'Guruji' A  knock was heard on the door to Bhringi's class. Where 4 children sat.

'Come in' Allowed Bhringi. The door opened revealing Tanvi, Bhringi's favorite student. But that was in the before. She was now a grown woman.

'Yes, Tanvi?'

'Guruji. Akil has returned. With Kali. He has appeared to befriend her'

'I know that, my child. I only sent for them'

Tanvi was shocked. Bhringi had sent for them without letting her know?! He knew Akileshwar was her childhood love. She had thought it would go during the time Akileshwar was away, but it had only increased.

Bhringi had expected this. Though his only problem was where to keep them. He wondered whether Tanvi's place was a proper area for them to stay. They were probably the only people in Kalinga who would accept them. But he doubted whether Akileshwar would agree. 

Tanvi nodded and left the room and wandered the streets of Kalinga. Several thoughts rung through her mind.

Does Akileshwar still love me? Has he forgiven me? Will he stay?

She paused. The first question confused her. Still? As long as she knew, he never loved her. She shook her head and continued walking.

She was too busy thinking that she bumped into someone. The man was carrying a basket of goods, and it fell to the ground.

'Sorry!' She cried out immediately. The man ignored her and bent down to pick up his goods. He wore a black jacket, a foreign form of clothing, and had blond hair. Blond? It was one of the most rarest hair color in India. Perhaps this man was a foreigner..

'It's ok' Said the man snapping Tanvi out of her thoughts. He looked up and saw that he had white skin and blue eyes. His blond hair fell to his eyes and he had a mischievous yet kind smile.

Tanvi nodded and staggered away. For some reason, the man startled her.

'Wait! I never caught your name!' The man ran up to get near her. But probably too near for Tanvi. For some reason all her instincts screamed RUN! Nevertheless, she waited as he caught up.

She stepped back as he neared her.

'I'm Tanvi' Said Tanvi.

The man grinned. 'David. David Cross. I'm from the U.S. I'm just here for a tour trip in India' He had an American accent.

Tanvi nodded and walked away in the direction of her house. Her thoughts fell from David Cross as it laid on Akileshwar again. He had grown incredibly handsome over the time he had been away.

She knocked on the door as her mother opened, and she entered. She saw Kali and Akileshwar along with the drivers of the caravan they had arrived in, sitting on the floor, eating food from a banana leaf. From the looks of it, he had just finished saying something.

'So, Akil. What brings you here with the Asuran queen?' Tanvi managed to say.

'I met Kali, and a Lingamputra. And learnt of the real problem. Then Kali told me that Guru Bhringi has invited us. We needed a place to stay, as the people will shun Kali out the first chance they get. So, we came here'

Tanvi nodded and sat on the floor where her banana leaf and food was there.

A knock on the door was heard just as everyone finished eating. Tanvi sat up to get the door but Kali signaled for her to stop.

'They might know that I am here' She explained. Akileshwar got up and moved to the door. His hand on the hilt of his sword that was on his hip. He opened the door and it revealed one man. He was a short man with a white angvastram and saffron dhoti. He had wrinkles all over his face and bald head.

'Vijay!' Tanvi suddenly stood up. She knew of Vijay. He was Guru Bhringi's first assistant.

'Tanvi' Vijay's hand's formed a namaste. He had a kind soothing voice that was very low.

Vijay turned to Akileshwar. 'Guru Bhringi requests your presence'

Akileshwar nodded. He signaled for Kali and Tanvi to follow him to Bhringi's residence.

Tanvi led the way as she knew the way to Bhringi residence best among the trio. After all, he was her guruji for a while.

▪

Akileshwar, Kali, Tanvi and Bhringi sat in Padmasan in Bhringi's gurukul in Kalinga. It was a secret location in the Vishnu Temple, unbeknownst to the people of Kalinga. It was the Lingamputras' residence.

'Kali' Bhringi's hand's formed a namaste, as did Kali, Akileshwar and Tanvi's. He was a man in his sixties with a white beard and white hair tied up in a bun. He had a small crinkle in his eyes and a playful smile on his face.

'You already know why you are here'

'Have the Lingamputras approved your decision?' Asked Akileshwar eagerly. This was his chance to prove himself. And he was taking it.

'I have not told them yet. But I suspect they would not. You have not done any deeds of some sorts. They will see no reason to believe you are the Asuraksha' Replied Bhringi.

Akileshwar nodded. He had expected this. He didn't even believe that he was the Asuraksha, as he had done no such thing to achieve the title.

'But, since I am the leader of the Lingamputras. So, if I make a decision, the rest are bound to follow'

'That could work. But I do not think we should risk it. The Lingamputras might leave the tribe' Said Kali.

'It is our only hope' Said Tanvi.

'And risk losing the tribe that helps the incarnation of lord Shiva?!' Thundered Kali.

'I think it's a worthy risk, if you want to save the Asurans' Said Bhringi. Kali glared at him but he just smiled.

'Fine' 

Bhringi nodded as he beckoned for them to follow him, as he left the gurukul, walking deeper into a tunnel. They walked and walked until it opened up revealing a mansion much like Kali's.

It was huge with a single statue of Lord Shiva in the back like how Kali's painting of Paramatma. The inside had several signs of Om on the walls. Legend dictated that Shiva himself wrote each one of these Oms. The inside was empty for now.

Bhringi walked to the Shiva statue and was silent. Tanvi knew what he was doing.

After a while, Bhringi beckoned for the trio to sit next to the statue. They did as they were told.

Which one, Bhringi? A voice spoke in each one of their heads. Which confused Akileshwar.

the boy replied Bhringi in the same mind tongue.

Even though there was no one in the hall, Akileshwar felt tons of attention on him.

Hmm another voice said, deep in thought. Suddenly, all the attention deprived from Akileshwar and the mind conversation was over. Tanvi, Kali and Akileshwar looked at Bhringi in confusion while he continued the mind chat, smiling joyously.

After what seemed like hours, Bhringi turned to Akileshwar, his smile having grown wider.

'India welcomes the Asuraksha'