Chapter 1 shivanshi mishra
The darkness begins to lift as the Subah-e-Banaras ritual begins. Young priests in saffron robes stand on wooden pedestals. They move in perfect synchrony, lifting massive brass lamps that roar with fire, their flames cutting through the dawn. The rhythmic chanting of Sanskrit mantras vibrates in your chest, blending with the sound of the flowing Ganga
It was 5 in the morning when an incredibly sweet voice resonated throughout the surroundings. Everyone began entering the temple; it was as if that voice was casting a magic spell over the people. The voice belonged to a girl who was exceptionally beautiful. She had a fair complexion, a round face, beautiful large black eyes, long hair, and stood 5 feet 4 inches tall. At that moment, she was wearing a white salwar suit.
After finishing the Aarti and distributing the Prasad to everyone, she began walking down the temple stairs. In front of her were the rising sun and the riverbank (ghat). She had just reached the bottom when another girl ran up to her, placed her hands on her waist, and said while panting, "Yaar Shivanshi, I can't do this waking up early business. You win. Mujhe maaf ker mate" she finished, folding her hands.
Laughing at her words, Shivanshi replied, "Beta, not everyone can become Shivanshi mishra. That talent belongs only to Shivanshi. You know, I am a unique piece!"
To her words, that girl replied, joining her hands"ha mate, aap dhnay hai mein haar gyi. Come, I'll treat you to jalebi and kachori as per our bet." Shivanshi excitedly said, """"" are haa haa chlo chlo waise bhi humko pehele se He pta tha ई सुबह उठने वाला काम तुमसे न हो पाएगा"""""
Both girls came down from the temple and left. After a while, they were at a kachori shop. Shivanshi was standing quietly to the side while the other girl was busy getting the kachoris. Then Shivanshi called out, 'Hey Mahi! Can't you even manage to get some kachori and jalebi?' Mahi replied, 'Oh man, I've got them, let's go.' Both of them then headed towards home. In a little while, they reached home and went inside. Shivanshi said, 'Walk quietly; if Mom catches us, she'll beat us up.' Mahi said, """" abe yaar ab ka kerdi tum ka humesha kand hee kerti rehti ho""""" at her words Shivanshi glared and replied, 'I haven't done anything, per ऊ ka hai na subh tumhar shert ke chakkar mein hum unke bataye nahi isliye ab wo kisi jwalamukhi ki trah bni bethi hongi"""""""
Suddenly, a harsh voice rang in their ears: 'Why so silent now? Finally decided to show up, have you?'
Both of them froze instantly. Shivanshi bit her tongue in panic and hissed, ' lag gyi lanka """"As they slowly turned around, Mahi leaned in and whispered urgently into Shivanshi’s ear, 'Damn it, ab tumhari wajh se humbhi suta diye jayenge """""
Shivanshi shot back under her breath, 'Oh, really? You’re the one always chanting "hum sath sath hai"""so enjoy the beating! Why are you crying to me now?'
Before they could argue further,
the woman—Shivanshi’s mother, Anshika mishra—stepped into the light. Her eyes were narrowed with authority. 'I am talking to you!' Anshika demanded. 'I told you specifically to inform me before stepping out. Why didn't you? Answer me right now!'
Trying to save the situation, Shivanshi rushed forward and threw her arms around her mother’s neck in a desperate hug. 'Mom, please don't get so worked up! I'm so sorry. We really wanted to tell you, but you looked so peaceful sleeping that we didn't want to disturb your rest. Please, forgive us just this once?'"
Anshika laughed softly, pushing her।
daughter away with a playful nudge. "Alright, alright, that’s enough clinging for one day! Go now, make the tea and take it to your father. He’s out in the back courtyard, likely lost in his own world." Shivanshi nodded with a bright smile, and then Anshika turned toward the kitchen, her voice warming with domestic urgency. "Mahi, come quickly! Let’s get these kachoris and jalebis piping hot." Mahi didn't need to be told twice; she dashed toward the kitchen, with Shivanshi following close behind, the house filling with the scent of spices and sisterly and bestie laughter.
Moments later, Shivanshi emerged, balancing the tray with careful grace. As she stepped into the sunlight of the courtyard, she saw him—her father, sitting in his favorite sofa, the newspaper held up like a shield against the world. Wanting to surprise him, she began to walk on the balls of her feet, suppressing a giggle, her eyes dancing with mischief as she crept closer.
Without even lowering the paper, Neel spoke, his voice thick with a gentle, knowing warmth. "Shiv... I know it’s you, my princess." Shivanshi’s face fell into a dramatic, adorable pout as she stepped into his line of sight. "Oh, Papa! How do you always know? I was being so quiet!"
Neil folded his paper and looked up, his eyes softening as they rested on his daughter. He reached out to take the tea, his smile reaching his eyes. "Beta, a father is attuned to the very rhythm of his child’s soul. I know every breath you take, every quiet footstep... and besides," he added with a wink, gesturing toward her feet, "those anklets of yours are far too fond of telling all your secrets."
Shivanshi set the tray down on the small wooden table next to him. "I thought I was being quiet this time! I even held my breath," she huffed, crossing her arms playfully.
Neil set the newspaper aside and looked at her with warmth in his eyes. "You can hold your breath, Shiv, but you can’t stop the music of those anklets. They’ve been announcing your arrival since you were 3 years old."
He took a sip of the steaming tea and sighed in satisfaction. "Ah, just the way I like it. Did your mother help, or did you manage this magic yourself?"
"I helped!" Mahi chimed in, coming in back courtyard from the kitchen with a plate of glistening, hot jalebis. "But Anshika Auntie says if Shivanshi stays in the kitchen too long, the salt might turn into sugar out of sheer confusion."
They all laughed, the sound echoing through the quiet courtyard. Neil patted the seat next to him. "Sit, both of you.i dont shouldn't have to drink tea alone when my world is right here in front of me
Shivanshi sat down, her expression softening. "Papa, do you think I'll ever be as observant as you?"
Before Neil could give any answer, Mahi jumped in and said, 'I don’t know about being observant, but you are definitely great at giving people a "washing" (thrashing), no doubt.' While saying this, she was eating a jalebi, while Neil laughed at her remark and Shivanshi started staring her down. But then, Neil smiled
And reached out and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. "You already are, beta. You just observe with your heart, while I observe with my ears. Now, tell me, what’s the real reason for this extra-special tea? Is there a new dress you've spotted, or are you just buttering me up before the exam results?"
But shivanshi। Didn't replied she just hugged him from the side. Stroking her head, and mahi followed the same from other side Neel said, 'What happened, my laado and mihu (dear)? Is everything okay?' Shivanshi replied, 'Everything is fine, I just wanted to hug you.' Neel Ji smiled at her words and continued to stroke her and mahi hair."
