The journey to Vrindavan was long but filled with anticipation. Aryan and Karna, dressed simply yet walking with the confidence of warriors, finally arrived at the lush, serene village nestled between blooming trees and winding rivers.
Children's laughter echoed in the distance, and cows grazed lazily. The scent of butter, sugar, and earth filled the air.
As they entered, they were instantly greeted by the sight of a tiny boy, barely two years old, smearing butter on his cheeks and giggling as a group of women ran after him.
"Stop, Kanha! Not again!" one cried.
The boy — none other than Shree Krishna, turned to look at Aryan and Karna with sparkling eyes, as if he already knew them.
Aryan gasped. "Is that... him?"
Karna nodded slowly. "The divine child. Shree Krishna."
Without hesitation, Aryan walked up and knelt down, presenting a wooden tricycle, crafted from his system-enhanced skills, painted with floral designs and fitted with smooth wheels.
"For you, Kanha," Aryan said.
Krishna clapped joyfully. "Whee! Whee! This is fun! Thank you, bhaiya!"
Laughter echoed as Krishna rolled around the courtyard with the tricycle, drawing more children around him. Even Radha, the young girl destined to be his eternal companion, came forward curiously. Aryan, with a respectful smile, offered her a handmade doll adorned with colorful silk ribbons.
**"For you, Radha."
Radha blushed. "Thank you, bhaiya!"
She ran off, hugging the doll tightly.
Krishna grinned at Aryan. "You give nice gifts. Come! Eat makkhan with me!"
They sat in the shade, sharing a bowl of soft, white makkhan. Karna watched nearby with a small smile, enjoying the peace.
---
The Divine Revelation — Vishnu and Lakshmi's Blessing
Later that day, Aryan wandered into the grove by the Yamuna river to meditate. As he sat quietly under a peepal tree, a radiant golden light enveloped him. He opened his eyes slowly.
Standing before him was Lord Vishnu, in his divine form, holding the conch, discus, lotus, and mace. Behind him stood Mata Lakshmi, radiant with kindness.
Aryan immediately bowed low. "Pranam, Prabhu. Pranam, Mata."
Vishnu smiled gently. "You have made my incarnation smile today. That tricycle—such a simple joy, but crafted with devotion. You remind me of the better nature of mortals."
Aryan's voice trembled. "I did not know it would reach your eyes, Prabhu."
Lakshmi stepped forward. "You have not only skill, child, but the will to use it for others' happiness. For that, I bless you with the Golden Rule."
Golden light surged from her hand and entered Aryan's chest.
Lakshmi spoke. "This power once belonged to a mighty king of another realm—Gilgamesh. The Golden Rule ensures you will never lack for wealth. Gold, resources, abundance—you will generate it effortlessly, not for greed, but for the good of your people."
Vishnu added. "This will help you build the kingdom that is destined to rise from your hands."
> SYSTEM ALERT – ARYAN
New Boon Gained: Golden Rule (Multiplied 1000x due to System)
Effect: Passive Wealth Generation – Kingdom Development Enhanced
Aryan's eyes widened. **"Thank you, Mahalakshmi. I will use this to protect those I love."
---
The Reunion — A Mother's Embrace
Soon after, Aryan was led by a village priest to a quiet home at the edge of Vrindavan. Inside, he saw a woman dressed in simple silks, her back turned as she braided a young girl's hair.
The priest whispered. "That is Vasumati. And her daughter, your sister."
Aryan's breath caught. "Maa..."
Vasumati turned slowly, her eyes narrowing, then widening as if a dream had stepped into reality.
"Aryan?" Her voice cracked.
He nodded, tears forming. "Yes... it's me."
She rushed to him, embracing him tightly, trembling.
**"My son! My sweet child! They told me you were lost... that you were gone forever!"
The girl behind her, about two years older than Aryan, came forward shyly. "You're my brother?"
Aryan knelt. "Yes. I've returned. I remember everything. Even from... Kalyug."
They both gasped.
Vasumati held his face. "You remember? All the pain?"
Aryan nodded. "I was cursed. But Shiv Ji and Parvati Ma gave me another chance. To find you again. To fix what was broken."
Vasumati and his sister broke down in tears.
"You've been through so much alone..." his sister whispered.
"Not alone," Aryan said, smiling gently. "I had Karna. I had destiny guiding me. And now, I have you both again."
They embraced once more, the scent of flowers and tears blending in the cool evening air.
Above, the stars twinkled. And somewhere in the sky, Mahadev and Parvati watched once again, their smiles soft and eternal.
Parvati spoke. "Let this child bring joy wherever he steps."
Mahadev nodded. "He will rise, loved by gods and mortals alike."
> SYSTEM UPDATE
Family Reunited – Bond Strength Increased
Emotional Resonance: +1000
The night in Vrindavan was filled with divine peace. And in that peace, Aryan slept for the first time in years—without sorrow, without pain.
A child, a brother, a son.
Returned.