The sisters arrived at the Goddess temple of Veerapalli, a stunning example of architectural grandeur. Towering pillars ascended from the earth to the heavens, while expansive staircases elevated the main temple from all directions. In ancient India, it was customary for every village to have its own guardian deity, revered by the local populace with great devotion. 

“Vani, let us pluck some flowers for the offering first,” Dhani suggested. 

“Umm…humm,” Vani responded, displaying a lack of enthusiasm for temple duties that had persisted since her childhood. Out of obligation to their mother’s wishes, she reluctantly accompanied Dhani to the temple each day. 

They entered the temple's outer garden, where flowers were cultivated for the worship of the Goddess's idol. Suddenly, a towering figure, resembling a wrestler and standing eight feet tall, appeared before them. Vani gazed at him in disbelief. He was clad in regal dark blue attire and adorned with gold jewelry. A golden headband, featuring a ruby at its center, signified his noble lineage. His imposing presence, coupled with long black hair cascading to his shoulders, gave him a fierce appearance, accentuated by a sharp jawline and pronounced brows. Accompanying him was another figure, partially obscured by his grandeur. 

As the man and his companion passed by the sisters, Vani remarked to Dhani, “Did you see that man? Is he even human or some kind of beast? He seems dangerous.” 

“What man?” Dhani inquired, her attention focused on the red hibiscus flowers she intended to gather for the offerings. 

“Did you not notice that enormous man?” 

Dhani turned to catch a glimpse of the giant's back. Indeed, he was a remarkable sight. 

“How can someone be that large? He is not from our village. What brings him here? Is he a wrestler? Is there a wrestling competition in our village?” Vani questioned. 

Dhani sighed and replied, “Vani, focus on plucking the flowers and stop being so distracted.” 

They collected hibiscus, roses, jasmine, and various other flowers of their choosing, placing them into the bamboo basket they carried. 

“This should be sufficient. Let us go inside the temple,” Dhani said.

They climbed the stairs to enter the temple when Dhani unexpectedly collided with a man exiting the building. She lost her balance and nearly tumbled down the steps, but the man swiftly caught her by the waist. 

“Ahh!” she gasped, turning to face her rescuer. It was the same imposing figure she had encountered earlier, and now, with a clearer view, he appeared even more formidable. 

“Are you alright?” he inquired, his deep voice resonating powerfully. 

“Uh…yes…I am,” she replied, her gaze drawn to the muscular arm that encircled her waist. Mesmerized by her allure, the man held her in his arms for a while. His eyes took their time to admire her charisma which made her nervous. She tried to pull back, and he let go of her. 

“I apologize. I didn’t see you,” he said, towering over her. Dhani raised her head to see his face. “Are you injured in any way?” he asked.

“No. I am fine… I apologize as well,” She responded. Their eyes met, and after a brief moment, they both bowed slightly before parting ways.

“Sister, are you okay? What a rough and coarse voice he had.” Vani said. Dhani seemed to be lost in contemplation, experiencing an immediate yet profound attraction to that man, though she could not comprehend the reason behind it. “Could he be the one?” she pondered internally.

“Sister?”

“Huh!… Yes. I am fine. Let’s go and worship the Goddess,” Dhani remarked, pulling back from her thoughts.

They went inside the temple chamber and performed the rituals. Dhani's gaze was drawn to a figure in the corner, a man engaged in meditation. He appeared to be a monk for he was wearing an orange robe that completely covered his body and had a maroon safa atop his head. He was muscular and looked around seven feet tall. His facial features were firm and clean-shaven, and his eyes were closed softly. Dhani perceived him as handsome and smiled mildly, as he reminded her of the wishes she had made to the Lord. He embodied the ideal image of 'the one' that had long resided in her mind. Then, she began to sense a similar connection to the one she had felt with the man on the stairs. Curiously, she stole glances at him, contemplating her emotions. He opened his eyes and looked straight into hers. Nervousness caused her to shut her eyes immediately. Minutes later, she opened her eyes again. He wasn’t there. She sighed with relief, grateful to avoid any potential embarrassment. 

After completing their rituals in about half an hour, they made their way toward the gate when a voice from behind called out loudly, “Bali... Bali... The Chief has awakened from his penance and is calling for you.” The shout was nearly in Vani's ear, causing her irritation. They turned to see the same man who had accompanied the beast. Approaching them from the opposite direction, the imposing figure casted a glance at Dhani, his lips parting and eyes softening as he walked by.

“So, his name is Bali. It certainly suits his formidable stature,” Dhani mused as she observed him. 

She left the temple with Vani. The man turned back to see her going out of the gate, thinking if he should go behind her or not. But, his companion called him again. He followed his companion to the back end of the temple, where the Veerapalli ashram was situated, visitors from neighboring villages resided there. Bali was deep in contemplation as he sat down facing the monk from the temple. His companion, Nivid, a well-built man in his early thirties standing at six and a half feet, sat beside him. They were facing the monk from the temple. His name was Aatreya, who was Bali's elder brother. Aatreya was outlining what appeared to be a plan but noticed Bali's distracted demeanor. Nivid was aware of it too.

“Where are your thoughts wandering, Bali?” Aatreya inquired.

“Thinking about a woman,” Nivid said with a playful grin.

“What?” Aatreya asked, puzzled.

“Pay no attention to him, elder brother,” Bali retorted, casting a disapproving look at Nivid. “Brother, I have completed the task you assigned to me,” he stated.

“That is good to hear. In that case, we need not remain here any longer. Let us depart for home tomorrow,” Aatreya declared. His words struck Bali's heart, as he yearned to see that enchanting woman once more.

“Elder brother, I have heard that this village is quite lovely. Why not extend our stay for a few more days?” Bali suggested, prompting a chuckle from Nivid.

“There is no need for that. The work is done. We would only be wasting our time here. We shall leave tomorrow,” Aatreya insisted.

“Yes, Your Highness!” Nivid replied, bowing his head.

“Yes, elder brother,” Bali obliged. “But, then, let’s go see the village today,” he requested.

“Go then. I will stay here and do my penance,” Aatreya said. “Buy something for mothers from the market,” he ordered.

“Yes, elder brother,” elated, Bali stood up from his seat and went out of the room. Nivid followed him outside.