It had been weeks since they last encountered Aghorath, and the trio—Sudeep, Nandita, and Ravi—were now wandering from one sacred place to another, deepening their spiritual practice. Meditation, prayer, and sacred rituals had become their routine. The serene atmosphere of the temples, the sounds of bells, and the whisper of ancient chants surrounded them as they sought to strengthen their inner selves.

Nandita, with her newfound understanding, was at peace with the stillness of their journey. Though Aghorath's absence made their search feel like a wait for something inevitable, she believed that the savior would awaken soon. She knew the signs—the cosmic rhythms that the universe followed, and how they aligned with the myths of Hindu cosmology.

"The end of Vishnu's sleep is near," she murmured, as they rested at a quiet shrine. "According to the scriptures, when Vishnu enters his Yoga Nidra, the world continues, and other gods take charge, like Lord Ganesh, who removes obstacles, or Goddess Durga, who protects us from evil. During this time, Vishnu sleeps in the Kshira Sagara, the Ocean of Milk, where the universe pauses, waiting for the right moment for creation to begin again."

Sudeep and Ravi, still unsure, exchanged glances. "But he's been sleeping for a long time now. Shouldn't he have woken up by now to stop Aghorath?" Sudeep questioned.

Nandita smiled softly, sensing their skepticism. "Nothing can happen before the right time. Aghorath has been given chances, but now he has crossed a line. There is no mercy left for him."

The air around them seemed to hum with energy, as though the earth itself was resonating with Nandita's words. The mythology, the cycles, the cosmic rhythms—all seemed to come alive in the air. Sudeep and Ravi couldn't help but feel the truth in her words, even though they were still struggling to grasp the significance of the situation.

"And the time is almost here," Nandita continued, her eyes distant, as if seeing beyond the present. "Vishnu's awakening will bring the end of Aghorath's reign of terror. But for now, we must be patient and prepare ourselves. We have to train, to harness our true power."

The trio began their intense training, each focusing on different aspects of their being. Nandita, with her divine heritage, explored her powers in new ways—her meditation deepened, and her connection to the divine grew stronger. She felt the power of Lakshmi within her, guiding her, refining her. Ravi, always earnest, honed his strength in selflessness, and Sudeep, though still unaware of his true nature, felt a deep stirring inside him as his connection to the universe began to awaken.

"Just as the gods take charge during Vishnu's rest, we must take our own responsibility for the world. We cannot wait for a savior when we are the ones destined to fight," Nandita said during one of their sessions, guiding them in balancing their energies.

Nandita, with her connection to Lakshmi, had the innate ability to tap into a vast reservoir of knowledge and wisdom. She guided both Sudeep and Ravi through intricate mental practices, beginning with intense meditation to purify the mind and develop control over their thoughts. This mental discipline was key to surviving the eventual battle against Aghorath and overcoming the darkness threatening the world.

Their sessions often involved dhyana (meditation), in which they focused on clearing their minds of distractions, connecting to the universal consciousness, and grounding themselves in the present moment. For Nandita, this was an exploration of the deeper layers of her powers, channeling the divine energy of Lakshmi through every thought. She would often say, "The mind is a battlefield, and clarity is the armor we wear." She emphasized controlling desires and attachments to worldly things, explaining that only by doing so could they tap into true power, free from illusion.

Ravi, in particular, struggled with letting go of his past attachments and desires. His journey involved pratyahara, the practice of withdrawing the senses from external stimuli to focus inward. He would spend hours sitting in silence, listening only to the sound of his breath, learning to distance himself from emotions, doubts, and fears. This allowed him to become more receptive to the energy around him, honing his ability to act selflessly without being swayed by his internal struggles.

Sudeep, on the other hand, had a more abstract journey. He was the one most disconnected from his true nature, so his mental training involved intense contemplation on his purpose. Nandita would guide him in jnana yoga, the path of wisdom, encouraging him to ask deeper questions and find answers within. "Seek the truth that lies beyond the surface," she would say, helping him connect his inner world to the divine.

Physical Training

The physical side of their training was equally demanding, as it wasn't just about fighting enemies, but about building a body strong enough to withstand the divine forces that would soon be unleashed.

Nandita's physical training focused on grace and strength, combining yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) to strengthen her body and energy channels. She practiced complex asanas that channeled energy through the body, opening her chakras and helping her control her prana (life force). She was no stranger to the Kundalini awakening process, which is said to activate dormant spiritual energy within the body. Her posture became increasingly upright, her movements fluid, as though she was constantly connected to a higher plane.

For Ravi, his training was about balance and endurance. As someone who had been self-centered in the past, his physical discipline centered around kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art from India known for its fluid movements and emphasis on both offense and defense. Ravi trained rigorously with wooden sticks and swords, moving with a precision that mirrored the rhythmic flow of his breath. His physical strength reflected his inner transformation—where once he had sought power for personal gain, now his actions were guided by the divine will of the goddess Lakshmi. "Your body is a vessel," Nandita often reminded him. "Keep it strong, but keep it pure."

Sudeep's physical training involved a mix of weight training and fasting. Weightlifting was not just for building muscle—it was symbolic of the mental and emotional burdens he was carrying. By pushing his body to its limits, he symbolically faced his weaknesses and fears. Sudeep also practiced tapasya , taking on voluntary discomfort to test his endurance and willpower. The fasting helped him develop the discipline of the mind over the body, teaching him that he could survive without indulgences.

They also trained together, practicing togetherness as they meditated under the stars, feeling the rhythms of the universe in sync with their own hearts. This communal practice was vital to their bond, as it reinforced the idea that they were a team working toward a single goal. Their physical training reached its peak when they performed havan (a sacred fire ceremony), invoking the energy of the elements and the divine. As they sat around the sacred fire, they visualized their enemies being consumed by the flames of truth and divine power.

In these moments, they grew stronger—physically, mentally, and spiritually—readying themselves for the time when Vishnu would awaken, and the cosmic battle between good and evil would reach its climax.