The monsoon rains, a relentless force that had drenched the land for weeks, had finally subsided. The skies, once laden with heavy, dark clouds, were now a clear, vibrant blue. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and the distant rumble of thunder. Autumn, with its vibrant hues and crisp, invigorating air, had arrived.

With it arrived Danavas and Rakshasas, their spirits renewed by the changing seasons. As promised, they returned to the Daitya palace, to report their progress, to update their king on their preparations for the upcoming conquest.

The grand hall of the Daitya palace was filled to capacity. The Rakshasas and Danavas, their faces etched with a mixture of anticipation and determination, had gathered in anticipation of their king's arrival. The abuzz with chatter, a cacophony of voices filled with anticipation and excitement

Ketunemi was eagerly sharing his experiences. "The monsoon was a delight as always, no pleasure in which I didn't indulge." he boasted to his companions.

Whereas Pralayant was regaling his ministers with tales of his future glory. "Once we conquer the heavens," he boasted, his voice filled with a sense of entitlement, "I will be the one closest to Ajashakti, the most honored among his dignitaries."

Vakrang sat amidst the Daityas, his expression a mix of boredom and impatience. The endless chatter, the boasting of his fellow warriors, had grown tiresome. All he could think about was the day when the conquest would finally occur, when he would be crowned king.

The minutes turned into hours, and still, Ajashakti did not appear. Whispers spread through the hall, speculation rife about the king's whereabouts. Some wondered if he was preparing something for the impending war, while others speculated that he might be engaged in diplomatic discussions.

Pralayant stood up, his voice carrying a note of concern. "Vakrang, is Asur-raj well ?"

Vakrang's gaze, filled with a mixture of frustration and concern, swept across the hall. Ajashakti's tardiness could be a stain on the reputation of the Daityas, a blemish that could not be ignored.

Ketunemi, his patience tested, taunted, "Or is he even aware that we have arrived ?"

"I will go and bring him." Vakrang said. He would not allow Ajashakti's negligence to undermine their plans.

Meanwhile the king of Asuras was still in his chambers. The dimly lit room was bathed in a softglow. Ajashakti, his body relaxed against the cushions, lay comfortably on the bed. His one hand, a lazy grip, held a wine glass, the amber liquid shimmering in the soft light. His head, heavy with intoxication of both wine and love, rested in Anugamini's lap.

Anugamini, her fingers gently stroking his hair, watched him with a knowing smile, a victorious glint in her eyes. Ajashakti, his eyes closed, savored the tranquility of the moment. The weight of his responsibilities, the pressures of his kingdom, seemed to fade away.

"You must go," she said, her voice filled with a gentle persuasion. "Your subjects await your arrival."

Ajashakti, his eyes still closed, groaned softly. "It can wait," he mumbled. The comfort of her lap, the warmth of her touch, was too enticing to abandon.

"You've been saying that for hours. They have been waiting for you." She said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"They can wait for another hour." He replied, his voice carrying a note of indulgence. His love for her, his desire for her company, had clouded his judgment.

Anugamini's smile widened, her victory evident in her eyes.

"Don't you care about conquering the heavens ?" She asked.

"Why should I conquer the heavens now ?" He replied. "They are beneath my head."

In that moment, his ambition, once a burning desire, seemed to fade into insignificance. His focus had shifted, his priorities realigned.

Suddenly, the door burst open, the hinges creaking under the force of the impact.

"Ajashakti !" Vakrang, his face contorted with anger, stormed into the room.

But before he could take a step forward, a metallic object whizzed past his face, narrowly missing his cheek. The wine glass, hurled with a force that defied gravity, crashed against the doorframe, shattering into a thousand pieces.

Ajashakti, his eyes wide with anger, stood up, his hand still outstretched. The suddenness of his action, the calculated precision of his throw, sent a chill down Vakrang's spine.

"GET OUT !" Ajashakti thundered.

Vakrang, his defiance momentarily shaken, hesitated. The power and authority in Ajashakti's voice were undeniable. But his pride, his sense of entitlement, would not allow him to back down.

"You must come and greet the asuras." He began, his voice carrying a note of defiance.

"GET OUT NOW !" Ajashakti blazed, his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and contempt.

"As the king of Asuras, you-" Before he could finish his sentence, Ajashakti's hand shot out, a wave of energy surging through the room. Vakrang, caught off guard, was hurled backwards, his body crashing into a pillar outside.

Vakrang, his body aching from the impact, winced as Ajashakti stepped out of the room.

"How dare you enter the inner quarters ? That too my chambers ?!" Ajashakti demanded, his voice a thunderous echo in the hallway. "I have forbidden any man from entering Antahpur. That includes you too !"

Vakrang's anger flared, his pride wounded. "You are forgetting your kingly duties !" he retorted.

Ajashakti, his patience wearing thin, grabbed Vakrang by the neck, his grip tightening, as he picked him up from the ground.

"Shut up." Ajashakti growled, his voice a low, menacing rumble.

Anugamini stood in the doorway. Her eyes, filled with a knowing glint, watched the unfolding drama with a sense of detached amusement.

As Ajashakti's grip tightened around Vakrang's neck, she stepped forward, her voice filled with a mixture of false concern and urgency.

"Asur-raj please," she said, her eyes pleading for mercy. "Let him go."

"No," Ajashakti thundered, "He entered my room while I was with you. This will not go unpunished !"

"He is your brother," She said, her eyes filled with a desperate hope. "Please, spare him this time."

Her voice held a note of desperation, a plea that tugged at Ajashakti's heartstrings. His grip on Vakrang loosened, his hand falling away. Vakrang, his face contorted with pain, stumbled backward, gasping for breath.

"I am not interested in coming here," he spat, his words filled with venom. "I came to remind you of your duties. The Asuras are waiting for you in the great hall. They expect you to lead them, to guide them to victory."

Ajashakti's irritation was evident in his voice, a hint of impatience creeping into his tone. "I am not in the mood for politics or strategies," he said, his eyes fixed on Anugamini.

His love for her had taken precedence, his focus shifting away from the impending war.

"Tell the Asuras to prepare for the yagna," he continued, his voice carrying a note of authority. "We will commence it at the next full moon."

Ajashakti's gaze, filled with a mixture of warning and contempt, lingered on Vakrang. "And if you need me anytime, ask a maid or send a messenger."

Vakrang, his face contorted with anger, opened his mouth to protest. But before he could utter a word, Ajashakti continued, his voice filled with a chilling intensity. "The next time you step into Antahpur, will be the last time you see daylight."

A small, almost imperceptible smile of satisfaction played on Anugamini's lips, as she watched this heated exchange. Then, Ajashakti took her arm and with a gentle tug, led her back inside. The door slammed shut behind them, the sound echoing through the hallway.

Vakrang, his face contorted with anger and humiliation, stood there for a moment. He turned and walked away, his footsteps filled with a sense of resentment and bitterness.

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A/N

Bola tha maar khaoge-