Keeper of the Keys

Vidya shielded her eyes from the blazing Indian sun and peered out over the rooftops of Mathura.

“Bandoo, you little thief!” she yelled. She glared at the little monkey crouched on the neighbor’s flat roof.

Chee, chee, called Bandoo, rubbing his bald knees. He leaped to the dome of a nearby temple and joined the band of monkeys clustered there.

“It’s not fair!” cried Vidya, coming down into the courtyard.

“What happened, Vidya?” asked her mother.

“Bandoo stole the rakhi I was making for Manish.”

“That rascal! But, Vidya, you know you shouldn’t leave special things out in the courtyard.”

“I only left the rakhi on the table for a minute.”

“In Mathura we must learn to live with the monkeys.”

Vidya hung her head. “Yes, Mataji. But usually they only steal things like Uncle’s shoe and our bananas. I never thought one would take my rakhi.”

“That clever Bandoo seems to know our real treasures.”

Sighing, Vidya sat down on the wooden cot in the courtyard and traced its woven ropes with her fingers. “But it was such a beautiful bracelet, silver and gold braid. And how will I find another silver rose for the center?”

Mataji stroked her daughter’s hair. “It was lovely, little one. But you have two more days till Raksha Bandhan. Plenty of time to make another.”

Raksha Bandhan, the day when sisters honor their brothers, was one of Vidya’s favorite festivals. Her brother, Manish, was grown now, with a wife of his own, but only Vidya, his sister, could tie the rakhi bracelet to his wrist.

“I wanted Manish to have that one.”

“I know. But what’s done is done. Tomorrow we’ll find something.” Mataji took the key ring from the waist of her sari. “Now, come, help me prepare dinner.”

For a moment Vidya forgot about the rakhi. “May I unlock the pantry?”

“Of course.”

Happily, Vidya took the keys and jumped up. The concrete felt hot on her bare feet as she ran across the courtyard. She counted out the keys, six in all, one for each room that opened onto the courtyard.

After unlocking the pantry, Vidya admired the key ring’s jeweled silver pendant. Its red stones and silver filigree twinkled in the bright sun. Its silver chains and chips tinkled merrily.

Years ago Vidya’s grandmother had been in charge of the family home, “Keeper of the keys,” as Father said. Now, as wife of the eldest son, Vidya’s mother was responsible for the household. Vidya dreamed of the day when she might be “Keeper of the keys.”

The next morning Vidya went with her mother to the bazaar.

At a little shop she chose fine gold and silver threads for a new rakhi. But no one had a silver rose.

After Vidya had finished making the new rakhi, she held it up. “It’s not nearly so pretty as my other one,” she said.

“It’s very pretty, Vidya. I know Manish will like it,” Mataji said.

“At least no monkey will steal this one!” Vidya tucked the rakhi safely into her waistband.

Knock! Knock!

“I must answer the door,” said Mataji. She handed Vidya the potatoes and flour she had taken from the pantry. “Please take these to the kitchen and then lock the pantry.” She set the keys on the table and rushed inside.

Vidya carried the heavy load to the kitchen. Suddenly, she heard a familiar sound behind her.

She turned to see Bandoo sitting on the table admiring the key ring with its shiny pendant.

“Go away!” Vidya cried. “Shoo!”

Ignoring her, he reached for the pendant.

“Shoo!” Vidya waved her hands wildly as she ran toward the table. Frightened, Bandoo grabbed the key ring and jumped to the wall. Vidya stopped. “Oh, Bandoo, please bring it back!”

The monkey cocked his head.

What can I do? I must get the keys, Vidya thought. Slowly she backed toward the pantry, her dark eyes watching the monkey. Reaching in, she felt around for the fruit basket. There! She grabbed the biggest banana.

“Bandoo, see what I have for you,” she said sweetly.

The mischievous monkey only stared. Vidya inched forward, set the banana on the table, and backed away. Bandoo didn’t budge.

“Dear Bandoo, please come.”

The monkey tipped his head, curious. There must be a way to coax him down! Desperate, Vidya pulled the new rakhi from her skirt. “See the shiny rakhi,” she said, waving it in the air.

She set it on the table and stepped back. Bandoo eyed the treasures greedily. He jumped to the table and snatched the banana and the rakhi. But he was still holding the keys!

Please, Vidya thought, drop them!

Bandoo paused, examining his prizes. He smacked his lips and tore open the banana. The key ring clattered to the table. At once Vidya clapped her hands and shouted, “Go away! Shoo!”

Bandoo clambered up the wall, still clutching the rakhi. Vidya grabbed the keys and ran across the courtyard. “Bandoo, no!”

Chee, chee, Bandoo called from the neighbor’s roof.

Vidya climbed the stairs to the roof, just in time to see him leap away to the temple dome.

A tear rolled down her cheek. She had saved the keys, but now she had lost two bracelets. Vidya sniffed, looking down at the street. Would Mataji take her to the bazaar again? She wiped her cheek with the back of her hand and stared at the ledge below her.

Something shiny caught her eye. She picked it up, her hand shaking with excitement. It was the rakhi with the silver rose! Bandoo must have dropped it when he ran away the day before!

Vidya smiled. How Manish would laugh when she tied the beautiful rakhi on his wrist and told him her story of being “Keeper of the keys!”

The Festival of Raksha Bandhan

There are many legends in India of the love between brothers and sisters and of sacrifices made for each other’s well-being.

One way Indian families celebrate this mutual love and respect is the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

Just before the full moon of July-August, women and girls choose the rakhis from colorful stalls set up in the market. Some prefer to make their own out of yellow or gold thread. Rakhis range in design from simple twisted threads to elaborate braids with decorative cloth or metal ornaments in the center. No matter what its design, the rakhi bracelet symbolizes a sister’s affection for her brother and her wish for his safety and happiness throughout the coming year.

On the morning of Raksha Bandhan, men and women, boys and girls dress in their best clothes and offer prayers to their family deity. The sister then ties the rakhi she has chosen or made to her brother's right wrist. In turn, the brother gives her a small gift, usually money.

Women and girls may also tie rakhis to the wrists of close friends and neighbors. A man or boy considers it a privilege to be chosen as an honorary brother.