As Devika stepped out of her room with the three Yojinis—Amritaya, Vidyata, and Mandini—she squinted in the soft morning light, her mind still grappling with the surreal nature of her surroundings. The crisp air carried an unusual serenity, but nothing prepared her for the sight that awaited her.
Before her stood the transformed Shiva Temple, now an enormous haveli, its architecture blending the grandeur of celestial design with the charm of an ancient Himachali palace. Majestic marble columns rose high, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings of mythical tales. Golden domes glittered under the sunlight, and vibrant gardens stretched across the landscape, filled with blooming flowers of colors Devika had never seen before.
Her jaw dropped in amazement. "This... this wasn't here before," she stammered.
Mandini clapped her hands together dramatically. "Surprise! Lord Shiva thought the old temple could use a little pizzazz. You like it?"
Amritaya added with a serene smile, "This transformation is to honor your presence, Devika. It reflects the divine purpose you now embody."
Vidyata, ever pragmatic, pointed towards the gardens. "See? There they are."
Devika's eyes followed her finger and widened as she spotted Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati seated in the lush garden, comfortably perched on a celestial sofa-like chair made of sandalwood and adorned with shimmering fabrics.
Shiva exuded an aura of calm authority, his gaze steady yet kind. Parvati, radiant and motherly, seemed to be in quiet conversation with him, her graceful presence softening the divinity's overwhelming power.
Memories and Teasing
As Devika gazed at Maa Parvati, an unbidden memory surfaced—the moment she had fainted and been caught in Parvati's soft, comforting arms. Her cheeks turned a vivid shade of pink, and her heart raced with embarrassment.
Mandini, always the playful one, immediately noticed. "Oho! What's this, Devika? Is that a blush I see? Could it be... you're remembering the moment?"
Devika's eyes widened. "What moment?" she asked, a little too quickly.
Mandini smirked, putting her hands on her hips. "Don't play coy. You know, the moment when you fainted and got cradled in Maa Parvati's arms like a little baby bird!"
Amritaya sighed. "Mandini, show some respect. This is a sacred space."
But Mandini was unstoppable. "Respect? I'm jealous! I've served Maa for centuries, and she's never cradled me like that. What's your secret, Devika?"
Devika groaned, hiding her face in her hands. "I didn't ask for it! It just... happened."
Vidyata raised an eyebrow. "It happened because you needed comfort, and Maa Parvati offers solace to those in pain. Mandini, stop being ridiculous."
Mandini shrugged but winked at Devika. "Still, lucky you."
Approaching the Divine Pair
Trying to ignore Mandini's teasing, Devika straightened herself and began walking towards Shiva and Parvati, the Yojinis trailing behind her. Her steps were hesitant at first but grew steadier with every stride.
Shiva noticed her approach and smiled warmly, the intensity of his divine aura softening to make her feel welcome. Parvati's eyes twinkled with kindness as she gestured for Devika to come closer.
"Come, child," Parvati said, her voice like a soothing melody.
Devika knelt before them instinctively, unsure of what to say. The overwhelming love and peace radiating from them brought tears to her eyes.
Shiva spoke first, his deep voice resonating with wisdom. "You have questions, and we are here to answer them. But first, tell me—how do you feel?"
Devika hesitated, then replied, "I feel... safe. But also confused and overwhelmed."
Parvati leaned forward slightly, her expression tender. "That is natural, my dear. Your journey has only just begun. But know this: you are not alone."
Mandini, unable to stay silent, piped up from behind, "See? They're so nice! You didn't even need to faint this time."
Devika shot her a look, and even Shiva chuckled softly.
A Divine Conversation
The Yojinis settled on the grass nearby, watching the interaction with varying levels of focus. Mandini, ever the airhead, started weaving flower crowns out of the blossoms around her, humming tunelessly. Amritaya observed with quiet reverence, and Vidyata listened intently, ready to step in if needed.
Parvati continued, "The haveli's transformation is not just for aesthetics. It represents the merging of realms and your growing connection to the divine. You are being prepared for something greater than yourself."
Devika nodded slowly, her thoughts swirling. "But... why me? I'm just an ordinary girl from Himachal."
Shiva's gaze softened. "Ordinary? You are far from it. You have a purity of heart and strength of spirit that few possess. The trials you've faced were necessary to awaken your true potential."
Mandini leaned over to Amritaya and whispered loudly, "I told you she was special. Didn't I tell you?"
Amritaya shushed her, and Parvati smiled indulgently.
Devika's voice wavered as she asked, "Will it get... harder?"
Shiva's eyes gleamed with honesty. "Yes. The path of dharma is never easy. But you have allies—us, the Yojinis, and the strength within you."
Mandini waved from her spot. "Yep, we're your cheer squad! And occasional fashion consultants."
Lighthearted Moments
As the conversation continued, Mandini's antics provided occasional comic relief. At one point, she tried to place a flower crown on Shiva's head, only to have it fall apart in her hands.
"I think I need divine glue," she muttered, earning a laugh from Devika and a sigh from Vidyata.
Parvati reached over and took one of the flowers, weaving it seamlessly into the crown. "Like this, Mandini. Precision and patience."
Mandini blinked. "Ohhh, so that's what I've been doing wrong for the last... few centuries."
Devika couldn't help but smile. Despite the grandeur and gravity of her situation, these small moments of humor made everything feel a little less daunting.
Closing the Day
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting golden hues across the garden, Devika felt a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced in years.
Parvati placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Rest now, child. Tomorrow will bring new lessons, but for today, be at peace."
Devika nodded, her heart full. As she rose to leave, Mandini skipped beside her, holding up a slightly lopsided flower crown.
"For you!" she announced proudly.
Devika laughed and placed it on her head, feeling, for the first time, like she truly belonged in this divine realm.