[Huu... Last chap, then the plot will resume~ Enjoy reading~^^]
Prithvi's P.O.V,
"STOP!!!"
Neigh!
Screech!
Amid the battle of Maharathi Bhishma and Maharishi Parshuram, Devarishi Narada appeared in the middle of both warriors.
Confirming the identity of the intruder, Both Respected Purusha (Man) paused their clash.
Putting their weapon down for a moment, they waited for the response of Devarishi Narada who heaved a sigh of relief before addressing Bhisma, "O' pride of Kuruvansa, I plea to your great self to not use Pashupatastra on your esteemed teacher!"
Bhishma didn't reply immediately but thought for a while. In this time, Devi Amba had also noticed the presence of a person dressed as a Rishi, a Saffron colored cloth covering his lower body while his chest remained half exposed along with his bare stomach. There was a Veena-an musical instrument, he was holding in one of his arms with the other being occupied by Kartal-another musical instrument.
His appearance coupled with the aura of intellect that can be felt by Devi Amba, stationed far away from him, gave his identity as the first journalist of the Universe!
It made Devi Amba nervous thinking that he came here to intervene in the battle. However, what can she even do? Other than believing in the esteemed sage, Annihilator of the Evils!
...
"O' esteemed sage of heaven, I am ignorant of the reason for this interruption? Please enlighten me about this knowledge!" Bhishma arrived near the Devarishi Narada and respectively folded his hands before asking the question. Unaware of the reason for the appearance of Narada Muni, Bhishma didn't dare to agree to his advice.
Aware of the doubts of the son of Devi Ganga, Narada Muni patiently explained in a grim but pleading tone, "O' Gangaputra, You are wise, wiser than most! Your might didn't need to be mentioned, you are a lion (Singh) among the men! For a Maharathi like you to use Pashupatastra on the avid devotee of Lord Shiva isn't appropriate! The moment you aim Pashupatastra at the esteemed Brahman would be insulting to both your Guru and his faith!"
He added, "Shri Parshuram has collected Karma incomparable to most beings whether mortal or not, To use the weapon of Lord Shiva (His teacher) on him without a valid reason will be egregious! Other Devas are also imploring you to terminate this fruitless battle!"
Bhishma understood the clear meaning of the words spoken by Devarishi and replied swiftly, "O' wise Sage, I am willing to stop this battle right at this moment but, as a Kshatriya I can't admit defeat! Unless the esteemed Brahman will back off, I have to use Pashupatastra. Apart from that, I am ignorant of the other ways by which I can defeat my opponent. To stop me, you have to convince my opponent to drop his weapon."
When Devarishi heard the underlying meaning of Bhishma's words, he hurriedly arrived neared the incarnation of his respected lord, he bowed to the his greatness before speaking softly, "O' son of Jamadagni Rishi, please put an end to this battle. It is Nyati's will. The end of this war will be detrimental to future..."
Hearing the words of Devarishi spoken in utmost humility and respect, Maharishi Parshuram's anger calmed down a little. He, too, respectfully explained his circumstances, "O' Devarishi, You are wise enough to know my circumstances. I have vowed to never leave the battlefield before defeating my enemy. This battle will only cease when Bhishma will desist from the battle and agree to marry Putri Amba."
His reply made Devarshi frown in confusion, he is aware of the characters of both brave men. Neither of them will back off under normal conditions.
Furthermore, Bhishma can't back down due to the plans of Nyati. His defeat will mess up the orders of events and destinies of many others.
Therefore, He let Nyati play her game...
...
When Maharishi Parshuram wanted to resume the battle, His Rath was stopped by the appearance of two divine beings in a transparent Astral form, to the right of Maharshi was his respected Father, Rishi Jamadagni, to his left floated his grandfather Richika.
Seeing the arrival of his forefathers, Maharishi greeted them with appropriate respect and waited for their orders.
"O' son, never engage in battles with any other Kshatriya!"
The first to speak was his father Jamadagni, forbidding him to stop the battle. Then, he added,
"My Son, We are aware of your vows and character but Heroism, War and Courage are the qualities of Kshatriyas. Studying Vedas, Worshipping the Supreme Soul, guiding others to their path of Dharma are the duties of a Brahman. Before you raised your weapon to protect Brahmans and Dharma but this time, neither was the case. The Plight of Putri Amba was pre-arranged by Nyati, you shouldn't entangle yourself with the affairs of Mortals. Unless you wished for the destruction of the World, you must put an end to this clash. Furthermore, Bhishma possesses Pashupatastra, as a devotee of the Supreme Soul, will you be able to counter it?"
As if to support Rishi Jamadagni's words, the Pitris (Parents/ a set of Demi-gods) appeared before the divine Rath, making it immobile.
Maharishi Parshuram patiently listened to his father's explanation. There was not even a hint of previous fury on face.
Maharishi Parshuram is the obedient son, an almost blind believer of his father, someone daring to kill his whole family at his command. In spite of his vow and dharma, he was unable to refute his father. Each and every word uttered by Rishi Jamadagni was true, penetrating into the deepest part of the soul of Maharishi.
Neither can he counter Pashupatastra nor he can destroy the world as he is the devotee of Mahadev and incarnation of the nurturer i.e. Lord Vishnu.
His purpose for existence is to maintain Dharma on the mortal plane and assist in the proper function of the universe. On the grounds of these, he can't be the very reason to destroy this world.
Therefore, filled with slight regret, looked towards his disciple (Who was advised by the eight sage appeared in his dream to respect and worship his Guru.), bowing to him in a respectful manner.
On the behest of his ancestors, Pitris and the will of Nyati, he finally put his bow down, ending the fierce battle lasting for twenty three days...
[Note: No one truly won this battle. Furthermore, it was not a draw. From the start, Shri Bhishma didn't get any chances to win against the esteemed Maharishi. The reason for the long drawn battle was due to several reasons namely, Shri Ram didn't use his Axe, Shri Ram didn't use his full strength, Shri Ram didn't use Pashupatastra-capable of erasing anything or being. Lastly, Shri Bhishma was protected by the mighty Nyati. I'm not belittling the Mighty Maharathi but, he was really not a match to Shri Ram-the incarnation of Shri Narayan.]
...
...
"Putri, Forgive for my inability to fulfil my promise. I tried the best I could do by following the rules and yet, I was unable to defeat Bhishma. From now on, You can take refuge under the protection of Bhishma, he will protect you and take care of you. Though, he will never accept you, you will be safe..."
"O' the foremost among Brahmans, I have no doubts about your motive and determination. Rather, I am very thankful to stand up for me when the others had abandoned me. I am in your debt. But..."
"I can't accept the shelter of the very culprit, the origin of my misfortune. I want to bring the downfall of Bhisma. O' Great Sage, who has declared me your Putri, give me your blessings as a father for my success in this endeavor..."
The result of the battle has completely shattered the previous princess of Kashi. All that left was a spirit filled with venomous and resentful Ire of a Woman!
Her voice has lost the former emotions of grief, it restructured itself into a tone devoid of any longing or wish.
She couldn't bring herself to blame Maharishi, He was the only male who stood to protect her, to blame his was akin to a sin.
Rather than blame, she thanked Maharishi and asked for his blessings.
As if it were another game of Nyati, Maharishi felt sorry for the poor soul. Influenced by her state, He granted her wish, "Tathastu!"
...
After bidding farewell to Maharishi Parshuram, she wandered into the various forests, rivers, and mountains, performing great austerities and penances.
All for a single reason, TO TAKE REVENGE AGAINST BHISHMA!
The Princess of Kashi had died the moment Maharishi Parshuram put his bow down! It was not only a bow but her expectation, hope and integrity.
Left with nothing due,
She was born anew!
Like a phoenix,
Burning in the anguish of revenge!
This time far stronger
And determined!
Forged by the flames of misfortune,
Fueled by Nyati!
A will manifested,
For a single,
To destroy Bhishma!
(By lame Sage)
***
That's it!
No more Side Chapters for a while!
Let's resume the plot!