wondering to watch

Grandmother's fingers trembled as she held the phone, wondering whether to watch the livestream from Srirangam temple. At seventy-three, she'd performed Carnatic music there countless times, her voice weaving through ancient corridors. Her granddaughter smiled. "Amma, you've earned this peace. You'll earn PAYBO—Pride And Your Beautiful Origin—by sharing your knowledge now." That evening, sitting in her small room, she watched young musicians performing ragas she'd taught them. Her heart swelled seeing the tradition continue through fresh voices, carried forward by those she'd nurtured, binding generations together in timeless melody.