The intoxicating fragrance wafting from the Asura women filled the air. It was enchanting, almost hypnotic. Many of the Devas appeared visibly affected, their gazes distant and dreamy. Soma closed his eyes, took a slow, deep breath, and savored the alluring scent. For a moment, he seemed lost in it, unable to pull himself back to reality. He had seen countless beautiful Devis in his time, but there was something different about the sensual, captivating aura of the Asura women. It left him with a strange and novel feeling.
Even Surya, seated on his throne, was momentarily distracted, his composure faltering as he took in their presence. However, he quickly snapped out of it, remembering his duty. Straightening his posture, he puffed out his chest, projecting authority, and spoke in a loud, commanding voice.
"Why has the Asura King sent you to Svarga as his messengers? What is your true purpose in this visit?"
Surya's tone was firm, his expression slightly serious as he sat with an air of dignity. One hand rested on his knee as his gaze bore into the visitors.
Simhika, one of the Asura women, shifted her gaze with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Her lips curved into a soft, playful smile as she looked up at the empty throne that sat above Surya—the throne of the King of Svarga.
"Is Indra not here?" she asked, her voice light and melodic, tapping her red lips with a finger in a way that was both casual and calculated. Her demeanor was as innocent as a fawn, yet there was a sharpness in her words that couldn't be ignored.
Surya straightened further, his pride evident as he responded firmly.
"Big brother Indra is attending to important matters. For now, I, Surya, shall oversee all affairs of the Svarga!"
His voice was resolute, his chest puffed out as if to shield the honor of Svarga itself.
Hearing this, Simhikā's eyes sparkled with mischief and delight. A soft laugh slipped from her lips—sweet and lilting, like the call of an oriole at dawn.
"We bring a message from the King of the Asuras," she announced, her voice shifting into a formal cadence, though it retained its playful lilt. "The Asuras seek reconciliation with the Devas. Our sovereign, King Hayagrīva, has proposed a grand celebration to honor this rare and auspicious peace between Svarga and Pātāla."
She paused, her smile deepening, as if each word was a step in a carefully choreographed dance.
"Thus, on behalf of His Majesty, we extend a heartfelt invitation to all the Devas. Come to Pātāla with us—to join in revelry, as we mark the beginning of a unique era of peace in the entire Triloka!"
Her voice was warm and inviting, like that of a kind older sister extending a heartfelt invitation. Yet the weight of her words fell like thunder within the great palace.
Silence enveloped the hall.
The Devas exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions a mix of surprise, hesitation, and doubt. The King of Svarga's absence loomed over them like a shadow, and the timing of such an invitation felt suspect.
Surya's expression hardened as suspicion flickered across his face. His mind raced. To go to the pataloka, especially without their king present, could be dangerous. What if this was a trap?
Simhika stared at Surya, her laughter echoing through the grand palace. The sound was melodic, yet it carried an undercurrent of menace.
"Of course," she began with a sly smile, "If devas are unwilling, my king will gladly lead the Asura legions here himself to challenge the King of Svarga directly. After friendship is only beneficiary when done between equals."
Her voice was sweet, but the threat was as clear as sunlight piercing through a storm cloud.
This wasn't just a simple invitation—it was an ultimatum. Either the Devas descended to the patalaloka peacefully, or the Asuras would march to Svarga, ready for war.
Surya lowered his head slightly, his face dark with contemplation. The weight of the decision pressed on him like the noonday sun. He suddenly found himself trapped in a dilemma.
Simhika, sensing his hesitation, tilted her head ever so slightly and let out a soft, almost pitiful sigh. Her delicate fingers curled a strand of her dark hair as she spoke, her tone laced with feigned grievance.
"Surya Dev~," she said in a low, sing-song voice. "We are merely following the orders of King Asura. If we fail in our mission, you know he will not spare us..."
Her voice trailed off, trembling with just the right touch of vulnerability.
Kumorani, standing beside her, quickly joined in, her voice dripping with mock surprise. "Is the great Surya Dev afraid?"
Vishvani followed suit, her words filled with feigned admiration, though her lips curled with mischief. "Impossible! The Devas are known for their strength and bravery. Surely they are not afraid of us."
Tharini added with mock sadness, her tone laced with pity. "Yes, yes! The mighty Surya Dev must have a noble reason not to come. But oh, how pitiful we are... If you refuse us, do you know what punishment awaits us when we return empty-handed?"
The women bowed their heads, their voices trembling as though on the verge of tears. They pressed their delicate hands together, creating a picture of innocence that masked their cunning.
The Devas looked on, their expressions a mix of confusion and unease.
Surya's face hardened, his chest rising and falling with restrained anger. These veiled insults and theatrical displays were starting to get under his skin. He slammed his hands together with a loud clap, ready to put an end to their games.
But before he could speak, a loud, surprised voice broke through the tension, cutting through the palace like lightning.
"Mother?!"
The voice was raw, filled with disbelief and astonishment.
At the entrance to the grand hall stood Rahu, his form floating mid-air, his serpentine tail raised in shock. His wide eyes locked onto the familiar figure standing among the Asuras, and his booming voice echoed through the chamber.
"Mother, is it really you?!"
The word carried a strange rhythm, rising and falling with his emotions, drawing out into a long, disbelieving cry that reverberated in every corner of the palace.
The sound seemed to freeze time.
The Devas turned as one, their gazes snapping to the entrance, their expressions a kaleidoscope of shock, confusion, and disbelief.
Rahu's wild hair whipped around his head, his face a mix of frantic energy and astonishment. His disembodied head floated in the air, black smoke pouring from his neck like a jet engine, the fumes swirling in chaotic clouds beneath him.
Next to him was Ketu, his snake-like tail coiled and raised in equal surprise.
The air grew thick with tension as Rahu's voice settled into silence, leaving only the soft hiss of the smoke swirling around him.
Simhika froze.
That voice—so familiar, so long unheard—struck her like a lightning bolt. Her lips parted slightly as if to speak, but no words came. Instead, her hands instinctively flew to her mouth, her eyes widening in disbelief.
Slowly, almost hesitantly, she turned her head, her movements sharp and jerky, like she was afraid of what she might see.
Her gaze fell on Rahu.
In an instant, Rahu's head and serpentine tail came into view, catching Simhika's wide, disbelieving eyes.
"Rahu!" she gasped, her voice trembling. "You're... you're not dead!"
Simhika took an involuntary step back, her hands clutching at the folds of her red sari, fingers twisting the fabric at her lower abdomen. Her expression was a mix of shock and raw emotion as she stared at her son, alive and floating before her.
Whoosh!
Rahu's head darted forward, his long, slender snake tail gliding gracefully through the air behind him.
"Mother!" Rahu called out, his voice tinged with equal parts joy and disbelief.
The heartfelt cry drew the attention of Vayu who narrowed his sharp gaze at Simhika. Recognition flickered in his mind like a spark.
"Yes… I've seen her before," Vayu muttered, his brows furrowing. He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "The Asura who almost snatched the Amrita from us if it wasn't for Devi Mohini… I didn't recognize her because hardly anyone would pay attention to anyone else if Devi Mohini is present."
Meanwhile, Soma, who had been quiet and composed the entire time, suddenly blinked, let out a hearty laugh, and stepped out of his seat. The silver of his armor gleamed brightly in the light of the great hall as he walked confidently to the center, stopping beside Rahu. His playful grin widened as he turned to Surya.
"Well then," Soma declared with a casual wave of his hand. "Since she's Rahu's mother, why hesitate? We can't possibly let a mother be punished, can we?" His tone carried a teasing warmth, but there was an undeniable sincerity behind it.
Surya crossed his arms, frowning in deep thought. His golden form seemed to shimmer as he weighed the situation carefully. After a moment, he gave a resigned sigh and nodded.
"Very well," Surya said simply. "We'll go."
Simhika blinked, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion. The shift in events left her reeling.
Rahu isn't dead?
Her gaze darted between the Devas and her son, questions swirling in her mind. Why is he among the Devas?
And then there was the matter of the invitation. She had come here representing the Asuras, aware of their leader's veiled intentions against the Devas. But the truth behind those plans was still unclear to her.
What should I do now? she thought anxiously.
Her thoughts churned even more as she remembered her earlier attempt to seduce the Devas. Heat rushed to her cheeks, and her pulse quickened in a moment of rare panic.
This is bad! I was just trying to provoke them!
Simhika's mind spun, but she forced herself to stay composed as the Devas began preparing for their journey. Soon enough, a divine caravan was formed, with sacred chariots gleaming under the sun as they descended toward the underworld.
Throughout the journey, Simhika followed closely behind Rahu. The initial shock of seeing him alive began to fade, replaced by quiet curiosity. She was determined to understand what had happened.
On one of the sacred chariots, Rahu finally recounted his story.
"And that's how it happened," he concluded. "I was granted the boon of becoming a celestial Dev by Vishnu. It wasn't easy…"
Simhika listened intently, her expression softening with maternal affection. "Oh, my poor child," she murmured, her voice filled with love. "It must have been so hard for you. You've even lost weight!"
Her eyes roamed over him with concern, but her hands faltered as she instinctively reached out to hold his.
Then she froze.
Rāhu was but a severed head, suspended in the ether like the body of a snake, while Ketu was the body with a serpent's head.
Simhika hesitated for a moment before gently placing her palm on Rahu's head, stroking it with all the tenderness of a mother comforting her child.
Rahu's expression froze.
"...Mother," he muttered with a blank stare.
Simhika tilted her head, her loving smile unwavering.
"What is it, dear?"
Rahu sighed deeply, his voice flat. "It's… strange when you touch my head like that."
But Simhika simply chuckled, the worry in her heart finally easing.
Rahu's head floated away, slipping free from Simhika's gentle hand. His voice was calm but curious as he asked, "Mother, what does the Hayagriva want from the Devas?"
Simhika frowned slightly, her brows knitting together. "I don't know the details," she admitted. "All I know is that he plans to stage a game of chausar with the Devas at the banquet."
"A game of chausar?" Rahu echoed, his tone thoughtful. "What might be the bet?"
Simhika shook her head lightly. "I'm not sure," she replied softly, her expression clouded with uncertainty.
Rahu's eyes narrowed as he sank deeper into thought. Moments later, he drifted away from his mother's sacred chariot, glancing back at her once before his form began to emit swirling, billowing black smoke. The dark mist curled around him as he ascended swiftly into the air, gliding toward the golden chariot of Surya, the Sun Dev.
When Rahu arrived, the sacred chariot was already bustling with energy. Vayu, Agni, Varuna, and Soma were all present, their expressions shifting as they discussed the unfolding situation.
Rahu's voice rang out, cutting through the tense atmosphere.
"Hayagriva has planned a game of Chausar for the banquet!" he announced, his tone carrying weight. "There's likely to be a bet involved!"
"Chausar?!"
The Devas all exchanged uneasy glances, each reacting differently to the revelation.
Surya furrowed his brow, his golden aura dimming slightly as he sank into deep contemplation. Agni, ever the fiery and impulsive one, stiffened in surprise. Vayu looked visibly uneasy, his shoulders tense as if anticipating an impending storm, while Varuna's worried eyes flickered with doubt.
Only Soma's expression remained bright, his silver armor catching the light as his eyes lit up with excitement.
"A bet, you say? Then this is a challenge!" Soma declared, a confident grin spreading across his face. "A challenge to us, the Devas! And as Devas, the rulers of Svarga, we cannot decline it. Only by accepting can we remain aligned with dharma!"
The others looked at him in surprise, but Soma wasn't finished. His tone softened slightly as he added, "But this isn't just about dharma. This could also be an opportunity—a chance to bring your mother to Svargaloka, Rahu."
The words hung in the air, striking a chord in Rahu's mind. The dark smoke surrounding him seemed to swirl with renewed determination.
---
Enjoyed the chapter?
You can read 40 chapters ahead and gain exclusive access to even more content over at P*treon.c*m/Marioni! With over 128 chapters of exclusive content, there's plenty more for you to explore!