The little girl fell asleep on her mother’s shoulder
A moment before that
They were standing in front of the flower shop
The scent of fresh jasmine buds about to bloom
Which followed her even in her sleep
Later when Tamara opened her eyes
-That’s her name-
She couldn’t utter one word out of astonishment
They were standing inside a small shop
And hundreds of “Krishnas” surrounded her-
Just her.
Every Krishnan had the same look, the same expression
Even smiled alike.
Amma was buying a white conch shell for pooja.
She has a black Krishnan at home
Gifted by her “Ammi”
She loved hugging, kissing and feeding him
-Her best friend.
Now they are about close the shop
One by one each Krishnan was going inside
Her heart sank
The last bulb closed its eyes.
She laid her head on her mother’s shoulder once again.