Opposites Attract

10.

The darkest nights,
Gives the brightest stars.

°°°°

Two days later

Why the hell am I awake at five in the morning?

I hear some commotion from down the stairs. Is Sierra awake? This soon? I never know when she wakes up or goes to sleep. Or if she even sleeps at all.

That girl is truly dedicated to her duties.

Then I hear a sweet singing voice. I can immediately place it as Sierra's something is different. I walk out of my room to listen closely.

That's it. She is singing in her native tongue. Also there is the sound of a bell ringing.

She comes into my peripheral when I'm on the last third step.

I freeze.

She is adorning a traditional Indian kurta and leggings and her head is half covered with a long piece of cloth that is called a dupatta I guess.

Her hands have colourful bangles in them. Her half wet hairs frames the side of her face beautifully.

In her hand is a tray with a diya in it. And with her free hand, she is diverting the vapours of the fire towards different parts of the house singing in a melodious tone all the while.

She turns and spot me and freezes.

I intake a sharp breath. Her eyes are lined with a dark layer of kohl and there is a small red something between her brows.

Stunning doesn't even begin to cover how she looks. She looks divine and heavenly.

"Did I disturb your sleep? I'm so sorry if I did." She says.

I shake my head. "What are you doing?" I point at the tray in her hand.

"I'm... praying. Performing a ritual Hindus do every morning." She tells hesitantly.

"Why were you spreading the vapours?" I ask, really curious by now. I've never seen anything like this in my entire life.

She smiles. "It's believed in us that fire is holy. It purifies things. I'm purifying the house. Or you can say.. eradicating the negative energy." She explains. "Do you have a problem?" She questions shyly.

"No. Not at all. I'm just surprised that's all. Please continue." I assure her.

She walks to me with that cute smile of hers. She stops in front of me, runs her hand slowly over the fire and then places her warm hand on my cheek. "Bhagwan tumhari raksha kare. Tumhari har kaam me maddad kare." (May the Lord protect and help you.)

Even though I don't understand a single word of what she just said, I'm touched. This simple act has spreaded  warmth inside me. The hollow of loniless and abandonment fills up a little.

When she is about to remove her hand, I hold it in place. "Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me for this. I do it every morning." She replies and pulls her hand back. "You will be alright." Did she read my mind? Is she psychic? "I'll go change and then make breakfast." She walks past me but I grab her wrist.