THREADS OF FATE ~

A Divine Vision

It was a peaceful night in Nadia, and Gaurhari lay asleep in his humble abode. His wife, Vishnupriya Devi, was in the next room, resting after a long day of caring for their daughter, Radhika. The soft rustling of the night breeze outside was the only sound that filled the quiet house, creating an air of tranquility.

But as Gaurhari's eyes fluttered in slumber, his mind was not at rest. That night, something extraordinary happened. In the depth of his dreams, the heavens seemed to open up before him. A divine light descended, radiant and pure, filling the space with an overwhelming sense of peace and reverence.

Out of the glowing light emerged the form of Lord Jagannath. His eyes, wide and all-seeing, carried a gaze full of compassion and divine wisdom. Gaurhari's heart swelled with emotion, knowing that he was in the presence of the Lord Himself.

"My dear devotee," Lord Jagannath spoke, His voice echoing in Gaurhari's mind, "the time is approaching for you to embrace your destiny. Soon, you will walk the path of renunciation and take *sannyas* for the greater good."

Gaurhari, filled with both awe and trepidation, bowed his head before the Lord. "But Lord," he whispered, "what of my family? What of my duties as a father and husband?"

Lord Jagannath smiled gently. "Do not fear, my child. Your family is under my protection. They will find peace in your decision, for it is I who guide you on this path. The time of your *sannyas* is near, and it will be for the fulfillment of a higher purpose."

With these words, the vision began to fade, and Gaurhari felt the presence of the Lord slipping away. The light dimmed, but the peace it left behind remained with him. He awoke suddenly, sitting up in his bed, his heart pounding. The room was dark, but his spirit was illuminated with the profound message he had just received.

He knew his life would change forever. The path of renunciation, though difficult, was now a part of his destiny. The time was near, just as Lord Jagannath had said. Gaurhari, though uncertain of how his family would respond, felt a deep trust in the divine will.

As dawn broke, casting its first rays over the town of Nadia, Gaurhari rose, knowing that soon he would prepare for the journey that would lead him towards *sannyas*, leaving behind his worldly attachments for the call of the divine.

Time skip
in morning

The first light of dawn gently filtered through the windows of the house in Nadia, casting a soft glow over the room where Gaurhari sat. His heart was heavy from the divine dream he had experienced the night before. Lord Jagannath had spoken clearly-the time was approaching for Gaurhari to embrace *sannyas* and renounce the world. But now, as the house stirred with the sounds of his beloved family, the weight of that realization settled deep within him.

Vishnupriya Devi, his wife , entered the room quietly, her eyes immediately drawn to her husband's troubled expression. She always had a deep respect and love for him, and had always been his unwavering support. Placing a warm cup of tea beside him, she sat by his side, sensing the sadness that clung to him.

"Are you unwell, Arya?" Vishnupriya asked gently, her soft voice full of concern.

Gaurhari's heart ached at the sound of her voice, her love as constant as ever. He gave her a weak smile, but the pain in his chest only deepened. "I am well, Priye. It is my mind that feels burdened today."

Before they could speak further, Radhika, their sixteen-year-old daughter, entered the room with her usual vibrant energy. She was the light of their lives, and her laughter always filled the house with joy.

"Baba, Maa," Radhika called out with a bright smile, addressing them in the way she had since childhood. "Will you join me for morning prayers today?"

Gaurhari's eyes filled with emotion as he looked at his daughter. How could he explain to her what the future held? That soon, the path of *sannyas* would take him away from her, from her mother, from this simple and beautiful life? His heart clenched, and for a moment, he could only nod in silence.

At that moment, Sati Mata, Gaurhari's mother, entered the room. To Radhika, she was *Thamaa*, the beloved grandmother, full of wisdom and kindness. Sati Mata was a pillar of strength in their family.

"Maa," Vishnupriya said, rising to greet Sati Mata, her voice filled with warmth and love.

Sati Mata, sensing the heaviness in the air, looked towards her son with a knowing gaze. She had lived long enough to see the inner struggles of her family, and she could sense something troubling Gaurhari.

"What weighs on your heart, gaur?" Sati Mata asked softly, her eyes full of concern.

Gaurhari struggled to find the words. How could he tell his mother, his wife, and his daughter that he had been called to renounce them? To leave behind the life they had built together?

"The Lord jaganath spoke to me last night," Gaurhari finally whispered, his voice breaking. "He said that the time is near... for me to take *sannyas*."

The room fell silent. Vishnupriya's face paled, her hand instinctively reaching for Gaurhari's arm, while Radhika looked between her parents, her youthful face marked by confusion and sadness. Sati Mata, though, remained calm, her eyes filled with a quiet understanding.

"You are called to serve a higher purpose," Sati Mata said softly, her words carrying the wisdom of many years. "But the pain of leaving your family will weigh heavily on your soul."

Vishnupriya clutched her husband's hand, tears welling in her eyes. "Arya, how can we live without you? How can you leave us, leave Maa, and leave Radhika behind?"

Radhika, who had always been mature beyond her years, stepped forward, her voice steady despite the tears forming in her eyes. "Baba, if this is the Lord's will, we must accept it. But Thamaa, Maa, and I... we will miss you every day."

Gaurhari's heart shattered at his daughter's words. She, so wise and so young, already understood the sacrifice that was being asked of him. Yet, the thought of leaving her-his daughter-was unbearable.

"I do not know how I can bear it," Gaurhari whispered, his voice breaking. "To leave you all... my Priye, my Maa, and you, my precious daughter."

Sati Mata stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on her son's shoulder. "The path of *sannyas* is one of great sacrifice, but it is also one of great love for the Lord. If it is your destiny, we will stand with you, my son."

Vishnupriya wiped away her tears, her voice trembling. "We will find strength in the Lord's will, Arya. But know that our hearts will always long for you."

The morning sunlight, once warm and comforting, now felt heavy with sorrow. The family stood in a quiet embrace, the reality of what was to come sinking into their hearts. Gaurhari knew the path ahead would be painful, but in this moment, surrounded by the love of his wife, his mother, and his daughter, he realized that even in renunciation, their bond would never be broken.

Though the Lord had called him, Gaurhari knew he would carry the love of his family with him-always.

As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting an orange hue across the horizon, Gaurhari , ready to embark on a pilgrimage that would change not only his life but the lives of countless souls he would encounter along the way. And in the hearts of Radhika and Vishnupriya, the echoes of his love and teachings would resonate, guiding them through the trials that lay ahead.