Chapter 115 Guardian of the Vedas
Indra stared at the four sacred texts in his hands, the Vedas, heavy with divine wisdom. Yet, instead of triumph, an unshakable melancholy settled in his heart.
Above him, Brahma cradled the sacred texts in his four hands. A golden radiance spilled from them, cascading like the first light of dawn, dissolving the remnants of darkness. The universe exhaled as balance was restored.
The Creator's expression softened into a rare smile. "No disaster... No cosmic catastrophe... and most importantly, no Tandava tearing the universe apart so soon. Perfect."
He turned his gaze to Indra, his eyes brimming with approval. With a nod, he spoke, his voice resonating through the heavens.
"Indra!"
Indra stiffened at the address, his grip tightening around the Vedas.
"You have slain the treacherous Hayagriva and reclaimed the sacred knowledge. Your wisdom and strength have shaken the heavens themselves. You are the Guardian of Light! The Keeper of the Vedas! The Sentinel of Wisdom!"
A hush fell over the Devas. Even the celestial winds seemed to pause, waiting.
Brahma's voice deepened, imbued with divine authority. "Those who chant your name, who honor the Guardian of the Vedas, shall find wisdom illuminating their path."
The moment the words left Brahma's lips, a surge of divine power coursed through Indra. Golden light erupted from his body, wrapping around him like a blazing aura.
Whoa! What is this?
A foreign warmth spread through his being, not just power but... understanding.
Then, the light burst outward.
From within the golden radiance emerged a colossal form, a replica of Indra yet grander and mightier. Draped in pure white, its four arms bore the Rudraksha and the Vedas, each limb emanating an ethereal glow.
Vayu exhaled sharply, the wind carrying his awe. "The Dev of Wisdom..." he muttered.
Varuna's gaze deepened, waves of reverence rising in his eyes. "The Guardian of the Vedas..." he murmured.
Agni's flames crackled with intensity, burning brighter with admiration.
Then, with the brilliance of the rising sun, Surya's voice rang out—"Glory to the Vedic Guardian!"
Their voices rang out in unison, a chorus of devotion that rippled through the cosmos.
Standing among them, Rishi Brihaspati's immortal eyes twinkled with excitement. Without hesitation, he pulled out his sacred scroll and began writing furiously.
Swish, swish, swish!
"The great Indra, the wisest among Devas, struck down the wicked Hayagriva, reclaimed the stolen Vedas, and restored balance to the world..."
He paused, tapping the end of his pen against his chin before smirking to himself.
"And, of course... the most intelligent of them all~"
Satisfied, Brihaspati tucked his scroll away, watching Indra's transformation with an amused glint in his eye.
…
"A new title, huh?"
Indra felt the surge of divine power coursing through his body, and an undeniable sense of triumph filled him.
Not bad. Not bad at all.
With the title of 'Vedic Guardian' bestowed upon him, he was no longer just the King of Svarga and eldest of Adityas. He had secured an untouchable status. No wandering rishi, no self-righteous muni, not even the most eccentric rishi could throw random curses at him anymore.
Finally, some respect. He nodded to himself in satisfaction.
But before he could bask in his newfound glory, Brahma's expression darkened. His gaze sharpened as he lifted a hand toward the infinite starry sky. His voice, vast and ancient, resonated through the cosmos.
"Indra."
Indra! Indra! Indra!
The name echoed, layered like the primordial vibration of creation itself. The devas shuddered as the sound filled the air, pressing into their very souls. Even Indra felt his mind sharpen under its weight.
He straightened, instincts on high alert. "What is it, Brahmadev?"
Brahma's voice boomed once more.
"Madhu and Kaitabha threaten the universe. Now that you have attained wisdom from the Vedas, you must aid the preserver of the universe and eradicate these two Asuras!"
Indra blinked.
"...Huh?"
For a brief moment, his mind went blank. A series of imaginary question marks floated above his head.
Wait. Hold on.
So that whole dramatic appointment, being declared the Dev of Wisdom, the divine light show, the cosmic applause was all just a setup? Just so they could send him off to fight those two?
What the hell?!
This... this was blatant manipulation!
"This is a scam," he muttered under his breath.
Of course, he couldn't say that out loud, so instead, he sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Brahma-pita, with all due respect, aren't Madhu and Kaitabha blessed by the Mahadevi? They can choose the moment of their death. No matter how hard I fight, I can't break that kind of boon. This is their karma and mirtyu-yoga. Shouldn't they deal with it themselves?"
Brahma narrowed his eyes slightly.
Indra had a point.
Technically, karma should resolve itself. But he had blessed too many Asuras over the ages. If every single one of them came knocking for divine intervention, it would be a karmic nightmare.
No, this needed a workaround.
If another Asura has the ambition to be the King of Triloka, I'll just curse them to die at his hands. That way, it's still 'karma' and Indra racks up more karma.
Yes. Perfect.
Brahma stroked his beard, his expression thoughtful yet unreadable. "Indra, you raise a valid point. The blessing of Mahadevi is absolute, and the cycle of karma must take its course. However…" He paused, a knowing glint in his eyes. "The Kalchakra does not favor stagnation. Even destiny requires a hand to set it in motion."
Indra folded his arms, unimpressed. "And by 'hand,' you mean me."
Meanwhile, Narada Muni, who had been watching nervously, suddenly stepped forward. Clutching his veena tightly, he bowed slightly before speaking.
"Narayana, Narayana~" Narada intoned, his voice laced with reverence as he clutched his veena. "Madhu and Kaitabha have received a boon from the Mahadevi herself. They cannot be slain unless they grant permission. Even Narayana must abide by this boon. King of Svarga, you are the Dev of Wisdom. Surely, you have a strategy?"
Indra narrowed his eyes.
…Was Narada being polite?
Suspicious.
This was the same Narada who had, not too long ago, 'accidentally' provoked a situation that ended with Indra getting cursed. Something wasn't adding up.
Still, Indra exhaled, considering the dilemma. And then—
Maya.
A slow smirk spread across his face.
"There's a way," he said smoothly. "Use Maya."
Narada's eyes widened slightly. Even Brahma seemed intrigued.
"Madhu and Kaitabha may be mighty warriors," Indra continued, "but arrogance, consumed by their pride, blinds them. They believe themselves greater than Narayana himself."
Brahma stroked his beard, realization dawning.
"What if," Indra continued, "Narayana does not strike them down by force, but instead leads them into their own undoing? He could weave Maya around them, speak to them, challenge their arrogance, and magnify their pride. If they are made to believe that they alone are the victors, they may grant Narayana a boon of his choosing. And in doing so," a knowing glint crossed his eyes, "they will surrender the very condition needed for their defeat."
Silence fell.
Narada's fingers twitched against the strings of his veena. The devas exchanged glances, processing Indra's words.
Then, Narada grinned. "Aha! Brilliant!"
Brahma let out a low chuckle. "A fine plan indeed."
Indra crossed his arms, satisfied. Finally, he was putting that 'Dev of Wisdom' title to good use.
As far as Indra knew, Vishnu had only one way to break Madhu and Kaitabha's boon through the art of deception. By engaging them in conversation, by playing upon their inflated egos, Narayana could trick them into granting the very permission that would seal their fate.
There was no other way.
Just as Indra finished speaking, a faint voice suddenly resonated through the cosmos, reaching the ears of the assembled devas.
"I see."
Indra jolted. He whipped his head toward the distant battlefield, where the fierce clash between Vishnu and the Asura brothers raged on.
Good grief!
The Lord was in the middle of an apocalyptic battle, yet he still had the presence of mind to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Truly, Lord Vishnu was on another level.
"As expected of someone who has led Three Asura Kings to their death."
Brahma smiled, holding the sacred texts aloft. With a slight movement, he shook the Vedas, and at once, golden light surged forth, illuminating the heavens with divine radiance. The glow was so brilliant that many devas instinctively lowered their gaze, closing their eyes in reverence.
"Pranam to the Dev of Wisdom!"
Rishi Brihaspati's eyes gleamed as he spoke, his voice filled with admiration.
The realization spread like wildfire among the devas.
The King of Svarga had done it. His wisdom had guided the Lord to a solution. Soon, this battle would be over, and they could return home.
"Pranam to the Dev of Wisdom!"
"Pranam to the King of Svarga!"
One by one, the devas pressed their palms together, bowing in reverence to Indra, their faces alight with excitement. Their long exile in uncertainty was finally coming to an end.
—
Meanwhile, across the battlefield, the clash of devic and asuric forces tore through the cosmos.
Planets crumbled, volcanoes erupted, and the echoes of destruction rippled across the universe.
Yet, amidst the chaos, Vishnu remained unshaken.
As Madhu and Kaitabha lunged toward him, their demonic forms wreathed in power, the Lord of Preservation raised a hand, his expression calm.
"Wait."
His voice, though soft, cut through the roaring destruction like the primordial sound itself.
"Madhu and Kaitambha, I have to ask you something."
Vishnu's gaze was steady. A plan had already begun to take shape in his mind.
---
Chapter 116 The Empty Throne
Madhu and Kaitabha gripped their colossal hammers, their bodies suddenly freezing mid-motion.
What…?!
A flicker of confusion passed through their eyes as they instinctively pressed their backs together, their gazes locking onto Vishnu with wary intensity.
Then, in a tone far too casual for the battlefield, Madhu spoke.
"Madhu Kaitambha, listen to me!" He waved a hand, forcing a weary sigh. "I'm old now, no longer a young warrior. This fight has gone on long enough, don't you think? I'm exhausted!"
He paused for effect, then gestured vaguely at the shattered cosmos around them—the remnants of broken planets, drifting meteorites, and the empty void where celestial bodies once shone.
"How about this? We take a little break. A short one. Say… a thousand years? Then we fight again, refreshed and well-rested."
Vishnu exhaled softly, his expression unreadable, as if momentarily lost in thought. His gaze traced the ruins of the starry expanse before shifting upward to Svarga.
The celestial realm stood empty. Hayagriva was gone. The devas were absent. The very power of Svarga had faded into silence.
"Hayagriva is dead," Vishnu murmured. He shook his head, a sigh escaping his lips.
"Svarga lies unclaimed, its throne abandoned. What a shame… such glory, nobody is here to claim it." As he spoke, the void beneath him shimmered, rippling like the surface of a tranquil lake.
Then, without warning, a radiant white lotus blossomed from the emptiness. Its petals unfurled, immense and pristine, forming a divine resting place. With effortless grace, Vishnu reclined upon it, one arm draped lazily as the lotus slowly began to close around him.
A faint smile played on his lips.
And just like that, he was gone within the petals.
"Uh… wait?"
Madhu and Kaitabha exchanged glances, their minds racing.
A silent beat.
Then, Madhu's eyes gleamed with sudden realization. He leaned in and whispered urgently.
"Brother! This is our chance. The moment he falls asleep, we strike! We sneak up and kill him before he wakes!"
Kaitabha nodded, gripping his hammer tightly. He stepped forward, his movements cautious. But just as he prepared to advance, something tugged at his instincts.
A strange feeling.
He turned his head slightly, just in time to catch Madhu subtly inching backward.
Kaitabha narrowed his eyes.
"Brother… why aren't you coming with me?"
Madhu stiffened.
"W-what? What are you talking about?" he stammered, his face flushing.
Kaitabha's gaze darkened with suspicion. "You're trying to ditch me, aren't you? You want to run off to Svarga alone!"
"I'm not! I—I would never—what nonsense is this?!" Madhu blurted, his voice cracking under pressure.
He hadn't expected to be caught so quickly, especially not by his own thick-headed brother. He fumbled for words, his composure slipping further by the second.
Kaitabha's expression was deadpan.
"If you're going, I'm going too."
Madhu groaned. "Fine, fine! We'll go together."
And just like that, the two asuras—maces in hand—glanced back at the gently pulsating lotus before taking an unspoken vow.
If Vishnu was truly asleep… then Svarga was theirs for the taking. Madhu's face darkened, and he let out a deep sigh, shaking his head.
Hayagriva is dead. That meant only one thing. It was their turn to claim Svarga's throne.
A seat of such power could elevate them beyond their current limits. Many had coveted it, fought for it, and perished in pursuit of it. But now, the opportunity lay wide open.
Madhu's lips curled into a grin.
"Together, then!"
With a single thought, the two brothers surged forward, vanishing in an instant as they hurtled toward Svarga.
---
The celestial realm was in chaos. With the fall of Hayagriva, panic spread like wildfire among the remaining asuras.
They knew.
Vishnu must have helped the devas once more.
To remain in Svarga now was to invite certain death. One by one, they abandoned their posts, scattering like leaves in the wind.
But amid this exodus, two figures moved against the current. Madhu and Kaitabha strode through the turbulence, their long strides steady and deliberate as they made their way toward Indra's throne in Amaravati, the celestial capital of Svarga.
And then, they saw it.
A golden throne.
The moment their eyes fell upon it, time itself seemed to slow. The throne was magnificent, exuding an aura of divine majesty. Its armrests gleamed like molten gold, its surface draped in pale golden satin, soft as the clouds that cradled the heavens.
Madhu and Kaitabha inhaled sharply, their gazes locked onto the seat of dominion.
For a brief moment, neither of them moved.
Then—
Madhu took a step forward.
Tread. Tread.
But as he ascended the steps, another set of footsteps echoed beside him. His eyes flicked sideways, meeting Kaitabha's determined gaze.
A beat of silence.
"Younger brother!" Madhu called out, narrowing his eyes. "Let me take this seat. Let me be the Lord of Svarga."
Kaitabha hesitated, his expression unreadable. A flicker of resentment crossed his face.
"Why must I always be the one to step aside?" he muttered.
Madhu placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, his tone shifting to persuasion.
"Brother, listen. You shall have the Patalaloka. When the time comes, I will rule Svarga, and you can even rule the Bhu Loka."
Kaitabha blinked, his mind processing the offer.
That… didn't sound so bad. His footsteps halted. He remained frozen in place, considering the prospect.
Madhu, meanwhile, fixed his eyes on the throne once more, his gaze gleaming with ambition as he stepped forward.
But just as he was about to claim his seat—
A fragrant breeze stirred through the temple. Soft footsteps echoed behind them. And then—a voice, silken and serene, floated through the air.
"Two brave and fearless warriors."
Madhu and Kaitabha stiffened.
"It seems you have triumphed in battle and earned the glory of Svarga."
Their heads snapped around.
Their eyes widened.
What a beauty!
She stood before them like an ethereal vision—graceful, poised, divine. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face of breathtaking elegance. Clad in a shimmering golden dress, she carried herself with effortless nobility.
Her dark eyes, deep as autumn waters, glowed with an untainted radiance, like a celestial princess untouched by the world's corruption.
Madhu's mouth went dry.
"Who… are you?" he muttered, momentarily dazed.
The woman met his gaze, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"I am just an Apasara of this Sabha." As she spoke, her delicate fingers idly twirled a lock of her midnight hair, her voice carrying a melody of both grace and mystery.
Madhu blinked.
Then, grinning broadly, he stepped forward with confident strides.
"Beauty, I like you!" he declared, walking straight toward the Devi without hesitation.
The Devi giggled, sidestepping Madhu with effortless grace. A playful glint danced in her eyes as she tilted her head, her voice laced with teasing charm.
"I only favor the bravest of warriors."
Her seductive gaze lingered on them, her pink lips parting slightly in an enchanting smile.
Madhu's chest puffed out instantly. "That's me! Without a doubt, that's me! I am the bravest warrior!" he declared.
Boom!
Before he could say more, Kaitabha lunged forward, shoving Madhu aside. He straightened his posture, thumping his chest with both hands in exaggerated confidence.
"Devi, it is I who is the bravest! Even Vishnu was powerless before me, had to sleep for a thousand years to recover his might, and soon, I shall be the King of Svarga!" His eyes burned with ambition. "Marry me, and you shall be my queen!"
Madhu, now recovering from the shove, turned red with fury. He shot a glare at his brother. "Get lost! I am the rightful King of Svarga!"
With that, he turned back to the Devi, eyes pleading with earnest determination. "Believe me, I am the bravest warrior! I would do anything for you!"
Kaitabha scoffed, stepping forward. "So can I!"
Madhu growled, pointing at his brother. "Kaitabha, step aside! That is no way to address your future sister-in-law!"
Kaitabha's eyes twitched. "What nonsense! She is meant to be my wife!"
And just like that, the argument exploded.
The two brothers stood face-to-face, their fingers jabbing at each other as their bickering escalated, voices clashing like steel against steel. Their rivalry, so fierce mere moments ago, had devolved into something almost childish.
Mohini watched them with a playful glint in her eyes, a soft laugh brushing past her lips. She raised a graceful hand to her mouth, as though to hide her amusement, but the sweetness in her voice danced clearly through the air.
"Oh? You would truly do anything for me?"
At her words, Madhu and Kaitabha straightened instantly, as if her voice alone tugged invisible strings within them. They nodded with eager devotion.
"Yes! Anything you desire!"
"Without hesitation!"
Her smile widened, subtle and knowing. She leaned in slightly, her tone softening into something sweet and coaxing, as gentle as a lover's whisper.
"Then… would you be willing to die for me?"
The question fell from her lips like silk, smooth and bewitching. The forest held its breath.
Mohini blinked slowly, tilting her head just enough to let her golden hair slip across her shoulder. Her tongue slid lightly across her lips, unhurried, as if savoring a secret. A delicate fragrance stirred the air around her, invisible yet heavy, wrapping itself around the two Asuras like a silken noose.
Neither flinched.
"I would, without a doubt!" Madhu declared, his voice filled with pride.
"For you, Devi, I would embrace death without fear!" Kaitabha cried, his eyes shining with desperation.
Mohini smiled again, softer this time. The trap had closed, and they never even saw it.
Their devotion had turned into a competition, their greed disguised as love. They no longer saw the deception, only the desire to claim what they believed was theirs.
For a fleeting instant, something in the Devi's expression shifted. A shadow passed over her eyes, like the movement of a celestial body before the sun. In that fraction of time, there was no mirth—only an unfathomable depth, something ancient, something divine.
And then—
BOOM.
A thunderclap ripped through the Svargaloka, shaking the very fabric of the heavens.
The stars shuddered. The vast oceans of existence rippled. The devas in their abodes turned their heads, sensing a force beyond comprehension.
A voice, deep, vast, eternal, echoed through the great celestial hall.
"Then perish, Asuras."
Asuras.
Asuras.
Asuras.
The word did not simply echo—it warped the air, bending the fabric of Maya, distorting time and space itself.
Madhu and Kaitabha's eyes widened, their pupils dilating in sheer horror. Their great bodies—strong enough to challenge the gods—felt suddenly small, insignificant before the presence that now stood before them.
The Devi—no—the being before them was no longer the celestial beauty who had entranced them.
Her lips moved, but the voice that emerged was not hers. It was the voice of the eternal, the preserver of the cosmos. The one who rests upon the serpent Ananta, whose breath sets the rhythm of creation.
"Vishnu?!"
Their shock turned to rage, their fury tainted with something colder—something they dared not name.
Fear.
A tremor ran through the air.
Uh-huh!
Before they could react, the Devi's hands shimmered—no, shifted—and something began to take form.
A Gada—not an ordinary mace, but the Kaumodaki, the divine weapon of Vishnu—manifested in her grasp, its mere presence causing the air to hum with power. The weight of dharma itself seemed to rest upon it, for it was not just a weapon—it was justice made manifest.
Madhu and Kaitabha instinctively stepped back.
The Devi—no, Vishnu—smiled.
A smile that was neither cruel nor kind.
It was simply inevitable.
His voice, now unmistakable in its divine authority, was calm. Unshaken.
"Madhu Kaitambha."
He lifted the Gada, its golden surface glinting with the light of the Surya, the radiance of a thousand suns bound within its form.
"You were born of tamas. Let tamas reclaim you."
---
Chapter 117 Sudarshana’s Wrath
Golden light flickered, fracturing into countless fireflies that scattered into the vast expanse. The radiant illusion of the Devi wavered for a moment—then vanished, dissolving like smoke upon the wind.
And in her place stood Vishnu.
BOOM!
Madhu and Kaitabha staggered back, eyes widening in horror and fury. Their hands clenched around their enormous Musala—divine pestles of war, as cosmic winds howled around them.
With a single motion, they spun, unleashing a terrifying storm, a vortex so immense it tore through Svarga, expanding into the endless celestial sky. The hurricane roared, swallowing distant planets and devouring the very fabric of the skies as it surged toward Vishnu.
Vishnu did not flinch. Raising Kaumodaki, the mace of divine judgment, he swung.
A single arc.
A single strike.
BOOM!
The impact shattered the storm. The force of Vishnu's blow sent Madhu and Kaitabha hurtling through the void, their bodies smashing through countless asteroids before they crashed onto the surface of a distant, lifeless star.
They gasped in pain. Their once-proud forms were now battered, their skin torn by deep gashes, bruises streaking across their bodies like scars of fate.
Madhu trembled as he stared at his wounds, his breath ragged—a cold, primal fear coiled around his heart.
"Brother… w-we're going to die."
His voice shook.
Kaitabha's face twisted. His fists clenched. His body trembled—not from pain, but from denial.
"I don't want this… I won't accept this!" His voice cracked, his crimson eyes wet with desperation. "This isn't how it's supposed to be!"
A golden radiance descended from the heavens once more. Vishnu appeared before them, his form calm, unwavering. There was no anger in his expression. No hatred. Only the weight of cosmic truth.
"Now, as the protector of Dharma… I shall fulfill my duty."
His voice was steady, absolute.
Madhu gasped, struggling to fill his lungs as if clinging to the last breath of his fleeting existence. Then, his expression twisted with fury.
"Enough!" he spat. "You never loved us! You never wished for our victory! Why, Vishnu? Why would you not protect us?"
His voice rose, hoarse with rage and betrayal.
"You cast us away! You forced us onto this path! You are the reason we became Asuras! This is all your fault!"
"Your fault!" Kaitabha pushed himself up, his face contorted with bitterness.
"We were meant for glory!" he shouted, his voice raw with hatred. "We were meant to be worshiped, to rule as the greatest! But you—you—threw us from the ocean of creation! You let the world trample on our dignity! And now… we will have our revenge!"
Their voices rose in furious defiance, echoing through the void as they stood, their hatred burning brighter than the stars around them.
And yet—
Vishnu stood unmoved.
Unshaken.
His voice was gentle, yet it carried the weight of eternity.
"Glory is not given—it is earned. It is born from one's deeds, from the harmony of righteousness. When one serves the world, the world bestows honor. But when one walks the path of adharma, that honor will abandon them."
"The choice was always yours."
A pause.
A sorrowful truth.
"I had faith that you would walk the righteous path… but you let your desires consume you."
Madhu and Kaitabha's eyes flickered. For a fleeting moment, doubt crept into their hearts.
Vishnu lifted Kaumodaki once more, his gaze steady.
"I did not take an avatar today because I wished to see you as you are—to face you with my own eyes and bring this karma to its conclusion."
Madhu stood firm, his breath ragged, his eyes burning with defiance as he faced Vishnu. Behind them, Kaitabha moved like a shadow, maneuvering into position. A cruel sneer twisted his lips.
"I won't listen to your justifications!" he spat.
With a furious roar, he raised his colossal hammer, divine energy crackling around its edges, and swung it down, aiming straight for Vishnu's head.
Uh-huh!
The weapon passed through empty air.
Vishnu was gone.
Before Kaitabha could react, Vishnu reappeared a short distance away, his serene gaze locked onto them. There was no fear, no hesitation—only the quiet resolve of the Eternal Protector.
Far away, upon the sacred peaks of Kailasha, the celestial discourse unfolded.
Devi Lakshmi sat in silent contemplation, her brows knitted together in unease. She lowered her gaze, a whisper escaping her lips.
"Should he have to make this choice?" She knew the answer.
It was she who once urged Vishnu to banish Madhu and Kaitabha, for their wickedness could not be allowed to fester. Yet, even now, as the final battle raged, a faint sorrow lingered in her heart.
Shiva, standing nearby, his Trishul resting in his grasp, exhaled slowly. His deep voice, rich with wisdom and power, cut through the silence.
"Vishnu will choose rightly. This is the duty of the Preserver. I have faith in him."
Lakshmi closed her eyes.
Yes. Vishnu would do what must be done.
Vishnu's Chakra flared to life—the Sudarshana Chakra spinning with a radiance that cut through the void.
"It is time to end this."
With a flick of his wrist, the Chakra whirled forth, its brilliance splitting the heavens, its very presence rending the fabric of existence itself.
BOOM! BOOM!
In the blink of an eye, the divine Chakra struck. Madhu and Kaitabha's forms ruptured, their very essence unraveling. Their bodies exploded into countless golden lights, scattering like embers across the cosmos.
Their cries faded.
Their existence ceased.
Only the whisper of fate remained.
...
Far across the celestial expanse, the sage Narada bore witness to the battle's end.
A knowing smile touched his lips. He clasped his hands together, holding his Veena close, and began to sing.
"Narayana, Narayana~"
His voice rang out—a hymn of devotion, carrying across the heavens.
"Peace eternal, upon the serpent's bed~ From the lotus of his navel, creation is born~The Lord of Lords, beyond all realms~"
His chant, pure and unwavering, resonated through the divine halls of Brahmaloka.
Brahma, seated upon his lotus throne, smiled in acknowledgment. The assembled Devas lowered their heads in reverence, their voices joining the sacred hymn.
Indra, however, remained still. His hands were folded, his lips moving in silent prayer—yet, in his heart, something twisted.
"Narada… They just died, and you choose this moment to start singing hymns?!" He grimaced.
But the hymn continued. As the final verse echoed, Narada raised his arms, his expression overflowing with devotion.
"Pranam Lord Vishnu!!"
The Devas, moved by the celestial chorus, smiled with joy. Some nearly wept.
At long last, the war was over. The order of Triloka had been restored.
Surya let out a breath, relief washing over him.
"Finally!" he exhaled. "We can return to Svarga! I had almost forgotten what it looked like!"
The Devas around him nodded eagerly.
Vayu grinned. "The defeat of Madhu and Kaitabha is a glorious victory! We must celebrate with a grand feast!"
Agni chuckled. "Agreed. But first, we have to clean up the mess they left behind."
The laughter and chatter of the Devas filled the divine hall, joyous and unrestrained.
Even Brahma, ever solemn, smiled as he spoke. "To honor the birth of the Vedic Guardian, this celebration is most fitting. Many Rishis will surely come to offer their blessings."
At that, Indra froze. His heart skipped a beat. Rishis?
Oh no. His instincts screamed at him—this was dangerous territory.
"Wait… does that mean Rishi Durvasa will come?" A cold sweat formed on his brow.
Because if Durvasa arrived… Someone was definitely getting cursed. And deep down, Indra had a feeling it would be him.
"We should take a little break." Indra's voice carried through the celestial assembly, his arms crossed as he looked around.
"Svarga has been occupied for far too long. The cities still need repairs—there's much to be done." He coughed twice, regaining his composure.
Brahma, seated upon his lotus throne, let out a soft chuckle. His presence exuded an ethereal glow, golden light drifting from his form like scattered stardust. The radiance gently faded into the air, vanishing among the assembled Devas.
"No hurry, no rush." Brahma smiled, his voice carrying eternal wisdom.
Indra immediately straightened up, placing his hands together in reverence.
"Dhanyavad, Brahmadev." The other Devas exchanged glances. There was a shared understanding, an unspoken joy—
They were finally returning home. The tension of war had lifted. A grin spread across Indra's face.
"Well then—what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
With that, the devas procession began its return to Svarga.
Rishi Brihaspati, the Guru of the Devas, followed with a serene expression. His fingers moved fluidly, pen gliding across sacred parchment, recording the momentous occasion. His strokes were graceful and deliberate—each letter imbued with divine energy.
"The great King of Svarga returns to his loyal kingdom once more."
But Svarga…
It was not as they had left it. The once pristine celestial realm now bore the unmistakable mark of Hayagriva. Towering square-domed structures had been raised across the city, standing proud and unyielding.
And then, there were the statues.
Massive figures of Hayagriva, their stone eyes gazing into eternity, loomed over the golden streets of Svarga. These colossal monuments stretched into the sky, their forms piercing the clouds.
Indra let out a breath. "Tch. Didn't expect that."
He hadn't taken Hayagriva for an architect. "That guy really had a thing for grandeur."
Nearby, Vayu scoffed. "Hmph! The Asuras are such cowards. They all fled without a fight." His voice dripped with disdain.
Agni, standing beside him, wasn't convinced. He gestured to the massive structures with a frown. "They built all of this… Did they actually think they could hold onto Svarga forever?"
There was an edge to his voice—irritation, perhaps even offense. "Tear it all down!"
The fiery decree came from Surya, his golden aura blazing like the morning sun. He waved his hand impatiently, motioning toward the Gandharvas.
"I don't want to see any of this nonsense in Svarga!"
Gandharavas and Maruts nodded and prepared to dismantle the remnants of Asura's rule.
But Indra…
Indra hesitated. He rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
"Actually…" he murmured. "It'd be a shame to destroy all of this."
The Devas turned to him in confusion.
Indra exhaled, hands on his hips. "Look, who knows what'll happen in the future?" he reasoned. "If we lose Svarga again, at least we won't have to rebuild from scratch. Wouldn't it be easier to just… repurpose it?"
For a moment, the Devas stared at him.
Then, Vayu sighed, crossing his arms. "You're seriously planning for another invasion already?"
Indra smirked. "I call it being prepared."
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