After years of growing up, one realises, that the human mind is one of the best organs, while simultaneously being one of the most absurd organs.

Looking into his eyes, I could see the universe. I always knew who he was. But maybe, despite it all, I was truly unknown to what it truly meant, when I said,  "कृष्णं वन्दे जग्दगुरूं।  "

( I bow to Krishn, the guru  of the universe)

A knowing smile grew on his lips. He stood up, offering me a hand.

A leaf to the drowning ant.

A beam of light to the one shrouded in darkness.

A hope to the hopeless.

In that moment, even that hand was all I needed to be free.

So, gathering my courage, I pulled myself up, holding his hand.

He sat me on the bed, before offering me a glass of water.

" Sakhi, what you did in the past cannot be changed, the future isn't what you can influence. What you can look into, is your present, " He stood in front of me, his eyes sharp, " And in your present, there stands a man who believes it's his fault he let your brother be injured, not that you are running away from him because of your own fear. " He put his hand on my shoulder.

" But that man is my victim, I am the one who threatened his life. I didn't mean
to— " He cut me off, " But is that under your control? "

" Why, does that mean I can't even grieve over it? "

"I think there is a proverb you people use, in your english language, don't you? 'Don't cry over spilt milk' ,  " He sighed, turning over to the door.

" He's your husband sakhi, you're partners. Your fear is his, just as his fear is yours. Work them together. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for," He came up to me, placing his hand on my head, " Devraj's curse has still not let it's claws of you. Look past the mortal realm Karali. You are a human just as much as a flame. This is your humanity which scares you against something you did. Fight the fear. You have to be you, you have to become Karali before you walk out of these doors today. If not for yourself, but for you sisters, your brothers, your children and most of all, your husband. He needs his Karali to save his life. So tell me Sakhi, would you cry and shut him out, grieving over your faults, or look past the fear and figure out how to save him. " He turned his back to me, looking straight ahead as he proclaimed his words of wisdom.

I just needed one last reassurance.

" You're with me, aren't you? " I whispered to him as he turned his head around. He smiled and at once all doubts left me.

" Sakhi, I'm always with you, will always be with you. The sabha, as AJ when your parents passed, as your friend when you need me. I'm always there. People just don't tend to look through the haze of their own fear." He walked up to the door, gwntly resting his hand over it.

Slowly he unlatched it, revealing a rather worried Yudhishthir standing outside. He  had his back to the door, his eyes bloodshot as he spun around.

" Sagarika? " He whispered, eyes flitting to Krishn, as if searching for confirmation.

" Jyeshth, your wife would like to speak to you. Go unafraid, for she doesn't blame you, " He advised, as his eyes crumbled, fear leaving them.

As Krishn left the room, I felt the doors shut behind Yudhishthir.

" I'm sorr—" But before I could finish, I was pulled into a bone crushing, passionate hug. One that yet again released any fear from my heart.

" No. I'm sorry, I couldn't-i couldn't uphold my promise. I -"

" No. Please. It's my fault - I nearly killed my own husband and -"

"No no. Shh. Death by your hands is one of life's greatest pleasures. Because it means you're the one who'll grant me peace -"

" Shh. You're not dying. Not yet. "

It might have been an eternity as we stayed in each other's arms, burrowing closer into each other's shoulders.

The difference was, now I wasn't scared. But I still owed him an apology.

Breaking away, I looked into his eyes. He looked just as relieved to see me, a strong hand moving to move the hair away from my face, before gently, yet firmly cradling it.

" I'm sorry Yudhishthir. I truly never meant to endanger you. It's my fault. But I will make sure I attone for it. I will make sure my children have a father, my devars have their brother, my mata has her son, I have my husband, " I whispered, his eyes softened, before pressing a kiss to my forehead.

" And I have no doubt you will. I love you, I trust you enough. Even if I have to sit on an table, I'll still give the knives to you, " He smiled, resting his head against mine.

" I don't know how to perform surgery stupid. " I giggled and he laughed out loud.

" Well, as Rishi Markandeya told me once, if Devi Savitri can fight Yamraj fir her husband, I'm sure you can hack a few knives around. " He smirked.

" Really? Hack a few knives around? What if I end up killing you? " I asked, peering up at him through my lashes.

" Well, " He murmured, bending low to capture my lips in a gentle kiss, " Do this before I die. I'll be complete. "

" Cassanova much?" I grinned and he looked at me confused.

" Who? " He asked bewildered and I laughed, watching as he steeled his eyes once more.

" Sagarika, about Ajatshatru I -"

" I know. You don't need to say anything. " I whispered to him as he looked at me with eyes full of guilt.

" I'm truly sorry. I didn't uphold your promise and I - "

" AJ will be fine. If he's not, I'll revive him and kill him. Don't worry. " I answered, watching as he smiled softly, though my heart was still in a conundrum. Would he be fine?

" Shall we? " He asked, offering me a hand.

Today, two men in my life had offered me a hand. One helped me face my fear. The other gave me the love to cross over it. I wouldn't be alive today without either of them.

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A warning. Don't get stabbed by an arrow. It hurts.

As I felt myself gaining energy enough to even feel things, I learned it was better if I hadn't. Pain radiated all through my body, like the currents of electricity Saag told me happens in electrical nerve impulses.

Wait, that's just my pulse.

Anyways, as I tried to pry open my eyes, all was blurred.

Great. I'll need glasses now.

But I shouldn't jump to conclusions, as I felt my vision clear and saw someone sitting by my bedside.

" Devi? " I asked, voice hoarsed and a head snappef up, but it wasn't the woman next to me.

" Ajatshatru? How are you? " asked a voice, a male voice. Yudhi?

" Yudhi my man? " I asked and he sighed, a shaky laugh leaving him as he put his head down on the bed.

" Yes, glad to know you still retain your memories... And yourself. " He smiled.

" Where's Devi? Saag? "

" Sagarika is in her room with Abhivart. I asked her to rest. She has had, a long day."

That's good. I didn't want her to worry. She was far too emotional when I was hurt. The other year, I had a paper cut while reading and the way she panicked shocked me. From blowing on the injury to rushing around till my finger was properly bandaged.

That day, I stopped her to ask her if she liked me.

No I don't need criticism. I needed to know, because I didn't, I thought of her as my sister and I didn't want that to change.

The bang to my head answered my question, even as she then nursed it with ice.

" G-good. Devi? " I coughed, moving to sit when I felt his arms around my waist.

" No, rest. I'll wake Devi Manojava. " He whispered as he crossed the room, calling her name.

Which was when I saw that she had her hand in mine.

" Devi. " I called, shaking out joint hands and her eyes opened, softly, like she was far too deep in sleep, before widening in surprise as she clutched me into a hug.

" You stupid annoying man! Getting yourself hurt by an arrow! " She screamed by my ear as she hugged me. But the pain in my ribs felt pointless, when I felt her arms around me, holding me close as she looked at me with wide eyes.

What I didn't expect her to do was hound down on me as she kissed me hard. I was shell shocked.

Well, if this is the present for getting shot by an arrow sign me up.

I heard a cough and Devi's eyes snapped open comically as she yanked herself away from me.

Come on... Twice you've done this man. Not cool.

" Ji-jiashree -"

" I'll see you soon shortly. Your son is with us you need not worry. " He answered, eyes up in the air as he steode out of the room.

" Well if this is the prize for -"

" Shut up. Do you know how scared I was!" She exclaimed, eyes wide as she stared at me. Anger coursed through them, just as much as love.

" Oh I'm sorry. Did I ask to be shot by an arrow? " I snarked back, watching as she narrowed her eyes.

" Oh? So you couldn't have been more vigilant? " She asked, even as she moved off me, getting up to change my bandages.

" Well, I'm too caught up in your love... " I earned another smack to my shoulders.

" I should complain about you yo the king! Don't they have laws against women violence against her husband! " I exclaimed and she smirked.

" As if you would ever gather the courage to go. "

" I can be a strong man —"

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Alright... The break has brought me closer to chapter 100.aka ... Doomsday 1.

Tell me how it was.

Much love

Radhekrishn ♥