Kuljeet, standing with the others, watched the petite girl sit in the robes of a Godwoman’s associate, and could not help but wonder how she had reached there. What games, what machinations! How could God be kind to those who denounced him? A mild burning sensation spread across her when she had learnt about the new change.

‘She is just a stopgap, for the time being we keep her. As long as she can say a line to them she will be fine.’ Rani Maa had dismissively shared the information, but the fact was that Kuljeet was the rightful owner of that seat. And it had been handed over to Rajjo on a platter.

That evening, amongst a gathering of two hundred devotees, Rani Maa crowned Rajjo Chhoti Maa Durga in a sermon where a huge congregation was gathered. Rani Maa gestured for Durga to take the mike.

Kuljeet wanted to yell and throw things at the stage. Clutching at the prayer book tightly, muttering a prayer to soothe her rage, Kuljeet headed to the prayer room. Through the mikes and loudspeakers, she could hear Rajjo’s voice stream through, it was new and hesitant yet there was an assuredness about it, that it was telling you things you needed to know. Kuljeet retraced her steps and went back to stand in front of the stage. She had to see it for herself.

Rajjo sat in her seat, her palms sweaty, breathing laboured, however, her voice was rock steady. If she showed them she was scared, the crowd would bully and dismiss her. She needed to project faith, draw from it, to make them believe every word she uttered.

She closed her eyes and remembered her mother sitting by the warm stove. She’d gathered her children as dusk set in, and with all her faith in the almighty, Rajjo started her opening speech remembering her mother reciting verses from the prayer book. Her faith mingled in Rajjo’s voice, ‘Oh Mind, love the lord as the song bird loves the rain. The pools are overflowing with water and the lands are luxuriously green, but what are they to her, if that single drop of rain does not fall in her mouth? By his grace she receives it otherwise, she gives her head.’

Rani Maa was impressed. She had not expected this from Rajjo. She caught Kuljeet’s eye and understood her predicament. Rajjo was not just good; she could be very good as long as she could be contained. Rani Maa knew she had to be careful, but for now it was imperative that Rajjo take Sukhmani’s place and be better than her. It was the most important thing Rani Maa wanted. The rest she could deal with later.

After the sermon as Rani Maa retired and Rajjo went to pay her respects. Rani Maa asked Rajjo with a chuckle, ‘Do you believe that? What you said to them?’

‘Sometimes.’ Rajjo smiled and averted her gaze.