Threads of hope

Rukmini was going through a rough patch until, one day, a stocky man stepped onto her pavement, searching for a job to keep his life going in the city of riches.

Rukmini, who had stopped frequenting temples shortly after her husband’s death, now found herself going to them more often. She alternated between Bindhyabasini and Kedareshwor and sometimes rowed a boat to reach Tal Barahi Temple, situated in the middle of Phewa Lake. If she had to name her favourite temple, she wouldn't think twice—Tal Barahi had her heart. However, rowing the boat each time to reach the temple surrounded by water was exhausting. Once she set foot on the ground of Tal Barahi, her lungs seemed to draw in more air than she had in days; she liked to tell herself that she was the daughter of the Goddess, and every daughter felt euphoric upon meeting her mother.