Devashree trudged along the uneven path, her strength waning with each step. Her clothes were now tattered and stained. The thick, humid air clung to her, making her feel weighed down. Her bare feet ached with every step, the rough earth and pebbles pressing against her skin of her already swollen feet.
The men eventually led her to a large, open clearing where an imposing structure stood—a grand temple-like building adorned with garish decorations.
At the center of the gathering stood the figure. He was an elderly man draped in flowing white robes, his long, unkempt white hair framing his face.
"People of the forest, gather 'round," he began, his gaze sweeping over the crowd with an air of benevolence. "Today, we have found a lost soul in our midst."
He turned to Devashree, his smile widening. "This woman was discovered in the depths of the forest, alone and without kin. Such a poor, unfortunate creature," he said, his voice dripping with feigned compassion. "Do not worry, my dear. From now on, I will be your provider, your guardian."
The crowd erupted in enthusiastic chants. "Maharaj Vishnu ki Jai Ho!" they shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the clearing. The fervor in their voices was both awe-inspiring and chilling.
Devashree's eyes narrowed as she processed the man's name. "Vishnu? So, you're named after a god?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.
"No, child. He is not merely named after Vishnu. Our Maharaj is an avatar of Vishnu himself. You are now in the presence of divinity." One of the fervent followers, a middle-aged man with a stern face, stepped forward and corrected her with an air of superiority.
Devashree's lips curled in a scornful smile. "An avatar? You are all blind if you truly believe that." If he's anything like Paundrak, I'd rather take my chances with the forest.
"Ah, but my dear, I am only what my people call me. Their faith gives me form and substance. I am just a medium for god to act their will. A mere messenger. I help the people who are lost in their lives." The elderly leader's smile did not falter, though a flicker of something dark crossed his eyes.
"Yes woman! Hear hear, our leader is so great!" A man shouted from the crowd.
"He is a god!"
"He takes in lost souls like yourself."
"I wasn't lost. The men of your so-called king kidnapped me against my will!" Devashree's frustration flared as she faced the crowd.
The crowd's reaction was swift and intense, their anger turning towards her. They hurled insults and names at her.
"Children, calm yourselves," he said, his voice cutting through the tumult with chilling clarity. "This child does not yet understand the greater truth. She will, in time."
He turned to his men, his command deliberate and cold. "Take her to her quarters. Allow her time to adjust. Do not let her ignorance provoke violence. In time, she will see the truth as you all do."
Devashree was led away by a burly man to a restricted area. A heavy iron door creaked open with a groan and Devashree stumbled as she was pushed into the dimly lit room, her feet dragging against the cold stone floor.
She was shoved roughly inside, barely managing to catch herself, her hands bracing against the hard floor. A hand reached out and caught Devashree's arm, helping her to steady herself. A woman.
"You're now a property of the king," the burly man said, his tone dripping with cruelty. His eyes lingered on Devashree's bump with a calculating gaze. "And that..." He gestured at her bump, "That is a problem. Make sure you get rid of that thing soon. The king doesn't tolerate such complications."
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Krishnapriya Devashree
FanfictionIn Vaikuntha she is Narayan's Sri; on Prithvilok, she is Krishna's Devashree Call them Krishna and Devashree or Narayan and Lakshmi; both are as eternal as time. Experience their joy and pain by accompanying them in their trials of Dharm and Adharm...
