"Speak plainly!" Ravana's voice echoed through the grand hall, his authority undeniable even in the face of the unexpected.
"My Lord, young prince bears a distinctive birthmark on his entire back. It faintly resembles a lizard but has four legs, a pair of wings, and horns like a majestic crown."
Ravana's eyes narrowed as he processed the physician's words. "A birthmark resembling a creature with four legs, wings, and horns?" he repeated, a mix of curiosity and concern in his tone. "What could this mean?"
The physician hesitated before continuing, "My Lord, the mark is unlike anything we have seen before. It may carry significance, but its meaning is beyond our understanding."
Ravana's mind raced with possibilities. He knew that in the world of the gods and the mystic arts, such markings often held profound implications. Could this be a sign from the heavens, a message about the destiny of his son?
"Bring him to me," Ravana commanded, his voice firm yet curious.
Moments later, the attendants carefully carried the newborn prince into the Throne Room. Wrapped in rich, silken cloth, the baby was presented to Ravana, who leaned forward to take a closer look.
As Ravana gazed at his son, he couldn't help but notice the unusual birthmark covering the baby's back. The intricate design indeed resembled a lizard-like creature with four legs and horns. The sight was both mesmerizing and mysterious, and Ravana's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and trepidation.
The baby stirred in his swaddling, his cries echoing softly in the grand chamber. Ravana's stern expression softened as he gently cradled the infant in his arms. The future of this child, his son, was now intertwined with the destiny of Lanka.
"His name shall be Meghnad," Ravana declared, his voice resonating with authority. "Which means, 'Roar of the Clouds'."
"Roar of the Clouds Huh! Quite an unlikely name for a child of a filthy asura."
The voice came from the dev lying under Ravana's feet: Shani Dev, known for his strict and just nature. Despite being subdued, his words carried a weight that echoed through the Throne Room.
Ravana's gaze turned towards Shani Dev, his expression betraying a mixture of defiance and curiosity. "You dare speak against the naming of my son, Shani?" Ravana's voice resonated with authority, his grip tightening slightly on the infant Meghnad in his arms.
Shani Dev's eyes glinted with a steely resolve, unfazed by Ravana's imposing presence. "It matters not what name you give him, Ravana. His fate is bound by the laws of karma, beyond even your control."
A murmur spread among the attendants in the Throne Room, the tension palpable as they witnessed the confrontation between the powerful king and the restrained deity.
Ravana's jaw clenched, his pride as a father mingling with his pride as a ruler. "Meghnad will surpass all expectations," he declared boldly, his voice cutting through the room. "His destiny is one of greatness and glory, shaped not by the whims of fate but by the strength of his will and the blessings of those who stand by him."
Shani Dev's gaze remained fixed on Ravana, his expression inscrutable yet unwavering. "Time will reveal the truth of his path, Ravana," he replied cryptically, his voice carrying a solemn certainty.
With a flick of his hand, Ravana motioned for the attendants to take Shani Dev away, removing the dev from his presence. The tension in the Throne Room eased slightly, but the weight of Shani Dev's words lingered in the air, a reminder of the cosmic forces at play.
As the attendants led Shani Dev away, Ravana turned his attention back to his newborn son, Meghnad. The infant stirred in his arms as if sensing the solemnity of the moment. Ravana's expression softened as he looked down at the child who bore the unusual birthmark, a mark that seemed to symbolize both mystery and potential.
"Meghnad," Ravana murmured, his voice now filled with tenderness and determination. "You shall grow to wield the power of thunder and command the skies. Your name shall echo through the annals of history as a beacon of strength and resilience."
The attendants respectfully stepped back, leaving Ravana alone with his son. The grand chamber seemed to hold its breath as if acknowledging the weight of this pivotal moment in the kingdom's history.
With a gentle kiss on Meghnad's forehead, Ravana placed the infant back into the cradle prepared for him. As he watched his son sleep peacefully, a sense of purpose filled Ravana's heart. The future of Lanka rested not only on his shoulders as a king but also on the legacy he would shape for his son.
***
[A few days later]
Queen Mandodari could be seen sitting in her chamber, surrounded by the soft glow of flickering lamps and the gentle rustling of silk curtains. She had recovered well from the ordeal of childbirth, yet the memory of the labor and the unusual birthmark on her son lingered in her thoughts.
Mandodari gazed fondly at Meghnad, who lay in a crib beside her bed. The baby slept soundly, his tiny chest rising and falling in rhythmic breaths. She reached out a hand to gently stroke his cheek, marveling at the innocence and potential wrapped in his small form.
"My sweet little Meghnad," she whispered softly, her voice filled with love and wonder. "You've brought such joy and curiosity into our lives."
Knock~ Knock~
"Sister-in-law, Can I come in?" A familiar voice sounded from the doorway, interrupting Queen Mandodari's tender moment with her newborn son.
Mandodari smiled warmly as Princess Shurpanakha entered the chamber. Shurpanakha, Ravana's younger sister, was known for her lively spirit and fierce loyalty to her family. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and affection as she approached the queen and the sleeping baby.
"Of course, Shurpanakha," Mandodari replied, her voice soft yet welcoming. "Come and see little Meghnad."
Shurpanakha's gaze softened as she beheld her newborn nephew. She leaned in close to admire his features, her expression filled with awe. "He's truly a gift from the Lord Shiva," she murmured, her voice tinged with reverence.
Mandodari nodded, her heart swelling with maternal pride. "Yes, he is," she agreed, her fingers gently tracing Meghnad's delicate features.
Shurpanakha glanced up at Mandodari, her curiosity piqued. "The birthmark... Have the astrologers deciphered its meaning?"
"Unfortunately, No, Shurpanakha," Mandodari replied with a hint of concern. "The birthmark remains a mystery. It resembles a creature with four legs and horns, yet its significance eludes even our most learned scholars."
Shurpanakha furrowed her brow thoughtfully. "A creature with horns... Could it be a divine sign, perhaps a blessing from the gods?"
Mandodari sighed softly, her gaze returning to Meghnad's peaceful slumber. "Perhaps," she mused, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Or it could be a portent of challenges yet to come."
Shurpanakha nodded understandingly, her expression reflecting a mix of admiration and concern for her nephew's future. "Whatever it may signify, little Meghnad is destined for greatness," she declared with conviction, her voice filled with sisterly affection.
Mandodari smiled gratefully at Shurpanakha's words. "Thank you, dear sister," she murmured, touched by the unwavering support and optimism in Shurpanakha's demeanor.
Just then, the chamber door creaked open again, and King Ravana entered with a regal stride. His presence filled the room with authority and pride as he approached his wife and newborn son.
"Mandodari, Shurpanakha," Ravana greeted them warmly, his gaze tender as he looked upon his family. "How fares our little prince?"
Mandodari's smile widened at Ravana's arrival. "He sleeps peacefully, my lord," she replied, her voice infused with maternal warmth. "Come, see for yourself."
Ravana stepped closer to the crib, his eyes softening at the sight of Meghnad. The infant stirred slightly as if sensing his father's presence. Ravana reached out a hand to gently touch Meghnad's forehead.
"I have ordered the scholars to continue their research on the birthmark," Ravana said, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and concern. "We must unravel its meaning and ensure that it augurs well for Meghnad's future."
Mandodari nodded in agreement, her expression reflecting both curiosity and a mother's protective instincts. "Yes, Ravana," she replied softly. "The birthmark has intrigued us all. I pray it holds blessings for our son."
Shurpanakha looked between Ravana and Mandodari, her gaze thoughtful. "Do you think it could be a sign of his destiny?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Ravana considered the question, his brow furrowing slightly. "It is possible," he admitted, his voice measured. "The gods work in mysterious ways, and Meghnad's birth may have deeper implications than we currently understand."
As the family stood together, contemplating the mysteries surrounding Meghnad's birth, a sense of unity and purpose-filled the chamber. They were bound not only by blood but also by their roles in shaping the future of Lanka and the destiny of their beloved prince.
Just then, a commotion outside the chamber caught their attention. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the corridors, followed by urgent voices raised in discussion.
Ravana's expression hardened with concern as he turned towards the doorway. "What news?" he called out, his voice commanding.
One of the palace guards entered the chamber, his face flushed with urgency. "My Lord," he addressed Ravana, bowing respectfully. "T-That..."
"What is it?" Ravana said with impatience, his voice carrying a tinge of anger.
The guard straightened himself, his words rushed yet weighted with importance. "My Lord, T-That S-Shani dev managed to escape-"
"WHAT!!!"
The tension in the chamber escalated as Ravana's roar reverberated through the palace. His stern gaze swept over the guards, who stood before him with a mix of fear and urgency.
"How could this happen?" Ravana's voice thundered, his authority commanding the attention of all present. "Shani Dev, escaped from his bindings?"
The guard hesitated, his eyes darting between Ravana and the attendants. "My Lord, it appears there was a lapse in vigilance," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "Shani Dev exploited a moment of distraction and vanished without a trace."
Ravana's jaw clenched in frustration. The implications of Shani Dev's escape weighed heavily on his mind. As the deity of justice and karma, Shani Dev's presence under Ravana's feet had been a symbolic gesture of control and dominance. Now, his unexpected freedom threatened to unsettle the delicate balance within the kingdom.
.
..
...
[To Be Continued]
----------------------
Leave a review, It helps.
Thanks for reading.
Word Count: 1737