the immortal of maluha
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Those <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vanquished who survived are <strong>the</strong> Chandravanshis we see today’<br />
‘So your differences go that far back?’<br />
‘Yes,’ said Daksha. ‘The Chandravanshis are corrupt and disgusting people. No morals. No<br />
ethics. They are <strong>the</strong> source <strong>of</strong> all our problems. Some <strong>of</strong> us believe that Lord Ram was too<br />
kind. He should have completely destroyed <strong>the</strong>m. But he forgave <strong>the</strong>m and let <strong>the</strong>m live. In fact,<br />
we have to face <strong>the</strong> mortification <strong>of</strong> seeing <strong>the</strong> Chandravanshis rule over Lord Ram’s birthplace<br />
— Ayodhya!’<br />
Before Shiva could react to this information, <strong>the</strong> bell <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new prahar was rung. Everyone<br />
said a quick prayer to welcome <strong>the</strong> subsequent time chapter. Shiva immediately looked<br />
towards <strong>the</strong> window. A look <strong>of</strong> expectancy appeared on his face.<br />
Daksha smiled as he observed Shiva’s expression. ‘We could break for lunch now, my Lord.<br />
But if you have ano<strong>the</strong>r engagement you would like to attend, we could continue tomorrow’<br />
Parvateshwar glared at Daksha disapprovingly. He knew exacdy what <strong>the</strong> emperor was<br />
trying to do.<br />
‘That would be nice, your Highness,’ smiled Shiva. ‘Is my face that transparent?’<br />
‘Yes it is my Lord. But that is a gift you have. Nothing is prized more than honesty in Meluha.<br />
Why don’t you leave for your engagement and we could convene here again tomorrow<br />
morning?’<br />
Thanking Daksha pr<strong>of</strong>usely, Shiva left <strong>the</strong> room with Nandi in tow.<br />
Shiva approached <strong>the</strong> hedge with excitement and trepidation. The moment he heard <strong>the</strong><br />
sound <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> dhol coming from <strong>the</strong> garden, he despatched Nandi to have lunch at <strong>the</strong> guest<br />
house. He wanted to be alone. He let out a deep sigh <strong>of</strong> ecstasy as he crept behind <strong>the</strong> hedge<br />
to find Sati practising under <strong>the</strong> watchful eye <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Guruji and Krittika.<br />
‘So good to see you again, Shiva,’ said <strong>the</strong> Guruji as he stood up with a formal namaste.<br />
‘The pleasure is all mine, Guruji,’ said Shiva, as he bent down to touch <strong>the</strong> Guruji’s feet as a<br />
sign <strong>of</strong> respect.<br />
Sati watched silendy at a distance with her gaze on <strong>the</strong> floor. Krittika said enthusiastically, ‘I<br />
just couldn’t get your dance out <strong>of</strong> my mind!’<br />
Shiva blushed at <strong>the</strong> compliment. ‘Oh it wasn’t that good.’<br />
‘Now you’re fishing for compliments,’ teased Krittika.<br />
‘I was wondering if we could start <strong>of</strong>f where we left last time,’ said Shiva, turning towards<br />
Sati. ‘I don’t think I have to be your teacher or anything like that. I just wanted to see you<br />
dance.’<br />
Sati felt her strange discomfort returning again. What was it about Shiva that made her feel<br />
that she was breaking <strong>the</strong> law in speaking with him? She was allowed to talk to men as long as<br />
she kept a respectable distance. Why should she feel guilty?<br />
‘I will try my best,’ said Sati formally. ‘It would be enriching to hear your views on how I can<br />
improve myself. I really do respect you for your dancing skills.’<br />
Respect?! Why respect? Why not love?!<br />
Shiva smiled politely. Something inside told him that saying anything at this point <strong>of</strong> time<br />
would spoil <strong>the</strong> moment.