ELEVEN
Sanjay was introduced to Navya at 'Sukun' but then she was known as Mehuli.
Mehuli had nearly recovered and was learning a new pattern of knitting from Naveena Tai when Dr. Trivedi came up and stood beside.
"I want your help Navya."
Mehuli looked puzzled as there was no one named Navya.
Dr. Trivedi touched her head lovingly and said "From now on, you will be called Navya as It's your new birth.
"We want to take care of one of your mates, Sanjay to make his recovery faster and so, we will be arranging the celebration of 'Bhai- Duj' tomorrow in a lavish way. We want to restore Sanjay's faith and love for the females... let's start with the purest one… brother- sister relationship.
Naveena Tai, you will help Navya so that Sanjay regains his trust for the motherly women too. You will do it with utmost love and care and I know nobody can do it better than you."
Rows of mats were spread on the floor. A few boys and girls entered the room decorated with diya, flowers, incense and rangoli.
Sanjay came along with Parmeet.
Dr. Trivedi looked happy and said "Let's have some music and dance to celebrate."
Parmeet said "Sanjay is very good at mouth organ, Rohit sings well. Navya dances beautifully. Others please come forward."
Rohit's song, accompanied by Sanjay's mouth organ and Navya's dance filled everyone's heart with joy.
They were seated after the cultural program was over... Navya approached Sanjay and touched his hands with care. Sanjay crouched and pulled his hands back. Navya placed her hand on his again and looked into his eyes to say "Won't you talk to me, Bhaiya? I don't have a brother and I want to have you in my life."
Sanjay's hand started shaking in Navya's.
"I don't deserve to be anyone's brother."
"We are children of God and related to each other in some way or other."
Navya put a sandalwood- paste teeka on Sanjay's forehead and wished him a long life. She handed him a plate of sweets.
Sanjay smiled as he accepted the plate of sweets and offered some to Navya and said "You have honoured me as your brother but you don't know anything about me, I'm not at all a good soul."
"I just know that you are my brother and I am your sister. Now have some sweets."
Gradually a deep friendship developed between them.
Both of them recovered at their own pace.
