Kali : The Awakening

Chapter Seven - The Beginning of the war

"Shakti! Priye! Come sit next to me," Shiva called to his wife.

Long dark locks of hair cascaded over Shiva's shoulders, his blue neck a symbol of sacrifice. His eyes were like a pair of pulsars, captivating and intense. His skin, covered in ashes, contrasted with the tiger skin he wore. His third eye, prominent on his forehead, symbolized destruction and his boundless anger.

He was as calm as the ocean but harbored a fire within that could destroy the entire universe if provoked. His anger knew no limits, as did his love.

Shiva's love for Shakti was unparalleled—no human, no Matsyan, not even any god had ever experienced such pure love. It was so pure that even the sacred river Ganga seemed impure in comparison. They were two souls in one, known as Ardhanarishvara. Many had tried to come between them and met the same fate—death.

To witness their love – cosmic dance, gods and goddesses came from every corner of the universe.

Shakti and Shiva were resting in their abode next to a spring, in a small hut far away from everyone. Shakti, who was soaking her wet hair in the sun, turned to see her husband.

"Husband" was a very small word to describe their relationship; it was more than that and above all. To maintain the flow, I will call them husband and wife.

With a soft smile on her face, she gestured, asking, "What happened, priye?"

Showering in the beauty of his beloved wife, Shiva walked toward her. He sat on a rock next to the spring while Shakti sat on the ground. Shiva took the cotton cloth from her hand and began drying her hair. Smiling, Shakti rested her head on Shiva's right leg, letting her husband care for her hair.

The surroundings were soothing, birds were chirping, and the sound of the forest was calm, as if everything wanted to enjoy this beautiful gesture of Shiva for his wife, Shakti.

Suddenly, the calmness of the Aranya changed into an eerie silence. Shiva looked up. There was no immediate danger near them yet, but something or someone was approaching. He closed his eyes and focused; with his third eye, he saw an army approaching them. He smiled, knowing what was coming.

Shiva knew if moves a bit, Shakti will wake up. All he wanted her to take rest. He knew that a battle was inevitable, but he also didn't want to disturb his sleeping wife. So, he picked one of his locks and threw it on the ground while still massaging her head.

Once the lock touched the ground, an entity emerged from it, similar in appearance to Shiva, with long black braids and wearing nothing. His eyes burned with rage. Standing there, he looked at Shiva, waiting for orders.

"Veerbhadra, your mother is sleeping. Please make sure no one disturbs her," Shiva requested with a smile.

Veerbhadra bowed to Shiva and walked in the direction of the army. Bound by the words and respect for his mother, he thrashed every single Rakshasa from the army with one hand. Terror filled the air. With each kill, he grew in size. Even the giant Rakshasas were no match for Veerbhadra's strength.

Veerbhadra wasn't just killing; he was eating and slaughtering with his bare hands. All he knew was that no one was allowed to disturb his mother's sleep.

This is where his anger went out of control, and he started attacking the people of the Matasya kingdom.

King Anshumali sent his troops to defend his kingdom from the invasion by the Rakshasa army led by King Trinae. Although King Trine ruled a small kingdom in his loka, he was there to distract Shiva and create a small upheaval on his way out.