The Lost Time ?

 The Kedarnath Temple, nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas, stood majestic against the azure sky, its centuries-old stone walls radiating an air of sanctity and serenity. Pilgrims from across the globe had gathered here, seeking the blessings of the eleventh of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple’s gates, freshly adorned with marigold garlands, marked the beginning of the sacred season in May, a time when the temple remained open until October before the unforgiving Himalayan winters claimed the region.

Among the throng of devotees was a unique group—a small NGO known as "The Dream Place." Founded by Sia, a spirited young woman with a compassionate heart, the organization was committed to fulfilling the dreams of the underprivileged who could never imagine embarking on such pilgrimages due to financial constraints.

Sia, dressed in a simple yet elegant white kurta paired with a flowing pastel blue dupatta, moved gracefully amidst the group. Her kind eyes reflected her unwavering determination. For her, the temple was not merely a place of worship but a beacon of equality, a reminder that everyone deserved the right to dream, irrespective of their circumstances.

As she discussed logistics with the guide, an elderly woman from the group approached her, her frail frame wrapped in a faded but neatly draped saree. Her silver hair was tied in a bun, and her weathered face bore the lines of countless sacrifices.

“Siya…” the woman called out softly, her voice trembling yet filled with gratitude.

Sia turned instantly, her ever-gentle smile lighting up her face. “Yes, Aunty, do you need anything?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.

The woman took Sia’s hand in hers, her eyes moist. “Dear, my own family, for whom I worked day and night, sees me as a burden now. They get irritated even if I ask a single question. But you... why do you care for us so much? Why take on this burden of bringing us here, to a place we never thought we could visit?”

Sia’s smile faltered for a moment, and a shadow of pain crossed her face. She replied softly, “I’m not as selfless as you think, Aunty. This isn’t help—it’s atonement. I’m just trying to find peace within myself, a peace that has been dying in guilt. That’s all.”

The sincerity in her words was evident, but the tears that welled up in her eyes betrayed the deep sorrow she carried.

Later that day, the group paused at a quaint café tucked away in the mountains. The earthy aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air, mingling with the chill of the Himalayan breeze. The café’s wooden interiors, adorned with colorful prayer flags, offered a cozy retreat. The group settled into mismatched chairs, their hands warming around steaming cups of coffee.

Sia, however, chose a corner table by the window. She sat in silence, her gaze fixed on the snow-capped peaks in the distance. Her dark hair, loosely braided over her shoulder, caught the soft glow of the setting sun. Despite the lively chatter around her, she seemed miles away, lost in the labyrinth of her memories.

A gentle touch on her shoulder pulled her back to the present. Sanchi, a young woman of Sia’s age dressed in a casual sweatshirt and jeans, stood beside her, concern evident in her almond-shaped eyes.

“What’s wrong, Sia?” she asked, her tone soft but probing.

Sia hesitated, then sighed deeply. “It’s nothing.”

“Is it the same thing?” Sanchi pressed, her voice firmer this time.

Sia took a small sip of her coffee, her trembling hands betraying the turmoil within. “I can’t escape it, Sanchi. I will never forgive myself. My mistake… it cost me everything. I’m alone in this world because of what I did.”

Sanchi reached out, clasping Sia’s hand tightly. “You can’t keep punishing yourself, Sia. What’s done is done. You have to move on.”

But Sia shook her head, her voice cracking as tears threatened to spill. “How can I move on? I am the reason my parents… my sister… are no longer alive. Their deaths are my burden to bear.”

Her voice faltered, and before Sanchi could say another word, Sia stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the wooden floor. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, “I need some air. Please… excuse me.”

She hurried out of the café, her sobs muffled by the cool wind outside. Sanchi watched her leave, her heart aching for her friend but helpless to ease the guilt that consumed her not realising that there are another pair of eyes watching her every move with an evil smirk.