"Shakti! Priye! Come sit next to me," Shiva called to his wife.

Long dark locks of hair cascaded over Shiva's shoulders, his blue neck a symbol of sacrifice. His eyes were like a pair of pulsars, captivating and intense. His skin, covered in ashes, contrasted with the tiger skin he wore. His third eye, prominent on his forehead, symbolized destruction and his boundless anger.

He was as calm as the ocean but harbored a fire within that could destroy the entire universe if provoked. His anger knew no limits, as did his love.

Shiva's love for Shakti was unparalleled—no human, no Matsyan, not even any god had ever experienced such pure love. It was so pure that even the sacred river Ganga seemed impure in comparison. They were two souls in one, known as Ardhanarishvara. Many had tried to come between them and met the same fate—death.

To witness their love – cosmic dance, gods and goddesses came from every corner of the universe.

Shakti and Shiva were resting in their abode next to a spring, in a small hut far away from everyone. Shakti, who was soaking her wet hair in the sun, turned to see her husband.

"Husband" was a very small word to describe their relationship; it was more than that and above all. To maintain the flow, I will call them husband and wife.

With a soft smile on her face, she gestured, asking, "What happened, priye?"

Showering in the beauty of his beloved wife, Shiva walked toward her. He sat on a rock next to the spring while Shakti sat on the ground. Shiva took the cotton cloth from her hand and began drying her hair. Smiling, Shakti rested her head on Shiva's right leg, letting her husband care for her hair.

The surroundings were soothing, birds were chirping, and the sound of the forest was calm, as if everything wanted to enjoy this beautiful gesture of Shiva for his wife, Shakti.

Suddenly, the calmness of the Aranya changed into an eerie silence. Shiva looked up. There was no immediate danger near them yet, but something or someone was approaching. He closed his eyes and focused; with his third eye, he saw an army approaching them. He smiled, knowing what was coming.

Shiva knew if moves a bit, Shakti will wake up. All he wanted her to take rest. He knew that a battle was inevitable, but he also didn't want to disturb his sleeping wife. So, he picked one of his locks and threw it on the ground while still massaging her head.

Once the lock touched the ground, an entity emerged from it, similar in appearance to Shiva, with long black braids and wearing nothing. His eyes burned with rage. Standing there, he looked at Shiva, waiting for orders.

"Veerbhadra, your mother is sleeping. Please make sure no one disturbs her," Shiva requested with a smile.

Veerbhadra bowed to Shiva and walked in the direction of the army. Bound by the words and respect for his mother, he thrashed every single Rakshasa from the army with one hand. Terror filled the air. With each kill, he grew in size. Even the giant Rakshasas were no match for Veerbhadra's strength.

Veerbhadra wasn't just killing; he was eating and slaughtering with his bare hands. All he knew was that no one was allowed to disturb his mother's sleep.

This is where his anger went out of control, and he started attacking the people of the Matasya kingdom.

King Anshumali sent his troops to defend his kingdom from the invasion by the Rakshasa army led by King Trinae. Although King Trine ruled a small kingdom in his loka, he was there to distract Shiva and create a small upheaval on his way out.

His plan succeeded, causing turmoil and bringing everyone to the verge of extinction. Seeing this, King Anshumali decided to visit Shakti and Shiva's abode in the Aranya.

However, Veerbhadra posed a significant challenge. Although not a foe, he would become one if King Anshumali interfered in his dharma to protect Maa Shakti.

Stepping a single foot in the direction of the Aranya would result in a bloodbath.

He knew he couldn't pass Veerbhadra unless Shiva himself called him back. And standing at the borders was futile, as he couldn't contact him directly.

For this, he needed a Source – who connects Matasayan to the nature.

ᳪᳪᳪ

Queen Priyambada, an epitome of beauty and intelligence, excelled in communicating with nature. She could send messages across miles without being noticed or heard by any of the five species ruling Kaalloka.

As she sat in the garbhgraha of her chamber, enjoying a light conversation with Aphrodite, the sister of King Zeus of Olympia, a handmaiden with honey-toned skin entered the chambers. The fear was evident on her face. The Queen's anger was well-known among all the handmaidens; she never tolerated interruptions during her royal duties.

But the handmaiden knew the news had to be brought to her Queen, regardless of the consequences.

"Maharani! Apologies for my interference. King Anshumali has returned from the battle. And he has news." She spoke in one breath, knowing that pausing for a reply could seal her fate.

Initially annoyed by the interruption, Queen Priyambada knew that no one would dare disturb her unless it was urgent. Everyone valued keeping their heads attached to their shoulders.

Queen Priyambada looked at Devyani with a long stare, silently warning her not to interrupt unnecessarily again. She nodded, signaling for Devyani to bring King Anshumali to the Mantralya Graha of her chamber.

"My apologies, Queen Aphrodite. It seems my husband needs me. Please enjoy the Veena Vadan (musical evening). I will join you shortly." In her soft and calculated tone, Queen Priyambada bid adieu to Aphrodite.

ᳪᳪᳪ

Her stride was strong and stealthy, urgency evident in her walk. The free end of her long, plaided saree flowed in the air as she moved. The palace corridors were adorned with intricate carvings and tapestries that seemed to watch over her as she hurried to the Mantralaya Graha.

As she entered the Mantralaya Graha, she saw King Anshumali sitting on one of the regal king chairs. He was bent over, his hands supporting his head, a posture that depicted his deep worry about the escalating situation. The chamber's high ceilings and grand chandeliers cast long shadows, mirroring the tension in the room.

"Maharaja!" Priyambada called.

King Anshumali looked up at her, a glint of hope in his eyes. He stood up and walked towards her, his heavy robes rustling with each step.

Grasping her arm, with a pleading look in his eyes, he said, "Maharani, I need you to send a message to Shakti." Without wasting a second, he continued, "You have to ask her to bring back Veerbhadra."

Although their marriage was arranged for royal reasons, Queen Priyambada respected him as her husband and the king of the Matasayan Kingdom. She could not deny the words of Shakti, which had brought them together in marriage. She couldn't forget the prophecy that Shakti had foretold for their union:

"The union of two will bring a new sun to this land."

Her thoughts briefly drifted to the prophecy, recalling the sacred ceremony where Shakti had blessed their union. The memory of the divine energy still sent shivers down her spine.

Without questioning her husband, she nodded in agreement. Holding his hands, with a smile on her face, she led him towards the Snan Graha, a royal bathing chamber adorned with intricate floral patterns on the walls. Aromatic sticks always burned there, providing a relaxing essence, and a water pool filled with rose petals sat at its center. The gentle sound of water rippling in the pool added a serene backdrop to the otherwise tense atmosphere.

As they walked, Queen Priyambada's mind raced with the weight of the task ahead. She knew that contacting Shakti was not just a matter of ritual but a deep spiritual connection that required immense concentration and purity of heart.

Once inside the Snan Graha, she took a deep breath, allowing the calming scents and sounds to center her thoughts. She released King Anshumali's hands and moved towards the pool. The water's surface reflected her determined expression, the rose petals forming a delicate crown around her reflection.

"Wait here," she instructed softly. "This might take some time."

King Anshumali nodded, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and desperation. He knew that his wife's abilities were their last hope to avert disaster.

Queen Priyambada knelt by the pool, her fingers trailing through the cool water as she began to chant, calling upon the divine presence of Shakti. The room seemed to hum with an otherworldly energy, and for a moment, it felt as if the entire universe held its breath, awaiting the response of the goddess.

Queen Priyambada had to submerge herself in the water until the message was received by the intended recipient and the necessary actions were taken. This was why King Anshumali hesitated at first, knowing the pain it would bring to his wife.

One by one, she removed her jewelry and shawl, letting her long black hair cascade down her back. A few strands fell over her face. Only her saree and the bindi on her forehead remained.

Slowly, she walked towards the water, the surface reflecting her determined expression. As she stepped into the pool, the cool water sent a shiver through her body. She continued until she was fully submerged.

Once submerged, Queen Priyambada closed her eyes and began her ritual of sending a message to Shakti. The water enveloped her, creating a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Her thoughts focused, and she chanted the sacred mantras, calling upon the divine presence of the goddess.

The room around her seemed to hum with energy, the air thick with anticipation. King Anshumali watched from the edge of the pool, his heart heavy with both hope and concern for his beloved wife.

As the moments passed, Queen Priyambada's connection with Shakti deepened. She could feel the presence of the goddess, a warm and powerful force guiding her. She sent her plea, hoping that Shakti would hear her and bring back Veerbhadra to save their kingdom from impending doom.

"Devi Shakti! Pranam! Please open your eyes for me and listen to my plea."

In her subconscious, Queen Priyambada saw Devi Shakti sitting on a stone, draped in a resplendent red saree. Her face exuded a serene calmness, and her eyes, like twin Deepaks, guided souls through their darkest times. Devi Shakti's glow was akin to the radiance of a thousand suns, making it difficult for anyone to look at her directly. Only the true devotees, with their inner vision, could pierce through her blinding light.

"Priyambada! I am listening to you," Shakti's voice resonated like a soothing melody.

"Please help my people. Blinded by rage, Veerbhadra is wreaking havoc, killing them. Please bring him back."

"My child, I will be visiting you soon. Your people will be saved shortly."

As Devi Shakti spoke, her glow intensified, filling the entire space with a brilliant light. The luminous presence signaled to King Anshumali that the message had been received.

<a/n>
Sorry for delay and a very short chappie.
word count -  1821