The Crooked Lands (Part 1)

7. This Is Interesting

Guru Parshuram left me in my room to let me set my things. An open shelf was the place to keep my clothes. So, I left some of my festival clothing in the suitcase. Putting other casual clothes inside the shelf in a certain arrangement.

I had already worn the ring. I looked at the locket I had been given. The center had a shining blue stone. Almost resembling a blue topaz. Intricate designs around. A profound scent of sandalwood and tulsi came from the locket. I put them in my pocket and walked out of my room.

Down, in the temple area, there was an idol of Narayan with maa. The idol was so beautifully carved. A sweet smile carved over his lips. Chaturbhuja. Shankha-Chakra-Gadha dhari. Could I ever be compared to anyone like him? He's Narayan. His level is unmatched. I wanted to have parents. Every year I would only wish for one thing to meet my parents. Now, when I know who my parents are, the world seems to be spinning. People are quick to expect things from me. In the sitting area, there was a swing. The building looked like temple architecture. Made out of stone. 

The pillars had carvings of birds, Gandharvas, and apsaras. The roof carved into intricate mandala-like designs. A chandelier hanging from the center of the roof. The chandelier was filled with mirror pieces. A single light source would light up the entire room from light reflection from the mirrors. Peacock feathers used a decoration. 

As I walked around, when my boot clicked on one of the floor stones, it made noise as if it was empty. I tapped on the stone, trying to see why it was empty. After a few taps, the stones started moving. It opened up a staircase going below. 

If I could have a tombstone, it would write 'Curiosity Killed Adya'. But I'm never getting a tombstone considering I'm going to be burnt on a funeral pyre. 

I stepped down the stone staircase. When I reached the underground, the place lit up suddenly. I almost contemplated on returning ahead and not returning here but curse my curiosity. Once the place was illuminated properly, I was surprised. 

There was a large mechallion. The design so sleek and so perfect. Pure white as if it was carved our of marble. Powerful legs carved. Every single muscle and hair carved out in perfection. When I inspected it from a closer distance. I saw its mechanical engines. It wasn't like a mechallion. It was a total machine stallion. The saddle was attached to it already. Something like a handle was kept near the saddle. 

I should not be touching things but if it kept in my cabin, I was going to tinker with it. I could definitely have been a cat in my past life. Dramatic, aggressive at times, always grooming myself, lazy, seeing myself as the best, curious and bratty at my best.

Turns around, it is a handle to a weapon. A chain sword. I've seen Urumi but this was more into parts, unlike a single cutout Urumi. I could swear, the thing could pass for a metal belt. 

There were statues of Avatars by the walls in a single stretch. A single base for all of them. If Darwin was called an idiot for proposing Evolution, then Narayan was called Chhaliya for being such a shapeshifter. The first was the infamous Dashavatars. Then the other avatars which didn't come under Dashavatar but were still Avatars he took to kill demons. The interesting thing was that in each of these, there was one part made from different materials. The rest were made from the black stone from which his idols are usually made.