THREADS OF FATE ~

The Final Farewell

The sun had risen higher in the sky, casting its light over the lush greenery of Nadia. Gaurhari, still heavy-hearted from the morning's revelations, knew that it was time to share his decision with his disciples and closest companions. The call of Lord Jagannath could not be ignored any longer.

He sent word through the village, asking his *sishyas*(disciple )and closest associates to gather at the temple courtyard by midday. One by one, they arrived, unaware of the life-changing announcement that Gaurhari was about to make.

Vishwambhar, Gaurhari's cousin brother, was the first to arrive with his wife, Sita Devi. They had always been a strong support for Gaurhari, especially during difficult times. Vishwambhar's strong frame exuded confidence, while Sita Devi's gentle and nurturing nature complemented him perfectly.

"Bhaiyaa," Vishwambhar greeted, his voice full of warmth. "You called for us. Is everything well?"

Gaurhari forced a smile. "It is time I share something with you all, something that the Lord has revealed to me."

Sita Devi, sensing the gravity of the situation, gave a quiet nod, her eyes flickering with concern as she stood beside her husband.

Soon, others began to arrive. Vishnu, a devoted Vaishnav and a fellow traveler on the path of bhakti, stood silently, his heart already feeling a shift in the air. Gajanan, Sridham, Kush, and Raghunath-all faithful followers of Gaurhari-gathered around, waiting to hear the words of their beloved teacher.

Once everyone had assembled, Gaurhari stood before them, his face calm but his heart full of emotion. The wind whispered through the trees, and the gentle sound of bells from the nearby temple echoed in the distance. He looked around at the faces that had stood by him for so long-some were family, some were students, but all of them were bound by a deep spiritual connection.

"My dear brothers and disciples," Gaurhari began, his voice steady, yet filled with a weight that was unmistakable. "Last night, the Lord Jagannath came to me in a dream. He spoke to me and revealed that the time has come... the time for me to take *sannyas*."

A collective gasp filled the air as the disciples looked at one another, processing what their teacher had just said. The announcement hung heavily, the weight of it sinking deep into their hearts.

Vishwambhar, ever the steady presence, stepped forward. "Bhaiyaa, *sannyas*? You are truly leaving the world behind?" His voice carried the concern and shock that everyone else felt.

Gaurhari nodded, his eyes filled with deep sadness but also with a sense of duty. "It is the Lord's will. I have been called to a higher path, and though it pains me to leave my family, my students, and all of you, I must answer the call."

Sita Devi, always the emotional center of her family, placed a hand on Vishwambhar's arm, her eyes already glistening with unshed tears. "What will we do without you, Gaurhari?" she whispered, her voice breaking with sorrow.

Vishnu, who had always admired Gaurhari's wisdom and leadership, spoke next. "Your presence has been a guiding light for all of us, Gaurhari. The village, the disciples, we all look to you for guidance. How can we continue without you?"

The silence that followed was thick with emotion. Gaurhari took a deep breath, gathering his strength before he responded.

"My dear Vishnu, Gajanan, Sridham, Kush, Raghunath... all of you have been steadfast in your devotion to the Lord and in your service to this path. The time has come for you to strengthen yourselves even more. I may leave physically, but the teachings I have shared with you, the love and devotion we have cultivated together-they will remain. This is not an ending, but the beginning of a new journey."