Searching For The Cursed (Shattered Souls #1)

Chapter 7

Nishav observed his surroundings with keen senses. His eyes fell on his brother, Bhargav who was also doing the same with a stiff alert posture. His eyes met his two other companions, Maru and Riktam.

After the exchange of a few colorful words, it was decided that Nishav was not going alone since he was determined to go at any cost. They had first entered Atala lok, the realm of Asur Bala. Maru had been horrified as two roaming Punshchalis found them hiding while Nishav had gone to find his associate.

There were three types of women in Atala lok. Svairinis (self-willed), who liked to marry men from their own group; Kaminis (lustful), who married men from any group, and the Punshchalis (those who wholly give themselves up), who kept changing their partners.

When a male entered Atala lok, these women enchanted him and served him an intoxicating cannabis drink that induced sexual energy in that male. Then, these women enjoyed intimacy with the traveller, who felt to be stronger than ten thousand elephants and forgot everything. He wouldn't care if even death was impending on him. Only those who possessed strong characters and held dharm (righteousness) close to their heart, could resist and escape the clutches of lust.

However, when their hidden place was discovered by two of the Punshchalis of this lok, Maru, the self-proclaimed brahmachari (celibate), had taken a step back and obscured himself behind Bhargav. Bhargav in turn had only narrowed his eyes on him. Though Bhargav was a heavy and bulky mountain in the form of a male, Maru wasn't someone punky. The man had snapped heads without breaking a sweat and here he was. Hiding behind him to escape two mere women.

Riktam had seemed uncomfortable as Bhargav without wasting a word had strangled the women. It was only after Maru confirmed that they were only unconscious that he breathed a sigh of relief. He had been embarrassed at Bhargav's knowing look. What was his fault! The man was famous for being ruthless and cruel. It was a rare occurrence to be against him and be alive.

However, as Nishav returned accompanied by a beautiful maiden, they had successfully entered into Talatala lok with her help. Talatala lok was headed by the father of Asur Bala, the well versed sorcerer of Asurs, Mayasur. And according to the information Nishav received, this was the place where Arudra was held captive.

Now it made sense why they had not been able to reach Arudra or sense his presence. Even the air of this realm was thick with magic and ruffled the man-beasts the wrong way. Made them uncomfortable and queasy. The maiden of Atala lok had led them to a structure made of black stones through a secret passage. A few guards had been stationed there whom the four got rid of easily. But they didn't have much time as it wouldn't be long before the bodies were discovered. They had to find Arudra and leave before that.

"I can't go any further. You'll have to find your way on your own." The girl said worriedly.

"Are you sure he's in there?" Riktam asked frowning.

"I heard so. He should be." The girl replied with uncertainty.

"Did you drag us here based on this 'heard so'?" Bhargav asked with an arched eyebrow.

"I'm not leaving any possibilities unexplored." Nishav replied with a shrug.

"You do know that I am going to find you if I don't find my brother there, right?" Bhargav said to the girl with a face void of any emotion. But the cold chilling look in his eyes frightened her to the very core.

"We're really grateful for the help. Thank you. I will not forget the favor." Nishav said with a charming smile, grabbing her attention instead.

"You know how to repay." The girl replied with a sly smirk. Nishav only gave a nod of acknowledgement before she left.