Taking the three-wheeled rickshaw to the Ganges, Ranee balances the urn with Brent’s ashes in her lap. Gia and Marin sit in the back, while Ranee sits next to Sonya and Trisha on the front bench seat, each daughter wearing her bracelets. They are silent as the motorized vehicle zips them through the villages and toward the town. Ranee watches the scenery go by, remembering all the years past. So many dreams lost, years already lived. But life isn’t over—nor is it just beginning. It is a continuation, all the memories coming together to create a life.
On arrival, they make their way slowly toward the flowing water. Hundreds of devotees bathe themselves in the river, steadfast in their belief that it is holy water spewed from the head of Lord Shiva. The women stand shoulder to shoulder on the shore, Gia and Ranee in the middle. Ranee silently offers her granddaughter the urn, watching as she opens the top. They kneel down as Gia slowly tips it, allowing all the ashes to fly free, float into the water, and disappear from sight. When there is nothing left, she drops the urn at their feet and they clasp hands. Each of them watches silently as nothing remains but the clear water sworn to wash away the sins of all who touch it.
Ranee turns toward each one of her daughters and her granddaughter. They stare back at her, quiet, as a bell from the nearby temple tolls loudly and clearly, signaling to anyone listening that they are being watched over, protected. With a silent nod, she leads them away from the water and back toward the rickshaw to take them home, where they belong, together.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Kiran, Sienna, and Akash, a thousand times I would walk the steps of my past knowing they led to you. You are the light I dreamt of, the joy I prayed for. Every day I am awed by you and forever grateful for you. I love you. Hema, my best friend, when I reached for the stars, you held me up. Thank you for your strength, honesty, grace, and love. Keith, your love is my foundation and your support my strength. Thank you for believing in me and for always being there. Hina, thank you for being there when I’ve needed you. Your strength is an inspiration and your sense of purpose an example. Mom, thank you for being strong enough for all of us and for showing us the real meaning of love. Prashant, we were friends but fate made us family. Thanks for being a great brother. Meghan and Serena, you are the miracles who have made our family complete. I love you as if you were mine. G. M., Jasumama, Rekhamami, and L. B., thank you for your unconditional love and support. I miss you. Sarahlou, you are the voice of assurance in the darkest of times. Thanks for your guidance and friendship, but I will still never vacation with you (LOL). Ms. Johnson and Donna, you opened your hearts and lives to me. Thank you for being the example that set the standard.
Benee, you encouraged me, pushed me, and believed in me. You are the greatest mentor any writer could wish for. Your friendship, generosity, and kindness are gifts I can never repay. Victoria, thank you for believing in my work. Your support and enthusiasm for this book meant so much to me. Danielle, I’m so excited to be working with you and your team. The adventure is just beginning, and I very much look forward to it.
To all the victims of abuse, believe in yourselves, keep dreaming, and always reach for the stars.