Dharmyudh : The Rewritten Destiny

67. Bharat - Rahoo

The leaves of the ancient Banyan tree swayed gently, touched by a breeze that carried the faintest echoes of heavenly chants and melodies. Above, the sky stretched endlessly, filled with twinkling stars and galaxies that sparkled like jewels against the celestial backdrop. Their light seemed to dance and shimmer, as if paying homage to the meditative peace below.

Seated under the broad canopy of the Banyan, Bharat radiated a serene glow. His eyes were closed, yet a subtle smile graced his lips, a whisper of joy that hinted at his deep connection with the divine. A soft aura surrounded him, a luminous energy that spoke of both the power within him and the profound peace he had cultivated. Lost in meditation, he appeared almost timeless, an eternal spirit untouched by earthly concerns.

Bharat's connection with the universe was uninterrupted until a soft sound drifted toward him-the delicate chime of anklets, approaching softly like a breeze. The sound grew closer, graceful yet full of life, and Bharat's lips curled into a warm smile as he sensed her presence even before he opened his eyes. He slowly looked up and there stood his wife, Mandavi, approaching with measured steps, carrying a small basket of freshly gathered flowers in her hands. Flowers of all colors and shapes filled the basket, each petal glowing faintly with the radiance of paradise, a fitting tribute to the gods.

Mandavi's beauty had a quiet, ethereal grace. The moonlight played on her soft, radiant face, illuminating her gentle features. Her gaze held a boundless love and devotion as she looked at Bharat, a love as timeless as the heavens they inhabited. Her long, dark hair fell over her shoulder, and the flowers in her basket seemed to pale beside her natural elegance. She wore a delicate sari of silken threads that shimmered like starlight, her every movement carrying an effortless grace that spoke of both the reverence in her heart and the strength of her spirit.

Bharat rose from his seated position, his eyes softening as he watched her. Mandavi offered him a smile, her eyes reflecting the warmth and devotion she felt. Together, in a silent understanding, they walked toward the sacred altar under the Banyan tree where an idol of Lord Vishnu awaited them. The statue stood tall, carved with such detail that it almost seemed alive, every curve and contour bearing the divine essence.

With care, they arranged the flowers around the idol, adorning it with fragrant blooms in shades of white, yellow, and pink. They clasped their hands in prayer, bowing their heads in reverence as they began a short but meaningful ritual. Mandavi's voice was soft as she chanted a mantra, her words carrying a quiet power, as if they wove an invisible tapestry of blessings and devotion. Bharat joined her, his voice deep and steady, and together, they created a symphony of devotion, their voices mingling with the rustling of the Banyan leaves and the distant twinkle of the stars.

As they completed the prayer, they offered a small flame, a humble light against the vast backdrop of heaven's grandeur. The light flickered and danced, casting shadows that seemed to deepen the sense of tranquility around them. They sat back, the ritual now complete, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and connection with the divine.

After a brief, comfortable silence, Mandavi turned to Bharat, her eyes filled with both wonder and contemplation.

Mandavi :- It feels strange.

She began softly

Mandavi :- We've only been here a month nearly, yet centuries have passed on Earth. Generations of our family have come and gone, lives lived and stories woven into time.

Her voice carried a trace of melancholy as she considered the impermanence of mortal life, yet also a quiet acceptance.
Bharat nodded, understanding her thoughts completely.

Bharat :- Yes, and yet there is still a long time to go before we are reborn, as we requested

He replied, his gaze distant as he contemplated the cycles of life on Earth. His voice held a steady calm, as though he too had accepted the span of their journey through the heavens.