[Kailash Parvat]
"Swami~" Parvati said while cutting fruits for a small offering. She felt a renewed sense of purpose and connection to her divine role as she prepared the offering with love and devotion. Shiva watched her, his eyes filled with admiration and affection, knowing that her heart was in the right place.
"Yes, Priye?"
Parvati glanced up at Shiva with a hint of confusion as she pointed at the peak of the mountain. "Swami, why did you place that image of your being in deep meditation on your own sacred mountaintop? What is its significance?"
Shiva followed her gaze to the majestic image carved into the side of Kailash, his meditative form etched in stone with a sense of eternal calm and strength. He smiled softly, his eyes reflecting the profound wisdom of ages.
"The answer to that question would be, To make some people believe that I am in a Samadhi," Shiva said with a mysterious smile.
Parvati's brow furrowed with curiosity. "A Samadhi? But why create such an impression?"
"Well some people are making devious plans and I want to make that believe that..." Shiva's expression grew serious as he continued, "...that I am in a state of deep meditation, in a Samadhi. By creating this impression, I can ensure that certain individuals are led to believe that I am not actively observing their actions. This illusion allows me to maintain a strategic advantage, as it keeps their plans concealed from my direct scrutiny."
Parvati's eyes widened in understanding. "So, by appearing to be in a state of deep meditation, you are actually able to observe and influence events from a distance without drawing attention?"
Shiva nodded, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Exactly. Sometimes, subtlety and deception can be powerful tools. While some may think I am disengaged, I am in fact very much aware of their machinations. This allows me to act in ways that are unforeseen and effective, without alerting those who might otherwise be wary."
"But still, there is Brahma Dev and my brother to watch out for. What did 'those people' do to make sure they are not watching."
Shiva's eyes twinkled with a mix of amusement and seriousness as he addressed Parvati's concern. "Well, To 'those people' me and Brahma Dev are in deep meditation," Shiva's gaze grew contemplative, his eyes reflecting the depth of his thoughts. "And for Vishnu Dev," he continued, "they employed a different approach. They managed to influence some of the gatekeepers of Vaikuntha, convincing them to momentarily close the gates. This way, they hoped to keep Vishnu Dev occupied with more immediate concerns, away from the unfolding events."
Parvati's expression shifted from curiosity to concern. "So, their plans are quite elaborate, involving not just deception but manipulation of divine realms? Who are those people?"
"Dev's."
Parvati's eyes widened in shock and confusion. "Dev's? You mean the Devas? But why would the Devas engage in such elaborate schemes?"
"According to them, the Asuras are becoming bolder and more ambitious, posing a significant threat to the cosmic balance. They believe that by manipulating certain events and diverting the attention of key deities, they can maintain control and prevent any potential upheaval."
Parvati's brow furrowed with concern. "But if the Devas are resorting to such measures, does that mean their sense of balance is truly in jeopardy? Are they losing faith in the natural order of things?"
Shiva's expression was a mix of seriousness and contemplation. "The Devas are indeed worried. They are aware of the shifting dynamics and the growing strength of the Asuras. However, their actions reflect a deeper uncertainty and a desperation to safeguard their perceived order. This desperation can sometimes lead them to make questionable decisions, thinking they are preserving stability but potentially disrupting it instead."
"Wait a minute, Asuras... My Logan, Meghnad, is deeply entwined in this conflict. If the Devas are taking such drastic measures, how does this impact him? What role does he play in their plans?"
Shiva's eyes softened with concern as he regarded Parvati. "Do you know, What Ravana did at the time of Meghnad's birth?"
What? tell me already," Parvati almost demanded, her anxiety palpable.
Shiva took a deep breath before continuing. "As you know how knowledgeable Ravana is in astrology, By using that knowledge he found the most auspicious position of Navagrahas, the nine celestial bodies, to ensure that Meghnad's birth would be under the most favorable astrological alignment. So he ordered all Navagrahas to move into the position of his desired alignment, threatening to destroy them if they did not comply. Ravana's influence over the Navagrahas was so profound that he managed to manipulate their positions to align perfectly with his intentions. Well, everyone but was coerced into position. Shani, the deity of justice and karma, resisted Ravana's threats and remained in his own realm, causing a significant imbalance in the alignment."
Shiva continued, "Angry, Ravana barged into Shani's realm and kidnapped him, forcing him into a position against his will. To keep him from moving or causing further disruption, Ravana confined Shani under his foot and used him as a footrest on his throne, thereby creating a severe cosmic imbalance."
Parvati's eyes widened in horror. "So, the alignment was not only disrupted but also manipulated by Ravana to suit his desires. What does this mean for Meghnad? Is he cursed because of this?"
Shiva shook his head in denial. "Quite the opposite. The imbalance caused by Shani's confinement has infused Meghnad with extraordinary potential. While this imbalance has indeed created challenges, it also means that Meghnad is a key figure in the cosmic balance. His very existence is a testament to the potent forces at play."
Shiva continued with a sheepish expression, "Originally when Meghnad was supposed to be born, Ravana's attention being on the birth loosened his vigilance over Shani Dev; who took advantage of the opportunity to subtly move into a more balanced position."
Parvati looked confused as she asked, "Then what did you do in this?"
Shiva looked a bit sheepish as he continued, "I said, Originally this should have happened without my interference. As when Ravana was distracted and Shani was poised to subtly move into a more balanced position, I placed my finger, so to speak, to keep Shani in a position more favorable to Meghnad. This was to ensure that the cosmic balance wasn't completely disrupted while also giving Meghnad a chance to thrive despite the imbalances."
Parvati's eyes widened in understanding. "So you subtly influenced Shani's position to mitigate the potential chaos without fully correcting the imbalance?"
Shiva nodded. "Exactly. My intervention was meant to stabilize the cosmic forces just enough to prevent further turmoil while allowing Meghnad to emerge as a significant figure in this cosmic play. The goal was to balance the scales without completely negating Ravana's manipulations."
Parvati's expression softened, though concern lingered. "And now, with the Devas being so involved, how does this affect Meghnad's future? Is he in danger, or is there a specific role he must fulfill?"
"Well, Devraj Indra wants to kill Meghnad—"
But before Shiva could continue, A cruel smile which has no previous love or warmth, appeared on Parvati's face. "Indra wants to kill my Meghnad? looks like he has lost his desire to live. Swami~ seems like it is time we change the Devraj."
"Parvati~" Shiva's voice carried a hint of admonishment as he looked at Parvati with a serious expression. "Parvati, I understand your anger, and do you think I want to see Meghnad in danger? But acting out of rage will not help us. And most importantly Indra is going to get his due, so don't worry. All will be fine at the end."
Parvati's expression, though still intense, began to soften. She took a deep breath, calming herself. "I suppose you're right, Shiva. My desire to protect Meghnad is overwhelming, but we must be strategic. If we act rashly, we risk worsening the situation. But let me be clear: If I see Meghnad in danger or if Indra's schemes endanger him further, I will not hesitate to act decisively."
Shiva nodded in agreement. "That's the right approach. We need to act with wisdom and precision, not out of blind rage. Indra's actions are part of a larger scheme, and our responses must be measured and thoughtful."
***
[City Of Amaravati, Svarga]
The city of Amaravati, resplendent and divine, gleamed with a celestial radiance that reflected its status as the abode of the Devas. The grand architecture, with its golden spires and ethereal beauty, stood in stark contrast to the tension brewing within its hallowed halls.
Indra, the King of the Devas, sat upon his magnificent throne, his expression one of grave concern and irritation. The golden throne room was filled with a palpable tension, the opulence of the surroundings barely masking the unease that permeated the air. Courtiers, advisors, and other Devas assembled around him, their faces reflecting a mix of apprehension and anticipation.
Indra's eyes were fixed on the grand, intricate tapestry that depicted the cosmic balance. He traced the threads with a distracted gaze, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. His frustration was evident, not only from his furrowed brow but also from the restless energy radiating from him.
"Why does the preparation is taking that long?!" Indra's voice echoed through the throne room, his frustration palpable. The courtiers and advisors exchanged uneasy glances, the tension in the room thickening.
"Devraj (King Of Gods), fourteen heavenly days is the minimum required for the celestial adjustments, otherwise the Trimurti might get alert and we might lose the opportunity to execute our plans effectively," Agni Dev spoke up, trying to placate Indra.
Indra's gaze turned sharply toward Agni Dev, his irritation not abated. "Fourteen heavenly days! you know what that means, One heavenly day is equal to one mortal year! We are losing precious time. The Asuras are not waiting for us to finish our preparations. Every moment counts."
Agni Dev remained calm, though his face showed signs of concern. "I understand your urgency, Devraj. However, the celestial adjustments are complex and delicate. If we rush them, we risk catastrophic imbalances that could endanger the entire cosmic order. We must proceed with caution."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the gathered Devas, their expressions a mix of unease and resolute focus. They understood the gravity of the situation and the need for a balance between speed and precision.
Indra's eyes narrowed as he took in the gravity of their words. He knew that acting in haste could have dire consequences, but his frustration over the perceived delay was hard to shake. "Very well, but I want a daily update on the progress. If there are any signs of further delay, I will take matters into my own hands."
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[To Be Continued]
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Timeskip is coming...
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Word Count: 1826