Short Story: The Art of Weaving

Surbhi Dadhich narrates a poignant tale of dreams and desires woven through the thread of survival.

Every day, Niyamma visits the old Laal Hanumanji Temple. It sits behind the pale yellow blocks that form the havelis of Sethji, all lined up together. There is a rugged path where the wall crumbled last month. This worn-out trail is her only way to that part of the village, where everything caters to Sethji’s havelis. Nobody knows about her secret passage. It is forbidden. Niyamma goes at dawn because she believes Laal Hanumanji washes away her sins. She circumambulates around the deity as the soles of her feet plod. Bits of ladoo prasadam, coins, and flower petals meant as offerings for the deity stick to her, glued by oil from the devotees. Sometimes, the oil spills from a narrow opening.