Mahi's P.O.V 

Krish and I walked towards the entry gates. Honestly, I had no clue where to look at. There are moments in life where we wished we had an extra pair of eyes to enjoy the beauty. This moment is one of those. The lens of the camera failed to capture the depth of the art that made its way to my heart in a breath. 

We all appreciate beauty whether it be through love, passion, or devotion, the feelings may be different but it leaves us with unknown happiness.

We walked towards the visitor center passing the welcome gates, enjoying the visual treat as I much as I could.

"How many times have you been here, Krish?"

"Ah... As many times as I've been to Delhi"

"That's more than five times! How could you not take me here,even once?!" I asked him as I was beyond surprised by his answer.

"Well, it's never too late than never, isn't it Mahi?" He replied with a sheepish grin.

We came out from a huge entrance adorned by sculptures of marvelous peacocks. It's amazing that even a single colour can have more depth and beauty to it. After all it's true as they say, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

In front of us stood the marble foot prints of Bhagwan Swaminarayan as Krish told me about it. The four sides are with conch shells showering water at his holy feet.

Opposite to it was the Akshardham  Mandir, we deposited our footwear and slowly walked towards the Mandir. The sky is clear, light breeze blew making me feel a new found happiness for the first time after that incident. I climbed the stairs and entered inside. I was mesmerized and was at loss of words.  I was facing the golden idols of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and his disciples. The interiors were of white marble, expressing grandeur,devotion, skills all at once. I closed my eyes and prayed for health and happiness to the world.

We exited and walked around the temple, admiring the art of the  grand elephants and lotus shaped ponds. We walked towards the ticket counter and Krish bought the tickets for exhibitions.

Our first exhibition -Sanskruti Darshan, cultural boat ride. We had to wait in the line, as the show was about to start in next fifteen minutes. I occupied the bench as Krish sat beside me. Water drizzled from the sprinklers from time to time to beat the Delhi's heat. I stared at Krish as he looked nervous. Something is up on his sleeve. What is he planning this time? Curiosity got the best of me and I blurted.

"What's it this time, Krish?"

"I do have something to tell you but..."

"Is it a bad news?"

"What?! No! I just don't know how to, I've been meaning to tell you this since yesterday..."

"Come on, open up! This isn't like you"

"The brand Ramco & Sons are investing around 50 lakhs to make a documentary on traditional and vegetarian food that's been lesser known and also to promote their food business. They've seen my work and hired me. Totally not because Ramco & Sons, son has been to our restaurant or the fact that he's my friend," spoke Krish.

"Congratulations! I'm so happy and proud of you!" I congratulated and gave him a side hug.

He smiled, "The thing is I need you to film the documentary, I've already promised them. They said that they would send a model to work with us. Please Mahi, you've to agree to this," he pleaded, shaking my hands.

"I will do it," I replied shaking my head.

"How come you've agreed to it without any bait?" Krish asked with his eyebrows raised.

"Ah... that...the line is moving Krish!" I diverted him as I don't want to admit that I am excited to take a long break, away from thinking about that idiot Sanjay.

A majestic boat designed as a swan arrived, we got on it. The motor started and the boat pushed forward sailing into the world before, that paved the way to technology of today. It was a new experience, a experience I'll never forget. We moved past Takshashila university, eye surgery that took place 1000 years ago, and many more. It was indeed amazing to know about all that in a  innovative way.

Our next exhibition was Sahajanand Darshan- Hall of values. A series of exhibits taken from the life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, each one with a valuable message. We were waiting for our turn, meanwhile Krish went to buy something to cool us down. He came back with pineapple pastry and chilled water.

"I hope this cools that buzzing brain of yours," remarked Krish as he pressed the water bottle on my forehead. I had no energy to pick a fight with him, so I let it pass.

After an hour we went to the Akshardham's giant screen theater to watch Neelkanth Yatra - a signature film. It showcases the journey of the young boy across the length and breadth of India in search of wisdom. It reminds us about the value of sacrifice, service and the power of faith.

It was around three in the afternoon when the movie was finished.

"I'm hungry Krish!"

"What are you waiting for then? Even I'm hungry, come on walk fast!" Ordered Krish.

We had our lunch and walked around the campus. Krish took me to the Yogi Hriday Kamal garden. It is a lotus shaped garden, lotus being the symbol of eternal wisdom. Enjoyed the greenery and basked in the afternoon sun of Delhi. We walked back to the main arena of Akshardham. We settled on the steps opposite to step well, where the water show was about to start once the sun sets. The Sahaj Anand Water show is about the innocence and hope of children who try their best to protect the flower from the gods of the elements.

I never thought that I would wait for the sun to set, for the night to come, the beauty and the power that holds the striking darkness.
I glanced at my brother, the one responsible for me to change for the better. I smiled at him. He is indeed the best I could ever ask for.

"Why are you smiling at me Mahi?"

"Nothing..."

"You know, I really wish for the best and for you to be happy!"

"I know, I really wish to meet my sister-in-law soon," I spoke taking, him by surprise. He choked on the water he was drinking.

"What?!"

"You heard me!" I replied with a teasing smile. I didn't fail to notice the blush on his face and the small smile that crept on as he cleared his throat.

"Ahem... the show is about to start"

"Yes," I replied staring the beautiful night and the bronze statue of Bhagwan Swaminarayan that soon glistened as the lights lit illuminating the whole area.

I love you my partner in crime since birth