Mahabharat: Shiva's Last Variable

(A/N):

Drop a meme here that you find funny. Or reflects your mood.

<You have any intresting stories about demons which could be useful> --> Comment here.

-------------------------------------------------

Hastinapur Kingdom...

Kuru Royal Palace...

In the court of Hastinapur

A messenger stepped forward—Dust still clinging to his clothes.

He bowed respectfully to the king and the others present at the royal court.

And presented the scroll.

To—Mahamandri¹ Vidura.

Who took the scroll with a nod dismissing the messenger.

He opened it. And started reading the content of the scroll.

Eyes scanning quickly—Then—He smiled widely.

A rare sight. At the royal court.

If he reacts and shows his emotions than message in the scroll must contain something significant.

The Court Noticed too his reaction and every one is waiting for his answer.

Rajmata Satyavati Leaned forward seeing Vidura’s reaction...

Queen mothers Ambika and Ambalika too were curious about what news made Vidura who was serious about his duty to smile.

Watched closely.

Even King Dhritarashtra Turned toward him.

"What the news? Vidura."

Vidura Spoke hearing King Dhritarashtra’s question.

"Devaratha has returned."

A ripple of various reaction passed through the court.

Then—

"He has gone to Gandhara ...and won the hand of Princess Gandhari at her Svayaṃvara."

The Court Erupted in celebration.

Smiles at the all the members of the royal family. Relief washed over them hearing he had returned. Joy.

Because this wasn’t one good news—It was two

A prince return’s from his training. A royal alliance secured which didn’t happen 10 years ago.

Rajmata Satyavati’s Reaction more happier than any one in the court.

Not just political. But also Personal

Because to her—Devara wasn’t just a prince.

During his short stay with them 10 years before.

He had someone got the status of son in her heart. He was family.

She turned to look at King Dhritarashtra

"It must be grand."

Not a suggestion.

A decision she made as a Rajmata.

King Dhritarashtra Agreed hearing her suggestion. He was too going to say it but Rajmata sai it before him.

Seated with his Queen Madri. He gave the order.

"Prepare for the wedding."

Mahamantri¹ Vidura Nodded his head.

-Nod!

"...."

Already planning everything in his mind..

Already moving to make preparation.

He left immediately walking out of the royal court to make the preparation. Didn’t wait.

Menwhile... Rajmata Satyavati along with her daughter in laws Ambika and Ambalika.

They would go ahead. To Gandhara

To welcome their future daughter-in-law.

And her returning son.

Mahamandri Vidura would accompany them

While—The King and Queen

Would arrive later.

With full royal procession since a member of their royal family is getting married.

Hastinapur...

In the lively streets of Hastinapur.

A small stage stood.

Not royal. Not grand. But alive with the performance that was unfolding.

A man sang—Voice carrying through the crowd.

His name was Keshava Natyakar the travelling story teller.

Who had become recently famous of telling the story of Devara to public.

Beside him—His son Arjuneya who was performing along with him.

While His wife Malini was having performing the music instrument with a old man His father Devdutt Natyakar.

Together—A Family of Stories. They didn’t fight wars.

They remembered them the tales. And today’s tale—Devara

The same boy who saved their family from the hands of the Rakshasa years ago.

And that moment Keshava Natyakar decided to find out the stories about Devara and decided to tell the world about him.

This is the way they consider a way to thank him.

"The boy who stood before a rakshasa..."

"And did not step back!"

The crowd leaned in—Eyes wide.

Hearing the story of their prince who had said to be left years ago for training under Sage Durvasa.

Applause followed every verse. Every time the story took a different turn along with a twists.

A little break arrived...

Then—A Voice Broke Through

From behind the stage—Devdutt Natyakar rushed in the old man even forget that perfromance was still going on.

Breath uneven. Eyes bright.

"He’s back!"

Silence.

"...."

"...."

"...."

Then—

"Who?"

Keshava Natyakar asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Devara! Prince Devaratha!!!... And he’s getting married... in Gandhara!"

The old man announced happily.

Hearing his words. including the crowds who heard it become excited.

While the family was filled with Joy. And Excitement.

Because it was Not just news—A new story which was about to unfold before them.

Keshava Laughed happily as he announced.

-Hahaha!!!

"Three stories... and now a fourth!"

The Tales They Carried were...

Slaying two rakshasas to save princess Gandhari of the Gandhara Kingdom.

Saving their own family from a demon’s grasp.

Defeating Bhishma at the riverbanks for Amba the forgotten princess.

And now—A wedding of the same prince who had arrived and made his presence known after he vanished from the course of the world for years.

Malini Smiled excited as she suggested.

"Then we go."

Arjuneya Jumped Excitedly. He had become a literal devotee of Devara believing he is the incarnation of god.

"A new story! About my lord."

Devdutt Nodded his head accepting his wife and son’s suggestions.

-Nod!

"...."

Because he understood—Stories like this—Don’t wait they need to be there as a witness.

So they as soon as the performance ended.

They packed quickly

Not riches. But Their instruments. Their voices. Their memories.

And began their journey Toward Gandhara Kingdom.

Everything moved slow and steady.

A prince prepares for marriage.

A kingdom prepares for celebration.

And somewhere on the road—A family carries his legend... making sure the world never forgets his name.

Next day...

From Gandhara Kingdom.

Both Devara and Gandhari decided to travel around to invite his mothers, friends, gurus to his marriage.

After getting the permission from the King Subala.

For taking princess Gandhari with him.

Both of them left. In his Pushpaka Vimana.¹

The sky carried them.

Aboard the Pushpaka Vimana...

Gandhari’s Wondered if she could touch the clouds.

As she reached out—Fingers brushing through clouds.

A sea of clouds she could see felt like she was in heavens... but unfair that one cannot hold it.

She smiled like a child discovering the sky.

Trying many times to catch the clouds.

But she could feel it.

Devara watched quietly

"...."

Not interrupting her little experiment.

While he joined her in with looking at the breathtaking view before them.

Where the birds from time to time would come out of the sky to fly and drop in as if they were the fish in the sea named sky.

Just... remembering to breathe slower.

As soon as they reached the location they were traveling to.

The Pushpaka Vimana¹ slowed—Gracefully. Like it knew this place mattered.

Riverbanks of River Ganga.

As soon as Devara’s feet touched the ground—The Water Stirred violently.

Ripples turned to waves—And from it rose

Goddess Ganga appeared before them.

Flowing. Radiant.

She embraced him instantly.

"...."

Not as a goddess But as a mother.

No pause. No distance.

Then After a moment—The Earth Answered as if wating for this moment.

The ground cracked softly—And emerged Goddess Bhudevi.

-Cracks!

Warm. Steady.

Joining the embrace without a word.

While Devera looked very happy being reunited with his mother.

And then—Both grabbed his ears putting up a fake angry face.

"You went to train...

"And came back with a bride?"

Devara the young warrior in him vanished replaced by the same kid who they remembered showing he had not changed even a bit during his stay at the training.

"-OUCH!!! OHH!!!"

He raised his hand in Immediate surrender.

"Sorry... sorry..."

Gandhari Watched everything unfold before her amused.

Trying—Not to laugh.

"...."

Because the mighty warrior—Was currently under motherly arrest.

And accepted his defeat as soon as his mothers attacked his ears.

After getting the scolding which is not a scolding at all.

But Devara and the both Goddess played along. Which all three sides saying without any conversation no matter what they were his mother and his was his son.

Nothing will change that.

Snapping out coughing Devara stepped aside—

-Cough! -Cough!

"This is Gandhari..."

She stepped forward—Graceful. Little nervous.

Bowed deeply greeting her future mother in laws.

"Mothers..."

Ganga’s Eyes Softened seeing Gandhari.

Bhudevi Smiled nodding her head accepting her greeting.

Both the goddess raised their hands and gave their Blessings to them.

Not loudly. But completely.

Showing they had accepted her as their daughter in law.

Devara looked at them—Not as goddesses. But As his mothers

"Come with me. You should be there."

They Exchanged a Look they knew each others difficulties.

"...."

"...."

Then—Goddess Ganga spoke with a smile.

"We will come..."

While Bhudevi continued her tone laced with her motherly love.

"On the day of your wedding."

Both of them told him they each have their duties.

And can’t stay here in the mortal realm for a long time. So they will arrive at the day Devara would be marrying and perform their duties as their mother.

Worlds still needed them.

Hearing them Devara become silent.

"...."

But this—They would not miss his sad reaction. So they added.

"How can we miss our son’s wedding?"

That was enough to touch his heart.

Devara hugged them both Tighter. Longer.

After spending time with his mothers sometimes.

Both of them boarded. The Pushpaka Vimana.

As their next destination is the Ganga river banks near his friend house.

After travelling for sometime.

The Pushpaka Vimana¹. Descended again—But this place felt different.

Not divine. But Personal because it holds the memories of his childhood.

He don’t know in the future this banks will be named as The Banks of Memory.

Devara stepped down along with Gandhari—And paused.

Looking around taking in the scene before him.

The same trees. The same water.

Echoes of laughter lingered only he could hear as his memories resurfaced.

"I used to play here..."

He said softly—Walking ahead with Princess Gandhari.

His voice lighter as if he was lost in his memories.

"We’d run along the banks... Throw stones into the river... Fight over nothing."

Gandhari listened patiently to his explanation.

Not interrupting him—Just... seeing a side of him she hadn’t before.

As they walked for some time.

The Hut Appears it was Drona’s hut. Which is the starting hut among the ashram that located a head.

A modest dwelling—Simple. Unadorned.

Yet full of life.

As Devara Stopped. And called out with a wide smile on his face—

"Mother... I’m back."

Not his mother by birth—But by bond

Inside—Kripi hearing the unfamiliar voice.

Decided to see who it was. Stepped out.

Her eyes—Curious. Searching to see who it was.

She didn’t recognize him at first.

Years had passed...

She remembers him as a 5 years old kid.

Devara Stepped Forward with a smile on his face.

"It’s me... Devara."

Recognition Hit Instantly as soon as he uttered those words.

Her expression changed—Confusion melted.

Warmth returned to face.

"Devara!"

She welcomed them in—Without hesitation.

Inside the Hut...

Simple. Peaceful.

Kripi Explained Where did Ashwatthama and Dronacharya would come.

"They’ll return by sunset."

Dronacharya And—Ashwatthama seems to be Training.

Relentlessly.

Because—Ashwatthama want’s to become a powerful warrior.

Devara Chuckled hearing her words.

-Chuckle!

Not surprised.

"Can we stay till they return?"

Kripi Nodded Immediately.

-Nod!

Because she knew—Devara was different. Not just a guest.

A true friend of her son. The only one who reached Ashwatthama without conflict.

Gandhari Observed Quietly taking in this side of Devara.

Who not even once showed discomfort on his face entering the hut.

Which shows how genuine his affection to this family.

"...."

This world—So different from palaces.

Yet—So full of warmth.

*******************************

(Author note:)

I hope you guys give me your opinion and idea’s.

-->

Don’t forget to review guys...