The alarm clocked chimed much later, she had already sat upright on the bed. Her heart beat fast.
It was her birthday, but that was not the occasion that made her so happy. With a considerable amount of time having passed in her life, birthdays had become another day, but still, she celebrated it with herself to the most. Away from home in her busy schedule she managed to make time for herself, and she had wonderful friends and colleagues who she knew would make her birthday unforgettable. Surprisingly, none of them had called yet.
She shut the alarm and tried to gauge the gut feeling in her stomach. What was it about her birthday today that made her feel different? Would it be a gift she would receive? Or someone she would meet?
A surprise maybe?
Oh her heart, always craving for surprises. But it wasn't her fault. Her Krishna's Leela had always added some or the other miracle in her life. And she was grateful for them indeed. She did not know what to expect, and hence she kept her heart open always.
Rolling out of the bed, she got ready and ran to nowhere else but in front of the one idol that she had centred her life around.
Her Govinda, Her Madhava.
So serene, calm and His eyes..What could be said about them! So pure and today, it was as if they seemed to glitter, in an attempt to say something to her. Hope bloomed in her heart, as she felt it beat joyously.
"Oh Praneshwara, she whispered to Him, "I can sense that you are up to something, and Sru has also sensed the same. I feel that you are going to do something incredibly life changing for me today, and I am looking forward to seeing what it is. I am coming to the temple to see you, Nath! Very very soon!
She folded her hands and wished for the well being of her friends and family, like she did everything. She never wanted anything for herself, for she thought she really had everything she needed.
On her way to the temple, the first and only ones to call were her parents. Staying away from home on a birthday was always painful, but she never cribbed about it. Rather, she saved up Her time and excitement to meet when they would visit her the next month.
She missed her friends though. They would be visiting her later in the day, but the wait was just too long. Sru was up to something, despite living in the same city, and Mili, Char, Anu, Sumo, Redo, Pro and Praksie would have boarded their flights to visit her. Bhaiyya and Rammy would be a bit late, but she knew, the two would bring the biggest blasts with them.
She removed her shoes and washed her hands at the water tank as a smile lit up on her face as the images of the idol began showing all over the golden and orange temple. Ah, how she loved coming here. Had she had the chance, she could spend the rest of her life sitting here and praising Him. But such was the cycle of the Kali Yuga, that attendance at the office was compulsory . Still, she had taken a leave that day. She wanted to give most of her time to Him.
She suddenly felt the thumping of her chest increasing. She tried not to think about the same, but it was just that..that tingly feeling. Of something happening. BUT WHAT?! The smile wouldn't go from her face thinking about it, and she thought it made her look like a 6 year old girl. She was cute anyway.
Collecting the Thaal and other requirements from the counter inside, she walked towards the sanctum. The sweet sound of her anklets and her earrings resounded through the wide open halls. The temple was relatively empty today, much to her surprise. Good for her though, she could reach her Keshava faster.
Rushing in the last few minutes if her path, She found herself at the feet of her Aaradhya, her Nath. Her Everything. Even in the morning sun, his gleam was brighter than any number of them combined. Gold adore his body and there was a calm smile on His face. Standing next to him, his ever beautiful Wives. His gaze bore through all his devotees, and once again, she found a similar glitter in His eyes that she had seen earlier in the eyes of the Idol back home.
Was her mind tricking her? She saw the idols face every day, and visited the temple at least 4 days a week, and although she could also see a smile on His face every other day, those eyes, those eyes were golden. She felt warm, as if someone was hugging her. A calm breeze blew as she handed the Thaal over to the priest and said,
"Shreya Ventakesh, her name echoed through the sanctum rhyming with the sounds of the temple bell.
"I know dear, the elder priest said. "You are looking very pretty today. Any special occasion?
Shreya blushed. The pink on her cheeks appeared very easily, and there was no use giving excuses of hiding herself from anything.
"Actually, it's my birthday today.
The priest smiled.
"God Bless you Beta, he said handing her the Thaal and placing a hand over her head. "May Kanha Ji bless you with everything you want.
"He already has given me all that I have ever wanted Panditji, she giggled and said, "I just want to stay at His Lotus feet, forever.
"He sure will be, a voice chimed in from behind, the voice of a man.
The temple bell that had just rung, perhaps by the actions of the man moved slowly from one side to another as the atmosphere took on a new realm. The cold marble ground under her suddenly began to feel warm, as a sharp shiver ran down her spine. The thumping in her heart reached a new high and the pink blushed back to her cheeks as the embarrassment of anyone else hearing her pleasant anxiety took over. A cool breeze flew and time, much to her surprise, began to slow down. She could feel every vibration through the air, almost see it. She clasped onto the Thaal tightly, she had no clue why.
The Panditji smiled as he moved her hand away from her head and smiled at the man who approached and stood beside her.
Shreya could not help but look at the smile on his face and turn back to face the huge idol in front of her. The resemblance was...uncanny.
The same curve of lips, the same crease near the eyes and the same glitter. Her heart felt like a glass bottle withholding fire. One release, and it would burn its way through. A fire that would light up the whole path in front of her.
Shreya looked back down, fumbling with her Thaal. The voice of the man who stood next to her rang in her ears. Why?!
This shouldn't be happening, no! It had never happened in all these years, and it definitely couldn't be happening now...
"Happy Birthday, the same voice spoke.
Her eyes shot up to meet those of the man's, who towered over the already tall Shreya.
Was he even mortal?' Came a thought running.
Shreya please, control your ideas!' Came another.
And in this battle, she realised she was making the man wait, and the pink crept up again.
"T..Thank you so much, she muttered. "How did .. you know?
The man smiled back.
Oh dear, no.
He was the colour of early dusk, but his eyes were blue. The deepest blue you would have ever seen. His smile pearl white. And his aura, like the beaming sun.
She couldn't guess his age. His eyes looked like they carried years of knowledge and wisdom, but his features were young.
You are thinking too much, one side of her said.
But he is someone who would make you think,' the other said.
"Well, he began, I am sorry but I just happened to hear your conversation with Panditji whilst I was eating the Prasad.
Eating Prasad? Why, she hadn't seen him there as far as she could remember? How did he just appear?!
"Oh, she said pushing her thoughts aside, "Thank you once again.
"Oh, my pleasure. Always feels good to be a part of someone's happiness.
She couldn't deny it, he was true partially. He was a part of the happiness she felt now.
Or is it entirely, Shreee?', her every ready conscience whispered teasingly, in Sru's voice. Shushing the voice, she turned back, seeing the Pandit talk to the newcomer.
"Beta, " the Pandit interjected looking at the man, "I have not seen you here before. Are you new here?
"I've always been here, to be honest. He said.
HAIN?! This man confused the hell out of her.
"I mean, he said looking at Shreya and the Pandit, "I've always been in this city, it's just that I used to live away from here. I've shifted recently, so I thought I should pay a visit. Today's morning felt really nice, really warm and fresh, so I couldn't stop myself.
"DID YOU FEEL IT TOO?! Shreya hyped, and immediately regretted.
"WHAT.ARE.YOU.DOING.SHREYA!! Her mind yelled at her. But her face was still as chirpy if not more. She had found someone, who felt the same way as her. And that too the same morning, in the same way.
"What beta? The pandit asked, unaware of what she meant.
Shreya would gave covered her face and run off in embarrassment, but it was the man who once again came to his rescue.
"Actually, today's morning was really quiet. We city dwellers really need such mornings you know, so I guess she meant that.
Shreya couldn't help but nod furiously at whatever she said. Once again, he was correct.
"Oh, The pandit said. "In that case, you must make friend with this girl here, he said pointing to Shreya. "She is a really nice girl, she can help you around.
Shreya looked at the Pandit, with an emotion she couldn't herself comprehend. Her eyes moved to Krishna's idol, meeting the Lotus eyes, a wide smile forming on her face. It could not be! But it was. Indeed!
Your Leela is really something this time around Nath, she thought to herself.
"I know.
She looked at the man who to her surprise was looking back at her with a small smirk, almost as if he had read her thoughts.
"I mean.. He cleared his throat, "I know, she really is a nice woman. After all, where do you find such pious beings who come and spend time in the temples anymore? Everyone seems to be so busy in their own materialistic struggles that they have forgotten to thank who gave them an opportunity to live in the first place.
After a long time, she felt her heart resonate with someone's words. Someone, who had read her emotions better than she had. And she knew that because unwillingly, tears had begun to form in her eyes on their own accord.
She caught herself and held them back.
"Well, thank you, and I truly agree with you. We must always remember that the one above is the only one who has the power to look at the things we can never see, and make sure they turn out to be the best for us.
The man smiled back, as if contented with something. She was praising God, not him. They why was he contented? But, maybe. Weird thoughts flew in her mind faster than the air around.
"You two talk, I shall prepare for the afternoon Bhojan, the priest said as he blessed them and walked inside.
Shreya subconsciously played with the end of her orange dupatta as she stood aside the man after the Pandit had left. And to her surprise, she noticed, that there was no one in the temple either. It was just her, and him, and Him of course.
"So, the man began conversation, "Should we go out and sit in the garden, that is, unless you're getting late or you don't mind?
He's so polite, " a voice said.
"You better be polite too, said another.
Shreya nodded as she walked next to Him towards the lush garden area. She was surprised, He had come here for He first time, then how did He know there was a garden here? And even if He did, how did He know the way?
You must be thinking how I know the way, right? The man asked almost stealing her thoughts as they found themselves entering the garden.
"I keep having this feeling that you know the way much better than anyone else, she blurted out.
"Maybe so, He said, eyes twinkling. "However, the smell of this grass attracted me, as weird as it may sound. I grew up amidst this, and it's something I can never mistake...Come.
The last word broke Shreya out of the trance that his words seemed to put her in.
She suddenly noticed a change in his demeanour, and looked to see what his sights had fallen on.
"A swing! He exclaimed.
Shreya's face lit it up seeing the childish light on his face. Almost as If she could feel her own childhood come running back to her. Her dreams, her Krishna. Always Krishna, forever!
She followed him behind to the white, single Bench small swing that had been made right next to a fountain in the centre of the garden behind the temple.
As he sat down, she stood quietly, doubting whether to sit next to him or not. She was not wary of him, but she knew the small single bench two-person-accomodating swing would make her sit close to him.
Like, really close.
"We could sit somewhere else if you're feeling uncomfortable, he said, reading her thoughts and making her doubt if she was actually saying her thoughts loud enough to hear them. But she wasn't. He was just somehow, reading every action of hers. Almost as if, she was saying what HE wanted her to say.
"Oh no, she responded calmly, "I love this swing, she said and found herself sitting next to him.
The two remained silent and the rocked back and forth and admired the beauty that nature had blessed Earth with. She actually found herself thanking the time for not having anyone around, or her shyness would have killed her.
"There's no one around today, he said. AGAIN. Why did she even bother talking when he would already read everything she would say?!
"Yeah, true, she managed to say, still looking at her feet next to his on the grass. He had a scar or something of the sort on his left foot, and it looked pretty painful when it must have formed.
"Did you hurt yourself? She asked.
"Well, he chuckled, sending another array of shivers down her, "You can say so. It was painful no doubt but, it was what was bound to happen. It won't ever go from there but, it will surely remind me of my worth and existence. After all, I chose it to happen.
Wh..what did he just say?! She couldn't help but repeat the words.
"You chose it? B..But why..?
He looked at directly in the eyes and without her realising stopped the swing from moving with his feet. She knew, she knew! Oh Keshava, she knew!
"Because sometimes, you have to leave a lot to see something new to happen. You can't let a plant grow without breaking the soil, right?
He is beautiful,' a voice in her mind said.
And there was no interjection. He was, like Krishna.
"Hey, he giggled letting the swing move again, "What are you thinking?
"Nothing, she said, Whatever you said really is true. You are very enigmatic. You tend to speak in riddles, don't you? And you enjoy it too
He smiled at her warmly, a small smirk coming up again.
"That is by far one of my most favourite things to do!
She couldn't help but drop a blink. He was a mystery, and a beautiful one indeed.
They kept silent, but she really wanted to listen to him again, for the melody in his voice, and so she spoke,
"What have you seen around in this side till now?
"Well, almost all of it. I have a bird's eye view of everything.
"Oh,' was all she could mutter.
"I will eventually know of the intricacy of this place, I actually came here for a very special piece of work.
"What work? She asked "If you down mind telling me.
He giggled.
"It's the work we all are set out to do, to find ourselves. No matter who you are, you always need to try to find yourself and your worth. You can say I have come here to find inspiration for my latest creations..
"Do you paint? She asked.
"Well, yes, sort of.
"WOW! She said, "That's a really nice skill to have.
"Well you have many too.
Shreya blushed. What he was doing to her was inexplicable.
Was it love? Maybe it was. But it was also a bond, that went beyond any parameter, physical or mental. It was something that unite them, two strangers for eternity. Almost as if it was pre-planned.
"Can I ask you a question? She asked, wanting to know all that she could of him.
"Ask as many as your heart wants to, he replied.
Taking in his words, she began to ask, and he answered.
"What is life, to you?
"A journey is life, life is defined by the unknown, and the unpredictable. It is a river, which flows beautifully, it is the wind, which can change its direction any second, it is the blazing fire, which will either threaten to swallow one or will stand behind one as the powerful Protector. It is the All-bearing Earth, for all life starts and ends with Her, for She is the Jagat Dhaatri, who is the base for humanity in itself. Life bears all and goes on without protest, though many may not see it so. Life is itself brought by the Sky, which is Vishnu to the Earth's Lakshmi, Eternal lovers and consorts, forever gazing at each other
"I agree. said Shreya shyly. "What is truth?
"Something that cannot be broken no matter how hard you try, and that is bound to show when it has to.
"What is love? And how do you know if..
In an unplanned occurrence, his hand went over hers as his eyes closed on their accord and his head titled on one side.
As she felt his touch over him, she shivered but did not move it away. Rather, she did not want to. It was like the same warm hug she had felt earlier in the day, in front of the idol.
"Can you listen to it? He asked, drawing her attention to the sound of a melodious flute in the distance.
"It's beautiful, she said. Her birthday was giving her gifts, in ways more than one. "Just like the melody of Pranesh
"Raag Lalit, he said.
"You know how to play the flute too? She asked.
"It's one of my favourite things to do, he said.
"What else do you do?
"Oh, me, he said, still keeping a firm touch on her, "I do a lot. See how the world works, see the good and bad and...
Shreya couldn't find words to describe Him, to explain what His words meant to her. She built up her courage and just as about she was to ask something, he asked,
"Love, right? It's is like this very flute. It spreads far and wide and hits you when you least assume it, and then it never goes out of your mind.
"And..he continued.
"And?
The sound of the flute that played till then went louder, and slowly but steadily it became loud enough to make itself the only thing she would hear. She closed her eyes and tried to quieten everything around, but that one sound of the flute came rushing to her.
"What is HAPPENING?! She yelled to herself. It was getting unbearable, almost as if the sound was about to pierce through her, as much as she loved it.
"Please, please make it stop!
She got no response from the other side and no more felt his hand on hers. All she could sense now was the loud music hitting her bones and a warm light on her body. Even through her closed eyes, she could sense the red flashing through her eyelids.
It was as if in a sudden instant, that the sounds suddenly began to die down, and slowly but steadily, she managed to open her eyes.
And what she saw, she could not comprehend.
The man she had been sitting with all the while now stood in front of her, and everything around her had turned hazy. Her eyes only fell on him, smiling, and behind him, a magnanimous blue shadow, with no features to be seen, only the outlines of a celestial being of four hands, and a royal crown towering over it. And a golden-blue aura, lighting up her brightly. She could feel the force of the Brahman!
Tears welled up in her eyes from what was happening, and she could find herself to say anything. The throat went dry and she couldn't feel her heart anymore. It was almost like an out of body experience.
She tried to find her thoughts but none were present, she could just see and feel what was happening in front of her.
The man smiled at her as the aura of the God behind started to glow.
"Shreya, he said in his deep voice that now began to echo. It resounded through each and every part of her , and she found herself lost to be never found again.
"Your love and devotion is unconditional and endless, He continued.
"I have come for you, and I will be coming as well. I will never leave you alone, Shreya. Never forget that. Never
She tried to mutter words, but as tears rolled from her eyes furiously in fulfilment, all she could do was draw up her hands in prayer.
"All your wishes will be fulfilled"
THAT DAMN ALARM CLOCK.
Shre shot up from her sleep as she switched the clock off and wiped the sweat of her forehead, that had mingled with the tears from her eyes.
So...IT WAS ALL A DREAM??!!!!
But how!! It felt so very real!
Her heart sank at the feeling that it was a dream. It was more than that, it couldn't just be a mere dream.
It felt so true, the smile, touch everything..
She stretched her hand and looked at her phone.
It was 7 in the morning, and it was her birthday.
Her phone began to flood with messages from her friends and family, but although she was grateful, she knew, it would be difficult for her to pass off as what she found as a dream.
Still, she repeated herself; her dream self and cleaned and prayed.
"Swami, she said looking into His eyes, which had the kind of glitter she had seen in the dream.
Her heart went in a frenzy. Was this another dream or reality? She shook her head and said,
"Prabhu, I do not know what kind of a Leela you are playing with me. But I have full faith in you. What you gave me, I can't thank you enough for that. Thank you lord, thank you.
As she packed her things up to get ready to go to the temple, she was met by a loud knock at the door.
"Who is it she asked? But there was no response.
Confused, she walked up to the door and as he opened her, she was pushed back by the whole group of her best buddies that had come to wish her.
"Happy Birthday, SHREEE! Sru said jumping over her almost.
"Happy Birthday M2! Anu said.
"Vadaa Diii, happy birthday! Milu added.
And her mind was overjoyed having all of them with her, for this was a complete surprise. She knew they would be coming, but she didn't expect them to be here this early!
"Aadhuuu, Riya Di said, Happiest birthday!
"H..how did you all come here so early? Shre asked surprised smiling.
"Wait, so are you not happy? Pro sarcastically chimed in handing her a bouquet.
"Oh come on, it's not like that! She replied. "It's just that..everything is so unreal!
"Everything? Sumo asked. "What else has happened with you Birthday Girl?
"Hmm, looks like someone is hiding something interesting from us, Praks joined in.
"But we will not let her hide anything, I know how to get everything out of her, Char said smirking at everyone else.
"And how will you do that? Shre asked.
Char giggled, as off them came crashing on her, tickling her and making her laugh.
"PLEASE guys! Oh my god, we have to go to the temple..p..please leave me come on!
"HEY!
All of them turned to look at the open door, where they found none other than Rammy and Bhaiyya standing with boxes of gifts in their hands.
"How did you all start without me?! Rammy chuckled coming in and hugging her.
"And I am the one who is supposed to make you laugh right? What about me! Bhaiyya added.
"YOU GUYS! "Shre said bringing all of them into a hug. She missed what she had seen, but oh well, this was amazing as well.
Shre gasped at with how much accuracy the temple had been envisioned by her in the dream as she walked on her way towards the sanctum with Sru, and the others joining in.
"Hey, are you sure you're not hiding anything from me? Sru asked.
"Welll, remember that talk we had a while ago? About Swami?
"Of course I do, said Sru. "tell me, what did our natkhat do?
"Gave me a dream, which has to be described in detail. Which I will do very very soon
Sru joined in the side as the others came and stood beside her.
"I also had a dream, you know, added Sru. "About your happiness
Shre nodded, silently asking for details, and then closing her eyes in prayer and felt the weird gut feeling creep up again.
"Swamiii, what is happening? Why again?
As she felt her tears welling up again in an eery excitement, she quickly wiped them away and opened her eyes.
"Pandit ji, it is her birthday. Kindly bless her, the others added in their own way.
The pandit placed her hand on her head and smiled.
"Happy birthday child, I am sure you will get everything you have dreamt of.
It was a blessing she wanted to come true.
"Take the Prasad from over there.
She thanked him and proceeded to the other side while talking with the others.
"Hey Shre, have you fallen in love or what?! Rammy asked.
"WHAT NO! She replied, "Why did you think so?
Sru gave her a knowing smile, to which she discreetly nodded.
"Nothing, She and Sumo giggled. "Its just that when Pandit ji talked about that dream thing, you were blushing like hell.
The pink again, huh! She needed to learn how to control it, though it made her look cuter than she was.
"Aww, look again! Riya Di said pulling her cheeks.
Shre looked down and sighed. If only again...
"Happy birthday, she heard.
And her eyes shot up faster than they ever had.
It was Him. Again. But this time, for real.
As he held the Prasad in front of him and smiled at her, Shre could not help but smile widely. Her Prabhu, and His Leelas.
Sru glanced at her as she chuckled.
"I think we'll leave you alone, she said and left giggling with the others standing to the side, unaware of what it was.
"Who is it? Anu asked excitedly to Milu.
"Don't know man, but she seems to know him quite well, Pro added.
"I think I do know who He is," Sru said, a happy smile on her face.
She remained silent, what would she even manage to speak in front of Him, anyway?!
"I told you right? I will come for you, and I am coming for you
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