, was the family’s alarm clock in human form. She danced into the kitchen, already in her school uniform, pigtails bouncing. “Maa! Today is craft day! I need old buttons and glitter glue !”

“Don’t forget to water the tulsi plant!” Sunita called after them.

“Study for the maths test?” Papa asked.

Every morning at 5:45 AM, the sound of a brass bell echoed through the Sharma household. It wasn’t an alarm clock; it was , ringing the small puja bell as she lit the diya in the family temple. The scent of camphor and jasmine incense seeped under every door.