Radha looked from Sumati to Sudhasmaranmati to Sumati again.
It could be the sleepless night.
It could be the abruptness of everything.
It could be her own inability to fit in.
But whatever was happening was making her restless.
Nothing was making sense to her anymore.
How come her mother was already aware of Madhav's intentions? And who the hell is this Sudhasmaranmati Devi? And why is she going all lovey dovey on her!!!
But what worried her most was the prospect that the ladies were discussing some official adoption by some Royal family for this to be dream marriage !!!!
Why? Why? Why?
All the sweetness that had slowly been piling up in her chest started vanishing.
Her mind was full of red alerts.
DONT TRUST.... DONT TRUST...
Her mind was constantly sending her S-O-S signals.
Why were these people so inclined to get a girl of her background tied up with this exceptional guy?
Where's the catch!!!
What's she missing???
To be honest, Radha was not even sure if she actually wanted to marry Madhav.
He was definitely someone desirable.
Even her own mind and heart raced wildly under his influence.
But that barely meant she was ready to end up with a semi psycho like Madhav.
Why should she get adopted officially?
Why didn't they get a girl of equal status?
How did a simpleton like her mother know someone as dignified and elegant as Sudhasmaranmati Devi?
Nothing was adding up.
Nothing.
The ladies were talking excitedly....
But Radha could feel her anxiety rising.
Finally, after an hour of torture she decided to take a break. Her thoughts were cloudy and she needed to let things sink.
Radha was the last person who could continue with an unclear mind.
What's more important, she was getting tired of other people influencing her life.
Somewhere she needed to get back her clear mind and put a full stop to all these sickening excitement.
But how?
Gently she took permission and left the hall making an excuse of her ill health. Her mind was racing.
She needed a breather.
Badly.
Unmindfully she trotted towards Madhav's room. She had questions and he needed to answer.
Her life was not a game.
And she was not interested to get played.
************************************
Madhav sat in his room in his usual meditative posture when he heard the laughter.
He knew that voice too well.
His eternal sister was not only playful but also the greatest trouble for everyone.
MAHAMAYA--- the one who creates illusions and makes life full of drama.
"Whaaaat!!!"
He growled mentally as he heard the laughter once again in his head.
"So.... You think everything will go as you plan.... Brother?"
The annoyingly sweet voice whispered in his mind.
"Oh shut up. Come to the point.What makes you intrude?I don't think you are here to irritate me for nothing..."
Madhav was eager to shake her out of his mind. But this woman was impossible. She was way too nagging.
"So you think redemption is that easy bro? That time you tricked her and created one of the most violent wars in history. Your teachings became unperishable with the Bhagavata but have you ever thought how deeply she was hurt? "
Madhav frowned.
He was fully aware of everything that was echoing in his head. But how could he make his adament sister realize that every human being has to go through their individual journey before the grace of peace can be bestowed upon them.
He promised PANCHALI her time, her chance. And now was time.
Gods never betray.
So he was here to help her wipe the bottled up frustration and teach her to let go. Why was his sister this nosy?
"Maya. Mind you own business.
You know well I am here to prepare the world for the end of the Kaliyuga. Panchali's anger and humiliation still affect all. She needs to let go. Then only the Kalki can do his biddings and bring in the next era of light. Satyayuga.
Why are you so nosy?"
For a few seconds everything felt calm. Madhav smirked. He still felt her presence in his mind. But he was sure he had pressed a nerve. Maya was the last person to remain quiet.
Just when he thought he won the argument, she lashed back,
"Sita, Radha, Draupadi, Meera.... How many times? How many more? You think women are there to suffer and forgive? You think you can decide what Radharamanmati deserve? Do you even know there is a word call free will?"
Madhav wanted to throw her out of his mind. But he restrained. Everytime he did that, she backlashed dangerously. Of late his strategy was simple, STAYING OUT OF HER WAY AND LAYING LOW.
"Sis.... I thought you are the one who creates illusions which leads to karma and it's effects. You think you are in a position to criticize me?"
Suddenly he felt her withdraw completely from his mind. Madhav sighed in relief. The brat was gone.
But in a moment there she stood right in front of him. In her full glory.
Ponytailed hair, baggy t shirt and tattered shorts. That eternal captivator in her modern avatar.... Kumari Maya Rathore.
"WE DO NOT INTERVENE IN THEIR DECISIONS.
AND DEFINITELY WE DON'T JUMP IN TO MARRY THEM.WHEN WAS THIS A PART OF YOUR PLAN?"
Madhav frowned.
Maya was always dominating, specially when she was angry.
Of course he was not really interested to intervene....
He was here to set the stage for the future...
He was not exactly creating history this time. He was creating pre history for the forthcoming era.
He was erasing bitterness and setting up the stage for the final lap of the Yugavarta. He needed his most dedicated Generals back. And Panchali was definitely an inseparable part of the team.
Why was Maya not seeing his intentions?
"Madhav. You promised me that you will let them all come around on their own. But what are you doing? She has people to meet and choose her life. She has truths to know.
She has dignity and respect that's hers and she's gotta take that back on her own. You just can't marry her and fast forward some 50 vital steps of her life. Stop this Madhav."
"You stop telling me what to do sister.
I acknowledge it's your Realm but you too gotta acknowledge that the Earth is breaking with greed, mindlessness and blind lifestyle.
It's time that the beginning of the end is triggered.
Mother Earth is begging for a change.
Can't you hear that?
And this Radharamanmati is but a reflection of the greatest form of that Mother. Don't you know? She's the first among the Earth children. She is stability, she is patience, she is endurance. She is that woman force that can influence any man she wants. We need her to let go of old agitations.
Don't you think if her identity is exposed someone from the other side will also try to influence her?
I need her soul to forget all the humiliations... I need her to forgive me and the other riders of the light.
Without her on our side, we won't win the forthcoming battle. I believe I am the best man who can help her find happiness and help her gain back that missing part of hers that has made her so bitter and self reliant.
Maya, Victory is a team work.
And she has always been a part of our team."
"Madhav I agree with everything you say. But, why are you changing the reality?
If Radha is tricked to pseudo happiness she will eventually realize the truth. And do you think any woman will accept the fact that she has suddenly become important because she is a weapon?
No. Madhav don't do this."
Madhav looked at her with an arched eye brow. She wasn't wrong. This Earth was her realm. Mother Earth was her creation. She understood the rules of the game better. But still he wanted to continue with his plans.
"Tell me honestly bro. Do you like this girl? Why do you wanna marry her?"
Like!!!!
Madhav thought deeply.
He was unsure if he was capable of that. Everytime he was here on Earth, he was busy fixing situations, playing mind games, fighting battles, bestowing blessings.....
But did he really like what he did?
His frown deepened.
Was he even capable of liking anything?
He was always on autopilot mode.
The day Sudhasmaranmati Devi came knocking at his door for advise, he felt sorry for her. Marriage is nothing but diplomatic ties to ensure smooth execution of plans. Basu, Radha, Kiriti ... These all are troubled souls.
He is bound to help them.
And then he remembered someone else. The other Kaunteya who went with his grudges. He had been the strongest. Loyalest. Bravest. And perhaps the most dedicated.
As if reading his thoughts, Maya smirked.
"Do you realize bro why I am here?It's because of him."
Madhav nodded impatiently.
"No. I am a better choice. He is an idiot. He can't help her let go. He will fan her anger and together they will create a mutiny. They are unpredictable.....
No way."
"Oh really!!!! Stop being so full of yourself. Don't forget, mortal forms have their limitations. And in this body even you are fallible."
Madhav remained silent.
Maya was indeed the one who was the Author of everyone's fate in here. He himself was above destiny.
But was he really meddling with her plans?
"Maya, I think you need to revisit your thoughts. You are the director of the drama called human life. But don't forget I am the keeper of human lives and that puts me above you when it comes to decision making.
Little sister, cooperate.
Please."
Maya looked at Madhav is disbelief.
What's wrong with him!!!
"Then be it bro. Just remember, I am just a spectator and don't summon me if anything is wrong."
And with that she was gone.
The rooms felt so peaceful without her.
Madhav smiled.
His sister was unbelievable.
Just then his eye fall on the unlocked door of the room.
And just in front stood Radha, thunderstruck and pale.
Madhav rushed to her.
What has she heard....
Damn you Maya, you schemestress.
"Radha.... What happened? You look pale... Come, come..."
Madhav tried to embrace and pacify her. But she was already in a frenzy....
She pushed his hands and nodded vigorously before she pushed him in and locked the door.
"Who are you?
And how did the girl vanish?"
Bang on point.
And Madhav knew instantaneously.
His sister has successfully triggered her game.
1-0.
He counted mentally.
"Sit. I will tell you."
He maintained his composure as he lead her to the sofa. He remained silent but mentally he pushed into Maya's mind and whispered...
Make it 1-1 little sis.
This round will be a draw.
And he retreated from her mind.
GAME ON.