Devashree trudged along the uneven path, her strength waning with each step. Her clothes were now tattered and stained. The thick, humid air clung to her, making her feel weighed down. Her bare feet ached with every step, the rough earth and pebbles pressing against her skin of her already swollen feet.

The men eventually led her to a large, open clearing where an imposing structure stood—a grand temple-like building adorned with garish decorations. 

At the center of the gathering stood the figure. He was an elderly man draped in flowing white robes, his long, unkempt white hair framing his face.

"People of the forest, gather 'round," he began, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with an air of benevolence. "Today, we have found a lost soul in our midst."

He turned to Devashree, his smile widening. "This woman was discovered in the depths of the forest, alone and without kin. Such a poor, unfortunate creature," he said, his voice dripping with feigned compassion. "Do not worry, my dear. From now on, I will be your provider, your guardian."

The crowd erupted in enthusiastic chants. "Maharaj Vishnu ki Jai Ho!" they shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the clearing. The fervor in their voices was both awe-inspiring and chilling.

Devashree's eyes narrowed as she processed the man's name. "Vishnu? So, you're named after a god?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.

"No, child. He is not merely named after Vishnu. Our Maharaj is an avatar of Vishnu himself. You are now in the presence of divinity." One of the fervent followers, a middle-aged man with a stern face, stepped forward and corrected her with an air of superiority.

Devashree's lips curled in a scornful smile. "An avatar? You are all blind if you truly believe that." If he's anything like Paundrak, I'd rather take my chances with the forest.

"Ah, but my dear, I am only what my people call me. Their faith gives me form and substance. I am just a medium for god to act their will. A mere messenger. I help the people who are lost in their lives." The elderly leader's smile did not falter, though a flicker of something dark crossed his eyes.

"Yes woman! Hear hear, our leader is so great!" A man shouted from the crowd.

"He is a god!"

"He takes in lost souls like yourself."

"I wasn't lost. The men of your so-called king kidnapped me against my will!" Devashree's frustration flared as she faced the crowd.

The crowd's reaction was swift and intense, their anger turning towards her. They hurled insults and names at her.

"Children, calm yourselves," he said, his voice cutting through the tumult with chilling clarity. "This child does not yet understand the greater truth. She will, in time."

He turned to his men, his command deliberate and cold. "Take her to her quarters. Allow her time to adjust. Do not let her ignorance provoke violence. In time, she will see the truth as you all do."

Devashree was led away by a burly man to a restricted area. A heavy iron door creaked open with a groan and Devashree stumbled as she was pushed into the dimly lit room, her feet dragging against the cold stone floor.

She was shoved roughly inside, barely managing to catch herself, her hands bracing against the hard floor. A hand reached out and caught Devashree's arm, helping her to steady herself. A woman.

"You're now a property of the king," the burly man said, his tone dripping with cruelty. His eyes lingered on Devashree's bump with a calculating gaze. "And that..." He gestured at her bump, "That is a problem. Make sure you get rid of that thing soon. The king doesn't tolerate such complications."

Devashree's eyes widened in shock and fury at his words. "What are you talking about?" she demanded, her voice rising in disbelief. "You can't just—"

"What you think doesn't matter here. The king's rules are absolute. You're now one of us, and you'll follow his orders or face the consequences." The man cut her off with a dismissive wave.

Her eyes flashed with fury. "You have no right to dictate my life or my body, or anyone's for that matter." she spat.

The man's expression hardened, but he didn't bother to respond. Instead, he gave a curt nod to the other women. "Make sure she understands her place," he said before turning on his heel and leaving, the heavy door slamming shut behind him with a resounding clang.

Devashree's mind reeled from his words, a storm of anger and fear brewing within her. She had never felt such anger before. The woman who had steadied her before squeezed her hand.

 "Thank you, for earlier" Devashree managed to say, her voice trembling slightly from both shock and exhaustion.

The woman gave a reassuring nod. "You're welcome. I'm Shanta," she introduced herself. "Are you all right?" Shanta asked, concern etched into her features. "They can be cruel, but you need to stay strong."

Devashree took a deep breath. "I—" she began, but her voice faltered. "I didn't expect this. I didn't know what to—"

"It's all right," Shanta interrupted gently. "None of us did. We're here for each other now. We have to be. The king's men can be merciless, but we have each other."

Devashree glanced at her surroundings, taking in the cold, unforgiving bars and the somber faces of the other women. There were three more pregnant woman huddled together.

"I am Rekha."

"I am Jaya."

"And I am Hema."

"Sri. You may call me Sri. What is this place?" Devashree asked quietly.

Rekha scoffed bitterly. "It's our prison, our hell. We are given as properties to the baba."

Devashree gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "Who would dare?"

"Given by our families," Hema said, her voice barely a whisper.

"What?"

"Yes. Our families thought it would be a way to ensure our safety or to gain favor with the baba. They believed his influence would protect them or elevate their status. So they offered us to him, thinking it was the only way."

"People believe him?" Devashree asked, incredulous. "How can they?"

Rekha nodded slowly. "He's been doing this for years. He has a large following, and he uses their faith to control them. Once you're in his grasp, it's nearly impossible to get out."

 "But there must be a way to fight back," she said, her voice tinged with determination. 

Hema placed a comforting hand on Devashree's arm. "It's not that simple. The baba's followers are fanatical. They believe every word he says as if it were gospel. And he has a network of spies and enforcers. The more you resist, the harsher the punishment."

Devashree's mind whirled with disbelief and horror. "Where are your husbands?" she asked, the question almost a plea.

Rekha let out a bitter laugh that held no humor. "Husbands?" she repeated, her voice edged with scorn. "We have no husbands."

Devashree looked at their swollen stomachs, her heart sinking. "The babies..."

"They are all the king's or the baba's if you prefer," Jaya said, her voice flat and devoid of emotion. "He claims that he is the divine father of these children, and that by carrying his offspring, we are somehow blessed."

Devashree's breath caught in her throat. "But that's... that's monstrous!" she exclaimed. "How could anyone allow this?"

"It's not a matter of allowing. It's a matter of surviving. The baba uses his power to control everyone. He has a lot of religious fanatical followers. He takes what he wants, and those who resist are punished. Our families, our communities... they're all under his sway."

"We were chosen for this because of our vulnerability. Some were taken from their homes, others were abandoned or coerced. Once you're marked by him, there's no escape. It's all part of his twisted game. He presents himself as a god, and he believes—no, he wants everyone else to believe—that everything in his realm belongs to him, including us. The children are his 'legacy' or 'gifts' to himself, according to his twisted doctrine. It's a way to solidify his control, to prove his supposed divinity."

Shanta nodded. "But it's okay right, now you are one of us. Your child will be born soon. I guess I will be another of his mothers."

Devashree's eyes widened in shock. "What are you saying? He is not—he is my baby, mine and my husband's. No one else! I was kidnapped!"

Shanta's expression remained calm, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of......pity? "Oh, then I guess they will get rid of it soon."

Devashree's breath caught in her throat. She opened her mouth to protest further, but a sharp pain suddenly gripped her abdomen. Her body tensed as the contraction took hold, the intensity making her gasp. Her legs gave way, and she slid down the wall, landing on the cold, hard floor.

Desperately trying to calm herself and the baby inside her, Devashree leaned back against the wall, her breaths coming in short, ragged bursts.

"Is it time?" Shanta asked concerned.

Devashree shook her head, wincing as another wave of pain coursed through her. "No, not yet," she managed to say, trying to steady her breathing. "It's probably a false alarm. It's only the seventh month."

"Don't take chances, please," Shanta urged. "It could be a premature baby."

"No, it's fine," Devashree insisted, her breath coming in ragged gasps. "I have been getting this quite frequently now...it will pass soon, I believe."

Shanta frowned, clearly not convinced. "Premature labor can be dangerous, Devi. You need to be careful."

Devashree nodded, though her face was lined with exhaustion. "I know, Shanta. But this doesn't feel like real labor. It's just... uncomfortable."

Others hurried to her side, but Devashree waved her off, trying to focus through the haze of pain.

"Tanu, my baby" she whispered, her voice strained but gentle, "now is not a good time. Please stay there a little longer. I know it's hard, but I need you to be strong. Do you want to be like your Pitashree?  Born in a place like this and breaking free of these chains? I know it's unfair, but stay safe inside me for now. Come out later... stronger, okay? Now is not the time."

The pain slowly subsided, leaving Devashree exhausted. She leaned back against the cold wall, her eyes fluttering closed in relief. 

Shanta kneeled beside her, her hand gentle on Devashree's shoulder. "Rest now. You seem exhausted."

Rest...yes, it sounded so good..

Devashree nodded, her mind deeply craving an ounce of sleep.

Just as she felt herself slipping into a much-needed rest, a faint, almost imperceptible sound caught her attention. 

Her instincts kicked in, and her eyes snapped open just in time to see a glint of metal slicing through the air. 

Adrenaline surged through her, and without thinking, her arm shot out, catching the wrist of the assailant.

Shanta was standing over her, holding a knife, the blade aimed straight at her abdomen.

Her eyes met Shanta's wild gaze as anger and betrayal surged through Devashree.

With a burst of strength, Devashree twisted Shanta's arm, disarming her and pushing her against the wall. The knife clattered to the floor, and Shanta's eyes burned with fanatic zeal. 

"What are you doing?" Devashree demanded, her voice a mix of shock and anger.

Shanta's lips curled into a crazed smile. "I'm saving you," she hissed. "The baba doesn't want your child. He wants you cleansed. Purified. It's for your own good," she whispered, her voice eerily calm.

"You're insane," Devashree spat, her voice filled with venom. "He's not a god, and he doesn't know what's best for anyone. He's a monster."

"You don't understand," Shanta whispered fiercely. "He promised us salvation."

Devashree's grip tightened. "Salvation? You're sacrificing your humanity for a lie and you are hoping for salvation? 

"Our baba is a messenger of Vishnu, the god who can give moksha...He will give me moksha if I follow him sincerely."

"No, your baba, the so-called king is a liar. Lord Vishnu doesn't send such messengers. Yes, Narayana can give you moksha through Maheshwara.... but only if you give up everything and surrender to Him. Not through some fake baba."

"You don't know what you're saying," Shanta murmured, her voice trembling. "He is everything. Without him, we're nothing."

Devashree shook her head "You've been brainwashed," she said, her voice softer but no less firm. "This isn't salvation. It's enslavement. And it needs to stop."

Devashree struck Shanta on the temple, knocking her out cold. Shanta crumpled to the floor, unconscious.

With Shanta incapacitated, Devashree wasted no time. She moved to the bars.

"Help!" she called out, her voice pitched with urgent desperation. "A woman has fallen unconscious. She needs to be taken out immediately!"

The guard looked at her with suspicion but unlocked the door and stepped inside.

As he bent over Shanta, Devashree seized the moment. She grabbed the fallen knife and, with a swift motion, slashed the guard's neck. He gasped, choking on his own blood, and collapsed.

Devashree turned back to the women, her voice resolute. "Let's get out of here. The door is open. We have our chance."

For a heartbeat, there was silence. The women remained frozen, their eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. 

Rekha finally broke the silence. "No, no, we can't go out. The moment we step outside, we'll die. We've seen what happens to those who defy him."

Devashree's frustration flared. "You don't understand! This is your chance. The door is wide open. All you have to do is step out and run. We can't waste it."

"There's no one out there for us. No one to help. We're trapped, and trying to escape will only bring us to our deaths."

Devashree's heart sank as she saw the depth of their fear. It was palpable, almost suffocating. It was like a chain that bound them to their fate, a heavy shackle of despair that kept them immobile. They were like animals conditioned to remain in a cage, their will to fight nearly extinguished by years of oppression.

"You have to trust me," Devashree said, her voice softer but still firm. "I know it's frightening, but we have a chance. If we don't take it now, we may never get another."

But the women remained unmoved, their eyes filled with a mix of dread and resignation. 

 She took a deep breath, softening her tone."I will not force you to leave. But I cannot stay here. I will find a way out, with or without you."

With that, Devashree stepped into the corridor. 

She looked back one last time at the women, huddled in their fear. "If you change your mind, follow me. I'll be waiting for you."

With a deep breath, she turned away from their frightened faces and continued down the corridor. The passage twisted and turned. Shadows danced along the walls, playing tricks on her exhausted eyes.

Krishna would kill her for doing this to herself. God..he would be so angry.. if he knew what she had been through, what she was risking now. 

She could almost see his stern face, almost hear his voice in her head, his stern but caring tone chastising her for the danger she had put herself in. But then she imagined the strength of his arms around her and longed to feel them again. So she pushed forward.

Then, she heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw the women she had left behind. Rekha, Jaya, and Hema were hurrying to catch up, their faces etched with fear but also resolve.

"We'll come with you," Rekha said breathlessly.

A smile spread across Devashree's face, but it was quickly dashed as her heart sank. She turned her head just in time to see the women being pulled.

"No!" Devashree screamed, rushing forward, but she was too late.

The women were being yanked backward by their hair, the men dragging them mercilessly. 

The Baba stepped into the light.

"Did you really think you could escape?" His voice was calm, almost amused, as he looked at the struggling women.  "Trying to sprout wings and fly away, are we?" he taunted. "You should have learned by now that you are mine, all of you."

The men dragged them back to a clear area in the compound, where the baba's followers quickly gathered, forming a tight circle around the captives. 

Devashree was shoved to her knees, the rough ground biting into her skin. The other women were forced down beside her, their cries of pain and fear filling the air.

"These women," he announced,, "thought they could escape. Thought they could defy the will of their king. They thought they could defy me, their savior, their god. But they have learned nothing. They are weak, and weakness has no place here. I had saved these women from their cruel fate. And this is what I get for my good nature. What should I do now? I want to forgive these poor souls, but the Supreme God tells me I should punish them. What do you all say?"

"Punish them! Show them the consequences of defiance!"His followers chanted in reverence, their devotion chilling in its intensity.

"Well then, for their transgression, they will be punished. Let this be a lesson to all," the Baba continued. "They will be hanged as an example of what happens to those who defy the will of the divine."

The crowd erupted in approval, their eyes gleaming with fanaticism. 

"Prepare them," the Baba ordered. Men stepped forward, carrying rough, crude nooses. 

The sight of the ropes made the women beside Devashree sob in terror, their dreams of freedom shattered in an instant. 

Devashree was watching it all. 

She had expected something of this kind when she had gone along with those tribal men. She had expected brutality and tyranny. Yes..... 

She had steeled herself for a tyrant, a dictator—someone who wielded power with an iron fist. Because there always was one such. 

In every era. 

In every world.

But what she had not expected was the sheer amount of blind faith these people had. Now this surprised her the most. Such blind faith that people would do absolutely anything in the name of religion. 

It stunned her—this willingness to sacrifice family, loved ones, even daughters for the sake of a single man.

She didn't want to believe it at first. 

But the immorality, the chaos, the lies, the sinfulness, the disgrace...it was all spreading rapidly everywhere.

Now she was starting to realize why exactly it was the need of the hour. 

The Dharmastapana.

It was starting.

"Please," Rekha sobbed, her voice trembling. "We didn't mean to escape. We won't do it again. Please, spare us!"

The men dragged the women towards the nooses, their sobs growing louder. 

As the first noose was placed around Rekha's neck, Devashree closed her eyes for a brief moment, summoning every ounce of strength and courage within her. She felt a surge of anger rise, hotter and more intense than anything she had ever felt before.

The sobs of the women echoed in her ears, amplifying her fury. 

The depravity of this place, the blind faith that led people to such extremes—it was the most twisted society she had ever encountered. 

And she had had enough of this.

She reached out and touched the ropes, and the ropes began to loosen, slipping from her wrists as if obeying her unspoken command. She stood up, her eyes blazing with resolve.

The Baba and his followers stared in shock as the ropes fell away from her.

"This ends now," she declared, her voice resonating with authority. She stepped forward, her gaze locked on the Baba. 

"What trickery is this?" he demanded, his voice laced with anger and confusion.

"It's no trick," Devashree replied. "It's the truth. And the truth will set all free."

She moved towards Rekha, her hands reaching out to the noose around her neck. With a touch, the rope untied itself, falling to the ground. Rekha gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief and hope.

"Stand up," Devashree urged, helping Rekha to her feet. "We are not slaves. We are not property. We are human beings, and we will not be treated like this."

She moved on to other women, freeing them from their bonds with the same ease. They looked at her with a mix of awe and fear.

"You are nothing but a mere dictator, a manipulator. ," Devashree said, turning her fiery gaze on the Baba. "You are no god. You are a tyrant who feeds on the fear and faith of the innocent. I have dealt with enough like you. It's time you tasted some of that medicine"

"Blasphemy! What nonsense!" The crowd erupted in a cacophony of protests.

"He is a god! He is a divine messenger of Narayan!" voices shouted, their blind devotion echoing in the clearing.

"An avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu!"

Devashree raised her hand, demanding silence. "Fine then," she said, her voice calm but firm. "If he is Narayan, he would have no qualms proving it, right? It's very easy to prove."

The crowd fell silent, their curiosity piqued. 

Devashree turned to one of the Baba's followers, a woman whose eyes shone with fervent belief. "You know the weapons of Narayan, don't you?" she asked.

The woman nodded hesitantly, her voice trembling. "Yes, the Sudarshana Chakra, the Panchajanya..."

"Good," Devashree said, her eyes boring into the Baba's. "Then let him summon them. Let him show us the power of Narayan. If he is truly Narayan, he will have no trouble doing so."

The Baba's face twisted with rage and fear, but he tried to mask it with a calm facade. "I do not need to prove myself to a disbeliever," he said, his voice filled with forced authority. "My people know who I am."

"Do they?" Devashree challenged, her voice rising. "Or are they too afraid to see the truth? Prove it, here and now. Show us the divine weapons of Narayan. Or admit that you are nothing but a charlatan, preying on their faith, their sacred bhakti."

The crowd murmured, uncertainty rippling through their ranks. 

"Summon the Sudarshan Chakra," Devashree commanded, her voice unwavering. "Call forth the Panchajanya. Show us the Kaumodaki. If you are truly Narayan, these divine symbols will appear at your command."

The Baba's face paled, his eyes darting around the crowd, searching for support. But the murmurs grew louder, the people's faith beginning to waver.

"Do it!" someone in the crowd shouted. "Prove yourself!"

The Baba's face drained of color. "I cannot release my weapons on innocents!" he shouted, his voice trembling with desperation.

Devashree laughed bitterly. "Fine. But if you truly are a god, you should be able to summon them to protect yourself."

Without waiting for a response, Devashree raised her hand, channeling her innate power as Mahalakshmi. A brilliant, golden light erupted around her, and the Kaumodaki manifested in her hand. 

The crowd gasped, their awe and fear blending into a tense silence.

"Your time is up."

Without hesitation, Devashree hurled the Kaumodaki towards the Baba. The mace soared through the air with unerring precision, its spikes glinting dangerously and struck the Baba with deadly force.

 The spikes penetrated his body and caused him to crumple to the ground, lifeless. 

A chilling silence fell over the crowd as they stared in shock at their fallen leader.

Choas erupted all around. The blind followers began to run wildly,

Their fanatic devotion turned to violence as they attacked everyone in sight.

Devashree could barely remain upright. Her strenth was waning. Her legs trembled as she tried to keep her balance. If she could just close her eyes for a bit......

She did but it was not even a minute when men closed in around her. Devashree opened her eyes to see the men slowly inching towards her.

She was trapped. What was she to do now?....Desperation surged within her.  

Illusions......yes

She  waved her hand and created multiple copies of herself, scattering them in every direction. The men, now faced with ten versions of Devashree, attacked blindly, their confusion adding to the chaos.

But maintaining the illusion was draining. 

Her head spun, and her strength faltered. As the men hacked away at her illusions, one of them managed to find her real self. He lunged at her with a roar, shoving her hard against the wall. Her vision blurred, and she hit her head with a sickening thud.

The world spun before her eyes, the edges of her vision darkening. But then she saw a powerful figure appear and crash into the fray. He crushed all the men with a single hand.

Was that....Bheem?

"We are here, Bhabhi Shree!" Nakul shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos as he fought off another attacker. "The Narayani Sena is here!"

Good...perhaps now she could rest a little.... Her strength to stay upright was slipping away.

Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the ground. Arjun rushed to her side. He held her gently, his voice soothing. "Madhav is here, Devashree. Look!"

Devashree turned her head weakly, trying to focus on the figure before her. But the edges of her vision darkened, and she could only see vague shapes and shadows. She could barely make out the figure of Krishna amidst the chaos. His presence, though blurred, was unmistakable.

He is here now....there is nothing to worry about anymore.....

The world spun around her, and despite Arjun's comforting presence, she could no longer hold on. Her strength had finally given out. 

As her eyes fluttered closed, the last thing she saw was the reassuring figure of Krishna, and then darkness enveloped her. 

*******

A/N

You guys may think that there is a hint of Paundrak in here, but this chapter was inspired by a recent event. Even in today's era, religious figures like Asaram and Ram Rahim have extensive followers even though they are criminals.

And people are genuinely blind about this. In the recent incident on July 2 in Hathras, UP...121 people have died in a stampede at a Satsang, and the religious figure, Bhole baba, a self-proclaimed godman refused to take responsibility. 

Two people were interviewed later:

A woman devotee: No, I am not happy that I was not present at the time of the stampede. I consider myself unfortunate that I could not get trampled on and die at the hands of a god yesterday.

Another devotee: NO! There is absolutely no fault of the baba. He is god Vishnu himself and the people should consider themselves fortunate.

They literally believe this shit!!! In this day and age...I was shocked.

So beware of such people and don't forget to vote❤️❤️

Now prepare yourself for some fluff❤️❤️❤️😁.........Until next time