I am seven. I woke up suddenly at 5 am on a Sunday. The household is shrouded in darkness except for a faint blue light seeping through the cracks in my window. I push the window open. It creaks a little, and I wince, hoping my mother will not wake up.
I lift my head to the morning sky. A stream of clouds spread across the wide dark blue sky, and a glorious chariot makes its way through them. The sight is divine! Is she a woman out of my bedtime stories that I read to put myself to sleep? As she moves ahead in her chariot, she dispels darkness, leaving a trail of faint light for the Sun to rise and shine. Marvelling at the woman, I wave my tiny hand at her. Would she be able to see me? I am so small, and she is up high in the sky on a chariot.
She does. I run to the terrace as fast as my little legs can. To my joy and surprise, she stands there as regal as the queens in my fairytale books. Running a hand over my wild messy hair, she says, her voice; soft and sweet like the queen mother from my book, "Little one, I am Usha, the goddess of Sunrise. Not many see me travel through the skies, but you did today. You are still young for the words and lessons I shall teach, but have faith, for in due time, you shall know. I shall meet you here in the skies." She reaches out for my hand. "Each time you wave at me, my eyes shall find you always."
Ten years have passed since my fateful encounter with the goddess. I meet her every day at dawn. True to her words, she awaits me on the terrace. I have learnt how to drive away sorrows that creep on you at night and smile brightly just like the sun. I know of all dark and sad things, yet I am blessed with strength to be loving and kind. Be gentle to yourself. It's a new morning, and you are still alive.
Her golden chariot drives through the giant clouds, golden light follows her, and a bright gleam surrounds her. My eyes have learnt to look steadily at her brilliance that sparkles through the morning sky. Her gentle rays of dawn fill my soul with warmth and strength so I may shine as brightly as her brother, Surya.
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Goddesses, Rishikas and Women
Short StoryUnlike the gods, the goddesses are easier to find. Only with the right gaze at women can one find the goddesses residing within their bodies, smiling at them. The goddesses, just like mortal women, are lovers, scholars, artists, warriors, daughters...
