The early morning sunlight spilled over the Thakur Haveli, falling on the meticulously cleaned and decorated temple area. Shrimala had been at work since dawn, arranging flowers, sweeping the courtyard, and setting every ritual item with painstaking care. Today was Mahashivratri, the most auspicious day of the year, and Shrimala poured her heart into every little detail.

She believed deeply in Mahadev, but her prayers, as always, were for the well-being of the Thakur family—those who barely spared her a thought. Yet, for Shrimala, family came first. Always.