Chapter 28: Morning in Rajgarh

Poornima woke up early in the morning. The soft light of dawn had just started spreading across the balcony. For a moment she sat still, slowly remembering where she was.

The shawl around her shoulders caught her attention.

She looked at it quietly and understood immediately who had placed it there. A small, gentle smile came on her face without her even realizing it.

She held the shawl for a second, then slowly got up and went inside.

She freshened up quietly, letting the cold water fully wake her. Then she wore a simple cream saree, tied her hair neatly, and adjusted herself in front of the mirror. There was a calmness in her movements, as if she was slowly settling into a new life.

After a few moments, she walked downstairs.

The haveli was already active. Morning sounds of utensils, footsteps, and distant voices filled the space.

She stopped near the temple area inside the house and folded her hands.

“Hey Bhagwan… mujhe shakti dena,” she said softly. “Aur sahi raasta dikhana.”

She stayed there for a moment in silence, then opened her eyes and turned toward the kitchen.

A few maids noticed her and immediately smiled respectfully.

One of them came forward and said, “Namaste baisa.”

Poornima nodded gently. “Namaste.”

She looked around and asked softly, “Yahan ka routine kya hota hai?”

The maid replied, “Baisa, subah sabse pehle ghar ki safai hoti hai, phir chai banti hai. Thakur sahab subah jaldi kheton ya kaam ke liye nikal jaate hain. Breakfast uske baad serve hota hai. Aur aapko jo bhi zarurat ho, hum hain.”

Another maid added politely, “Aur gaon mein log subah subah milne bhi aate hain Thakur sahab se.”

Poornima listened carefully, taking in every word.

“Achha,” she said softly. “Samajh gayi.”

She paused for a moment and then asked again, a little more quietly, “Thakur ji… uth gaye kya?”

The maid replied, “Ji baisa, woh kab ka uth gaye hain. Bahar hain shayad ya kaam mein honge.”

Poornima nodded slowly.

“Thik hai,” she said gently.

And she stood there for a moment longer, quietly observing her new surroundings, slowly beginning to understand the rhythm of Rajgarh.