Ruku

‘’ Beti, Ruku, how many packets have been sold?’’ – an ailing Ramlal asked her little daughter. Few drops spilt from his eyes.

 “Baba three. Two are left.” – Ruku.

Rukmini used to live with her father in a small village Ranipur. She lost her mother at a tender age. Her father, Ramlal was also suffering from heart issues so he couldn’t engage in heavy jobs. Ruku, as she was called by everyone in the village, used to help her father after school by selling incense sticks in the nearby market.

One day, “Baba, for going into the market, the shortest way leads through the forest. That really scares me a lot as it is dense.”- Ruku.

Ramlal was very sad. He was feeling helpless and was cursing himself for this precarious situation.

Tenderly he replied, ‘’ Whenever you feel scared just call your Gopi Bhaiya, he will escort you out of all dangers.”

Ruku was very happy thinking that someone was there in the forest to help her. The little girl didn’t feel the need to ask who that Gopi Bhaiya was.

That afternoon Ruku was hurrying through the jungle. She had gone to the market. It was raining hard. The old torch was not working.

Suddenly lightning flashed. She was petrified and started crying. As warm water rolled down her cheeks, she remembered her father’s words.

“Gopi Bhaiya, Gopi Bhaiya where are you? Please help me.”-she started shouting at the top of her voice.

Unexpectedly, a sweet voice answered, “Don’t worry Rukmini. Your Gopi Bhaiya is here.”

“I am always with you. Come with me. Don’t be afraid.”- the soothing voice comforted her.

She found a young boy who was guiding her through the dark forest.

That night in her hut, Ruku found a peacock feather in the torn pocket of her frock.