Who is the Other?

When the mighty Mother Ganga was to descend from heaven King Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva to check her fury lest she sweeps away Mother Earth with it. Thus, Lord Shiva caught her in his matted locks, and released her after her fury was abated. Still, she flows with powerful currents as she reaches the plains of Haridwar.

At the steps of Mother Ganga temple in Haridwar aarti is performed daily. Devotees light lamps at Kar ki pauri and float them in Mother Ganga. Rajat and his classmates were appearing for grade 8 exams. It was their dream to swim across the river. After their exams they decided to fulfil their dream.

As they inched closer to the river steps, they were drawn by the cool vibrations of a little girl lighting lamps with one that was alight in her hand. She seemed in a hurry, and left behind some lamps unlit.

Rajat looked at her enquiringly.