4. A JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY

280 28 33
                                    

Please do vote and comment !

Vaidehi had always been a romantic at heart, dreaming of a fairy-tale wedding and a life filled with laughter and love. But when her wedding  was called off, she felt like her dreams had shattered. It was in this moment of despair that she decided to embark on a journey, not just across miles but into the depths of her own soul. She resolved to travel to sacred sites by hoping that the spiritual serenity might offer her solace and a new perspective.

Her journey began in Varanasi, the ancient city on the banks of the Ganges River. Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi was alive with an energy that was both humbling and invigorating. Vaidehi wandered through narrow lanes, where the scent of incense mingled with the aroma of street food. She visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, feeling the vibrations of centuries of prayers and rituals. Standing by the ghats, she watched the river flow, its timeless movement a reminder of life's continuous, unending cycle.

Next, Vaidehi traveled to Rishikesh, a town renowned for its yoga and meditation retreats. Here, the air was crisp and filled with the sounds of nature and chants. She attended a meditation class by the banks of the Ganges, where the practice of deep breathing and mindfulness helped her to confront her inner turmoil. The serene environment and the gentle guidance of the instructor began to mend her broken spirit. She spent evenings on the suspension bridge, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, feeling a renewed sense of peace.

Her journey then took her to the sacred city of Amritsar, where the Golden Temple stood as a beacon of tranquility and devotion. The temple's golden facade was breathtaking, reflecting in the surrounding holy water. Vaidehi joined the pilgrims in the langar, the community kitchen, where the simple act of serving and being served brought her a profound sense of connection and humility. The rhythmic chants and the soothing environment of the temple provided a balm for her weary heart.

Finally, she ventured to the hills of Uttarakhand, to the town of Haridwar, where the Ganges river takes a dramatic turn and flows out of the mountains. The Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri was a spectacular sight, with lamps floating on the river and the air filled with hymns. As she watched the flames dance on the water, she felt a sense of release, as if the river was carrying away her sorrows, cleansing her spirit.

Vaidehi's journey was not just a physical voyage but a profound exploration of faith, resilience, and self-discovery. Each sacred site offered her a unique lesson: Varanasi taught her about the impermanence of life, Rishikesh about the power of mindfulness, Amritsar about the beauty of selfless service, and Haridwar about the possibility of renewal and hope.

As she returned home, Vaidehi felt a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. Her travels had not erased her pain, but they had given her tools to navigate it. Through the spiritual richness of her journey, she found a path to healing and a deeper understanding of herself, ready to face whatever lay ahead with a heart open to new possibilities.

Vaidehi's journey had already been transformative, but it took an unexpected turn when she found herself in a remote village in the hills of Himachal Pradesh. After a long drive through winding roads, she arrived at a small settlement where the local hospital was inadequately equipped. The villagers, though welcoming, were struggling with limited medical resources and knowledge.

As she settled into the village for a brief stay, a crisis emerged. A young woman from the village had fallen gravely ill, and her condition deteriorated rapidly. The villagers, desperate for help, turned to Vaidehi, knowing she was a doctor as she mentioned that to a villager who helped her to settle down.

Without hesitation, Vaidehi sprang into action. She assessed the patient's condition, identifying that she needed urgent medical intervention. The nearest advanced medical facility was hours away, and the village lacked the necessary equipment. Drawing on her expertise and resourcefulness, Vaidehi improvised a treatment plan using the limited resources at hand. Her calm demeanor and decisive actions helped stabilize the woman's condition.

Over the next few days, Vaidehi worked tirelessly, providing the care the woman needed to recover. The villagers, deeply grateful, watched in awe as she went above and beyond to ensure the young woman's survival. Her dedication and compassion were evident, and the woman's health improved significantly under her care.

One evening, as Vaidehi was making her rounds, a monk from a nearby hermitage came to visit her. The monk had heard of her selfless act and had come to express his gratitude and admiration. He was an elderly man with a serene presence, his eyes reflecting a deep wisdom.

The monk approached Vaidehi with a warm smile and placed his hands in a gesture of blessing. 

( Monk  : Nee daya , pattudala , manchithanam oka pranam kapadatam maatrame kaadhu. Enno hrudayalanu kadilchayi talli. )

Monk : "Your kindness and dedication have not only saved a life but also touched the hearts of many".

he said with a  voice that is gentle yet resonant.

( Monk : Neeku ellappudu manchi jaragali ! Nee jeevitham eppatiki velugu tho nindali. Nuvvu korukundhi neeku tappakunda dorukutundhi. )

Monk :  May you always find strength in your compassion and may your path be illuminated by the light of your own soul. May all your wishes come true ! 

Vaidehi chuckled sadly. The monk placed his hand on her head and smiled serenely as if he read her mind.

( monk : Athadu oka goppa vyakthi. Manchi gunam , andham , aishwaryam anni unnayi athadiki. Athadi swabhavam neeku eppatiki aashcharyam kaligistundhi. Nuvvu athanni enni saarlu dhooram chesukovali ani prayatnisthey antha daggara avutadhu. Munupati vyakthi gurinchi nee raathalo emi raasi ledhu. Antey vaadu neevadu kadhu. Nenu chebutunna vaadu ninnu tvaralo pelli chesukuntaadu. )

Monk :  He is a majestic figure, wealthy and handsome, his presence commanding awe. His arrogance is tempered by profound honesty. Beneath his grand exterior, he is kind and generous, with a heart that gives freely. The previous guy is nowhere near to him. You will definitely get married to the guy mentioned by me. 

( Vaidehi : athanni nenu ela gurthupadathanu ? )

Vaidehi : How will I recognize him?

She is intrigued and surprised.

( Monk : athadu neeku daggarlo unnappudu neeku telustundhi. Athani manasulo daagi unna amithamaina prema alaagey nee paina athani ki unna apyayatha neeku telusthayi. Neekosam puttina nee vaadu nee kosam chala edhuru chustunnaadu. )

Monk : You will feel a magnetic pull when you meet him. His gaze will hold depth, and his demeanor will reflect both respect and affection. His love for you will be steadfast and true, a beacon in your life.

( Vaidehi : athaniki naa paina antha prema untundha ? Naa paina nijamga antha prema undha ataniki ? )

Vaidehi :  And will he love me deeply ?  Is his love real ?

( Monk : avunu ! Athani prema anantham , asaamanyam. Neekosam enthakaina velthadu. Naa maatala paina nammakam unchu thalli. Nee manasunu nammu. )

Monk : Yes, his love will be a shelter and a guiding light, unwavering and profound. Trust in this, and let your heart lead you to him.

He then performed a traditional blessing, placing a small tilak—a mark of honor—on her forehead. As he did so, he spoke words of spiritual significance, invoking blessings for her continued journey and well-being. Vaidehi felt a profound sense of peace and connection as the monk's words enveloped her. It was as if the very essence of the places she had visited was converging in this moment of grace.

Returning to her travels with a renewed sense of purpose and a heart full of gratitude, Vaidehi reflected on the unexpected turn her journey had taken. The experience of saving a life in a remote area had added a new dimension to her journey of self-discovery. It reinforced her belief in the interconnectedness of all beings and the power of compassion.

As she continued her travels, the monk's blessing and the village's gratitude became a beacon of inspiration, guiding her forward with a heart that was both healed and expanded by the richness of her experiences.

After a month she returned home and engrossed herself in her old busy schedule with a substitution of Srihan from her life.

............

How's the chapter ? 

Sorry ! If it is boring. But it is much needed to write about her exploration. Let's see his side in the next chapter.

THE PARADISE OF LIES ✔️Where stories live. Discover now