Tiasha sat in front of the small hut, lost in her world of thoughts. Vati slept on her lap as she absent-mindedly stroked her soft far. 

-"Narayan! Narayan!" 

The chant of Narayan's name and the sound of Kartal startled Tiasha. She saw an extremely fair man standing in front of her with a somewhat mischievous but pleasing smile on his face. His black hair was tied on the top of his head with a Rudraksha mala, a garland of white flowers adorning his neck. Vina on one hand and Kartal on the other the man was not unfamiliar to those who have read or at least heard the Stories of Ramayana, Mahabharat and the Puranas. 

Tiasha carefully placed Vati on a cushion beside her and stood up to greet the travelling Muni, who had the knowledge of every other gossip in every corner of the world. 

Tiasha kneeled in front of him and touched his feet. 

The man jumped two steps back, "Narayan! Narayan! Devi Kaushiki, what are you doing? The mother of the creation, kneeling in front of this mere Individual!" 

Tiasha still touched his feet and said, "You can't deny me the right of seeking blessing from you Munivar."

The man muttered under his breath, "You are the perfect partner in crime for Shree Krishna, I see."

-"Narada Muni's Pranam to you Devi Kaushiki." He folded his hand and bowed down. 

-"Please take a seat, Devarshi." Tiasha said as she placed an Asana for Narada to sit. 

Sitting down Narada asked, "Devi, may I have some of those delicious sweets you make, with coconut and jaggery?"

Tiasha nodded and sprinted inside the kitchen to bring the sweets. She brought a plate full of those sweets, a big glass filled with milk and placed them in front of Narada.

-"It's my great fortune you came here Munivar, Is there any special reason for your visit?" Tiasha asked as she sat down with him Narada Muni.

-"As Rishi Vishwamitra has gone out of the Ashram for a few days, and I was passing by, I thought why not give you a visit? I will have Darshan of Devi Kaushiki and You won't have to be all alone for some time." Narada replied taking a bite out of the sweets.

Tiasha took a deep breath in. Looking into the deep forest she said, "I like the solitude here, it's peaceful and ideal for immersing yourself in your Sadhana." She then smiled at Narada and continued, "Although I am not all alone..." She stroked Vati's soft fur, "...but thank you for visiting me Munivar, it's my honour to meet you finally."

Narada Muni smiled back and said, "The pleasure is all mine, Devi. I would be lying if I said I only came to give you some company. I came here for these sweets too."

Tiasha laughed, "Have as much as you would like Munivar, I will make more before Gurudev returns."

Narada continued eating. Tiasha watched with a smile as Narada Muni ate with a blissful smile on his face. 

-"Devi, do you know what is happening in Hastinapur?" Narada questioned.

-"No Munivar, I don't have any news of the outside world since I came here nine months ago."

-"Rajkumari Dushala got married off to Sindh raj Jayadratha. Rajkumari Dushala and Rajkumar Duryodhan sent an invitation to Dwarika, they wanted you to be present at the wedding. But Shree Krishna got married to Devi Satyabhama at the same time so he refused the invitation."

Tiasha went numb for a moment. She shook her head and hit the ground beside her, a frustrated sigh left her lips. 

-"And I wasn't there to do anything, my poor little sister is going to suffer in the hands of that pathetic excuse of a man. I can't believe the elders of the Kuru family agreed to this. And Duryodhan, didn't he know what he was putting Dushala into?" 

-"Gandhar Raj brought the alliance. He convinced Maharaj Dhritarashtra and Rajkumar Duryodhan. Rajkumar Duryodhan or any other elders of the Kuru family knows about Sindh Raj's character."

-"I don't understand this man, he is up on sacrificing his own nephews and niece for his selfish revenge, ahh!" Tiasha groaned. Frustration and Anger dripped from her voice.

-"It doesn't end here Devi, the Pandavas were almost forced to go to Varnavrat. Although I have to say Rajkumar Duryodhan and Rajkumar Dushasan had an active part in this plan. They didn't let Angaraj or Ahichatra Naresh know anything. Gandhar Raj was sure that they would oppose such a cowardly act. Purochan set fire to the Lakshagriha, and now the five brothers and Devi Kunti have been on the run for almost three months. Gandhar Raj and Rajkumar Duryodhan did a great job with their crocodile tears though."

Tiasha bites the inside of her lips to control herself. A metallic salty taste of her own blood made its way to her tongue. But that didn't stop her, she kept biting and drawing blood.

-"I don't know, how I am going to stop everything going down the drain Munivar!" Tiasha got frustrated with herself and held her head in her hands. 

-"You can't have everything perfectly under control, Devi. Changing the course of history is not easy and it does have certain consequences." Narada said sensing Tiasha putting herself into harsh self-criticism. He tried to calm her down with his next words, "I am sorry I have brought such terrible news to you. But there is good news as well." 

Tiasha tried to smile, "What is the good news, Munivar?"

-"There is not one, Devi, there are a few. Panchal Raj Drupad had a son, Yagnasena and a daughter, Yagnaseni, born from the fire six months ago. Rajkumar Dhrishtadyumna, the second youngest of King Drupad, was born to take revenge on his father's enemy Dronacharya. Rajkumari Panchali, Drupad Kanya Draupadi, who is being called the most beautiful woman in the entire Aryavarth, is, as King Drupad says, born to bring destruction to the Kuru Dynasty. She has a dusky skin resembling the shadow of new leaves of spring upon a golden pot, thus called Krishnaa." Narada paused and drank some milk.

He continued, "...Then, Shree Krishna retrieved the Syamantaka and got married to Devi Jambavati and then Devi Satyabhama. Devi Rukmini gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Kamdev's incarnate received the name of Pradyumna..." The colour of Tiasha's face changed. The forced smile was now replaced by a genuine one. 

-"...Devi Jambavati wished to have a child so Shree Krishna granted her wish. They are expecting the child soon. And finally, Madhym Pandav Virkodara defeated and slayed Rakshasa Raj  Hidimb. As per Rakshasa tradition, he became the new king after Slaying the previous king and married Hidimb's sister Hidimba. They welcomed their son soon after. The first to be born on the next generation of Kurus. He was born with a hairless head resembling a pot, thus received the name, Ghatothkach." 

A sigh escaped Tiasha's lips, "You said, the First to be born on the next generation of Kurus and the family is not even going to accept him as their own. Hidimba will never have the respect she deserves and Ghatothkach..."

Narada smiled he thought in his mind, 'Devi, that's what you are here for, to give justice and respect to all of them who deserve it.'

Narada had already finished the sweets while he was talking. He got up, "Devi, now I have to leave, you know I can't stay in one place for long." 

Tiasha nodded offering a small smile to Devarshi Narada. 

-"Narayan! Narayan!" Narada disappeared from Rishi Vishwamitra's Ashrama leaving behind a very disturbed Tiasha, jumbled in her own emotions.

Tiasha was angry and sad, angry at Duryodhan, sad for thinking how she was going to pull him out of his mess. Sad, thinking about the Pandavas' terrible situation. Sad, about Draupadi's fate. Sad, thinking of Hidimba. Sad recalling Ghatothkach's fate. 

Vishwamitra returned the next day and Tiasha went back to her training and lessons. But all the things that could possibly go wrong kept distracting her. 

Vishwamitra noticed this and asked Tiasha, "Maitreyi, did something happen during the time I went away from the Ashrama? You seem awfully distracted which never happened before."

Tiasha dropped the bow beside her and answered, "Narada Muni came to visit me. He told me about the things that are happening outside. I am unable to focus Gurudev, I am worried everything will go wrong and I won't be able to do anything about it."

Vishwamitra set a hand on Tiasha's shoulder, "This is the reason I wanted you to be completely detached from the outside world."

' I know Gurudev, and in nine months I have learnt more than I did in seven years of medical college.' Tiasha thought to herself.

-"Come sit here, I want to ask you a few things. It's important to do so now." Guru and Siswaa sat down for the discussion.

-"You know what your problems are? Which emotions overwhelm you? What part of your past is holding you back?"

Tiasha looked down towards her feet and answered, "I want to have a control over everything. I want to make everything absolutely perfect. I forget that nothing is perfect on this earth. I am too critical, and even judgemental sometimes. I am too rigid about my ideals."

Vishwamitra sighed patting Tiasha's head, "And most of the time this extreme criticism and judgement is directed towards yourself. Self-criticism is good, it helps you figure out your strengths and weaknesses, goods and flaws. At the same time, this extreme judgment and criticism can be self-destructing. And you don't judge yourself, my child, what you do to yourself is degradation. And that is not good for you. You present yourself as a very confident individual but somewhere in your heart you are insecure..."

Tiasha's eyes became teary. 

-"You are a perfectionist and so you have the urge to control everything. But my child, you can't control everything and everyone around you." Vishwamitra sighed. 

-"And I can see why you do so. The society, and the people you grew up with always told you you are not good enough, from the day you were born, first for being born as a woman, then for your looks. They forgot to see your beauty, your strength, your intelligence and wisdom, they just pointed out your flaws. You were often compared to your older sister, weren't you?"

-"Yes Gurudev."

-"And that made you jealous of her?"

-"Yes Gurudev. My sister was the golden child my mother lost. She was the one my mother wanted, I was unwanted. My mother never blamed me for my sister's passing but every time anyone mentioned my sister I could see her eyes screaming at me, you are the reason I lost my firstborn. I couldn't take it Gurudev. I was jealous of my sister even after her death. I once cut her out of a family photograph and burnt it." Tears spilt out of Tiasha's eyes as she continued to tell Vishwamitra her story.

-"When I was born my grandfather told my mother that she had added Ghee in ash. No one was happy with my birth, except my father. My mother got ill, mentally, after all the harsh words coming from the rest of the family. She never breastfed me Gurudev. Whenever my father went on a voyage, I felt like an orphan. I had a big family but within the family I was an orphan. I...I..."

Vishwamitra pulled Tiasha into his embrace. He held her as she cried in his arms. 

-"I was pushed to grow up beyond my years. I just wanted to be accepted..."

Vishwamitra wiped her tears and said, "You are accepted, you are one of a kind. Always remember who you are. And if it makes you feel any better..." 

-"...I have given you all the Divya Astras and Sastra's, all the knowledge of the Vedas and Puranas, You have mustered the art of Ayurveda with your own merit. You are undoubtedly one of the most knowledgeable and wise women of all time, one of the most powerful worriers of Dwapara yuga, Maitreyi. I am proud to call myself your Guru." Vishwamitra said proudly. A small smile appeared on Tiasha's face. 

-"I feel accepted now Gurudev. You, My friends, my sisters, the elders of the Kuru Family, Radha maa, all of you made me feel accepted and confident."

Vishwamitra patted her head again, "All these emotions you clogging your heart needed to come out for you to be prepared for what is coming your way."

He continued "Before you came to my Ashram, Mahadev visited me in my meditation. He told me, after you finish learning everything I have to teach you, you should do his Sadhana for some time. It will give you the strength to face your future and fate. Your training officially finishes tomorrow. And when you are done with the Sadhana, I will ask you for my Gurudhakshina." 

-"I will give you whatever you want from me Gurudev."

--

For the next two months, Tiasha sat in meditation in front of the Shivalinga and the idol of Devi Krishnakali. Days mixed with the ends of nights as She continued her chant of 'Om Namaha Shivay'.

On the night of Kartiki Purnima, the entire forest was lit up with the presence of Devadi Dev Mahadev. Tiasha felt a warmth in her chest as a hand tapped her shoulder and a very familiar honey-like voice whispered in her ear, "Open your eyes, Shyama, see who came to bless you."

Tiasha slowly opened her eyes and saw in between bright blue lights stood Mahakal. 

Tiasha touched her head on his feet and he raised her from the ground. Tiasha looked into the dreamy towny eyes of Mahakal and tears flowed uncontrollably from her dark brown fish-shaped eyes. 

Guru Vishwamitra came and folded his hands to Mahadev. Krishna stood beside Tiasha with a world-winning smile on his face.

Mahadev smiled at Tiasha—a smile which can calm a raging storm.

-"Putri Kaushiki, ask for a boon." His voice was gentle yet strong, calm yet powerful just like his Rudra vina. 

Tiasha shook her head, "You are standing right in front of me, what more could a devotee ask for? I did your Sadhana to have your Darshan, not for any boon. My wish is already fulfilled, I don't have anything to ask for other than the place at your feet, Adidev." 

Mahabhairav's smile widened, "My devotees live in my heart, Priya Kaushiki, not at my feet. And you don't just live in my heart, you are my heart." He stood close to Tiasha and patted her head.

-"You don't want to ask for a boon now, that is alright, I will appear in front of you one more time when you call me." Mahadev blessed. 

He closed his eyes and a crescent-shaped sword appeared in his hand. 

-"This sword belonged to one of my greatest devotees of all time. It was a reward for his devotion. Although he was knowledgeable and powerful, his arrogance and ego led him to his grave fate. He used this for the wrong purposes. It came back to me the moment he committed the gravest sin of his life. From then on this sword has been waiting to be wielded by None other than the avatar of Shakti herself.

The power this sword holds can only be compared to that of my Vijay or Pinak Dhanu. Once wielded by Lankeshwara Ravan, the Chandrahasa is now your companion, Putri Kaushiki."

Tiasha stared at it in awe, the great Chandrahasa, once given to Lankeshwara Ravan by Mahadev himself, she couldn't believe her eyes. And now Adidev is giving it to her? She looked into His eyes first then towards Krishna and Guru Vishwamitra. All three of them nodded, encouraging her to accept the mighty sword. 

Tiasha slowly stretched her arm and as soon as the Chandrahasa was placed in her hands a surge of energy flooded through her veins. 

She touched the sword to her head and chest paying her respect. The Chandrahasa glowed in her hands. A gentle smile appeared in the faces of the three men.

Mahadev's figure disappeared leaving behind a blue glow in the place he stood after Tiasha touched his feet one more time. 

Vishwamitra's voice brought Tiasha back to reality, "Complete your Siswaa dharma now, Putri Maitreyi. After you pay me my Gurudhakshina you will have to sept into the outside world again."

-"What do you want your Siswaa to do for you, Gurudev?" Tiasha asked touching his feet. 

Vishwamitra stood her up and touched her chin, "Years ago I lost a daughter. I found another one in you, Priya Maitreyi. You are my Manas Kanya. Your old father just wants one thing from you. When you get married, I want to do your Kanya daana, I want to have the right to do that."

-"Gurudev, After my Janmadata, you are the only father figure I have. When I get married, I want you to do my Kanya daana. It's your right and no one can take it away from you, not even the almighty." Tiasha's eyes flooded with tears.

Guru Vishwamitra engulfed Tiasha in a hug. Two drops of water fell on her head as her Guru's blessings. 

-"The world outside is waiting for their light. Vidhushi bhava!"

Tiasha turned to Krishna. Krishna stretched his hand and said, "Come, we have a very long journey ahead."

-XX-

Where do you think they are going, next? I can give you a clue it's not Dwarika. 

Do you like the chapter let me know in the comments. I know it's a bit messy.

We have 50k reads and more than 3k votes on the book now, Can you believe it? I know I can't. It feels almost like a dream.

 When I first started writing I never thought anyone would be interested in reading the rubbish that I write. I was so scared to start the book as I thought people with immediately start tearing me down. How dare I write a story about Mahabharat? The great epic and the gods are no joke and definitely not something to play around with (You know how toxic people are these days). Then I found the coolest readers of all time who have given me all the freedom to experiment and play around with. 

Honestly, you all are the best. Your author is nothing without you all. I don't know if my words show how grateful I actually am. 

And my sincere apology, because my exams are coming up, I won't be able to update as regularly as I did so far. Forgive me, I will try to update every once in a while. Your author is going nowhere anytime soon. I have tons of ideas and plots in my head after I finish writing this one. 

Thank you so much to all of my dearies, Take good care of yourself, otherwise, who's gonna read my story? 🤭 

Adiós, Dearies. ❤