Location: Indralok (Swarglok), after the events of Lakshagriha and the temple visit.
Indra Dev (I) paced anxiously, with a deep frown etched on Vayu Dev's (V) face by his side. A radiant glow heralded the arrival of two divine figures, Surya Dev and Yama Dev.
I: Finally, you both have arrived! Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting?
S: Why all this worry? What's happened? Yama observed the scene with a puzzled expression.
I: What's happened? What kind of father are you? Were you even aware that my son was ensnared in a perilous palace made of wax?
S: [annoyed] My son is more than capable of looking after himself! All my children are remarkably self-reliant. I don't need to babysit them. Is this the reason for summoning us here?
I: [worry turning to anger] Listen, Surya, my dear brother, my son is just as capable as yours. But as a parent, I can't help but worry. If you don't care, then you're free to leave!
Surya Dev huffed, muttering to himself.
S: [murmuring] Spoiled brat! Why does Mother Aditi always favor him? Right, he is the youngest of the eight Adityas.
Yama Dev stifled a chuckle.
I: Did you say something?
S: No, not at all. What could I possibly say? [grinning sheepishly]
Indra sensed something amiss but decided to let it go; after all, the well-being of his son took precedence over Surya Dev's chatter.
Yama, intrigued, questioned the situation.
Y: "What exactly happened, Indra Kaka? Could you please enlighten us?"
Indra, glad that someone was interested, began his narration.
I: "Of course, Yama. Let me explain what occurred..." He detailed the entire ordeal, his concern palpable.
Yama furrowed his brows, expressing his own unease.
S: "Now, don't start fretting! They'll be alright."
Y and I: "How can you be so sure, Father/Brother?"
Before Surya Dev could respond, Vayu Dev interjected.
V: "Oh, Agni, you're just in time. Tell us, what's the latest? Are they safe?"
Agni Dev (A) entered cheerfully, whistling a tune.
A: "Yes, Vayu, everything is fine. What's going on?"
Indra slapped his forehead in exasperation.
I: "Oh, my goodness! Agni, the Trinity help us! Did you check on our children as we asked you to?"
The Ashwini Kumars (AK) and Prithvi (P) made their entrance into Indralok.
AK: "No, he didn't. We went instead. Agni had other duties."
Yama inquired impatiently.
Y: "Well, what did you find out?"
Surya Dev cast an "I told you so" look at Indra, who chose to ignore it.
V: "Devtao and Devio, tell us, what did Agni discover?"
All heads turned towards Agni Dev, who was sitting with a dreamy smile on his face.
Surya Dev called out urgently.
S: "Agni! Agni! AGNI DEV!"
Startled, Agni Dev toppled off his chair.
A: "Surya, there's no need to shout. What's going on?"
Indra inquired.
I: "Weren't you just lost in thought a moment ago? Why the big smile?"
Agni Dev happily replied.
A: "I'm in love."
Everyone responded in unison.
All: "What?"
Surya Dev, recovering from the shock, questioned him.
S: "In love with whom?"
Agni Dev revealed his infatuation.
A: "With Avni, the Niyatinandini's daughter... Oh, and she's..."
Before he could finish, Prithvi and Surya interrupted.
P & S: "What?!"
Surya added a stern warning.
S: "STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER-IN-LAW!"
Prithvi chimed in.
P: "Yes, or you can deal with the wrath of Mahadev. Remember, she's his daughter too. Let's not forget about Mata Parvati."
Agni, puzzled, responded.
A: "Why would Mahadev and Mata Parvati be angry with me?"
Surya clarified with frustration.
S: "Because you suddenly claimed to be in love with Avni/Advika, my daughter-in-law!"
Agni, still confused, questioned.
A: "Who told you that, my dear brother?"
Indra, Yama, the Ashwini Kumars, and Vayu were enjoying the spectacle.
Surya accused him.
S: "You did! Who else, you idiot?"
Agni, blinking in bewilderment, repeated himself.
A: "I'm in love with Niyatinandini's idea, not her. Why would I fall in love with her? She's like my daughter, and I definitely don't want Mahadev after me."
The Ashwini Kumars, curious, asked.
AK: "What idea are you talking about, Kakashree Agni?"
Agni Dev, enthusiastic, explained.
A: "She gave me an incredible solution to a problem. You'll find out soon, my children. Keep an eye on Prithvilok. The time is near."
Prithvi, who had been listening, decided to play a prank on Agni Dev.
P: "By the way, Yama Dev, Indra Dev, Vayu Dev, and Ashwini Kumaro, be prepared to welcome new daughters-in-law. I heard a Brahmin priest wishes to marry his two daughters to any of YOUR SONS."
The mentioned deities tried to stifle their laughter as Agni Dev turned red.
A: [yelling] "What?! They can't marry anyone other than my daughters! I won't allow it!"
Laughter echoed throughout the scene.
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Historical FictionEveryone has a Choice. Destiny blessed The Epic of Mahabharata with one such Choice. A person who was reincarnated in the past. Time travelled? No. Does she remember her past life? Sort off. Her memories fades with time. Does she play a big role i...