Mahishi | Re-writing

Chapter 5. Before the War

Outskirts of Devloka...

A few kilometres away from the gates that guarded the kingdom of the devas, the banished asuras had managed to invade a piece of land. The main forces of devas were stationed near and around Kudremukh, the place of main supply for iron for their manufacturing weaponry. Beyond this part, sparse soldiers were guarding the borders. The asuras were surprised when the deva soldiers withdrew from the little resistance that they were showing. This happened all along the way till they reached the fortress of Amravathi.

Later, Mahishi got to know from her spies that Brihaspati, the Guru of devas, had opposed this invasion. But Indra, the king of Devloka, had waived off this matter by telling that he couldn't be bothered by people who are not even one-fourth of his army.

When she heard this for the first time, it bothered her. After thinking for some time, she calmed herself. It was natural for Indra to think that to be threatened by a small band of people would be foolish. Also, Indra was always known for his generosity. So, he had allowed them to put their military camp inside his kingdom.

Yet she had confidence in her war strategies. Her brother had always stressed on the importance of proper planning and presence of mind that can change the direction of any battle. This was her first military attempt in his absence and she hoped that it would be successful. Otherwise, it would be a devastating blow to their treasury. If they lose the war, Indra will not be generous again and have them thrown out in the dungeons.

She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep but she dozed off. In her vivid dreams, she saw a few Asura women.

One of them asked, "Didn't you hear?"

"What?" asked another one.

"That Queen was from some lowly tribe? She must have caught our King's attention by using some cheap tricks. She gave birth to our Prince before their wedding."

"What!" exclaimed the third woman.

"That's why we were thrown out by King Dahan. She died giving birth to the Princess."

"So, the Princess took the life of her mother so that she could be born?"

Little Mahishi was crying, bending her head down and whispering to herself, "I didn't kill my mother. I didn't do it."

As she calmed herself and lifted her head up, she saw her brother. He looked the same as she had seen him fourteen years ago. Mahishasura laughed, "How's it to be alive?"

"I am alive because of you."

"I died because of you."

She cried, "But I returned back as soon as I could."

"You were late. I died because of you."

"I know. There's no point in running away from this truth. You need to know that I am fighting this war for you. To avenge you. I shall make Indra pay for his deeds."

She saw Mahishasura's figure vanishing. As she wiped her tears, another man was standing in front of her. Anjan walked towards her, slowly. He looked the same as he was four years ago. Placing his finger under her chin, he lifted her head. He leaned dangerously close to her and whispered in her ears, "You killed me. You were a murderer from the day you were born."

"No!" screamed Mahishi and ran to the bath adjacent to her tent. In a metal bucket, there was some water. She saw her reflection in the water, beads of sweat had formed on her brow. Sobbing, she raised the metal bucket above her head and emptied her water on her. Drenched from head to toe, she felt like she had snapped out from her nightmare. For the past four years, she has had them. She had no idea how these three different incidents from her life had intertwined into this.

She had cremated both Mahishasura and Anjan's bodies with proper rituals so that their souls wouldn't be entrapped in this world. Yet she would get these nightmares making her feel that their souls were still roaming, haunting her in her dreams. She can't have this nightmare distract her from her goals. Tomorrow is the day when my military training and presence of mind will be tested.

She quickly ran towards her tent and changed into a fresh set of clothes. Sitting on a chair, she closed her eyes. She sensed a presence outside her tent vanishing. Thinking it must be a maid, she sighed.

Outside her tent, Kaal was stealthily moving towards his tent. He was surprised when he heard Mahishi's voice and came out to check. He saw her running towards the bath. Tears were streaming down her face. He patiently waited till she came out. He was shocked to see her completely drenched. He stood outside her tent, just to be sure that he didn't hear her cries.

Mahishi's cries had also reached Sumali's ears. When he raced towards her tent, he saw Kaal. Shaking his head, he retired to his tent.

*

"Why did she have to stay with her army in Devloka?" asked Sachi, the queen of devas. The news of Mahishi and her army camping had made her question every decision she had taken in her life; including her decision to marry Indra.

He sighed, "They're standing out of the gates of Devloka."

"Technically, you're correct. Yet who gives their enemy a chance-"

"I am not giving her any chance. She managed to gather a few thousand people and stand outside our kingdom, she has my respect for that. Honestly, Sachi that is not enough. What does she know about war and war planning?"

"Just because I don't understand these war strategies doesn't mean no other women will. Don't forget Devi Durga had her brother, Mahishasura."

"There, you have answered your own question," he chuckled. "Devi Durga is a goddess. This woman, Mahishi, is an asuri."

"Indra, I am an asuri too. Did you forget that?"

"You both are different. You're from one of the noblest races of Asuras while she is from some banished race. She is no competition to you -"

"Don't belittle her, or any other woman to make me shine. I hate that quality of yours."

Defeated, he changed the topic, "She can't win against me."

"It's your pride that is not allowing you to see the obvious."

"See the obvious? What's that? Please enlighten me."

"That King Indra is completely underestimating their enemy," she replied, with a hint of irritation in her voice.

"I don't understand what's making you so irritated?"

"You are not taking Guru Brihaspati and my advices seriously!"

"You're just worrying too much, Sachi. Fate of this battle is already decided. This is just a one day battle. Tomorrow evening you'll receive the news of how I killed that puny asuri."

"This war is not about your strength. Be it 'just a one day war' or a few days long, it will affect Devloka's financial condition."

Indra waved his hand. "Again, you're worrying unnecessarily."

Sachi stood up. "Mahishi might be the first woman to attack Devloka but I am repeating myself, don't underestimate her."

She walked out of the room, worried. I don't like the timing of this war. My gut is screaming that this war will not have a good outcome for us. Please Tridev, let this just be a sinister feeling. Let Devas win this war.

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Thank you for reading.