ALL IS NOTHING
In the quaint town of Andal, where the days unfurl like the petals of a lotus at dawn, there lived a man named Subham. His desires were simple, his dreams modest, as he sought nothing more than the gentle hum of life's simple pleasures. Subham's heart was a tranquil lake, undisturbed by the ripples of ambition that stirred the world beyond the horizon. Yet, unbeknownst to him, the threads of his fate were spun from a different cloth, woven by his own hands in a tapestry grander than the skies above. For in the quiet recesses of his unassuming life lay the seeds of a destiny so vast, it stretched beyond the boundaries of his imagination. It was a path that would lead him through the labyrinth of time and chance, to a legacy that would echo through the ages. This is the story of Subham, the man who yearned for peace but was destined for greatness. A tale of the silent forces that shape our ends, whispering to us through the veils of the unknown, guiding us towards a future written in the stars, yet penned by our own hand.
Chapter:3 The Old man at the Mandir
The next morning, Subham woke with the remnants of his nightmare still lingering in his mind. He tried to shake off the unease as he got ready for the day, hoping that some shopping might distract him. The streets of Durgapur were bustling with activity, the usual morning rush adding a sense of normalcy that Subham desperately needed.
He met up with Saheli, Dipika, Nayanika, and Ankan at a popular shopping area. The group, still excited about their upcoming trip to Rajasthan, chatted animatedly as they moved from store to store, picking out clothes, accessories, and other essentials for the journey.
Saheli, her usual introverted self, was content to browse quietly, occasionally showing a dress or two to Dipika for approval. Dipika, sensible and responsible, took charge, making sure they didn't overspend and that everyone got what they needed. Nayanika, ever the chatterbox, gossiped about the latest rumors, while Ankan's positive energy kept everyone's spirits high.
Subham tried to join in the excitement, but the images from his nightmare haunted him. Every time he saw his friends laugh or smile, he was reminded of the horror he had seen. His overthinking nature made it hard to let go of the fear gnawing at him.
After they finished shopping, Subham felt an overwhelming need to find some peace of mind. "Hey guys, I think I'll head to the mandir for a bit," he said, trying to sound casual. "I need some quiet time."
Saheli, who often sought solace in quiet places herself, nodded understandingly. "We'll catch up with you later then."
Subham made his way to a nearby temple, a serene place he often visited when he needed to clear his mind. The air was filled with the scent of incense, and the soft chanting of prayers created a calming atmosphere. He removed his shoes and walked inside, feeling the cool marble under his feet.
He sat down in a quiet corner, closing his eyes and taking deep breaths. The sense of unease began to dissipate as he focused on the gentle hum of the temple's activities. He stayed like this for a while, letting the tranquility wash over him.
After some time, Subham opened his eyes and noticed an old man sitting a few feet away, watching him intently. The man's eyes were sharp and piercing, yet there was a kindness in them. He wore simple, traditional clothes and had a long, white beard that gave him an air of wisdom.
The old man slowly got up and approached Subham. "You seem troubled, young man," he said in a gentle voice. "What weighs so heavily on your mind?"
Subham hesitated, unsure of how to explain his nightmare to a stranger. But something about the man's presence made him feel compelled to share. "I had a terrible dream last night," he admitted. "It was about my friends... and our upcoming trip to Rajasthan."
The old man's expression grew serious. "Dreams are often more than mere illusions of the night. They can be warnings, messages from the unknown."
Subham felt a chill run down his spine. "What do you mean?"
The old man sat down next to him. "Rajasthan is a land of ancient history and powerful energies. Many forts and palaces hold secrets, some of which are best left undisturbed. Your dream may be a sign that your journey will not be as carefree as you hope."
Subham's heart pounded in his chest. "What should I do? We've already planned everything."
The old man placed a hand on Subham's shoulder. "Be cautious. Trust your instincts and look out for your friends. Sometimes, the best way to avoid danger is to be aware of it."
Subham nodded, feeling a strange mix of fear and determination. "Thank you for the warning."
The old man gave a slight smile. "May the divine protect you and your friends. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to face it."
Subham left the mandir feeling more alert than ever. The old man's words echoed in his mind, intertwining with the images from his nightmare. He knew he couldn't ignore the warning. As he rejoined his friends, he resolved to be vigilant and protect them, no matter what challenges lay ahead.