Alarm went off signalling my time out zone to push myself out of the warm cosiness of my plush velvety bed .

I groaned a bit while rubbing my eyes in circles and sitting up straight. I arched my back, stretched my arms out while twisting and flexing out the cobwebs of my sleep.

I let out a deep and whole hearted yawn earning a chirpy chuckle from the one who was sleeping beside me.

I sighed while slumping my shoulders, sleep was kinda enticing me in its enthralling dazzling charm like a well versed charmer. My whole body screamed to go back to sleep but somewhere a small voice alerted me to do my routine and following domestic chores.

Idiot of a girl vocal practise should be done at any cost (understand!)

I heard my prankster fairy's chiming when my eyelids drooped sleepily

With an unwilling whimper I snapped at Tinkie, my prankster fairy. Shut up! And go to sleep you puny girl!

Once again after undergoing stretching out my cobwebs of sleep spree I came to senses.

I groped my hands through my bed and reached for my pillow, still my eyes closed. When my sleepy numb fingers caught hold of my precious possession a blissful smile made its euphoric entry through my curved twitching lips.

I brought that tiny yet precious piece of my heart near my face. With the other hand I fumbled and fiddled with the bedside table lamp switch until my languid ,numb and sleepy fingers succeeded in switching on the light.

I squeezed my eyes once more before fluttering open them. When I opened my sore sleepy eyes the sight which awaited me gave the ecstatic pleasure of this whole world.

The one who won my heart is in front of my eyes I am holding the one who is within me and will ever be with me.Nothing could ever part me from this glorious one.

My love, my world, my solace, My everything I stared at him for sometime while a deep kind of tranquility began to reign my innards filling me with a new energy to start my day.

"Love you my gorgeous one. Never think of anyone when I am here thinking about you 24/7 okay! You mischievous thief of hearts! Okay, I agree you are meant for that. But not anymore. Are you getting what I am saying" I prattled in a demanding voice at his face while his face beamed with the usual sly dazzling smile which will steal any heart.

I sighed defeatedly for falling again and again so hard for this charming one in front of me.

"You did the crime of stealing my heart so the punishment for it is, you will love me and only me forever,understand mister?" I asked in a authoritative voice while pointing my left finger towards the tiny statue in my hand.

"Hey! What are you looking with so much mischief stock piled in your big brown eyes? Don't show me those cutie cute pout okay! I know everything, the way you make your work done with those cute pouts and soft looks. I am not gonna fall for that. Is that clear mister? You should have known I am a world class clingy girl when you dared to steal away my heart. Now just sit and endure my torturous behavior " I said in an admonishing tone while stroking that beloved pic of my everything. My heart sparkled and throbbed with ecstasy

"Well, I know, you will. So love you my sweetheart kichna. My sweetie heartie lover. Muwah! Muwah!" I kissed the statue in my hand

The statue of my precious lover, my dream, my piety. Krishna! I viewed his flawless chubby face for sometime. His smile never fails to take away every pain and burden my heart sometimes undergoes and provide with a hope of everything. He fills the vacant space of my heart with a mirth which is kinda difficult to explain.

It should be experienced. And I am lucky enough to get that doting insight on a daily basis. When ever I view Krishna I feel like I am becoming pure and purged out of all the malignance of this world.

I feel like an infant who had stepped in to the world in all its purity. His smile and his face has that effect on me always.

I sighed looking at my Krishna and kissing him profusely while holding the statue close to my heart and closing my eyes and sitting quiet savouring the blissful moment my Krishna provided me with.

". ( kichu, what are you doing this early girl? Go back to sleep girl) It is only 3.40a.m in the morning. (What gibberish are you blubbering girl) " My delectable moments with Krishna were interjected by a hoarse and tired voice of Saffy akka. I sighed when she yanked my arm back making me fall on my pillow.

" ( music practice ) meditation, martial arts practice, dance practice and goes on my list to do things for the day. I need to be prim when kids come for class today. You sleep akka. First of I need to have my shower and get ready for all the above said stuff. You sleep akka" saying so when I turned I saw saffy akka sleeping peacefully. Her lips were a bit parted. She seemed a bit worn out. But her sleep was peaceful.

I smiled at my sister while slowly taking her hand which were still holding my arm. I unclasped her hold and kept her hand on the pillow.

I put krishna's cute statue back to the bed side table, Its usual place. During night time I keep his picture beside me . I feel at ease and peace when I do so.

I get a feel that someone is watching over me with loving and wakeful eyes whenever I place his picture beside me before going to sleep.

After Gran's death I was kinda stranded because of mom's miscarriage and other ensuing hardships I faced in my family. So Krishna became my angel and benefactor.

Still I don't know how and when I exactly I developed this much passion for this mesmerizing God. A smile crept out of my face at the very thought with out any effort.

He is good at giving such feels. Love you! my life! my everything! I chimed inside my heart. It has become a habit for me to chant these words for lord Krishna. Like breathing,like heart beat I go on chanting these words as a mantra.

Once again I glanced at the beautiful pic of my lovely God who rules my heart and my very being

I slowly got out of my bed and headed towards the wardrobe and took out the clothes I needed for the day.

I chose a full net sleeve Anarkali princess chudi of pure white which resembled my mindset now.

Then I dashed into the bathroom. Brushed my teeth before applying some beauty enhancing herbal pastes specially made by my chithi and periyamma for me and saffy.

After applying the pack I paced around my room aimlessly lost in my own world and dreaming about random stuff.

After a few minutes effort my pack seemed semi dried. I looked at the clock and my heart droop to my stomach. 4.30 a.m Gosh ! I took so long for all this.

I sprinted towards the bathroom in jet speed and stripped off my PJs and stood under the shower the cold drizzling water first gave a piercing effect to my skin which made me wince and cringe in the process. After cringing a few times my body got acclimatized to the temperature of the icy cold water.

After finishing my bath I stumbled out of the shower and took the bathrobe and draped it over me.

With my turkey towel I rubbed my wet long hair dry. After a few minutes rubbing I hung the towel on the bathroom stand and got out of the bathroom.

Saffy is still asleep. Krystal is sleeping on an airo space mattress which was laid adjacent to our bed. She too seemed fast asleep which gave me free access to the room without any shame of being only in my bathrobe.

After getting ready for the day I slowly got out of the room and started towards the balcony.

I did my saadhagam peacefully and calmly. A new set of freshness surged through my veins providing me with some reviving and rejuvenating thoughts.

Still me being Pearl there was always room for some perturbation to linger around and threaten my being.

Some images which don't have any relevance to my life or present living soared in and out of mind like a warning.

°~'°~'•°~'•°'~'°~'•°

"Why kanna? Why all this is happening to me alone like a shower of metallic brick. ( What did I ever do to deserve all this in one go. Do you have an iota of mercy Kanna. Why you keep me as a girl who is destined to suffer all the ordeals,pain and agony that come her way. Is this the way you bejewel my life for just chanting your name all my life. Why my Krishna,Why me always?)Kanna I don't do all this-my bhakthi,my devotion, my chanting -not in expectation of any reward from you then why don't you spare me from all these unwanted miseries and agonies Oh!my Krishna." I wailed sitting before the statue of my favourite one in this world-my .

Tears fell out of my eyes like big transparent pearls.

"I can't take anymore of it kanna. Things are seeping out of my grasp. My parents clearly warned me to be prepared to become a bride. And I deliberately object this decision of theirs. When you reside in my mind ,how come, I could ever think of giving a space to another man in my life and heart. My heart and life belong to you kanna. Yeah, I agree you can be a pain at times. But I love it with all my heart and being. I know ,you love me dearly that is why you always make things harder for me. You are one imp of a boy I must say. Still you are mine I won't let you slip out of my being that easily. Even if you make my life a scourging pyre I won't mind standing on it if you stay with me as a calming cool breeze. Only thing I need in my life is the constant presence of yours felt. But I won't let any idiot to enter my life and warp the tranquility I share having you in my heart that easily. Do whatever you can. Whatever vision you throw at my direction I won't waver or deviate from the love I have for you. You can test me as much as you want. I will endure every single pain with a hearty smile to this world and ton of complaints to your ears. Beware! I will make you suffer with my complaints. So it is better to make everything easy for me than making me suffer." I said determinedly and warningly staring at the small statue of Krishna with ferociousness.

I am now seated in the garden doing my daily meditation and other routines.

And talking to my Kanna is the foremost duty of mine than anything else.

I glared at him but he calmly smiled at me as always.

"This smile how I hate it you know. But I can't live without seeing your smile as well. Why kanna? You always win the game with this smile. You are really a thief but the cutest thief. I must admit, begrudgingly enough"I sighed defeatedly shaking my head.

I just kept looking at the small statue in my palm. He became my companion since when I have no idea.

But one thing that was sure is that I haven't spend a day without giving beautiful piece of my mind to this lovely baby boy. Yup there is room for cunningness too on this cute face.

But that is what I love the most in this tiny cherub Krishna.

He is cute, shrewd, loving, a great listener and his titles go on like this.

"Never ever dare to think of another girl when I am alive got that. "I warned showing my left index finger at the small statue of Krishna.

"Never! Who will ever dare to compete with a girl who has gone nuts. I think Krishna values his life more than having a handful of girl friends. I assure you that. " The tranquil silence got a tweaking halt when a deep jeering voice penetrated through the cavernous calm of morning.

I jumped at the impact that voice had on me. I furled up my fingers and held the statue of Krishna tight under the firm grip of my fingers. When my mind settled to the situation I looked around

My eyes got hooked to a person who sat on the meadow a little distance away from me. He sat with his legs crossed and his elbows placed on his lap. His fingers interlaced together and kept as a good support under his chin.

His eyes vibrantly sparked and gleamed of mischief.

A smirk was playing across his face revealing his dimples more prominently.

"Om!" I bellowed as usual. Now it has become more or less a routine to chant his name in a bellowing and whining manner whenever I have an encounter with him.

"Wow! You chant my name like a mantra. God! I feel so God like" Om said animatedly much to my vexation.

" ( keep your flutter fairies at check mister) I scowled at him with my one eyebrow flexed up pointedly.

"Your statements and certain remarks contradict, don't you think so?" Om queried in a casual tone but an undertone of taunting was discernible in his mannerism.

I flushed when I realized that he has been a silent spectator and audience to all the crazy libretto I have presented before the statue of Krishna.

I tried to cover up my embarrassment by pretending to be not at all affected. I squared my shoulders up and raised my chin up.

"It is his pain to look after. He will take it whatever I offer. And whatever I say or do never ever come under your concern territory. Got that" I presented a quick chiding spree at Om while snapping my fingers at him.

"You are blushing furiously. Any explanation miss" Om pointed towards my cheek with smirk adorning his features arrogantly.

Instinctively I raised my hand and felt my cheek and rubbed it with my palm like it will help.

"Really?" I blurted out foolishly while rubbing my cheeks.

Om nodded pursing his lips,his forehead creasing into a serious expression. Before anyone knew he burst out into a peel of rumbustious laughter.

The whole garden ambiance resonated and reverberated with his deafening yet cheerful laughter.

"I..I .sorry..but you look ...really cute when you are confused and blushing at the same time" Om said calming his laughter to chortles.

I narrowed my eyes at him irately.

"I know.Anything new" I retorted with an air though there was nothing to hold up with pride.

Khushi who was standing behind him giggled nudging her brother with her head cutely. She was leaning against him with her tiny arms locked around his shoulders and her head resting on his cheek.

" ( Brother you are just impossible. Why you always taunt sister like this) Khushi slightly tweaked her brother's cheek with her tiny fingers and chided him cutely.

This cute exchange made me smile.

Thank you Krishna for bringing a smile on my face. I looked at the statue of my Krishna gratefully.

He never fails to bring a smile on my face every time I am thrown amidst dense emotional turmoil.

The way he makes it difficult for me at times. He never fails to lighten the situation with some good and soothing moments conjured before me to cherish for a life time.

And with Khushi and Om things seem more beautiful and cute than ever.

This phase of my life is gonna be one beautiful and enrapturous spell to cherish for years to come. May be these memories can prove to be the only perk and happiness left in my life.

I should enjoy and savour this moment.

I took in the beautiful exchange of Om and Khushi with a smile. I flickered my eyes like trapping their beauteous image in my mind's picture album.

Forever and ever ,with a smile.

I smiled again looking at my Krishna.

"Someone is smiling brightly today" Om again taunted me snapping me out of the beautiful land I was living with my Krishna.

"Any problem?" I snapped at him irately. He chuckled enjoying my furious stance while rocking Khushi to and fro.

"I am fit as a fiddle miss. But someone needs a complete fix when it comes to their welfare regarding nerves." Om retorted with a tinge of biting sarcasm underlying his voice and features akin.

"Om!" I whined impatiently.

"Yes darling. Always here at your service miss sweetheart" Om retorted with a sly smile.

I was about to burst out my anger.

". ( Let it be kids. Why are you guys picking on my little dolly) I heard the benevolent and soft voice Of Surili aunty.

I got up hastily when I saw her standing a bit away from us with Daniel uncle. I greeted them by joining my hands and standing aside.

They nodded and smiled at me exuberantly.

Both looked happy and fresh. Daniel uncle was wearing a casual white long kurta and white pajama.

Aunty was in a trendy palazzo with a long shirt like kurti. Her brownish silk like shoulder length hair was left open

Dad! Handsome as ever" Khushi squeaked with her thumbs up

Daniel uncle laughed exuberantly throw up his head.

Surili aunty smiled placing her index finger on her long nose tip viewing the tiny cuteness who adorns their life miraculously with her presence and innocent remarks.

"Thank you my little princess" Daniel uncle said gently leaning forward and ruffling Khushi's hair endearingly.