THREADS OF FATE ~

The Reunion

The sun shone bright as Radhika and Sita Devi finally reached the sacred city of Puri. The long journey had left them tired, but their hearts were filled with anticipation. As they approached the gates of the holy city, the sight of the towering Jagannath Temple filled Radhika's heart with awe. The massive temple, standing tall against the clear sky, emanated divine energy, and the sound of temple bells rang through the air.

"We're here," Sita Devi said softly, placing a hand on Radhika's shoulder. "First, we must offer our prayers at the temple before we go to meet Gaurhari."

Radhika's eyes shone with excitement. "Yes, *Choti Maa*! I can't wait to see *Baba*, but first, I must offer my gratitude to Lord Jagannath."

As they approached the temple, the atmosphere was alive with devotion. Pilgrims from all over had come to offer their prayers to Lord Jagannath, and the sound of bhajans filled the air. The grand entrance to the temple, with its intricately carved arches and pillars, stood as a symbol of the spiritual connection between heaven and earth.

Radhika and Sita Devi entered the temple and stood before the magnificent deity of Lord Jagannath, his large eyes gazing at them with love and compassion. Radhika clasped her hands in prayer, her heart filled with devotion and gratitude.

"Oh Lord Jagannath," she prayed silently, "thank you for bringing me here safely. Please bless me and my family, and guide me to my father."

Sita Devi stood beside her, offering her own prayers for their journey and for the reunion of father and daughter. After a few moments of quiet reflection, they both placed flowers and offerings at the feet of the deity and then stepped outside into the warm sunlight.

"The temple is so beautiful," Radhika said, her voice filled with wonder. "I feel like I've been blessed just by being here."

Sita Devi smiled, nodding. "The blessings of Lord Jagannath will guide us to Gaurhari."

From the temple, they began their journey toward Gaurhari's humble dwelling on the outskirts of the city. As they walked through the narrow lanes of Puri, Radhika's heart beat faster with each step. She was about to see her father after such a long time, and the thought filled her with a mix of joy and nervousness.

Finally, they reached the small, simple hut where Gaurhari now lived with his disciples and his cousin brother, Vishwambhar. The hut was surrounded by trees, with a small stream flowing nearby. Despite its modesty, the place radiated a peaceful, spiritual aura, and Radhika felt an overwhelming sense of calm as they approached.

Sita Devi looked at Radhika, her eyes full of love. "Are you ready?"

Radhika nodded eagerly, her heart racing. "Yes, *Choti Maa*. I can't wait any longer."

Time skip

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over Puri. Inside Gaurhari's humble hut, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation as Radhika stood before her father, her heart racing. Gaurhari, deep in thought, had just finished his meditation, but now, as he looked upon his daughter, his expression shifted from surprise to pure joy.

"*Maa,* is it really you?" Gaurhari's voice trembled slightly as he took a step closer, his eyes wide with disbelief. "I can hardly believe my eyes!"

Radhika's heart swelled at the sight of her father. "*Baba,* it's me! I've come to be with you." She felt a rush of emotions, a blend of happiness, relief, and longing that had built up during their time apart.

As Gaurhari knelt down to embrace her, Radhika felt all the loneliness and longing of the past months melt away. She wrapped her arms around him tightly, breathing in the familiar scent of sandalwood and incense that surrounded him.

"You have grown so much, *Maa*," he said softly, pulling back to look at her face. "But tell me, what brings you here?"

Radhika took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she recalled the dream that had prompted this reunion. "*Baba,* I have to tell you about a dream Choti maa had before I came here," she said, her voice steadying.

Gaurhari nodded, his interest piqued. "Go on, *Maa*. I'm listening."

"In her dream," Radhika began, her eyes shining with sincerity, "Lord Jagannath appeared to her. He told her that I should come to you in Puri, that my fate is intertwined with yours and that I must seek you out."

Gaurhari listened intently, his brow furrowing with concern and intrigue. "Lord Jagannath spoke to her? What else did He say?"

Radhika hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "He told choti maa that it is time for me to join you and that I would find purpose in serving Him. I felt a strong calling, Baba. It was as if the Lord Himself guided me here."

Gaurhari's heart swelled with emotion at her words. "Such is the will of the Lord," he murmured, feeling a mixture of pride and responsibility. "But you are still young, Radhika. This path is not easy. Are you certain you wish to take this step?"

"Yes, *Baba,*" she replied fervently, determination shining in her eyes. "I have thought about it long and hard. I want to be close to you, to learn from you, and to serve Lord Jagannath. This is what I want more than anything."

Gaurhari felt a wave of gratitude wash over him. His daughter's unwavering faith and desire to serve resonated deeply within him. "Then it is settled," he said, a smile breaking through his serious demeanor. "You will stay with us and learn the ways of the Lord. I will guide you, my child."

At that moment, Radhika felt a sense of belonging that she had longed for. She had always admired her father's devotion and the simplicity of his life dedicated to spirituality. "Thank you, *Baba.* I promise to give my all to this journey."

Gaurhari nodded, his eyes glistening with pride. "You honor me, *Maa.* Let us begin this journey together. We shall serve the Lord and spread His love to all."

Just then, Vishwambhar entered the hut, a broad smile on his face. "What's this? A father and daughter reunion?" he said, his voice filled with warmth.

"Yes, vishwa," Gaurhari replied, gesturing to Radhika. "Radhika has come to join us in Puri."

Vishwambhar approached, embracing Radhika warmly. "Welcome, *maa!* Your presence brings joy to our humble abode. I look forward to seeing you grow in faith and devotion."

"Thank you, *Chacha*," Radhika said, feeling welcomed by her father's family. "I am grateful to be here."

As they settled into the cozy hut, Gaurhari shared stories of his teachings and the lessons he had learned from Lord Jagannath. Radhika listened intently, her heart brimming with excitement for the path that lay ahead.

That night, as they gathered around a small fire, Gaurhari encouraged Radhika to express her thoughts and feelings. "This is a sacred space, *Maa*. Share what lies in your heart. It is here that we find truth and understanding."

Radhika smiled at the warmth of the fire and the love surrounding her. "*Baba,* I feel like I have come home. I want to learn everything-how to serve the Lord, how to live a life of humility and love."

Gaurhari's heart swelled with joy. "And you will, my child. With each day, we will grow closer to the Lord and to one another. Together, we will create a life of service."

As Radhika listened to her father's wise words, she felt a deep connection to her roots and a profound sense of purpose. This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life-one filled with devotion, love, and the guidance of her father.

Little did she know that this journey would test her faith and resilience, leading her to discover her true destiny under the watchful eyes of Lord Jagannath.