Moonlight Guardian

The night sky shimmered with a thousand diyas flickering in balconies across the city. The air smelled of sweets, smoke, and excitement. Meena adjusted her dupatta as she carried the thali for her evening pooja. The building courtyard was glowing with lights, laughter, and the echo of rangoli music from distant homes.

As she stepped out of her apartment, she realised something - the back lane leading to the temple was darker than usual. The string lights that usually guided her way had blown out in the wind. It wasn’t a long walk, but it was lonely.

Standing near the gate was Raja, the society’s night guard. He had been on shift since noon, ensuring parcels, visitors, and endless cars entered safely. His eyes were tired, but alert.

“Madam, you are going to the temple?” he asked, noticing her hesitant glance at the dark lane.

“Yes,” Meena smiled faintly, “but it’s quite dark today.”

Without another word, Raja picked up his torch, stepped out of his chair, and walked ahead, lighting the path as she followed. He wasn’t required to - the rules didn’t say he must escort anyone. But he did. Quietly. Steadily.

Halfway down the path, Meena asked, “You’ll miss your own Diwali, won’t you?”

Raja smiled. “My Diwali is here, madam. If everyone inside the building is safe and happy, that’s enough.”

The words stayed with her long after the pooja ended.

That night, when she returned, she saw him still at his post. A diya sat beside his chair, flickering against the breeze. Meena placed a box of sweets next to it and said, “For the one who guards our light.”

Raja just folded his hands and smiled. But Meena knew - some lights don’t need fire to glow.

Flash: Responsibility isn’t defined by job descriptions - it grows when someone chooses care over convenience, and delivers beyond what’s written on paper. That’s where true belonging begins - in the unsaid willingness to do more than what is expected.

Moral: The truest leaders are those who guard the light for others, quietly and selflessly, even when no one is watching.

The brightest lights are those held by hands that never ask for recognition!!