THREADS OF FATE ~

A New Journey Begins

The sun rose brightly the following day, its warm rays filtering through the windows of Radhika's room. She had been in a somber mood since Gaurhari's departure, her heart heavy with the absence of her beloved father. But today, there was a different energy in the air, a sense of anticipation that she couldn't quite place.

As she sat on her bed, lost in thought, her mother, Vishnupriya Devi, entered the room with a gentle smile. Radhika looked up, curious about the light in her mother's eyes.

"*maa*," Radhika said, sitting up straighter, "is everything alright? You look... happy."

Vishnupriya sat beside her, brushing a strand of hair behind Radhika's ear. "I have something wonderful to share with you, my dear."

Radhika's eyes widened, a flicker of hope igniting within her. "What is it, *Maa*?"

Vishnupriya took a deep breath, the moment she had been preparing for finally at hand. "Lord Jagannath has called for you, Radhika. You are to go to Puri."

The words hung in the air, and for a heartbeat, Radhika simply stared at her mother in disbelief. Then, the realization of what that meant washed over her, and a wide smile broke across her face. "Puri! I get to go to Puri?" she exclaimed, her voice rising with excitement. "Oh, *Maa*, that's amazing! I've always wanted to visit the temple and see the beautiful land of the Lord!"

Vishnupriya watched her daughter's eyes sparkle with joy, her heart swelling with both happiness and bittersweet sadness. "Yes, my dear. You will go to Puri with Sita Devi, who will accompany you. It is a journey that is destined for you. And i also can meet with baba"

Radhika jumped up from her bed, unable to contain her excitement. "I can't believe it! I will see the sea, the temple, and everything I've heard so much about!"

Vishnupriya smiled, her heart warming at Radhika's enthusiasm. "But, my child, remember that this journey also carries a deeper significance. It is not just about visiting Puri; it is about your connection to Gaurhari and your own destiny."

Radhika nodded, still buzzing with excitement. "I understand, *Maa*. But it feels like such a blessing! I will be closer to *Baba*."

Vishnupriya placed a comforting hand on Radhika's shoulder. "Yes, and you must cherish every moment of this journey. Lord Jagannath has great plans for you, my love."

Just then, Sita Devi entered the room, her own smile brightening the space. "Radhika! Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?"

Radhika beamed at Sita Devi, her heart racing. "I can't believe it! I'm going to Puri! Can we leave now?"

Sita laughed, her spirit infectious. "Not just yet. We have to prepare everything first. But soon, my dear."

As the three of them began discussing the preparations for the journey, Radhika's heart soared with joy. She felt a renewed sense of purpose, a lightness that had been absent since her father had left. The thought of traveling to Puri, of being near the temple and Gaurhari, filled her with hope.

"Will we see the sea?" Radhika asked eagerly, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Of course!" Sita replied, her enthusiasm matching Radhika's. "And you will experience the divine atmosphere of Puri. It's unlike anything you've ever seen."

As they spoke of the wonders that awaited them, Radhika couldn't help but imagine the vibrant colors of the temple, the scent of incense in the air, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. Her dreams, once filled with sorrow, were now bursting with the possibilities of what lay ahead.

Later that evening, as the family gathered for dinner, Radhika could hardly contain her excitement. She shared the news with everyone, her joy contagious. Mitali (radhika's Freind) and the others congratulated her, expressing their happiness and support for her upcoming journey.

"It is a blessing to be chosen for such a pilgrimage,"mitali said, her eyes twinkling. "You will return with stories to share and wisdom to carry forward."

As the laughter and joy filled the room, Radhika felt a warmth in her heart. Despite the sorrow of Gaurhari's departure, she now had something to look forward to-a journey that would not only bring her closer to her father but also connect her to her own destiny.

That night, as she lay in bed, Radhika closed her eyes and whispered a prayer of gratitude to Lord Jagannath for this incredible opportunity. Her heart was light, her spirit renewed, and she couldn't wait for the journey to begin.

Time skip

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Radhika felt a whirlwind of emotions as she prepared to leave for Puri. Her heart brimmed with excitement, yet a tinge of sadness lingered as she thought of her family and their recent farewell to Gaurhari.

In the warm glow of the evening, Radhika sat with her mother, Vishnupriya Devi, and Sita Devi, discussing their travel preparations. The air was filled with the scents of spices and freshly baked bread from the kitchen, creating a comforting atmosphere.

"*maa*, are you sure we have everything we need for the journey?" Radhika asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Everything is packed, *Radhika*," Vishnupriya assured her, brushing a strand of hair from Radhika's face. "All you need to do is focus on your reunion with your father."

"Tomorrow will be a new adventure!" Sita Devi chimed in, trying to lift any lingering sadness. She was like a little sister to Vishnupriya, and together they shared a bond deeper than mere friendship.

Radhika felt a mixture of joy and nervousness. "I can't believe I'll see him soon! I miss *Baba* so much!"

Vishnupriya smiled softly, a mixture of pride and sorrow in her heart. She knew this journey was essential for Radhika, but she couldn't help but feel the weight of the impending separation. "We will take good care of you, my dear."

As night fell, the three women prepared for bed, their minds buzzing with thoughts of the journey ahead. Radhika lay awake, her heart racing with excitement. She envisioned the ocean and the temple, the beauty of Puri, and the embrace of her father.

The following morning dawned bright and clear, and Radhika jumped out of bed, ready to embark on the long-awaited journey. They gathered in the courtyard, where neighbors had come to bid them farewell.

"May the blessings of Lord Jagannath be with you," one neighbor called out, tears glistening in her eyes.

"Take care of our dear Radhika!" another added, embracing her tightly.

"Don't forget to send word when you arrive!" yet another chimed in, adding to the warm farewell.

Amid the emotional farewells, Radhika felt a surge of gratitude for her community. They had been her strength during the difficult days following her father's decision to take sannyasa.

After the goodbyes, they set off on their journey. Radhika walked alongside Sita Devi , her heart racing with anticipation as they left their home behind.

The road to Puri was bustling with life, filled with traders, pilgrims, and families, all traveling to the sacred city. Radhika felt a thrill in her heart with every step they took, knowing she was moving closer to her father.

As they traveled, Radhika's mind raced with thoughts of Puri. She imagined the vibrant markets, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and the sight of the magnificent Jagannath Temple. "What do you think it will be like when we get there?" she asked Sita, her voice bubbling with excitement.

"It will be a place filled with devotion and beauty," Sita replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I can't wait for you to see it all, Radhika."

After a day of travel, they set up camp for the night in a small clearing. The stars twinkled above, and the sound of crickets filled the air.

As they gathered around the fire, Sita turned to Radhika. "You should rest, dear. Tomorrow will be a long day."

Radhika nodded, but sleep was elusive. Her mind was alive with dreams of reunion, a warm embrace, and the joy of seeing her father after so long.

With each passing moment, her excitement grew, blending with the anticipation of what lay ahead. The journey to Puri had begun, and soon, she would be in the presence of Gaurhari once more.

Little did she know that her destiny was unfolding in ways she could not yet imagine.