Manvendra reached the Khandavprasth, and saw that Nagas and Rakshasas along with danavas, hyenas, bears,elephants in rut, tigers, lions with manes, deer, buffaloes, hundreds of birds and other forest-dwellers were loitering around. They had laid waste to the sense of civilization that once existed there.
Seeing a human warrior equipped with fear striking weapons, they all got alert and defensive. A serpent slithered in front of Manvendra who was mounted on his horse. Taking form of half human the Naga greeted him.
"I am Kadruputra Takshak, and I'd like to know why you are in my territory looking battle ready." He said.
"The territory you claim as yours is the ancestral land of us Kurus. We gave you land to live and you have laid waste to it. The earlier cities are now in complete ruins." Manvendra said.
"A kuruvanshi ? Pleasure to make your acquaintance. What do you want ?" Takshak asked, raising a brow.
"I want the land back. I want it cleared. You may take the Khandav forest, I heard it has the protection of Indradev. You all will be safe and sound there." Manvendra said.
"And what will you do if we deny it ?" Takshak asked.
"As you said, I come battle ready." Manvendra said.
"But I don't see any army." The son of Kadru said.
"I would've brought one of I needed." The son of Vidur said.
Takshak gazed at him up and down, he did possess the illustrious self of a kuruvanshi, but there was something about him that inspired veneration.
"Who are you ? Something in you inspires reverence." Takshak said.
"I have done a lot of things which inspire respect." Manvendra said.
"Tell me your name." Takshak said.
"Manvendra."
"Father's name."
"Vidur."
"Biological father."
"Manyu."
"Ah." Takshak sighed, "That's why." He said.
"Now if you revere me, then do as I say." Manvendra said.
"Silly boy, don't you know who I am ?" Takshak scoffed.
"The worst among Nagas ?" Manvendra said as if guessing.
"YOU-" "All I am asking for you is to co-operate. Or else be ready to face the repercussions." The son of Sulabha interrupted the son of Kadru.
"You seem to crave a battle, don't you ?" Takshak asked.
"I am famous by the name Yudh-jeevi after all." Manvendra said.
"If you want a battle so be it. Because we are not going to forsake this land." Takshak said.
"We'll see about that." Manvendra said.
And so began a war between the Nagas, Rakshasas, Danavas, other forest dwellers and Manvendra. They were many, he was alone. Yet the student of Dronacharya was able to assert his superiority.
Shravan went by and so did Bhadrapad and Ashwin. There seemed to be no end of the battle. It continued on and on. It wasn't tiresome for Manvendra, he had fought enough wars. But this time, he could feel the horrors it brought along.
It wasn't as if he hadn't seen the harsh realities of war, but he had never been affected by it. To him it was clear that the curse was proving to be impotent. All due to his wife and the love she invoked in him.
Kartik, Marghsheesh and Paush went by, Manvendra desperately wanted the battle to be over, so he can go back to Gajasaharya. His heart ached for his Dhisana.
Magh went by and so did Phalgun, with that the year ended, but the war didn't. It was filling Manvendra with despair, he wanted to go away from it, he wished to go to Dhisana, the one who was filled with so much life.
Manvendra fought with full force in the months of Chaitra, Vaishakh and Jyesht. And by the month of Asadh the enemy side had significantly fallen weak.
"I offer a peace treaty !" Said Takshak, tired and lost, like the other residents of Khandavprasth.
"It doesn't work like that Takshak. You lost, now you shall do what I tell you to." Manvendra said.
"What is it ?" Takshak asked with a frown.
"As I had said earlier, go to Khandav forest, and leave this land." Manvendra said.
"Fine." Takshak agreed.
It took some days but he went to the Khandav forest with all the Rakshasas, Danavas, other forest dwellers and animals.
A sigh of relief left from the lips of Manvendra, as the war was finally over, land was clear, and he was now free to leave. Leave and go straight to his wife.
He had dreamt of this moment for months, imagining the joy of telling her of his triumphs, as well as the difficult battles he had fought. Now he can finally return and hold her in his arms, fulfil all her dreams. Thinking that a smile appeared on his face.
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A/N
Ek saal beet gaya 🌝
Thoda jaldi dikhaya yeh wala part cause Dil maange #Dhivendra content ✨✨✨✨
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𝐑𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐇Ā𝐕𝐀
Historical FictionFirst among 11 Rudras is Manyu, the war god, wielder of thunder and Slayer of foes. He is the one who brings wealth and health. Through him Vidur and his wife Sulabha beget a son, named Manvendra, who was fierce, queller of foes, follower of Dharma...
