[Meghnad's POV]
I would often visit Dhanyamalini's chambers to spend time with my baby brother. His tiny fingers would curl around mine, and his innocent eyes, wide with curiosity, would gaze up at me, melting my heart each time. Atikay's presence was a source of joy and motivation, a reminder of the bonds that tied our family together. His laughter echoed through the palace halls, a symbol of hope and continuity.
Knock! Knock!
The knocking sound on my chamber door interrupted my thoughts. "Come in," I called out, turning away from the balcony and the setting sun. The door opened to reveal Kavya, her expression calm and composed as always.
"Yuvraj, dinner is ready. Your presence is requested in the dining hall," she said with a respectful bow.
A pout made its way on my face as I sighed softly, "How many times I have said to call me by my name, Kavya?"
Kavya blushed slightly, her usual composed demeanor wavering for a moment. "Forgive me, Yuvra—Meghnad. It's a habit," she replied with a shy smile. Her adherence to formality was part of her respectful nature, but I appreciated her effort to honor my request.
I gave her a reassuring nod, "It's alright, Kavya. Let's go then before Maa sends someone else to fetch me."
Kavya smiled and led the way out of my chambers. We walked through the grand corridors of the palace, the opulence around us a testament to Lanka's wealth and power. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and tapestries depicting scenes of legendary battles and celestial beings. The faint aroma of exotic spices wafted through the air, a prelude to the feast awaiting us.
As we approached the dining hall, the sounds of laughter and conversation grew louder. The grand doors were open, revealing a long low table laden with a sumptuous spread of food. My family was already seated: Father at the head of the table, with Maa Mandodari and Mother Dhanyamalini on either side of him. My little brother, Atikay, sat on the lap of Mother Dhanyamalini, gurgling happily as she tried to reach for the colorful fruits and delicacies spread out before him.
Aunt Shurpanakha sat beside them, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she played with Atikay. Kakashri Vibhishana and Father were engaged in a light-hearted debate, their voices mingling with the general chatter. As I entered the hall, all eyes turned towards me, and a warm smile spread across my face.
"Meghnad, come and join us," Father called out, his deep voice filled with pride and affection.
I walked over to my seat, which was next to Mother Mandodari. She gave me a gentle smile as I sat down, her eyes filled with warmth and love. "You seem lost in thought, my son. Is everything alright?"
I nodded, returning her smile. "Yes, Maa. I was just thinking about tomorrow."
Father chuckled, his eyes gleaming with pride. "The Yogic Prana awakening, an important milestone. You have trained hard for this, Meghnad. We are all proud of you."
"Yes, And your father even has a big surprise for you tomorrow— "
"Mandodari! It was supposed to be a secret until the ceremony," Father interjected with a chuckle, giving Mother Mandodari a playful glance.
Mandodari blushed slightly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, I suppose the excitement is too much to contain."
"If it's already out, I can only reveal some contents of it. But the real surprise will remain until the ceremony," Father said with a wink. "Tell me, Son, what is the process of awakening the Yogic Prana?"
Father's question pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned to face him with a thoughtful expression. The anticipation of tomorrow's ceremony mingled with the swirling energies within me, but I focused on providing an answer that would convey both my understanding and respect for the process.
"It starts with a series of deep meditative practices," I began, my voice steady with the confidence of someone who has prepared extensively. "Clearing the mind with a focus on the breath, then someone who already has already awakened their Yogic Prana will use their own Yogic Prana to stimulate the Yogic Prana within me. This interaction helps to activate the dormant energy and align it with my own Yogic Prana, allowing it to flow freely and harmoniously. During this process, I'll also undergo a series of rituals and ceremonies to further enhance and stabilize the awakening."
Father listened intently, nodding with approval. "You have clearly grasped the essence of the ceremony, Meghnad. But do you know there is one hidden aspect to the process that not many are aware of?"
I looked at Father with a mix of curiosity and intrigue. "What is that, Father?"
He leaned forward, his gaze becoming more serious. "If the one who stimulates the Yogic Prana within you is in the higher realms of Yogic Prana, Then the awakening can also unleash a surge of energy that not only activates the dormant Prana but can also potentially amplify it beyond what is normally expected. And the higher the realm of the practitioner, the more profound the effects can be. This surge can lead to an extraordinary alignment with cosmic energies, potentially unlocking new abilities or insights. However, it is a double-edged sword. If the energies are not harmonized properly, it could overwhelm the recipient, causing imbalances or unintended consequences."
I listened carefully, absorbing the gravity of his words. The idea of a potential surge was both exhilarating and intimidating. It meant that tomorrow's ceremony held not just personal significance but could also influence the broader balance of energies in my life and possibly beyond.
"Then tomorrow, you will be the one who will guide me through this process, Father? As you are the most powerful practitioner of Yogic Prana in our kingdom." I asked, my voice tinged with both eagerness and apprehension.
But instead of answering my question, He just smiled mysteriously and said, "You will see tomorrow. Trust in the process and in the training you have received."
"Alright enough about the ceremony," Father said with a dismissive wave, breaking the tension. "Let's enjoy our dinner and celebrate this moment. Tomorrow will come soon enough."
"Gu~ baba~ ba~" A cute babbling sound from Atikay interrupted the conversation, drawing everyone's attention. His tiny hands reached out towards me, and I couldn't help but smile at his innocent charm.
"Looks like Atikay wants to join the conversation too," Maa Mandodari said with a soft laugh, her eyes shining with affection as she gently rocked the baby in her lap which she had taken from Mother Dhanyamalini.
"He's always so full of energy," I remarked, reaching over to tickle his small feet. Atikay's laughter filled the room, and the atmosphere became even warmer with his joy.
As I tickled Atikay's tiny feet, the room seemed to fill with an even more tangible warmth. His laughter was infectious, and the gentle banter around the table provided a comforting backdrop to the evening. The sight of my family gathering together, enjoying the simple pleasure of each other's company, was a reminder of the strength and unity we shared.
Aunt Shurpanakha watched with a fond smile as Atikay giggled at my playful tickling. Her eyes softened with affection, and she turned to me with a twinkle of mischief. "My dear nephew~ you seem to have a way with the little one. Have you considered having one of our own?"
"Shurpanakha! He is just seven years old!" Maa Mandodari's exclamation brought a wave of laughter to the table, her face a mix of embarrassment and amusement. She gently chided Aunt Shurpanakha, who responded with a playful shrug and a grin.
"Ah, Sister-in-law, I'm merely teasing," Aunt Shurpanakha said with a wink. "Though it is always good to have a bit of jest and laughter around. It helps us appreciate the moments we have."
Father joined in the laughter, his eyes crinkling with delight. "Indeed, Shurpanakha, a little humor never hurts. But Meghnad, remember that you have many years ahead of you. For now, focus on the important steps before you."
The conversation shifted to lighter topics, with the family sharing anecdotes and enjoying each other's company. As the evening wore on, the mood remained cheerful, the laughter and stories weaving a comforting tapestry of familial bonds.
Once dinner concluded, the family members began to disperse, heading to their respective rooms or engaging in their evening rituals. I lingered at the dining table for a moment, savoring the sense of unity and warmth that enveloped me. Kavya approached, her demeanor gentle and observant as always.
"Yuv—Meghnad," she began, catching my attention. "Would you like me to assist you with anything before you retire for the night?" Kavya asked, her eyes reflecting both professionalism and genuine concern.
I shook my head with a smile. "No, Kavya, thank you. I think I can manage. However, I do appreciate your offer. The preparations for tomorrow are in good order thanks to your help."
Kavya gave a small, satisfied nod. "Very well, Yuvra—Meghnad. If you need anything, just call for me."
After some time I stood up and walked to my chamber, the anticipation of the upcoming ceremony lingering in my thoughts. The corridors of the palace were quiet now, the echoes of laughter and conversation from the dining hall fading into a serene silence. The grandeur of the palace, though impressive, seemed to take on a more subdued, reflective tone as I made my way.
Upon entering my chamber, I closed the door behind me and took a deep breath. The room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with large windows overlooking the palace gardens. I moved to the large mirror and examined my reflection. My thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anxiety, and determination.
I walked over to a small wooden table where I kept my meditation supplies. Tonight, I would need to prepare myself mentally for the ritual. I set up the items carefully: a small incense burner with fragrant sandalwood incense, a bowl of water infused with sacred herbs, and a soft cushion for meditation.
As I settled onto the cushion, I began my meditation routine. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing, letting the rhythm of each inhale and exhale calm my mind. The serenity of the room enveloped me, and I allowed myself to visualize the Yogic Prana within me, as well as the upcoming ceremony. I mentally reviewed the steps of the ritual and the guidance my father had shared.
The potential for a surge of energy from tomorrow's awakening was both thrilling and daunting. I imagined the vibrant flow of Prana, the intricate dance of energies, and the balance required to harmonize them. The knowledge that such a surge could either elevate or overwhelm me only heightened the significance of the ceremony.
Lost in contemplation, I barely noticed the soft knock on the door until it became more insistent. I opened my eyes and stood up, walking to the door.
"Yes?"
Kavya entered, carrying a small tray with a simple herbal tea. "I thought you might appreciate a bit of relaxation before you sleep," she said, offering the tray with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Kavya," I replied, taking the tray and setting it down on a nearby table. "It's very thoughtful of you."
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[To Be Continued]
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Word Count: 1914