Ramana Sakhi
Dear Krishna,
I find myself trembling as I write this, unsure of what right I have to call you dear. Yet, I cannot contain the storm within my heart any longer. Tomorrow, I will leave this place forever. Time has slipped through my fingers like sand, and now, the final day is upon us.
We will never meet again because to meet, we must be equals. You are a prince, and I... I am but a mere shadow in your radiant world. You may not even remember our first encounter. A humble bullock cart crossed our path, and there you were, sitting gracefully, guiding us. I stole glances at you, hidden behind the veil of my modesty. The sound of your voice was honey to my ears, intoxicating and sweet. The air around you seemed to bloom with the fragrance of spring, and though I could not see your face clearly, the mere sight of you from behind left me spellbound.
Your hands, as they gestured to show the way, seemed softer than the petals of a lotus. Clad in white, you were like a vision of silver, shimmering in the light. Your presence was a spell, an enchantment I could not escape. When you departed, my heart grew restless. Your words echoed in my mind, your glimpses replayed in my dreams. I waited, foolishly hoping you would return.
One night, as I gazed at the moon through a broken window, a storm broke. The howling wind and lightning cast eerie shadows. Despite my fear, I ventured outside, drawn by the sound of a chirping bird. The trees, illuminated by the flashes of lightning, appeared monstrous. I pressed on, clutching my ghagra, my heart pounding. Near a large tree, I saw you again, cradling a bird and its chicks in your cloak. You looked like a celestial being descended from the heavens, your wet form glistening like the moonlight on water.
Your eyes, filled with concern for the birds, were vast oceans I longed to drown in. Your ears adorned with small earrings, your nose, your lips—each feature was a masterpiece of nature. When you turned to leave, I felt a pang of regret. For the first time, I wished I were not human, but that bird nestled in your care.
I must have fainted in the rain, for I woke up in ruins. Worried about my family, I hurried home but paused by the tree where your footprints lingered. I touched them, smiling inexplicably. A thread from your garment lay there, a precious relic I tied around my wrist.
When you came to our home, I was tasked with washing your feet, a custom for honored guests. My hands trembled as I approached you, and the pot slipped from my grasp, my fingers brushing your feet. They were soft, like butter. Those moments of touch left me breathless, overwhelmed by your mere presence.
As you drank the water I offered, our eyes met briefly, and I felt my soul leave my body. Your smile, your gentle demeanor, everything about you was captivating. I clung to the pot, cherishing it as a token of our fleeting connection.
I spent my days reliving those moments, clinging to the thread, the pot, and the memory of your feet. I knew you were receiving education at your Guru's ashram, making it rare to see you. Yet, every glimpse of you, every smile, filled my heart with a bittersweet joy.
The last time we met, you took flowers from my hands, a white blossom tangled in my hair. You gently removed it, placing it in my hand with a smile, saying, "Perhaps this flower was meant for you, my friend." Your words, so sweet and kind, left me trembling.
As you walked away, your friend asked how I became your friend. You replied, "She gave me water to drink. I owe her a debt of gratitude." Those words were the sweetest I had ever heard. Now, as I prepare to leave, I carry your memories with me, the thread, the dust of your feet, and the name you bestowed upon me, "Sakhi."
I know I have no place in your life, but you will always have a place in mine. Your memories are a treasure I will cherish forever. Even though I cannot give you this letter, I want you to know that you have filled my heart with a love that transcends time and distance.
May you always be surrounded by love, your smile never fading. Even in difficult times, let your smile be a beacon of hope.
Yours eternally,
Ramana Sakhi
Your portrayal of emotions is so genuine..Radhe Radhe
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