When the Mountains Call🔊

Once upon a time in the peaceful hamlet of Kedar, lived a simple man named Raghav. His life was as untouched as the virgin snowfall over the majestic peaks surrounding his village. Set in the heart of the Himalayas, Raghav's life was as regular as the journey of the sun.

Raghav was not just a shepherd, but also the son of the village chief. However, his heart brimmed with restlessness that echoed the rumbling of mountains in the distance. His father hoped Raghav would take up his responsibilities as the village chief but Raghav longed for adventure; his heart yearned to explore the mysteries the mountains held tight in their icy grip.

One day, a lone traveler visited their hamlet, bearing tales of a hidden realm beyond the mighty peaks. Somewhere high among the clouds, the traveler claimed, lay an ancient city, said to be the dwelling place of celestial beings. This magical city, known only as 'Devbhoomi,' was said to be filled with treasures, knowledge, and secrets older than the mountains themselves.

Hearing these tales, Raghav found his childhood whims and dreams rekindled. He decided then and there, he would find this fabled city. With his father’s reluctant blessing and the echoing promises of the journey, Raghav embarked on his daunting journey, leaving his heart, home, and family behind.

Climbing the treacherous slopes and withstanding the biting winds, Raghav journeyed for days. The nights were especially daunting, with only the cold mountain air and the distant howl of wolves for company.

One day, nearing his exhaustion limit, he stumbled upon a sparkling, icy river. He followed it and to his astonishment, found an enormous, ancient gateway. Built into the mountainside, the intricately carved stone gate was unmistakably celestial. Beyond the gate lay 'Devbhoomi' shimmering like a jewel under the golden sunlight.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Raghav fell to his knees. His arduous journey had been worth the pain. Taking confident strides, he entered this divine city. The sights were breathtaking; lush gardens filled with heavenly blooms, magnificent buildings made of gleaming stones and celestial inhabitants radiating with an aura of tranquility and wisdom.

Raghav’s heart swelled with pride and amazement. He interacted with the divine beings, he learned their ancient wisdom, their secrets, and their way of living.

Months turned into years; Raghav was now a different man. Physically he was stronger, mentally he was wiser and spiritually he was at peace. However, the heartache of missing his home began to creep in. An unbearable longing for his roots took hold of his heart.

So, Raghav decided it was time to return home. He bid the celestial beings farewell and made his way back. The journey back was serene, as if the mountains were guiding him their beloved son back home. As he descended, he could see the smoke rising from his village. His heart pounded with joy.

When Raghav arrived at his village, the whole village was taken aback. The young naive lad was now a man who carried himself with an extraordinary aura. His stories of the celestial city and the knowledge he brought back changed his life and the lives of his people forever.

The mountains tested Raghav, led him to discover his strengths, his courage, and taught him wisdom. His restless heart found its peace among his people, nurturing them with the knowledge and experiences he had gained. When he was physically gone, he was always there, in the babbling brooks, the chilly winds, and the snowy peaks - a part of the very mountains he had once longed to explore. And so, Raghav the shepherd became Raghav the Wise, a legend whose saga was told and retold for generations to come.