Devika sat on a beautifully carved chair in her room, gazing at herself in the towering, ornate mirror. Her fingers lightly touched her skin, now glowing with a fresh, rosy hue that seemed to shimmer in the light. The impurities and tan from her life in the mortal realm were gone, replaced by an ethereal radiance. She giggled softly, marveling at how her appearance had transformed overnight.
Before her thoughts could wander, the tinkling sound of anklets signaled the arrival of the three Yojinis—Amritaya, Vidyata, and Mandini. They entered, carrying armfuls of exquisite clothing and glittering jewelry.
Mandini, as usual, stumbled in first, nearly tripping over the hem of her own saree. "Ta-da! We brought goodies!" she announced with childlike excitement, dumping her share of items onto the bed.
Amritaya shook her head, her tone gentle but firm. "Mandini, handle these divine garments with care. They are not playthings."
Mandini waved her off. "Yeah, yeah. I didn't drop them... much."
Vidyata placed her selections on the table with precision, her analytical gaze assessing the choices. "These garments are designed for both comfort and elegance, suited for someone undertaking a divine journey. You won't need to fuss over saree pleats while training."
Divine Attire Fit for a Mortal Ascendant
The clothing was unlike anything Devika had seen before. The centerpiece was a long, flowing kurta-style tunic made of celestial silk in a soft shade of peach, adorned with intricate silver embroidery resembling the patterns of blooming lotuses. It was paired with fitted churidar leggings of a shimmering pale gold.
Instead of a dupatta, a lightweight cape-like shawl draped elegantly from the shoulders, its translucent fabric embroidered with motifs of stars and constellations.
For jewelry, the Yojinis presented an ornate maang tikka with a tiny ruby that glimmered like a drop of fire, delicate silver bangles, and anklets with bells that jingled softly. A simple but elegant necklace with a pendant shaped like a crescent moon completed the look.
"Try it on!" Mandini urged, bouncing on her toes. "I want to see how amazing you look!"
Amritaya nodded. "It will help you feel at home here. These are crafted for your unique energy."
Devika hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed by the attention, but the Yojinis' encouragement soon won her over.
Dressing with the Yojinis' Help
As they helped her dress, Mandini took charge of arranging the cape but accidentally draped it backward. "Oops. Is this supposed to go on the front?"
Vidyata groaned. "Mandini, it's a cape, not an apron."
Amritaya stepped in with a patient smile, fixing the error. "There. Perfect."
While Mandini adjusted the anklets, she started humming a cheerful, nonsensical tune, completely off-key. Vidyata sighed. "Mandini, could you focus for once?"
"What? I'm creating ambiance!" Mandini replied, puffing out her chest proudly.
Despite the occasional mishaps, the Yojinis' camaraderie made the process enjoyable. Devika felt a warmth in her heart as she watched them bicker and laugh, their bond reminding her of a family she never knew she needed.
The Transformation
When she finally looked in the mirror, Devika barely recognized herself. The radiant young woman staring back was a far cry from the mortal girl she had been. The garments and jewelry seemed to amplify her inner light, and her reflection carried a newfound confidence.
Mandini gasped dramatically. "You look like a goddess! Wait, are you a goddess now? Should I bow?"
Amritaya chuckled. "No, but she is divinely blessed. This suits you, Devika."
Vidyata nodded in agreement. "You are beginning to embody your purpose. This is only the first step."
Devika turned to the Yojinis, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you for everything. You've made me feel... like I belong."
Mandini threw her arms around Devika in a spontaneous hug. "Aww, you're welcome! Just wait until we introduce you to celestial desserts!"
Amritaya and Vidyata exchanged amused glances as Mandini began rambling about which treats were the best, her enthusiasm as boundless as ever. Devika couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of belonging in this new chapter of her life.
Little did she know, her journey was just beginning, and the bonds she was forming here would be her greatest strength in the trials to come.