AJASHAKTI ANUGAMINI : An HHS Spinoff

CHAPTER 16

Ajashakti's fingers continued to play with the lock of her hair, a mindless action that belied the turmoil within him. As he watched her, a strange feeling washed over him. He'd seen countless women in his life, some beautiful, some alluring, but none had ever captivated him like this. She was...different and familiar. It was as if his soul recognized her, a deep-seated connection he couldn't explain. The feeling was both unsettling and exhilarating.

Lost in the trance of her beauty, Ajashakti began to speak, his words a love poem, "The moon, each month, tries in vain to paint a picture of your face; And, having failed to catch its grace, destroys the work, and starts again. So futile is the painter's art to capture such celestial grace; A pity it would be to part from one so lovely, pure, and chaste."

Anugamini's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and a hint of fear flickering across her face. The intensity of his emotions was overwhelming, a force that threatened to consume her. A chuckle escaped her lips, a nervous attempt to break the tension.

"Never have I seen a woman like you." He murmured, his voice soft and gentle. "To shield your father like so from ferocious Asuras, it takes courage beyond measure. You are like a divine revelation, a tempest that has swept me off my feet. There is no way I can let you go now that I have laid my eyes on you."

Her eyes, wide with fear and confusion, met his gaze, reflecting the chaos within her. A moment of silence passed between them, a charged stillness.

Ajashakti continued, his voice low and persuasive. "Marry me, dearest. And I will ensure the safety of your people."

The words hung heavy in the night air, a stark contrast to the innocence of the young girl. It was a cruel bargain that left no room for negotiation. Anugamini's eyes widened in shock, her face a mask of disbelief and terror.

Her father, his voice trembling with fear, tried to intervene, "Don't agree to this, child-" But Ajashakti silenced him with a single, icy stare.

"Silence." He said, "She will be mine, even if I have to burn the entire village."

Ajashakti turned his gaze back to Anugamini, his expression softening. A gentle smile, almost tender, graced his lips. It was a stark contrast to the cold ruthlessness he had displayed moments ago. His eyes, filled with a strange mix of desire and compassion, held her captive.

"If you agree to be mine, Anugamini, I promise you a life of luxury and privilege. You will be queen, honored and revered by all. Your every whim will be fulfilled, your desires satiated." He paused, his gaze intense. "You will live in a palace, surrounded by opulence. You will have servants at your beck and call, your every need catered to. The world will be at your feet."

The Asuras, accustomed to their king's cold and calculating demeanor, exchanged puzzled glances. Never had they heard such words escape his lips. The declaration of love, the promise of devotion, was a stark contrast to the warrior they knew.

"What do you say, little bud ?" Ajashakti asked, his voice laced with a strange mix of tenderness and cruelty.

Anugamini's eyes darted between her father and the terrified villagers, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. The life of her father, the safety of her village, and her own fate hung in the balance. She turned her gaze back to Ajashakti, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination.

Anugamini sighed, a sound filled with resignation. The weight of the world seemed to rest on her young shoulders. There was no other choice. Her father's life, the safety of her village, depended on her acquiescence. With a heavy heart, she looked at Ajashakti, who extended his hand, a silent invitation.

With a heavy heart and a trembling hand, Anugamini placed her hand in his, a silent acceptance of the cruel bargain. A chuckle escaped Ajashakti's lips as he grasped Anugamini's hand, his grip firm yet gentle. With a swift movement, he pulled her close, their bodies colliding. With a surprising ease, he lifted her off her feet, her small form suspended in the air. A victorious smile spread across his face.

A thunderous roar erupted from the Asura ranks, a cacophony of victory and triumph. Her father, his head bowed in shame, let out a mournful cry. The village watched in horrified silence, their world turned upside down in a matter of moments.

With a swift movement, Ajashakti lifted Anugamini onto the back of his stallion. Her small frame was dwarfed by the powerful beast, yet she clung to its mane with surprising strength. He swung himself onto the horse, his larger form eclipsing hers.

Ajashakti reached for a leather pouch hanging from the stallion's harness. With a deft flick of his wrist, he hurled the pouch towards the village elder. The leather bag burst open upon impact, scattering gold coins and precious gems across the ground.

"This is all I can offer at the moment." He declared, "But again, she is worth more than all the treasures of the three worlds combined."

The first rays of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold as Ajashakti urged his steed forward. The Asura horde, a dark shadow against the brightening horizon, followed in their leader's wake. Anugamini, her face covered by her hands, sat huddled on the horse.

As the Asura horde disappeared into the horizon, the village and its inhabitants vanished into thin air, as if swallowed by the earth. It was as if the entire episode had been a fleeting dream, leaving no trace behind.

Anugamini, her face still covered by her hands, suppressed a small smile that crept across her lips. The illusion was perfect, a masterpiece of deception. She had played her part to perfection, a damsel in distress. Little did anyone know, that the seemingly helpless village girl was, in fact, Amarsri herself.

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A/N

Mayapatiputri ki maya 😈