To the next destination

he first light of dawn filtered through the thin curtains of Rudra's room at the inn. The peaceful sound of the waves crashing along the shores of Somnath filled the air as he stood by the window, staring out at the vast expanse of the ocean. His mind, once filled with thoughts of vengeance, power, and his ancient legacy, felt calm for the first time in centuries. The serene beauty of the temple, the connection he had felt with Lord Shiva, and the simple act of watching the sunset the previous evening had awakened something deeper within him—a renewed purpose.

He had made a promise to himself. He would visit all twelve of the Jyotirlingas, pay his respects, and learn from the world around him before deciding his path. The mistakes of his past would not be repeated. The gods had cast him down, and his own ambition had led to his fall. But now, with the wisdom of centuries behind him, he knew there was more to power than sheer force.

As Rudra prepared to leave the inn, he felt lighter, his mind clear, and his resolve firm. Today, he would continue his journey to the next Jyotirlinga—Mallikarjuna, on the Srisailam mountain. The road ahead was long, but for the first time in a very long time, he looked forward to it.

He had decided to experience human travel once again, despite still possessing his ancient Puspak Vimana. There was something grounding about mingling with the world in its present form, something he needed to truly understand humans in this new age.

After collecting his belongings, Rudra made his way to the railway station. The sun was rising higher now, casting a golden glow over the streets of Somnath. As he waited for the train, Rudra noticed the bustling crowds, families, and individuals going about their daily routines. This was a world he had been absent from for so long, and he was determined to learn its pulse.

The train to Mallikarjuna was set to depart in a short while. Rudra found his seat by the window, allowing himself to relax as he observed the world outside. The journey was peaceful, almost meditative, until he heard a familiar voice nearby.

"Well, well, look who it is," the voice said with a playful tone.

Rudra turned, and there she was—the same young woman he had met on his journey to Somnath. Reva, the history student with a keen mind and a curiosity that had caught his attention.

"Reva," he greeted her with a nod. "What brings you here?"

Reva smiled, clearly amused by the coincidence. "You might not believe this, but I'm on the same journey as you. I'm heading to the next Jyotirlinga—Mallikarjuna. My research took me there, and I thought, why not explore more of India's sacred sites while I'm at it?"

Rudra raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her coincidence. "What are the odds?"

"Or maybe it's fate," Reva said, sitting in the seat across from him. "After all, we met on the way to Somnath, and here we are again."

Rudra couldn't help but smile at her energy. She had an infectious curiosity about her that reminded him of himself during his younger days, long before the war with Lord Rama and the descent into chaos.

"I suppose it is," Rudra said. "So, what draws you to the Jyotirlingas? Pure research, or something more?"

Reva hesitated for a moment before answering. "I suppose it's a bit of both. My studies are important, of course. I'm fascinated by ancient India, its history, and its myths. But… there's something about these places, the energy they hold. It's almost as if the air itself remembers the stories of the past, and I can feel it every time I visit one."

Rudra nodded, understanding more than she could know. He too felt that energy, the memories lingering in the air. But for him, it was not just a sensation—it was his own story, the echoes of a life long past.

"I know what you mean," he said quietly. "These places carry more than just historical significance. They are the remnants of something far greater."

Reva leaned forward, intrigued by his words. "You speak like someone who knows these stories intimately, like you've lived through them."

Rudra's eyes flickered with a distant memory, but he quickly masked it. "I've read a lot about them, and I suppose I've always been drawn to the old tales."

Reva smiled. "Same here. I think there's so much more to our history than what's written in books. The stories we hear growing up—they're not just myths. There's truth in them, layers of meaning waiting to be uncovered."

As the train continued on its journey, the conversation between Rudra and Reva deepened. They discussed everything from the legends of Shiva to the tales of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Reva's insights were refreshing, and Rudra found himself enjoying the company more than he expected. Her passion for understanding the ancient world mirrored his own, though he had once been a part of that world himself.

"I always wondered," Reva said thoughtfully at one point, "what Ravana really thought about his defeat. I mean, he was so powerful, so intelligent. I can't imagine someone like him simply accepting his fate."

Rudra's expression remained neutral, but her words stirred something within him. "Perhaps he didn't," he replied carefully. "Perhaps his defeat was just one part of a much larger story."

Reva tilted her head, intrigued by his answer. "You make it sound like there's more to it than we know."

Rudra offered a faint smile. "There always is."

As the train approached its destination, the conversation shifted back to their plans. Reva seemed excited to explore Mallikarjuna, eager to experience the energy of the ancient temple nestled in the Srisailam hills.

"I can't wait to see the temple," she said as the train slowed. "I've read so much about the Jyotirlingas, but seeing them in person is something else entirely."

Rudra nodded in agreement. "It's a place of great power. You'll feel it as soon as you step inside."

The train finally came to a halt, and the passengers began to disembark. Reva stood, stretching after the long journey. "I guess we'll see each other at the temple."

"Perhaps," Rudra replied, though he knew for certain that their paths would cross again.

As they stepped out onto the platform, the air was warm and filled with the scent of jasmine and incense. The small town surrounding the temple was bustling with activity, devotees and tourists alike eager to pay their respects at one of the most sacred sites in India.

Rudra watched as Reva disappeared into the crowd, her enthusiasm palpable. He stood for a moment, taking in the sights and sounds around him. Despite everything, this journey was offering him a chance to reconnect—not just with the world, but with himself.

With a deep breath, he turned and made his way toward the inn where he would stay for the night. Tomorrow, he would visit the Mallikarjuna temple, the second Jyotirlinga on his path. The journey was only beginning, and Rudra knew there was much more to discover—not just about the world, but about the man he was becoming.