It was 6 a.m. when Twinkle laced up her sneakers, ready to embrace the crisp February morning. Today wasn’t just any day—it was Vasant Panchami, the festival of knowledge, learning, and new beginnings.
For Twinkle, it had always held a special place in her heart.
Alongside her 15-year-old daughter Aadya, she stepped out for a basketball class. Rekindling an old passion, Twinkle had recently returned to coaching, and sharing the court with Aadya made it even more special.
Twinkle was more than just a coach—she was also a Science teacher at Sunrise Public School, Rishikesh, where she guided students of Grades 9 and 10.
After a warm prayer session at home—offering yellow flowers and sweets to Goddess Saraswati—Twinkle and Aadya got ready to leave for school early. Twinkle had to help with the arrangements for the Saraswati Pooja, and Aadya had a big day ahead—she was captaining the Under-16 school basketball team in an inter-school tournament.
The venue: Achiever’s Stadium, nestled beside the serene banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh.
Aadya loved visiting the spot. “Mamma,” she had asked countless times, “why do you love this place so much?”
Twinkle would always smile. “Because it holds stories, Aadya. Some unfinished, some unforgettable.”
The match was scheduled for 1 p.m., and by noon, the stadium buzzed with energy. As the Sunrise team walked onto the court, Twinkle cheered louder than anyone. But her heart skipped a beat when she heard the name of the chief guest—Raj Khatri.
A former national basketball player, Raj now ran a prestigious academy in Chandigarh. More importantly—he was someone from Twinkle’s past. Someone she hadn't seen in fifteen years.
The whistle blew. The match began.
The Sunrise team played their hearts out—and emerged victorious.
Raj Khatri stepped forward to present the trophy and prize money. Aadya, beaming with pride, accepted the prize.
“Thank you, Sir,” she said politely, then turned, eyes scanning the crowd.
“Mamma, we won!” she called out, eyes sparkling.
Twinkle clapped, her heart swelling. “Congratulations, my champion! I’m so proud of you,” she said.
And then… her eyes met Raj’s.
They hadn’t seen each other in over a decade. Still, he smiled—like no time had passed.
Twinkle walked over. Raj extended his hand. “You’re just as beautiful today… as you were fifteen years ago,” he said.
Twinkle chuckled lightly, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Some things change. Some don’t.”
Before she could say more, a student called out, “Twinkle ma’am, we want you in the team photo!”
“I’m coming, beta,” she replied, then turned back to Raj.
“Quite a coincidence, huh?” she said. “Meeting here. Same court. Same date. Vasant Panchami.”
Raj nodded. “Almost feels like destiny brought me here.” Then, more hesitantly, “It seems you’ve forgiven me.”
“I have,” Twinkle said, her tone calm but firm.
Raj’s eyes wandered to Aadya. “She’s your daughter, right? Looks just like you—those deep brown eyes. But don’t mind if I say… she has my curly hair.”
Twinkle gave a small smile. “Of course.”
Raj frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Let it be,” she said, softly.
Raj paused. “So... how’s your husband? The one you fell for—back in college. Rishi, wasn’t it?”
Twinkle’s expression changed. “That was your misunderstanding, Raj. Rishi was just a friend.”
Raj looked away, visibly uncomfortable. “Does it even matter now? Tell me, where do you live? What does your husband do?”
“I didn’t marry, Raj.”
His eyes widened. “But… Aadya... she has my hair,” he whispered.
Twinkle took a deep breath, steadying herself. “Do you remember the night after we won the inter-college tournament? We had booked a hotel nearby to celebrate. I was in Rishi’s room, decorating it with balloons, planning a surprise for you.”
Raj froze.
“You had stepped out to meet your seniors. But when you returned, you saw me there and walked away. You didn’t say a word. The next morning, you told me you couldn’t be with someone who shared a room with your best friend.”
Her voice trembled, but she held herself together. “You never let me explain, Raj.”
He looked stunned.
“Rishi eventually married his college sweetheart. But you…?”
“I got married. Arranged. We divorced,” he said quietly.
Just then, Aadya called out again, “Mamma, everyone’s waiting for you!”
“I’m coming, my child,” Twinkle replied, her voice filled with affection.
As she turned to leave, Raj stepped forward.
“Twinkle... I’m sorry. I was young, foolish, and impulsive. I didn’t listen. I let my pride ruin everything. Can we... can we start again?”
Twinkle looked at him with a softness that carried both pain and peace.
“I have Aadya, Raj. She and I come here often. We sit by the river, watch the sunset, and talk about dreams. I’ve built a quiet life—with the most beautiful gift life gave me.”
He swallowed hard, eyes misty.
She continued, “We can’t be together again, Raj. Too much time has passed. Too many pages turned. But... I love you till the end—in the form of Aadya.”
And with that, she walked away—graceful and grounded—into the golden light of the afternoon.
Raj stood still, watching the woman he had lost... and the daughter he never knew he had.
By Sonali Vashist
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