THREADS OF FATE ~

The Path to Puri

As the first rays of dawn broke through the sky, **Vasudev** awoke with a sense of urgency. His dream still lingered in his mind, vivid and powerful. The message from **Maa Kali** had been clear-he needed to reach **Puri** without delay. The vision had filled him with a strange sense of purpose, and there was no time to waste.

Without hesitation, he quickly dressed and made his way to **Rajguru's** hut. The sage was sitting in meditation, his eyes closed and his breathing calm. Vasudev approached quietly but couldn't help the impatience building in his chest.

"**Rishibar**, I must speak with you," Vasudev said, his voice breaking the stillness of the room.

Rajguru opened his eyes slowly, his gaze sharp and discerning. "**Maharaj**, you seem troubled. What is it that weighs on your mind?"

Vasudev sat before him, bowing his head respectfully. "Last night, I had a dream... a vision from **Maa Kali** herself."

Rajguru's eyes narrowed with interest. "Maa Kali came to you?"

Vasudev nodded, his voice more urgent now. "She told me that I must go to **Puri**. Gaurhari waits for me there, but not only him. She said... someone else, someone connected to my fate, is waiting as well."

Rajguru listened carefully, his face calm but thoughtful. "And she told you this directly?"

"Yes, **Rishibar**. She spoke of my fate calling me to Puri and urged me to go without hesitation."

Rajguru closed his eyes briefly, considering the message. "Maa Kali's word is not to be taken lightly. If she has commanded it, then it is clear our journey must continue."

"But..." Vasudev hesitated for a moment, the question still lingering in his heart. "I do not understand what she meant by my fate. Who else could be waiting for me there?"

Rajguru looked at Vasudev with wise, knowing eyes. "Sometimes, Maharaj, the gods reveal only as much as we need to know. The rest is for us to discover. If Maa Kali has told you to go to Puri, then the answers will unfold in time. You must trust her guidance."

Vasudev nodded, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, yet also a sense of clarity. "Then we leave at once."

Rajguru smiled, his calm demeanor reassuring. "Yes, Maharaj. We must go quickly. The gods have set this path before you, and we must walk it without delay."

Without wasting another moment, the two men rose and began preparing for their departure. Word spread quickly among the servants, and within the hour, everything was ready for the long journey ahead. The horses were saddled, provisions were packed, and their small caravan was ready to move.

As Vasudev and Rajguru mounted their horses, the cool morning air filled their lungs. They could feel the pull of destiny leading them forward, the path to Puri now clear in their minds. The weight of Vasudev's decision seemed to lift, replaced by the certainty that this journey would change everything.

As they set out on the road, Vasudev couldn't help but glance back one last time at the village of **Nadia**, where he had sought answers but had instead found a new direction. Now, his focus was on Puri, and what awaited him there.

The journey ahead was long, but with **Rajguru** by his side and Maa Kali's command guiding him, Vasudev felt a renewed sense of purpose. His fate was calling, and he was ready to face whatever awaited him.