'Whatever' Hari gave up any hope of reasoning with this guy.
"So, who are you?"
Hari stared at the ethereal being before him; he was utterly clueless.
"Who am I? in a way, we are both one and the same; you are me, and I'm you. I could also be the God, Heavens, The One above all and whatnot."
Hari mentally rolled his eyes and sighed in his mind.
'Ok, now I'm officially dealing with a retarded psycho.'
Strangely enough, God didn't get offended; God just overlooked it like a foolish act of an ignorant man Or a lonely old man having a mouthful conversation after a long time.
"To know who I am, you need to know more about yourself, in particular, your worlds. *sigh* Earth's a lot similar to a hamster running a wheel."
'Am I the crazy or is this guy stupid, why did earth become a hamster.'
"Earth is stuck in wheels of Mahayugas, endless cycle of creations and destruction. One Mahayuga is roughly 4.12 million years, and it's divided into 4 Yugas.
Satay Yuga – Virtue reigns supreme. The average human lifespan was 100,000 years.
Treta Yuga – There were three-quarter virtue and one-quarter sin. The average human lifespan was 10,000 years.
Dwapara Yuga – There was one-half virtue & 1 half sin. The average human lifespan was 1,000 years.
Kali Yuga – There is one-quarter virtue & Three-quarter sin. The average human lifespan was 100 years.
Kali-yuga is the final stage, long-winded gradual destruction.
I am the first life that Earth breeds; When a being is born the soul from the Earth, a small portion separates from me and enters the womb. When a being dies, their soul re-joins me.
I can't influence those souls in any form, or else the Earth will instantly burst to cause an apocalypse leading to absolute destruction. My existence and Earth are bound to each other -
My death ends all life, whereas Earth's destruction means my end."
Then God paused a bit, allowing Hari to digest everything, Hari couldn't discern any emotion from just those messages because they were only pure thoughts.
Everything since his death was bizarre and strange, but the Earth is a hamster stuck in the wheels of Mahayugas topped it all.
'So the stuff about Kali Yuga and stuff are real.'
Somewhere in the back of his head, Hari had started believing, because he had here myths about Kali Yuga.
"If you can't influence humans, then how did the secret about Yugas leak out."
Hari couldn't wrap his head around the entire Mahayuga concept, so he just found a plot hole in the story he heard to make better sense.
"Humanity's thirst for knowledge or truth can never be disregarded; in fact, a lot of truths were discovered by humans. Unfortunately, most of these are either ignored, overlooked or distorted, destroyed."
"For instance, Ancient Indian civilizations have long discovered the ultimate truth; In one of Hindu philosophy 'Mukthi' which means liberation or freedom is the ultimate meaning of life. In other words, breaking the fetters of destiny.
You'll find innumerable such findings or theories, so never underestimate your fellow human; they have inexhaustible potential."
Hari just nodded his head, he felt muddled; it's just too much digest. God was too immersed to notice Hari's absent-minded face.
"Every single organism is tied to their destiny, tangled in the string of fate; even I'm no exception, actually there was no exception to date. But you somehow achieved the impossible, the fetters of destiny somehow lost their grip over you."
"Staying here too long might severe you tie to Earth, so let me stop here. I'll also give you gifts to harness your power."
Hari let out a sign and loosened a bit, he knew he couldn't possibly escape from God.
"Then, what's the catch?"
Of course, he isn't naive enough to think a god would appear out of nowhere and give him powers just because he died uniquely.
"That's the point there are no fetters, so the 'Universal Principle of Karma' is invalid.
Even without my interference, you will be reincarnated. The only difference is when it naturally takes place, you will take over a new body.
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Moreover, the power I grant you is just a way to harness the hidden strength you got by breaking the fetters of destiny."
Hari was still suspicious and couldn't quite get the point, but a beam of light shot at him, directly sending him back to Earth.
****
Back on Earth.
Hari silently stood before the mirror in a daze, he didn't know if God and other thing was just his mind playing tricks on him.
"No, it's just hallucination ... I'm just hallucinating."
'Oh Right, Time'
Hari jumped to his mobile and checked the time, but he didn't have the habit of using his mobile more frequent than his brain. So obviously he didn't know the exact time, but he had a rough gauge.
*Sigh*
'It's still 8:30 am.'
An encounter like that is scary even for an iron-hearted soldier like Hari. He just chalked down the whole god thing to lack of sleep and quickly dressed up for his office.
Then Hari went to his motorbike, his old pal. This Royal Enfield motorbike was gifted to his team for their fabulous performance in one of the missions. This bike the only thing that can be remotely linked to his army life.
Hari drove his motorbike to the city, the first part of his ride was relaxing as always, and just like any other day, the moment he entered the city-limit, the restless traffic stopped any hopes of enjoying the ride.
He can only helplessly wait and move inch by inch to his office, he gently caressed the bike while reminiscing the old days, but suddenly a sound broke his line of thoughts.
*BANG*
A speeding car crashed into the walls. Hari quickly woke from his daze and rushed to the car. But he was a bit late; few people had already extended their helping hands; while the rest were as usual cursing behind the back.
"*tsk* another Drunkard bastard, luckily No one's injured."
"Does this M*****F****R start his day on alcohol."
"How could these guys be this irresponsible, these shitheads are an utter disgrace; @$%%....."
Hari heard people cursing and swearing that idiotic driver. He just shook his head and turned around, but a whimpering stray dog drew his attention.
That pitiful dog was just an innocent bystander suffering from humanity's carelessness and irresponsive attitude. When the car crashed into the walls, the stone and metal shards pierced the dog, critically wounding it.
People didn't bother to check the dog; even if they accidentally found this poor creature, the most a dying animal could earn is their useless pity and few drops of tears.
In the 21st century, everyone's busy a wounded dog could never stop them, and the dog being a homeless stray dog isn't helping the situation either.
Being an animal lover was one of his redeeming qualities, also something Hari took pride in being one. So Hari sprung to the dog and gave a decent first aid, his first-aid skills were on par with an experienced physician.
Though he coined it as first aid, it was nothing short of a Minor operation; a couple of the cuts were too deep so stitched while the rest were just bruises. But the little fella lost too much of blood, so his chance of recovery left much to be desired.
"Be careful fella it difficult to survive cruel world, but you gotta hang in there to make it a liveable place."
The dog was too weak, so it just slowly limped to the covert shed and lied down. Hari could discern hints of gratitude in those big eyes, he just shook his head and helplessly went to his motorbike.
Hari heavy heartedly rode his bike through traffic. It's a practical impossibility to take in every stray dog; moreover, Hari neither had the financial capacity nor a place to do so. Even the luxurious villa is his wife's property, so he did his best to save that pitiful creature.
*******
A few hours later at Moon Pictures Private Limited.
Moon Pictures Private Limited is run by Anil Rathore the heir to Airavata Groups.
Rumour has it that, Moon Pictures Pvt Ltd. was incorporated to serve as a practice ground for Anil Rathore, the heir to Airavata Corporations. The corporation is one of the most significant players in this part of the country.
Anil, the Boss-cum-owner is a rich brat spending his father's money to experience the business world. Every employee would overly flatter the Boss to get into his good books.
Thus Anil became the uncrowned King of Moon Pictures. Inside Moon Pictures, even the air flows the way he breathes. In this illusory kingdom, Hari was an exception, he was a taciturn idiot.
Inherently, Hari hated the guts of these self-righteous hypocrites; unfortunately, any society is filled with such people. So acting as an uncommunicative person to ignore then seemed a lot more logical option against dying of anger while dealing with these hypocrites.
Hari stood out in that flattering sheep crowd; he wasn't even polite to let alone flattery. He was like a crane among chickens; Hari's stubbornness, coupled with his lifeless eyes gave birth to a perfect misfit of the society.
Strangely Anil always tried to befriend Hari instead of targeting this indifferent employee of his.
By the time Hari reached the office, he was already late by an hour; Hari found himself stuck between a rock and a hard place, though he spent most of his in solitude Anil's relationship antagonized few yet powerful individuals. One of them just happened to be his Department head.
Hari hesitantly made his way to his department while stimulating numerous excuses. Hari took a deep breath before pushing the doors of the Finance department.
Then Hari realized someone sneaking behind him and abruptly turned around to counter-attack.
"Dude how do you find me every time? You just wait I'll certainly sneak on you one day or other?"
A youth in his Mid-twenties stood before Hari. He was in perfect business apparel with slightly old-fashioned glasses. His sharp eyes and amiable yet handsome looks utterly contrasted Hari's ordinary zombie face and soulless eyes.
Hari just nodded with a small smile, though Anil's an inexperienced kid in the business world, he was no stranger to the darkness of human society. As an heir to gigantic Conglomerate, he has seen his fair share of plots and conspiracy.
Anil could discern good from evil and see through their face masks. So he always maintained distance with his employees. Anil took note of a few sincere employees, but Hari's indifference and deadpan somehow instilled a strange sense of awe deep inside.
Thus Anil tried to befriend Hari while Hari regarded Anil as a good person to get along. But Hari didn't mention anything about his past and always behaved like a dull idiot.
Anil put his hand around Hari's shoulder while Hari played along, both of them entered the office. With Anil around Hari being late would be the least of his concerns. Hari knew Anil was here to help, so he went straight through the door without a hint of hesitation.
A young yet mature woman was sitting right before the door, though she was good looking and tender-skinned the entire company knew her real character. When this woman goes crazy, even a mad dog will turn to lick its wounds.
The young woman is the Finance department head, Lila.
Even Anil could barely contain her; her background was just too prominent to trifle with. Still, in his company, Anil had the highest authority, and covering for a late employee is undoubtedly within his powers.
Thus, Lila let off Hari with just a scary stare and a bone-chilling smile. Anil could only helplessly shrug indicating his inability further interfere.
Hari nodded while taking note of the effort, in fact, he didn't take his job seriously; it was just another cover.
The rest of the day went by uneventfully; Hari checked the time after a long yawn. It was already 6 pm, so he shut his laptop and packed his stuff. Before he could leave the Lila called him; Hari reluctantly picked up the call.
"Yes, ma'am...Yes ma'am... huh okay I'll do it"
'F**k why the hell am I taking orders from this bitch?' Hari swore mentally.
He was forced to stay in the office for a couple of hours and prepare documents for the meeting held 20 days later; obviously, it's just a way to get her petty revenge on him.
Lila was always upset with the indifferent employee of her; his disregard for her authority would never fail to get on her nerves. Somehow this wooden bloke got Anil's grace.
Even today Hari was late by an hour, though he was a punctual guy being this late without any proper permission or explanation was stretching the limits too much.
But with Anil around, she had to control her temper, after all, antagonizing Big Boss over such trifle issues was Utter stupidity even if she didn't fear Anil's backer. So she made him work overtime to pay back instead of giving a nice round of scolding.
As unwilling as she was, it was a lot simpler to force him overtime than spending senseless effort on such minor character.
Few hours later…. 9:00 pm
Hari was finally permitted to take his leave, as expected he's the last one to leave. Lila was long gone, but he had to stay till he mailed the Draft.
Grudgingly Hari put up a few hours more behind the desk. He visited the wounded dog's shed and offered some food to the poor creature.
Then, he pulled his mobile and opened the WhatsApp. He silently looked into the screen for a minute before texting.
"Coming Wednesday, Anna Nagar Tower Park, Chennai at 8.30 pm."
Hari's team had a Private WhatsApp group for their team members. This is Hari's first message after 2 years; he was disjoint from them, all he knew was his brothers all retired with him and waiting from him to come back.
He didn't know if his encounter with the god was real or not, but he knew one thing for sure if he were to die now, he would surely miss his other brothers. So he decided to set up a meeting since he was clueless of their current affairs he scheduled the gathering after a week.
He spent some time in the nearby park reminiscing good old memories and returned home well past 10:00 pm as usual. Generally, he would go late to the house, it's a tacit agreement between Hari and Shreya to avoid unnecessary awkward encounters.
The day was both mentally and physically exhausting, so the moment his body touched the mattress, he slipped into a deep sleep.