'How did people function in this time without coffee?'

That was the only thought in Abhijishya's mind while she dragged herself to her chambers. She planned on slipping in unnoticed beside Nakul. He was such a worrywart at times. She didn't like to make him worry about her. The skin on her feet were prune from being soaked in the water for so long. Her legs ached too.

Well, she had no one but herself to blame. She was also in a dilemma. Part of her didn't want to go to the temple but another part of her wanted to reach to the bottom of this issue. She also didn't know what excuse she can give if she wanted to skip out on the puja without hurting anyone's sentiments.

First, she needed to take a bath. Cold bath. She hoped that would definitely wake her up completely.

Abhijishya entered her room to find all curtains still drawn. She mentally sighed in relief. That means Nakul was asleep. She went towards their bed and stopped short.

Nakul was sitting at the edge of their bed with his shoulders hunched. He was looking at the ground.

"Arya?" she called tentatively.

He lifted his head up and said loudly,"Dasi."

A dasi entered and bowed.

"No one is to enter our chamber. I want complete privacy," he said.

"As you order, Rajkumar. Shall I open the curtains?" the dasi asked.

"Leave," Nakul snapped.

Abhijishya could sense his anger towards her so she remained standing at a distance unsure how to approach him. This was the first time that Nakul was angry with her.

The dasi left quickly.

He was still not looking at her.

"Where were you last night?" he asked.

"By the seaside," she answered.

"The entire night," he said flatly. Abhijishya remained silent knowing that it was a statement; not a question.

He sighed and looked at her. "You spent the entire night standing on the beach."

Nakul got up and started pacing. She watched him silently. He turned towards her and said,"Abhijishya, you are not taking care of yourself. If you continue like this you will fall sick. This is not normal."

"It's fine, really. You are worrying too much. I sometimes have trouble with sleep. I did have dinner yesterday," she tried to reassure him.

"You had trouble sleeping before when you just lost your everything and started staying with us. You just had a measly portion of khichdi in the entire day. You haven't slept in two days. Tell me what is going on," Nakul said.

Abhijishya kept her silence. In truth, she didn't know how to explain something she didn't even understand.

"Fine," Nakul said. "Don't tell me but solve this. Whatever is wrong. I don't like the dasis talking about how we don't get along." He turned away and went to open the curtains.

She bit her tongue to prevent herself from snapping at him. Abhijishya felt tired and already was in a sour mood. Logically she knew that Nakul was only concerned about her but his disappointed and angry tone was rubbing her the wrong way.

"What? Are you just going to stand there silently?" he said without looking at her.

"I don't want to speak to you," she said calmly.

"Well congratulations! Because you have been successfully doing that from the beginning of whatever that is going on with you," he said sarcastically.

"I didn't want you to lose sleep over me. That's why I didn't wake you. And don't worry, I shall make sure my problem doesn't become an inconvenience to you from now on. Also I shall keep in mind that none of my actions reflect badly on you. The dasis won't get to talk about anything," she flatly stated.

"No. No. No. This is not about me. That is exactly what you are not getting. I care about you. Seeing you like this; tired and not caring about yourself is bothering me. And I want to be bothered. I care what impression the dasis have about you. Because I want others to see what an incredible  person you are. I want them to know that I love you and only you as a man loves a woman. So yes, I want to be bothered about everything that is about you," he said while walking to Abhijishya. He caressed her cheek and continued,"I want to spend the night awake keeping you company if you aren't able to sleep. So tell me. Tell me what can I do to help you."

All traces of anger were gone from his eyes. Only earnest love and dedication were visible. "Oh," she whispered dumbly.

Nakul chuckled. "Yes, oh."

Abhijishya turned away not wanting him to see her teary eyes. What had she done to deserve such a loving husband?

She yelped in surprise as Nakul picked her up bridalstyle. She quickly wrapped her hands around his neck to prevent herself from falling.

"For an intelligent woman you can be quite stupid and careless at times. Why did you keep on standing when your legs are aching?" Nakul said and carried her to their bed. He gently set her down.

"Now stay like this and let me relieve your pain a little," he said and took her feet in his lap.

Abhijishya knew she must be grinning like an idiot. "Is there not some rules about husband not ever touching the feet of his wife?" she asked playfully but made no attempt to remove her feet. His fingers under the sole of her feet felt amazing.

Nakul gave a simple deadpan and she burst out laughing.

"Areh, don't move so much," he complained. Then lightly ran his fingers on the sole of her feet.

"Noooo, don't do that. I am ticklish," Abhijishya regretted saying so seeing the mischievous glint in his eyes.

He smirked and proceeded to tickle her feet relentlessly. Abhijishya giggled and tried to move away.

"St- Stop," she said breathlessly but Nakul was having too much fun.

She sat up and kissed him on his lips abruptly. He let go of her feet and grabbed onto her waist. There was no mistaking the undercurrent of desire that ran between them.

Abhijishya moved onto his lap and held his neck. She broke her kiss only to dive in again.

Kisses became more open mouthed and tongues clashed into a battle. It was like both wanted a taste of other's very essence.

Nakul's hands moved along Abhijishya's ribcage and back; trying to move impossibly close to her.

Abhijishya tugged sharply on Nakul's hair and they parted from their kiss panting.

She noticed the dazed look in his eyes and smiled mischievously. She placed a gentle kiss on the corner of his mouth and leaped out of their bed.

Nakul looked at her in confusion.

"As much as I like kissing you, I am getting late for puja. See you later," she winked cheekily and ran towards the bathing room while giggling.

Nakul realised the kiss had been a distraction tactic and moaned in distress.

"Abhijishya, noooo, don't go," he called out. He only got delighted  laughter as his answer.

He burrowed his face into a pillow and felt like screaming in frustration. Nakul sat up and looked in the direction Abhijishya went. He smiled and shook his head in amusement.

Gods, he had indeed fallen hard for her. His Mohini.

================================

Abhijishya felt guilty for manipulating and effectively diverting Nakul's attention from her problems. But it was for the best. The last thing she needed was for him to gain the ire of Ekanamsha Devi.

She walked towards the temple trying to reassure herself that everything would be alright. But it did nothing to quell the growing pit of dread inside her. Silently she prayed to her Krishna, her one certainty in the ever changing ocean of her uncertain life.

She spotted Bhabishree Rukmini, Jambavati, Satyabhama and Revati making arrangements for the puja.

"Pranipaat," she greeted everyone.

"Come Abhijishya. Help us make these cotton wicks for the diyas," Bhabishree Revati said.

Abhijishya smiled and nodded. She sat down and started making cotton wicks after observing the others for sometime.

"How are you today? Yesterday you didn't look well," Rukmini asked kindly.

"I am fine, Bhabishree. Don't worry," she quickly reassured her.

"Yes, get well soon. I want to see you wielding the sword sometime. Do you know archery?" Satyabhama asked while washing tulsi leaves.

"No, I never really got the chance to properly learn it. Bhrata Arjun tried teaching me but," she blushed slightly.

"But?" Satyabhama asked with curiousity.

"I - uh wanted to concentrate on learning sword fighting more," she admitted. It was more like she wanted to spend time Nakul.

Satyabhama chuckled. Others also joined her. "Oh, we understand what you mean. You wanted to spend time with your husband," Jambavati teased.

"Bhrata Arjun did teach me how to wield a dagger. I am quite good at dagger throwing too," she quickly added.

"Then we will have to see how good you are. You and I shall put our aiming skills into test soon," Satyabhama said giving into her competitive nature.

"Alright," Abhijishya agreed easily. She too wanted to see the archery skills of Satyabhama who was going to kill Narakasura one day.

"Then who shall be the superviser? We need someone who won't be biased and also knowledgeable to give proper judgement," Revati said.

"Arya, of course. He is our husband and he is also her brother. Arya won't support anyone's side," Satyabhama said.

"More like he will support both of you," Rukmini remarked with a fond smile on her face.

"Yes. We have to ask Bhrata Gopal when he can be free this week," Abhijishya said. "Here, I am done with my share of cotton wicks. What should I do now?"

"Help me make some sandalwood paste. Take this and rub this stick of sandalwood on it with some water," Jambavati said passing her a small rough stone slab and a piece of sandalwood.

"Alright," Abhijishya replied. The small chores were really helpful in settling her uneasy heart.

"I'll ask Arya and let you know," Satyabhama said. Abhijishya smiled and nodded.

She stopped her work for a moment and looked at them. "I never got the chance to speak to all of you at a length before. I just wanted to say thank you for the letter you sent me. It really means a lot to me. If it wasn't for the letter, I don't know how I would have coped being alone and getting married so abruptly. Mata Kunti couldn't really stay with me because she is a widow. So really, thank you so much," Abhijishya said sincerely.

Revati who was sitting beside her put a loving hand on her shoulder and said," We know how it feels like when you have to get married and become a part of an entirely new family. I am glad out letter brought you some comfort."

"Yes, Abhijishya. We really wanted to attend your wedding. Prepare you ourselves and keep you company. The letter is the least we could do," Rukmini said.

"Least? Bhabishree you all sent me tons of jewellery, embroidered clothes, lehengas, even sarees and what not," Abhijishya proclaimed.

"Yes the least. I hope you liked our choice of clothes and jewellery. Mata Devaki and Mata Rohini wanted to speak to you face to face first so we only wrote the letter. The wedding lehenga was chosen by them," Jambavati said.

"The wedding lehenga was perfect. The clothes are all very beautiful and comfortable too. I love the jewellery. Especially the ones that are lightweight," she said happily. "Arya also is really appreciative of the attire and jewellery you sent."

"We are very happy that you both liked everything," Satyabhama said.

They were almost done with puja preparations when Mata Devaki and Mata Rohini came.

"It is so good to see all of you together," Mata Devaki said with a smile.

"Pranipaat Mata," they greeted both if them.

"Kalyan ho," they blessed. "Have finished all the arrangements? Do you all need any help?" Mata Rohini asked.

"We are almost done. I just need to put together the puja thalis," Rukmini said as she put flowers, tulsi leaves on a plate.

"Then we should begin puja," Mata Devaki said.

"Putri, will you chant the mantra of Devi Ekanamsha today again? It was truly mesmerising to listen to you. Perhaps we can also learn it from you," Mata Devaki said oblivious to Abhijishya's dilemma.

Rukmini and Satyabhama glanced at each other worriedly. "Mata, perhaps it is best if I do the puja today," Rukmini said looking at Abhijishya's hesitant face.

"Why? Is putri Abhijishya not feeling well?" Mata Devaki asked with concern. She cupped Abhijishya's face and asked," Will you able to chant the mantra, putri? I really wish to listen to your heavenly words once again but perhaps putri Rukmini could do the aarti if you are not feeling well."

Abhijishya shook her head. She was uncertain what she would see this time but it wasn't like the visions were malicious or harming her in any way. She just felt oddly captivated.

"It is fine, Mata. I shall do as you wish," she reassured. "Abhijishya," Satyabhama said softly.

"Really, I am fine," she gave a reassuring smile. Abhijishya took the aarti thali from Rukmini and faced the three idols. She let out a shaky breath trying to calm her frayed nerves. She wanted to communicate with the Goddess too. She needed to know what exactly Devi Mahamaya wanted from her. It had to be Devi Mahamaya. Her gut feeling couldn't be wrong in this matter.

Abhijishya concentrated solely on the idol of Devi Ekanamsha.

namaste astu ekanamshayai | yogakanyayai namo astute |
vishnor sharirajam nidram vishnor nirdeshakarinim |vivesha rupini kali kala-meghavagunthita|kali cha kamarupini sarvaharasya sakhi tatha |mahendra-vishnu-bhagini kalaratri cha mohini|

She was unaware of the words that slipped from her mouth.

Black mists curl. She saw galaxies move about. She saw stars born and worlds destroyed.

A woman with translucent skin floated about. Her hair darker than the blackest black. A mirror in hand she approached, sensually moving her hips.

'Look into me. But can you bear it? Can you still be the same?' whispered a voice but her lips did not move.

Eyes like black holes. Pulling her in. Coaxing.

'Who are you?' Gentle fingers under her chin.

Abhijishya felt weightless. She couldn't move. Couldn't blink. Couldn't speak.

'Who are you?' The voice this time was demanding.

'Can't you see?' Abhijishya thought. 'I am just me.'

'I can't see. You lie. You are not who you say to be,' the face was close to her now. The eyes, oh the eyes, unlike any Abhijishya had ever seen.

Mirror glinted with light from the nearest star. It wasn't there just a moment ago.

'Look,' the entity held the mirror before her face. Abhijishya stared in shock. No reflection.

'I can't see,' the entity whispered.

'Devi,' Abhijishya thought. 'I am just me.'

'Who are you?' Curious eyes were now frosted over. Empty like the void. Cold like the void. Lifeless like the void.

She couldn't move. Couldn't blink. Couldn't speak. Couldn't brea-

Oh god, she couldn't breathe.

Horror curled her mind like the tightening coils of a snake.

'Devi,' she thought desperately.

'Who are you? Where have you been?' Demanding. Enticing. Coaxing. Searching.

Not knowing. Not knowing. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't see. The whispers felt miles away. Devi Ekanamsha had left.

Abhijishya let herself fade.

================================

Quite a few meters away three people seemed to be playing cards with money.

She recognised Suresh kaka who lived beside them and crinkled her nose in distaste. She didn't like gambling at all.

Abhijishya gasped.

'What-' she looked around to find herself in her neighbourhood. Her fingers trembled as she reached for the vibrating phone in her pocket.

Jeans. Jeans. She was wearing jeans and top. Abhijishya pulled out her phone with shaky hands.

It was the mobile company calling. She cut the call.

'What just happened?' she tried to think of some explaination. Just a moment before she was- she was in the temple. Yes the temple of Devi Ekanamsha.

The vision. She had the vision and then.

'How am I back here?' Abhijishya thought looking around. She gripped her hair to find it back to the mid length it was before.

She grabbed her top and pulled it aside. She felt around her neck.

'No. No. The necklace,' she thought as suddenly her lungs felt devoid of air.

"This can't be happening. This can't be happening," she repeated under her breath like a mantra.

She ran towards Keya's house. Then back to where Suresh Kaka was gambling. It was indeed her neighbourhood.

"তুমি ঠিক আছো? কিছু হয়েছে?(Are you alright? Did something happen?)"a voice snapped her out from her mindless panicking.

It was Suresh Kaka.

"Yes, yes, I am fine," Abhijishya said as she struggled to curb her panic.

"কি বলছিস রে?( what are you saying?)" He asked looking confused.

Abhijishya cleared her throat. "আমি ঠিক আছি। ফোনটা খুঁজে পাচ্ছিলাম না তাই ভয় পেয়ে গেছিলাম একটু।" (I am alright. I couldn't find my phone for a moment so I got scared)

She gave him what she hoped was a confident smile and walked towards Keya's house. She heard him murmur about strange and careless children but she paid him no mind.

Abhijishya was so sure that she had been in Dvapar yug. Nakul. Her Nakul.  This wasn't possible. Didn't Krishna say her parents, sister and friends moved on? That the future moved on without her?

How was she here? Did she just imagine everything?

What was wrong with her then? She checked her phone once again.

It read 16:59 p.m. She was supposed to take botany notes from Keya.

How could she have imagined so much?

She closed her eyes.

"The sun, the moon and the stars," said Nakul. His eyes were full of love, dedication and sincerity for her.

How could that be not real?

Abhijishya rubbed the tears that spilled from her eyes while trying to not break down in the middle of the street.

"I love you,"he whispered. Lips against lips.

Some people were giving her odd looks. Abhijishya couldn't hold in her sobs. She collapsed on the ground and wept bitterly.

How could time travel even be real! Her mind was the most cruel place. She whispered brokenly towards the sky.

"Gopal.
             Gopal.
                        Krishna.
                                       Arya.
                                                Nakul."

A.N. - ...

So 😅 looks like Abhijishya has lost her mind.

What do you think of this?

I mean seriously how can time travel be real.

Do you get why my book is called Dhi now?

I'll probably write some more about this. Epilogue maybe. Or maybe some more chapters. Who knows?

*cackles madly* *runs away from mashal carrying angry readers.*

Read to find out more.

Please vote and comment.

Until the next time,

Byee ;")

Lol.