Hearing his name spoken with such reverence, Nandi Ji spoke calmly.
"Do not revere me at the level of the Gods. I am merely a servant and a bhakt of my Mahadev."
Understanding the intent behind Nandi Ji's words, Rudra felt a quiet sense of enlightenment. Something within him shifted. He felt the urge to follow the same humility in his own devotion.
Nandi Ji then turned and gestured for him to follow.
"Come," they said.
"Let us walk while we talk. Tell me what you think of my lord's decision to grant you a wish so freely."
Rudra fell into deep thought and remained silent.
He looked at Nandi Ji and began questioning himself. Had he truly done anything worthy of such grace? People endured countless hardships just to meet the Gods, and having a wish granted was far rarer. The joy he had felt earlier slowly faded, replaced by doubt.
Am I really worthy of this?
Seeing Rudra's expression, his silence, and the conflict clearly written on his face, Nandi Ji understood his thoughts. They spoke before Rudra could sink deeper.
"Do not overwork that tiny brain of yours. It might burst," they said with a hint of humour.
"Do you truly think the Gods act without reason? Do you think my lord would grant a wish simply for amusement? As if it would be so simple. You are in wrong child."
Rudra hesitated before responding.
"I have not done anything particularly difficult," he said honestly.
"I just happened to be at the right place, at the right time."
Nandi Ji nodded.
"Luck did play its part, and that itself is no small thing. But surviving a space collapse is also an achievement. Had you not read Shiv Kavacham, my lord would not have been able to protect you. And without complete belief in it, you would not have met the Gods at all."
They continued calmly.
"These small moments stack upon one another. Together, they led you to this moment. I do not believe you would have been granted such grace if your mind and soul were not pure. Besides," they added with a faint smile, "your wish is not all that grand, is it?"
Listening to Nandi Ji's words, Rudra felt his heart ease. The heaviness inside him slowly lifted.
As they continued strolling, Rudra felt a growing connection with Nandi Ji.
Soon, they reached the shore of a lake.
It was vast and beautiful. Its waters were pristine, white, and crystal clear. Just looking at it filled Rudra with a calmness he had never felt before.
Seeing Rudra captivated by the sight, Nandi Ji spoke.
"This is part of the river Ganga, Rudra. This is where Ganga Ji resides, and from here their journey upon Earth both begins and ends."
Hearing this, Rudra's attention shifted to the lake itself.
The water began to bubble.
From its surface, a form started to rise. As the water gathered, it shaped itself into a humanoid figure, skin forming from flowing currents.
Soon, the figure took the shape of a beautiful lady, resembling Goddess Parvati. Like them, they wore white garments. But where Goddess Parvati wore jewellery made of flowers and petals, this being wore ornaments of white gold, translucent like water itself. Their presence carried a chill, not the kind that numbs the bones, but a soothing coolness, like a gentle stream that quenches all thirst.