any other. I finished my routine work, spent time with my family, had dinner together, and went to bed without giving much thought to what had happened at the temple.
The next morning began with the usual hustle at home. My parents and I sat together, talking about a few family matters and my next study before breakfast. After spending some time with them, I stepped out to meet my friends. As always, we wandered through the streets, chatting about everything and nothing.
But somewhere in a corner of my heart, there was a tiny wish.
"What if I get to see that temple girl again?"
I didn't even know her name. It wasn't love, nor was I searching for anything. I just wanted to see that calm face once more.
My friends noticed I was unusually quiet.
One of them nudged me and asked,
"What happened, Manas? You look lost?"
I smiled and replied,
"I don't know why... but that girl I saw at the temple yesterday... she looked so pleasant. There was something about her face... it made me feel relaxed."
They exchanged mischievous smiles and immediately started teasing me.
I simply laughed it off.
After all...
it was just a passing thought..
Or at least, that's what I believed.
After that, we all went home and had lunch together.
Later, I met up with my friends again. We spent some time visiting a few colleges and gathering information about my future studies. We discussed courses, college life, and what would be the best choice for me.
To be continued....
