Loving You Through Lifetimes

EPILOGUE

"Mallika!"

I slowly opened my eyes and realized that I was back at my room in Amaravati. The last thing that I remembered was that I died of old age on earth. While I had laid on my death bed, I saw many who grieved by bedside, both Nagas and Suparnas.

I glanced sideways to see my concerned mother.

"Are you alright, dear?" she asked, worriedly.

"Yes" I nodded and began to sit up, I wobbled a bit. Uncle Chandra rushed next to him and held me steady, "Easy, there is no hurry!" he smiled, warmly.

"My daughter is doing fine. Oh, thank the gods!" said my father, sighing in relief while he stroked his long white beard.

Memories from my time on the earthly realm suddenly crowded my mind. The Nava Rasa that I had experienced flooded through me, overwhelming me with their intensity.

I was Manovega - the Yaksha captive who chose to die alongside her saviour and lover, the gentlemanly Rakshasa soldier, Pauruseya. I was Kadambari - the former Naga assassin who grieved the loss of her noble Suparna physician husband, Devasakha.

I held my head in my arms when spasms of pain racked my temples. I took deep breaths to calm down and raised my head to ask, "Where is Rudhira?"

All three people in the room exchanged a look with one another. My mother answered me first, "He is eagerly waiting for you in the court of Indra!"

Hearing this, joy rushed through every pore of my body. I leapt to my feet and ran in the direction of Indra's court. My mother tried to protest, asking me at least have a sip of water but Uncle Chandra stopped her, "Let her go!" he whispered, with a smile.

My snow white uttariya fluttered in the air while I sprinted through the halls. I finally reached Indra's courtroom and burst inside, panting for breath.

The love of my life turned around to greet me, looking resplendent in midnight blue. He rushed towards me, raised me up in his arms and twirled me around the room.

Completely forgetting that we were surrounded by an audience, we passionately locked lips. It was a dance of tongues and an intense melding of two pairs lips. We kissed until we were nearly panting from breathlessness.

"Ahem" Indra cleared his throat, even as he grinned down at us.

We untangled from each other's arms and greeted the assembled members of the court.

Vrishaparva smiled, "It seems that nothing can separate the two of you. Your love has withstood the test of tragedy and rebirths"

"True" agreed Indra, "It would be a sin to separate such a pair of lovers. Your love has moved both Swarga and Sumeru. Both the Suras and the Asuras feel that you deserve each other"

I glanced around and saw nods of approval from many Suras and Asuras. I felt overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.

Indra and Vrishaparva blessed us, "May you live together in harmony, bound by the sacred ties of marriage"

The Suras and Asuras threw flower petals and turmeric rice at us to shower their blessings.

My father arrived to officiate the marriage ceremony. A garland of white lotuses woven with pearls was handed to me. Another garland of blue lotuses intertwined with sapphires was given to him.

At the auspicious hour, we exchanged garlands and walked the seven steps around the sacrificial altar of fire. Our marriage ceremony lasted three days and it was highly praised by everyone for its dazzling splendor.

On our wedding night, Rudhira smirked "Should I call you Manovega? Kadambari? Or Mallika?"

"What about you?" I grinned, "Should I call you Pauruseya? Devasakha? Or Rudhira?"

"I am in the mood for a Naga beauty! Let's go with that role, today" he laughed, "Kadambari..." he whispered in my ear.

I shivered at the delicious desire in his voice, "Devasakha" I murmured back.

Needless to say, we ended up celebrating our wedding night with all three lifetimes as roles.

We both vowed that together, each year, we would spend six months in Amaravati and six months in Sumeru.

One Year Later

Devasena placed my twin newborn sons in my arms, "Congratulations, you have two beautiful children"

Rudhira rushed inside and coddled our children as if they were made of glass.

Skanda congratulated Rudhira who was close to tears of happiness on being a new father.

Both sets of grandparents lovingly doted over the little ones. I was worried that at this rate, my babies would grow up spoiled from all the pampering.

Thankfully, Rudhira and I ensured a fine balance of affection and sternness to ensure that they turned out well even as they grew.

Another Three Years Later

Rudhira chased behind our children, while he played sword fighting with them. The three of them pretended to fight with blunt wooden swords.

"Alright" I said, "It's time to study"

"Mother, can we play longer?" they pleaded, with puppy eyes.

"No" I smiled, "That's not going to work with me. Get back here, you two! You are going to finish studying today, you can't escape homework. Finish your studies and you can go play for as long as you like. That's a deal, okay?"

They looked towards Rudhira, "Father, say something" they whispered.

"Your father is a warrior only on battlefield!" grinned Rudhira, "I don't have the guts to take on your mother at home. You better do exactly as she says"

"Okay" they whined but sat down to study obediently. I laughed and mouthed, "Liar"

He winked, "What? It's the truth!"

Once they were done with studies, I sent them to their grandparents.

Rudhira draped his arms around me, "Wifey..." he whispered. Pressing his forehead to mine, "Don't you think that our boys need a sister?" he winked mischievously.

I laughed, "I am not falling for it"

"Then, don't blame me for taking a bite of you" he shrugged and playfully bit my neck. I nipped him at the side of his chin, "Revenge!" I grinned.

Suddenly, the emergency gong sounded and we immediately went to the court.

There, we learnt that Durvasa Rishi cursed Urvashi her love for a mortal, Pururava to be reborn as a mortal on earth and to endure a mortal life