THREADS OF FATE ~

The Disheartening Search

After weeks of arduous travel, Vasudev Singh Geharwar and Rajguru Ramakant finally reached the sacred land of **Nadia**. The air was thick with the sound of devotion, and the streets were alive with the colors of Vaishnavs, their songs of Krishna filling the atmosphere. Yet, for the travelers from Vasundharam, the weight of their journey had left them weary, and their hearts, uncertain.

Unlike the grand kingdom of Vasundharam, where Vasudev's every step was met with bows of respect, here, in Nadia, they were mere strangers. No one recognized their royal heritage, and that anonymity felt strange to Vasudev. The people passed them by with curious glances, but none stopped or acknowledged the pair.

**Rajguru**, though equally tired, remained as composed as ever, his faith in the journey unshaken. "Maharaj," he said quietly as they moved through the narrow streets, "this is the place where answers lie, even if they are not immediately visible."

Vasudev's eyes scanned the surroundings, noting the simple homes and the serenity that lingered in the air, despite his growing impatience. The king had been so focused on reaching Nadia that now, having arrived, he felt a mix of anticipation and dread.

Finally, after hours of searching and asking, they found themselves standing before the modest home of **Gaurhari**, the man they had come so far to see. The house, though simple, emanated an aura of peace and devotion. Vasudev took a deep breath, the weight of his journey momentarily lifting. Perhaps now, he thought, his questions would be answered, and the elusive peace he sought would be within reach.

They knocked on the door, and after a few moments, a gentle figure appeared. It was **Vishnupriya Devi**, Gaurhari's wife, her face calm and welcoming.

"Namaste," Rajguru greeted her with reverence, "we have traveled a great distance from Vasundharam. I am Rajguru Ramakant, and this is Maharaj Vasudev Singh Geharwar. We have come seeking the guidance of **Gaurhari**."

At the mention of Gaurhari's name, Vishnupriya Devi's expression shifted slightly, a shadow of sadness passing over her serene face. She bowed respectfully to both of them and then gestured for them to sit.

"Please, come inside," she said softly.

Once seated, Vishnupriya Devi took a moment, her eyes downcast. Vasudev's heart began to race. Something was wrong; he could feel it.

"I must tell you," she began, her voice heavy with emotion, "you have arrived too late. **Gaurhari**... he has taken **sannyas**."

Both Vasudev and Rajguru sat in stunned silence. Vasudev, in particular, felt a deep pang of disappointment shoot through him. He had endured the journey, cast aside his pride, and humbled himself to come to a Vaishnav's home, only to find that the very man he had been seeking was no longer there.

"He has gone to **Puri**," Vishnupriya Devi continued. "He received a divine call, and he left Nadia to pursue the life of renunciation, to be closer to his devotion to the Lord. He is no longer here."

Vasudev's face tightened with emotion. His journey, filled with uncertainty and hardship, now seemed like it had been in vain. The one man who could supposedly solve his troubles, who could bring him the peace he had longed for, was gone.

"I... I see," Vasudev finally said, his voice low and strained. "We have come so far. And now..."

Rajguru, sensing the king's growing despair, gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Maharaj, the path may have shifted, but it is not closed. Perhaps this, too, is part of Maa Kali's will."

But Vasudev could hardly contain his frustration. "Rishibar, we have journeyed for weeks! Through the desert, through hardship, leaving behind everything. And now we are told that Gaurhari has left? How can this be Maa Kali's will? How can I find peace when the one I sought is no longer here?"