Upon entering the temple, the dim light flickered against the ornate carvings, casting shadows that danced along the walls. She squinted against the sudden change from the bright afternoon sun and took a moment to adjust. Her friends, hesitant, lingered at the entrance, their whispers fading into silence as she ventured deeper.

Suddenly her gaze was drawn to a figure seated in deep meditation at the far end of the sanctum. The man exuded an otherworldly presence, his form wrapped in resplendent garments that shimmered like the stars. His long matted hair cascaded around him like a dark halo, and a full beard framed a face that radiated serenity. The details began to crystallize in Krishneshwari’s mind; it took her a moment to grasp the truth—this was the Aghori she had sought.

He was no longer the mysterious ascetic cloaked in the rags of a mendicant but appeared regal, almost kingly. A rush of emotions washed over her—relief, excitement, and an unquenchable curiosity. Slowly, he opened his eyes, revealing deep knowledge, reflecting the universe’s mysteries. Their gazes locked, and time suspended—Krishneshwari's breath hitched as a smile bloomed across her face, illuminating her features with pure joy.

"Aap wahi hai... Jo uss din mujhe mile the..." She muttered. "Mere sainiko ne aapko kitna dhundha lekin aap mile hi nahi."

"Mai toh sadev se yahi rehta hu. Yeh sab jaante hai." An amused smile played upon his lips, the corners lifting as he stood, revealing the intricate patterns woven into his resplendent garments.

He seemed to embody the very spirit of the temple, the air thick with the scent of jasmine and sandalwood, enhancing his ethereal presence. In that instant, Krishneshwari's gaze drifted behind him to the Shivling. In his presence, for a moment she had forgotten that the shivling was there, it seemed that he was the shivling himself.

He moved past her, and her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Rukiye !" She said, desperation lingering in her tone.

He turns, a daunting smile playing on his lips. "Tum ho kaun mujhe rokne wali ?"

His voice was laced with an authority that sends a ripple of unease through Krishneshwari’s friends. They exchanged worried glances, this man seemed to challenge the fabric of royal decorum.

Undeterred, Krishneshwari steps closer, her heart racing with determination. "Mujhe aapse gyaan chahiye." she declares, her voice steady despite the weight of his gaze.

"Toh mujhe kyu rok rahi ho ? Mere piche aao." He said as he strode forward.

Without a moment's thought, she followed behind, her heart pounding with anticipation. Behind her, Hemlata narrowed her eyes, muttering under her breath, "Akad toh aisi dikha raha hai jaise Ujjain ka Samrat yahi ho."

The words hang in the air, laced with skepticism as they trail behind, the other friends sharing her disbelief. Krishneshwari's heart raced as she followed the man, who walked with a grace that belied his previous demeanor. She could feel the gaze of her friends—Hemelta's anxious frown, the others' curious stares—yet none could deter her resolve. This was her moment, a chance to unlock the mysteries that had lingered in her soul.

The guards stationed at the temple’s entrance, vigilant and stoic, turned their heads at the sight of this regal figure emerging from the sacred space. They exchanged glances, unsure, their brows furrowing in confusion. This man, cloaked in dignity and confidence, looked every bit a king—more regal than their own ruler, King Dilip. His presence commanded authority, yet his identity remained elusive. The guards, who had been tirelessly searching for the Aghori, failed to connect the dots.

They stood bewildered as the figure strode past, unaware that the very essence of what they sought was right before them, cloaked in an illusion of royalty. Krishneshwari, entranced, maintained her gaze on him, her quest for knowledge igniting a spark of determination within her as they moved into the brightness of the day.

Whispering amongst themselves, they exchanged worried glances. The princess, so young and impressionable, was stepping into the unknown. Compelled by duty and a protective instinct, they trailed behind the group. The guards, clad in intricate armor that reflected the fading light, moved silently through the underbrush, their eyes keenly focused on the princess and the enigmatic figure.

Towering trees, their leaves shimmering like emeralds, framed their path. Curiosity tugged at Krishneshwari, and she gathered her courage to speak. "Aapka naam kya hai ?" she asked, her voice a soft ripple in the silence of the woods.

The man turned slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yaha ke log mujhe Mahakaal ke naam se jaante hai."

"Jaise Mahakaleshwar ? Kya aap unke bhakt hai ?" She asked.

He turned to her, though he didn't say anything to her but an amused smile danced on his lips, revealing a hint of mystery that enveloped him. Little did she know, this mysterious man was not merely an ascetic; he was Mahakaal himself, walking among mortals.

As they ventured deeper, suddenly, Mahakaal paused, his keen eyes drawn to a massive rock, ancient and immovable, cradled by wrapped roots. He approached it with purpose, sitting down with a fluidity. With him perched on top of it, the simple rock looked like a throne.

Krishneshwari, her heart racing with reverence, sank to the ground directly before him, her saffron silk garment pooling around her like sunlight spilled on the forest floor. Behind her, her friends huddled together, exchanging anxious glances but unable to tear their gaze away from the lord. The royal guards, alert yet respectful, positioned themselves a few paces back, their armor glinting softly in the dappled light.

As the sun dipped behind the ancient trees, casting elongated shadows on the forest floor, Mahakaal’s voice resonated like distant thunder, "Kaisa gyaan chahiye ? Shaashtra ka ? Shashtra ka ? Ya fir Ashtang yog ka ?"

Krishneshwari, her heart pounding, shook her head gently. "Mujhe 'Tat Tvam Asi' ka arth batayiye."

A profound silence enveloped the clearing. Mahakaal sighed dramatically, the weight of the universe in his breath.

"Nahi Nahi..." he said firmly, his eyes reflecting a thousand suns. "Tum kuch aur maang lo."

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A/N

Hemlata dear you aren't wrong when you said ki Ujjain ke asli Samrat yahi hai 😂🙏🏻