MY GAME BEGINS Episode 5 / Chapter 5: Lord Venkateswara Swami Shakshaatkaram Part 3: Playing A Game With THE LORD

MY GAME BEGINS

Episode 5 / Chapter 5: Lord Venkateswara Swami Shakshaatkaram

Part 3: Playing a Game With THE LORD

The crisp morning air of Paradise City swept through the bustling streets as crowds of commuters rushed toward the central metro station.

Among the wave of suit-clad salarymen and early-morning travelers walked five teenagers clad in school uniforms, heavy backpacks slung over their shoulders.

Jin, Kaito, Rose, and Aira walked a few paces ahead, while Srinivasulu—in the form of Ren—trailed behind them.

His head hung low, his gaze fixed blankly on the pavement, his spirit thoroughly crushed by an unbearable weight of guilt.

Jin glanced back over his shoulder, his brow furrowing as he noticed Srinivasulu's dragging steps.

Leaning closer to Kaito, Jin whispered softly, "Hey... what's up with Srinivasulu today? He looks completely out of it."

Kaito frowned, turning his eyes toward Srinivasulu.

"Yeah... he looks terrible. It's painful just watching him like that."

Aira sighed softly, her heart aching for the boy.

"He's been stuck in that dark state since yesterday... poor guy."

Rose watched Srinivasulu from the side, her eyes brimming with quiet sorrow.

Jin turned to Aira and Rose, gesturing gently.

"Hey, Aira, Rose... why don't you two try talking to him again? Maybe if you say something reassuring, it'll lighten his burden a little."

Aira and Rose exchanged a helpless glance.

Aira shook her head gently.

"We tried talking to him last night, Jin. We said everything we could to comfort him, but look at him... he's still trapped in that same guilt today."

Jin and Kaito fell silent, exchanging a grim look.

Heavy hearts weighed on all four friends as they continued leading the way into the crowded metro station, unable to lift the dark cloud hanging over Srinivasulu's head.

High above Paradise City, far beyond the perception of mortal eyes, a streak of blinding divine light hovered in the azure sky.

Seated upon the golden shoulders of the mighty King of Birds, Garudamantha (Garuda), was Lord Venkateswara Swami.

His celestial aura radiated supreme warmth and protection, washing over the entire metropolis below.

As the divine presence floated through the urban atmosphere, the local city deities (Kamis) residing within the small, ancient shrines scattered across Paradise City instantly felt an incomprehensible, cosmic vibration—a power infinitely superior to their own.

Instinctively, the local Kamis turned their eyes toward the sky, bowing their heads in profound, silent adoration.

Garuda flapped his golden wings softly, coming to a gentle hover right above the entrance of the Paradise City Metro Station.

Reaching out a massive, golden-clawed hand, Garuda pointed down into the sea of mortal commuters.

"Look, My Lord," Garuda spoke in a deep, reverberating tone. "There is your Srinivasulu."

Lord Venkateswara looked down, His compassionate eyes locking onto the sorrowful boy walking with his head down.

A tender, parental smile touched the Lord's lips.

In a flash of invisible light, the Lord descended from Garuda, landing seamlessly amidst the bustling crowd on the pavement.

To the mortals surrounding Him, nothing appeared out of the ordinary—His divine majesty remained entirely veiled from mortal perception.

Reshaping His divine form, Lord Venkateswara transformed into a gentle, silver-haired old man wearing simple traditional attire.

The divine mace (Gada) in His hand morphed into a smooth wooden walking stick.

Tapping His cane lightly against the ground, the old man—taking the persona of Venkatayya—stepped into the stream of commuters, walking quietly a few steps behind Srinivasulu and his friends.

Looking at Srinivasulu's slumping shoulders, the Lord felt an overwhelming surge of divine joy—the deep, boundless affection of a loving father finally reuniting with his cherished child after a long separation.

I am always with you, My child, the Lord thought softly, walking right behind him. Do not grieve.

At that exact instant, a strange, miraculous sensation washed over Srinivasulu's entire body.

The suffocating guilt that had been strangling his chest for days suddenly dissolved into nothingness.

The heavy dark cloud over his mind evaporated, replaced by a profound, soothing warmth that filled his soul with inexplicable peace.

Srinivasulu blinked, taking a deep, clear breath, wondering where this sudden lightness had come from.

Entering the subterranean platform of the metro station, Jin, Kaito, Rose, Aira, and Srinivasulu walked over to a row of waiting benches.

Exhausted, the group sat down together, waiting for their train to arrive.

Directly behind them, the old man—Venkatayya—took a seat on an adjacent bench, positioning Himself right behind Srinivasulu.

A subtle, fond smile played on His lips as He watched the boy.

Deciding it was time to speak with His devotee in solitude, Lord Venkateswara subtly raised His right hand and flicked His index finger toward Srinivasulu's friends.

Instantly, a heavy wave of irresistible drowsiness washed over Jin, Kaito, Rose, and Aira.

Kaito let out a massive yawn, his eyelids drooping heavily.

"Man... Jin... I'm suddenly so insanely sleepy... keep an eye on my bag, alright? Wake me when the train comes..."

Before Jin could even respond, Kaito slumped back against the bench and fell into a deep, heavy slumber.

Seconds later, Rose and Aira's heads tilted sideways as they, too, drifted off into complete unconsciousness.

Jin tried to fight the sudden lethargy, shaking his head, but his eyes fluttered shut, and he slumped over, fast asleep.

Srinivasulu, completely oblivious to his friends' sudden sleep, remained seated, staring at the train tracks, lost in his own peaceful thoughts.

Lord Venkateswara snapped His fingers softly.

SCREECH!

A sleek metro train pulled up to the platform, its doors sliding open with a soft hiss.

Noticing the train's arrival, Srinivasulu stood up.

Assuming Jin, Kaito, Rose, and Aira were right behind him, he stepped inside the empty train car without looking back.

The doors immediately slid shut behind him, and the train glided out of the station.

The moment the train departed, the spell holding the platform instantly snapped.

"WHA—?! HEY!" A man standing nearby suddenly screamed at the top of his lungs, pointing wildly at the departing train.

"A KID JUST VANISHED! I SAW HIM WALK IN AND DISAPPEAR!"

The surrounding crowd stared at the screaming man with bewildered, judging looks, whispering among themselves about his apparent craziness.

Jin, Kaito, Rose, and Aira startled awake at the commotion, rubbing their eyes.

Jin sat up, looking around frantically.

"Wait... where's Srinivasulu?!"

Aira and Rose gasped, checking the empty seats around them.

Kaito stood up, his face pale.

"Srinivasulu!" Jin shouted into the crowd, panic surging through his chest as his friends looked around in sheer terror.

Inside the metro train, Srinivasulu turned around to speak to his friends, only to find the entire carriage completely deserted.

He blinked, looking down the long row of empty blue seats.

There was no sign of Jin, Kaito, Rose, or Aira anywhere.

"Huh?" Srinivasulu scratched his head, muttering to himself.

"Did they... miss the train? Man, they must have been distracted."

Shrugging it off, he walked over to a seat near the sliding doors and sat down.

Looking further down, Srinivasulu noticed he wasn't entirely alone.

Sitting a few feet away was an elderly man with silver hair, dressed in simple clothes, resting both hands on a smooth wooden walking stick.

It was Venkatayya—Lord Venkateswara in disguise.

Seeing Srinivasulu look his way, the old man offered a warm, gentle smile.

Srinivasulu instinctively smiled back, bowing his head politely.

"Namaskaram, sir."

The old man's smile widened, his voice rich and melodious as he replied in fluent Telugu:

"Ayushman Bhava, my boy! May you be blessed with a long and noble life!"

Srinivasulu's eyes went wide with shock.

"Wait... you speak Telugu?!"

The old man let out a hearty laugh.

"What do you mean, 'Do I speak Telugu'? I am a Telugu man myself, my boy!"

Srinivasulu stared at him in utter disbelief.

"A Telugu elder... here? What are you doing inside this Game World, sir?"

Venkatayya chuckled softly, His eyes twinkling with divine mischief.

"Ah, now that is a long story! But look here, since we've already introduced ourselves, why don't you come over and sit beside me?"

Srinivasulu hesitated.

"Is it really alright, sir? I don't want to bother you."

"Bother me? Nonsense!" Venkatayya gestured warmly to the empty seat beside Him.

"You are one of my own, my boy. Come, sit down comfortably."

Feeling an inexplicable, magnetic pull of affection toward the old man, Srinivasulu smiled, adjusted his backpack, and walked over, taking a seat right beside Venkatayya.

"Where are you from in Andhra Pradesh, sir?" Srinivasulu asked curiously.

"I am from Tirupati, my boy," Venkatayya replied with a pleasant smile.

"My name is Venkatayya. If you go to Andhra Pradesh and say my name, there isn't a single person who wouldn't recognize it! What about you? What is your name?"

Srinivasulu smiled brightly.

"My name is Srinivasulu, sir."

Venkatayya clapped His hands together with a delighted laugh.

"Oho! Look at that! We both bear the name of the Supreme Lord Himself! Venkatayya and Srinivasulu... what a wonderful combination! We met at a truly auspicious hour this morning."

Srinivasulu grinned.

"Are you properly from Tirupati town itself, Venkatayya-garu?"

Venkatayya nodded playfully.

"My primary residence is indeed in Tirupati... but I also spend quite a lot of time in Appanapalli! And I reside in Vadapalli as well."

Srinivasulu tilted his head, thoroughly confused.

"If your main home is in Tirupati... how do you live in all those other places, too?"

Venkatayya let out a joyful laugh.

"Ah, my boy, I possess properties and assets scattered all across the world! A vast amount of wealth everywhere."

Srinivasulu's jaw dropped slightly.

"Are you really that wealthy, sir?"

Venkatayya burst into a merry laugh, shaking His head.

"Ah! You reminded me of something funny! Yes, people consider me extraordinarily wealthy... but the truth is, a very long time ago, when I got married, I took a massive loan from an extremely wealthy man for my marriage!

To this very day, forget clearing the principal amount—I can't even pay off the interest! That creditor continuously extracts interest from me day after day. Who knows when that loan will ever be fully settled!"

Venkatayya leaned in slightly, winking at Srinivasulu with a warm chuckle.

"Take a lesson from me, Srinivasulu—never take a loan in your life! Paying endless interest will bring you nothing but suffering!"

Srinivasulu burst into genuine, lighthearted laughter alongside the old man.

For the first time in days, his laughter echoed clearly through the air.

As their laughter settled, a sudden thought crossed Srinivasulu's mind—recalling the dark sins he had committed and the deceptive life he had led as Ren.

His smile instantly withered away.

He looked down at his hands, falling into a heavy, painful silence.

Venkatayya observed the sudden shift.

His expression softened into profound, gentle empathy.

"What happened, Srinivasulu?" Venkatayya asked softly, His voice laced with tender concern.

"Something powerful enough to erase a smile so quickly must be a very heavy burden on your heart. Tell me... what is troubling you?"

Srinivasulu sighed heavily, looking away.

"It's... a secret I cannot share with anyone, Venkatayya-garu."

Venkatayya gently shook His head, placing a warm hand on Srinivasulu's shoulder.

"Why do you say such a thing? After talking with me for so long, can you not even share it with me? Do I still look like a stranger to you?

I view you as my own son, Srinivasulu. As long as you bottle up pain inside your heart, it only festers and grows bigger. But the moment you speak it out, the burden vanishes entirely. Tell me, my boy."

Srinivasulu took a deep, shaky breath, tears glittering in his eyes.

"I came into this world... to live as someone else, Venkatayya-garu," Srinivasulu confessed, his voice trembling.

"I came here because my real life felt like an inescapable hell. But after taking this person's place, I ended up creating an even bigger mess.

I committed sins... lies and deceptions... that almost severed my connection with my Lord forever. I am terrified... terrified that I have lost Lord Venkateswara's grace and love permanently."

Venkatayya smiled warmly, a tender light shining in His eyes.

"Oho... is that all?" Venkatayya spoke gently.

"Look at you, my boy. Did you not recognize your mistake? Did you not confess your wrongdoings and purify your soul?

Lord Venkateswara is Bhakta Vatsala—His love for His devotees is boundless! If a devotee offers Him even a tiny leaf with pure, heartfelt love, His heart melts like soft butter. Put your fears regarding your Lord aside."

Venkatayya patted His knee with a cheerful grin.

"They say playing a fun game when you are sad washes away the grief in your mind. Why don't you and I play a game together right now?"

Srinivasulu blinked, startled by the sudden suggestion.

Feeling the emotional weight on his chest lift even further, he managed a faint smile.

"Alright, Venkatayya-garu... what game do you want to play?"

Venkatayya's eyes sparkled with ancient merriment.

"Ah! A game I played long, long ago with a dear friend of mine... and today, I get to play it with you!"

"What game is that, sir?" Srinivasulu asked curiously.

Venkatayya smiled warmly.

"Shall we play a game of dice (Pachikalaata)?"

Srinivasulu scratched his cheek sheepishly.

"Ah... I don't really know how to play dice, sir."

"I shall teach you!" Venkatayya declared cheerfully.

Reaching into His small travel bag—or rather, manifesting them straight out of thin air—Venkatayya produced an ancient, beautifully carved wooden dice board and glowing metallic pieces, placing them neatly on the empty row of seats across from them.

He began explaining the rules step by step to Srinivasulu.

Srinivasulu watched the dice board, a sudden spark of recognition lighting up his eyes.

"Wait a minute... isn't this the exact game that triggered the catastrophic Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata?"

Venkatayya chuckled merrily.

"Oho! Look at you! You have quite a keen grasp of history!"

Srinivasulu smiled proudly.

"I am a history student, sir!"

"A history student!" Venkatayya winked.

"Then the entire chronicle of the cosmos must be stored inside that head of yours! But this game of dice didn't just become famous during the Mahabharata, Srinivasulu... it became legendary in our Andhra Pradesh, especially in Tirupati, for a very special reason! Can you tell me why?"

Srinivasulu paused, rubbing his chin as he searched his memory.

Venkatayya leaned back, watching the boy with fond, expectant eyes.

Suddenly, Srinivasulu's face lit up with excitement!

"I remember!" Srinivasulu exclaimed.

"Hathiram Bhavaji! In the 16th century CE—during the golden era of the Vijayanagara Empire! Almost at the time of Emperor Shri Krishna Deva Raya! He was an extraordinary devotee who traveled all the way from Rajasthan in North India to Tirumala just to have darshan of Lord Venkateswara!

The divine sport of dice happened right there! When Bhavaji was living in a humble tent beside the Anandanilayam temple in Tirumala... Lord Venkateswara was so enchanted by his selfless devotion that every single night, the Lord would secretly visit Bhavaji's tent to play dice with him!"

Venkatayya listened intently, His eyes brimming with pure, affectionate joy—looking at Srinivasulu with the immense pride of a parent watching their young child enthusiastically recite their very first lesson.

"And do you know how he got the name 'Hathiram', Venkatayya-garu?" Srinivasulu continued eagerly, thoroughly enjoying the historical discussion.

"One night, the Lord lost a match to Bhavaji—or left in a hurry—and accidentally forgot His divine, gem-encrusted necklace inside Bhavaji's tent! The next morning, the temple priests discovered the necklace was missing and falsely accused Bhavaji of theft, sending him into prison.

To test Bhavaji's claim of innocence, the King placed one crore—ten million—sugarcane stalks inside his cell, declaring, 'If your Lord is real, let Him make you eat all of these before sunrise!'

That night, Lord Venkateswara manifested in the majestic form of a giant wild elephant (Hathi) and ate every single sugarcane stalk in seconds, proving Bhavaji's innocence! That's how he earned the name Hathiram Bhavaji! Imagine that, sir... he actually played dice with the Supreme Lord Himself! What an extraordinarily fortunate soul!"

Lord Venkateswara, in Venkatayya's form, placed a heavy, warm hand on Srinivasulu's shoulder, laughing with deep delight.

"Ah, my boy! You have brought back such beautiful memories of my friend and our cherished friendship!"

Srinivasulu blinked in surprise.

"Your friend? Your friendship?"

Venkatayya quickly chuckled, waving His hand playfully.

"Ah! I meant... your story reminded me of my own dear friends from back in the day! Don't mind me, haha!"

Srinivasulu smiled brightly.

"That's not all, Venkatayya-garu! I know so much more about Tirumala's history!"

As Srinivasulu began enthusiastically recounting historical legends, Lord Venkateswara leaned back against the seat, listening to every word with unbounded tenderness.

To the Supreme Lord, hearing Srinivasulu speak of His divine sports (Leelas) felt like listening to a toddler babbling its very first words—utterly adorable and infinitely precious.

"Look at Sri Ramanujacharya (1017 CE–1137 CE)!" Srinivasulu recounted passionately.

"He systematized all the sacred Vaikhanasa Agama rituals of Tirumala! When a massive debate arose over whether the deity on the hill was Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva... Ramanujacharya placed weapons of both deities inside the sanctum overnight.

Lord Venkateswara Himself donned the Sankha (Conch) and Chakra (Discus) placed by Ramanuja, proving to the entire world that He is indeed Sri Maha Vishnu!"

"And Sri Anantha Alwar in the 12th century!" Srinivasulu continued.

"The main disciple of Ramanuja who dedicated his entire life to growing flower gardens for the Lord!"

"And Tallapaka Annamayya (1408–1503 CE)!" Srinivasulu added.

"The father of songwriting! He composed 32,000 sacred hymns for the Lord, receiving divine visions of Lord Venkateswara at Talayeru Gundu and Gaali Gopuram along the footway!"

"But if you want to go to the absolute oldest foundation of Tirumala's history," Srinivasulu said, his eyes shining with awe, "it belongs to Emperor Tondaiman (Thondaman Chakravarthi), around 300 CE!

Under the direct divine order of Lord Venkateswara, Emperor Tondaiman constructed the very first temple structure and the Anandanilayam shrine atop Tirumala Hill!

And during a fierce war against his enemies, Lord Venkateswara actually handed His own Sankha and Chakra to Tondaiman so he could achieve victory! Because the Lord gave away His weapons, the main deity on Tirumala didn't visibly hold the Conch and Discus for 800 years—until Ramanujacharya re-consecrated them! Isn't history incredible? It all comes around like a full circle!"

The Supreme Lord Venkateswara let out a loud, delighted laugh.

"Hold your horses, my boy! Hold your horses! When a guest visits your home, you offer them one or two Tirupati laddus out of hospitality. But here you are trying to stuff the entire box of laddus into my mouth all at once!

I can see you possess extraordinary knowledge of history. But enough talking—let us begin our game! Now tell me... what shall be our wager?"

Srinivasulu froze, looking at the old man in surprise.

"A wager?"

Venkatayya grinned mischievously.

"My old friend always insisted that a game played without a wager is no game at all!"

Srinivasulu chuckled nervously.

"But sir... what do I even have to place as a wager?"

Venkatayya pointed a finger at him.

"Earlier, did you not mention that you possess five divine cards bestowed upon you by Lord Venkateswara Himself? Put those five cards up as your wager!"

Srinivasulu blinked, thoroughly baffled.

"Wait... I told you about my five cards? When did I say that?"

Venkatayya laughed it off effortlessly.

"Didn't you just tell me earlier how you arrived in this Game World and received special divine powers from the Lord? Put those cards on the line!"

Srinivasulu hesitated, looking down.

"How can I gamble away something so sacred and valuable, Venkatayya-garu?"

Lord Venkateswara smiled warmly.

"Precisely because they are valuable, they belong in a noble wager! Come, do not hesitate!"

Srinivasulu took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and invoked his spiritual energy.

FLASH!

Floating in mid-air right before them, five shimmering, majestic divine cards materialized:

1. Sweta Varaha Murthy Form — The divine form of Tirupati Adi Varaha Swami.

2. Ugra Narasimha Form — The terrifying, ferocious form of Ahobilam Narasimha Swami.

3. Andhra Vallabha Form— The glorious form of Srikakulam Andhra Maha Vishnu.

4. Parasurameswara Form — The form of Gudimallam Parasurameswara.

5. Divine Hunter Form — The radiant reflection of Lord Venkateswara Himself as the Cosmic Divine Hunter.

"There," Srinivasulu said, pointing at the floating cards.

"I have placed my five cards on the line. Now... what will you wager, Venkatayya-garu?"

Venkatayya smiled gently, reaching into His pocket and pulling out a single, unadorned card glowing with a soft, comforting aura.

"I shall wager this single card," Venkatayya declared.

"This one card of mine is equal in value to all five of your divine cards combined!"

Srinivasulu smiled warmly.

"Alright then... let us begin!"

Inside the moving metro train, the dice match began.

For nearly four long hours, Venkatayya and Srinivasulu played round after round.

They played five distinct matches—one for each of Srinivasulu's five divine cards.

And in every single match... Srinivasulu lost.

Match 1 — Lost. The Sweta Varaha Murthy card dissolved into light, flowing into Venkatayya's hand.

Match 2 — Lost. The Ugra Narasimha card vanished.

Match 3 — Lost. The Andhra Vallabha card faded away.

Match 4 — Lost. The Parasurameswara card dissolved.

Match 5 — Lost. The Divine Hunter card vanished into thin air.

Having lost all five of his precious divine cards, Srinivasulu slumped back against the seat, letting out a long, heavy sigh.

Instinctively, his lips whispered the sacred name:

"Govinda... Govinda..."

The Supreme Lord Venkateswara burst into a hearty, triumphant laugh!

"Ah! What a splendid game! It brought back all the glorious memories of the past!"

Noticing Srinivasulu looking downcast at the empty air, Venkatayya's voice turned incredibly soft.

"Are you sad because you lost all your cards, Srinivasulu?" Venkatayya asked gently.

"Do not be sorrowful, my child. Did I not tell you that my single card was equal to all five of yours combined? Here... take my card."

Venkatayya extended His hand, placing His special glowing card firmly into Srinivasulu's palm.

"With this card, you can call upon me whenever you are in need," Venkatayya spoke with absolute authority.

"Whenever you invoke this card, I promise I shall answer your call."

Srinivasulu held the card, a deep exhaustion suddenly creeping into his limbs after four hours of continuous play.

His head felt heavy, his eyelids fluttering.

Venkatayya smiled warmly, pointing to His shoulder.

"What is wrong, Srinivasulu? Are you tired? Come... rest your head here."

Srinivasulu hesitated, shaking his head.

"No... that would be disrespectful, sir."

Venkatayya let out a soft, affectionate laugh.

"Nonsense! I am like a father to you, and I regard you as my own son. What disrespect could there possibly be between a father and son? Besides, I am the one who kept you awake playing dice all this time! Come, rest."

Unable to fight his overwhelming fatigue any longer, Srinivasulu leaned back, resting his back against the seat and gently placing his head against Venkatayya's shoulder.

The moment his head touched the Lord's shoulder, a wave of divine, blissful peace enveloped Srinivasulu, and he instantly fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

As the boy slept peacefully, Lord Venkateswara raised His divine hand, gently stroking Srinivasulu's hair with infinite maternal tenderness.

Slowly, the illusion of the old man Venkatayya dissolved away.

In His full, breathtaking majesty, Lord Venkateswara manifested in His supreme divine form—shining with the brilliant light of ten million full moons.

Looking down at the sleeping youth resting upon His shoulder, a beautiful, tranquil smile bloomed across His cosmic face.

The perspective glided outward, passing through the glass window of the metro train.

The train was no longer traveling along mundane steel tracks in Paradise City.

It was gliding gracefully through a sky of shimmering golden celestial clouds, far above the mortal realm.

Etched across the side of the train in glowing, ancient golden runes were the words:

" TO KALIYUGA VAIKUNTHAM — GARUDA EXPRESS"

STARTLE!

Srinivasulu gasped, his eyes snapping open as he sat bolt upright!

He blinked rapidly, looking around in utter disorientation.

He was no longer inside a metro train.

He was sitting on his executive bed inside Ren's room at the D-Hotel.

Checking the digital clock on the wall, he saw that the time was the sacred hour of dawn—Venkateswara Suprabhata Vela.

Srinivasulu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, looking over at the corner of his room.

Sitting in a large leather armchair beside his bed was Aira.

She was slumped sideways, fast asleep, her face resting against the padded armrest.

Srinivasulu quietly slid out of bed, walked over to the armchair, and gently shook her shoulder.

"Aira... Aira... wake up."

Aira stirred, her long eyelashes fluttering open.

Seeing Srinivasulu standing before her, a soft, relieved smile touched her lips.

"Srinivasulu..." Aira rubbed her eyes, sitting up.

"Aira... what are you doing in my room at this hour?" Srinivasulu asked in confusion.

Aira offered a warm, gentle look.

"I couldn't sleep last night. While walking down the hallway, I felt a sudden urge to check on you. I came into your room and sat down... I guess I fell asleep watching over you. But... even in your sleep, Srinivasulu, you kept crying out 'Swami... Swami...' over and over again."

Srinivasulu scratched his head, his mind racing.

Swami...? Wait... talking to that old man on the train... playing dice for four hours... was all of that... just a dream?

Desperate to verify reality, Srinivasulu closed his eyes and tried to summon his five Divine Cards.

Nothing happened.

Not a single card manifested in the air.

Srinivasulu's heart dropped into his stomach.

He gasped in utter panic.

"Aira! My cards... my five divine cards aren't appearing!"

Aira stood up instantly, her eyes wide with shock.

"What?! What do you mean they aren't appearing?!"

Srinivasulu's hands trembled as panic seized his mind.

But right at that moment, a sudden memory flashed in his head:

The old man... He gave me His card!

Srinivasulu frantically thrust his hand into his shirt pocket.

His fingers brushed against a smooth, crisp surface.

He pulled the object out of his pocket and stared at it.

Tears of overwhelming ecstasy welled in Srinivasulu's eyes as his entire body trembled.

He looked up at Aira, his voice breaking with raw, joyous emotion.

"Aira! It wasn't a dream! It wasn't just a dream!" Srinivasulu cried out, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"The one who came into my dream... the one who sat beside me on the train and played dice with me... was my Lord Himself! Look! Here is the proof—the card He gave me!"

Srinivasulu held the card out in front of Aira.

Aira's breath caught in her throat.

Her eyes widened in sheer, speechless wonder.

Floating upon the surface of the card, bathed in a brilliant, pulsating divine aura of golden light, was the radiant, celestial image of Appanapalli Lord Venkateswara Swami, smiling with infinite cosmic grace!

Srinivasulu and Aira stood frozen in awe, staring at each other in profound silence as the divine card illuminated the entire room with the light of Kali Yuga Vaikuntam.

(End of Episode 5 / Chapter 5)