She destroys everything she touches.
Ishani, a fierce and independent businesswoman from the modern world, harbors a deep mistrust of men. Only to find herself stuck between dangerous men and shady politics in a different era.
When her true paren...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Ishani wiped her stray tears, allowing herself to look around.
She was in a dark, empty cavern and the vast expanse of the land infront of her seemed dark and eerie for a long time.
But from her eyesight, she could see the silhouette of a huge palace. Was this Paatal ?
"No, Aparaa." She swiftly turned around, clutching the hidden dagger beneath the folds of her clothes.
The woman's voice was soft and alluring, but Ishani couldn't see her. All she could make out was the blurry figure of an extremely enchanting woman.
"Are you.." Ishani's voice cracked in exhaustion and anticipation. She was tired of juggling between people and empires. Most importantly, her heart felt heavy.
She knew deserting them midway wasn't exactly the best option, but she knew that things would only become more complicated because of her presence.
Karna would be ready to do step down from his position, but Ishani didn't want that. He deserved to be an Emperor.
"I am your foster mother, Bhu Devi. Aparaa, your time hasn't come yet, to behold us. You cannot take it. But when I heard your agonised pleas, I couldn't stand back and watch.."
"Mata..But why ? Why can't I come back home ? I long to bask in the warmth of a family and freedom. I admit that I miss Kanha and the cousins. But fate doesn't seem to favour me. The more I try to prevent those events, more catashtrophic ones seem to occur. Yet, I do not want to break Karna's heart. I don't want to let go of the only thing that gives me happiness. "
"Aparaa dear, a diamond is always put through the greatest of tests until it turns into an unbreakable and stoic one. Likewise, you have to encounter much more challenging situations that might seem very heart-wrenching and tragic, but you shall always be under our protection. But I have to say, you have grown well. We are all proud of you."
Ishani smiled weakly. It was fine. Somewhere, she knew she wasn't that powerful yet, to go back home. But it felt nice when they went out of their way to make her feel better.
"Now, you must ask the Daitya Guru to become your Guru. Only when you gain mastery over the materialistic world will you be able to see us." Bhu Devi spoke, closing her eyes as she knew the path ahead was a tough one.
"I will, Mata. Bless me.. Give me your blessings, so that I shall pass all the tests smoothly and come back home.."
"Very well. You shall be successful in all your endeavours.. Vijayee Bhava, Putri.. You must hurry.. I can longer stay here. But remember.. There's always more than what meets the eye.."
Before Ishani could say something, Bhu Devi vanished, leaving a flash of blinding light.
Ishani sighed, walking along the dark trail. No wonder Pataal was reputed to be scary and bone-chilling. The eerie whispers and cackles would have scared her back then, but now she knew they were just guardian spirits guarding the powerful entrances.
