**Ten Years Later**

Suhasini and Karna had become inseparable over the years, their friendship deepening with each passing day as they trained under Guru Parashurama’s watchful eye. Karna had completed his training the previous year, and today marked Suhasini’s final lesson.

In the early morning, Parashurama sat deep in meditation, while Gurumata Dharini busied herself preparing breakfast. As Parashurama opened his eyes, sensing the momentous day ahead, Dharini began searching for Suhasini.

"Suhasini, your Gurudev is calling for you," she called out, her voice echoing through the stable where Suhasini was talking to her now fully grown stallion, Dhavanshu.

"Why, Dharini Ma?" Suhasini asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I'm not sure. You should go see. And since it's your last day here, I've made your favorite bhindi ki sabji," Dharini said with a smile.

Suhasini’s face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Dharini Ma. You're the best!"

She blew her a playful kiss.

Dharini laughed, shaking her head. "Go on now, you little rascal."

Suhasini hurried to the meditation hall, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and sadness.

"Gurudev, you called for me?" she asked, bowing respectfully before Parashurama.

"Yes, my child. Today, you complete your training. Just as Karna did before you, it is now time for you to fulfill your Gurudakshina," Parashurama began, his voice calm yet commanding.

"Anything you ask, Gurudev," Suhasini replied earnestly.

"I wish for you to visit Karna in Hastinapura by the next full moon," Parashurama stated, his gaze unwavering.

"But Gurudev, that’s only five days away," Suhasini said, taken aback by the short notice.

"Precisely. It’s crucial that you reach him by then. This is my command," he said firmly.

"As you wish, Gurudev," Suhasini agreed, her resolve hardening.

"Now, there is something I wish to give you," Parashurama continued, his tone softening.

"What is it, Gurudev?" Suhasini asked, her curiosity deepening.

"Come with me," he instructed, leading her to one of the remotest rooms in the Gurugriha.

This room was rarely opened, and Suhasini’s mind raced with wonder about what lay within. Parashurama unlocked the door and guided her inside. The room was filled with crystal boxes, each containing a powerful weapon. In the center stood a golden crest, glowing with a mystical aura.

Parashurama approached the crest, murmuring a mantra that unlocked its secrets. The crest opened, revealing a radiant golden conch.

“This is the Vishnu Sankh, a divine gift from Lord Vishnu himself. It can be used three times to invoke Narayana’s aid. Its power is so immense that it defies the very laws of nature and fate,” Parashurama explained, his voice reverberating with reverence.

Suhasini gazed at the conch in awe. “But Gurudev, why is it so precious? Can’t we invoke Lord Vishnu through our devotion?”

Parashurama nodded. “Indeed, but this conch compels the divine to act against the natural order, even fate itself. The last time it was used, it caused great destruction and pitted Vishnu against Lord Shiva. Use it only in the direst need.”

“Who gave you this conch, Gurudev? Please tell me about them,” Suhasini asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“That, my child, is a story you must uncover in time. Trust in Narayana,” Parashurama said gently.

“I will, Gurudev. Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility. I will protect it with my life,” Suhasini vowed.

Parashurama smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. “I know you will. And now, there is one more gift.”

He handed her a sword, its blade shimmering with an almost ethereal light.

“This sword is special. It can only be wielded by a woman and never misses its mark. It moves with the speed of light. You may name it as you see fit,” Parashurama said.

Suhasini, fascinated by the weapon, pondered for a moment. “How about Alisha, meaning ‘light’?”

“A perfect name, my child,” Parashurama agreed, his voice warm with approval.

“Thank you for everything, Gurudev,” Suhasini said, her heart swelling with gratitude.

“Now, prepare for your journey and fulfill my request for Gurudakshina,” Parashurama instructed. “But first, enjoy the meal prepared by your Gurumata, or she will be upset.”

“Oh no, I almost forgot!” Suhasini exclaimed. “I must go before Dharini Ma gets mad at me!”

Suhasini rushed off, leaving behind a smiling Parashurama. She truly was the life of the Gurukul.

After a hearty lunch with Dharini Ma, Suhasini wrote a letter to her family in Dwarka. Her brother Krishna had established this new city for their clan due to the relentless attacks from their grandfather Jarasandh.

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**Letter to Dwarka**

Dear Family,

I hope this message finds you all in the best of health. Has Subhadra Jiji returned from Kanyakul?

I know you must be eagerly awaiting my return, but I must honor my Gurudev’s request first. I’ll be visiting Hastinapura to see my friend Vasusen. Please don’t worry; I will be safe. I promise to join you all in a month.

I heard Balram Dau has married Revati Bhabi. Dau, I’m angry you didn’t wait for me! Let me get back, and I will have my revenge. I can’t wait to meet Bhabi; she must be amazing to have captured Dau’s heart.

I miss you all dearly, especially the delicious meals prepared by Devaki Ma, and our trips to the market with Vasudev Baba. I miss our midnight adventures, Anna’s soothing voice putting me to sleep, and the friendly competitions with Jiji. I cherish those moments and look forward to more.

With all my love,
Your Hasini

---

She tied the letter to her pet eagle, Bazigar, and watched as he soared into the sky, heading towards Dwarka.

The next morning, Suhasini bid a tearful farewell to Dharini Ma and received Parashurama’s blessings. Mounting her faithful horse, Dhavanshu, she set off on the three-day journey to Hastinapura.

Parashurama watched her go, a silent prayer on his lips. “May the Supreme God protect you, Suhasini, and grant you the strength to face the challenges ahead.”

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Words : 1000
Date : 08/06/2024