Flowers at His feet

She was living with her widowed, ailing mother and earned some money by selling garlands and flowers near the temple of Krishna, in Chittagong. Although young and impoverished, she did not have many desires for herself. There was, however, one cherished dream in her heart.

No matter how much she needed the little money her garlands and flowers brought for her, she never forgot to offer some fresh flowers at the feet of the idol of Krishna, each morning, as soon as the temple gates opened for the public. It was only then that she started selling. Affectionately, she called Him "Vaasudev". With Him she talked each day, adoring Him, asking His help in taking care of her mother, and always begging Him to keep her long-lost childhood friend, Manoj, happy. This ten-year old boy, as he was when they got separated, was her secret, cherished dream.

One night, her Vaasudev came to her in a dream. She saw him, in all His splendour and beauty, walking in a palace. As she called out to Him, "Vaasudev! Vaasudev!", He came to her even before she could run towards Him. He had a beautiful smile on His face and they met as close friends. Vaasudev assured her that He was always by her side. When finally He started walking again towards the palace, she knew she did not have much time to express herself and uttered the word, "Manoj". Vaasudev smiled and the flower-girl woke up.

Having full faith in Vaasudev, she knew that her Manoj was safe. She was happy because in her heart, her belief whispered to her that Manoj was in good hands, Vaasudev's hands, entrusted by her. Within two years of seeing Vaasudev Krishna in the dream, she heard from Manoj and their lives turned into a series of beautiful, joyous happenings.