AJASHAKTI ANUGAMINI : An HHS Spinoff

CHAPTER 23

Large, soft drops were beginning to tap against the window panes. The sky, once a brilliant canvas of blue, was now casting a muted, overcast hue. A gentle breeze was carrying the fresh, earthy scent of petrichor, as if the world itself was taking a refreshing bath.

The grand courtroom was abuzz with activity. Ministers, a motley crew of Daityas, Danavas, and Rakshasas, were engaged in fervent discussions. The Rakshasas and Danavas were particularly animated, their faces lit up with joy. The early arrival of the monsoon was a welcome respite for them, a signal to return to their forest homes.

The Daityas, on the other hand, seemed less enthusiastic, their expressions clouded with skepticism. This was an unusually early monsoon, and they were wary of its implications.

A hush fell over the courtroom as the grand doors swung open. Ajashakti, the Asur-raj, walked in, clad in resplendent, crimson robes, adorned with gold and precious stones, he exuded an aura of regal authority. A crown of rubies and diamonds sat majestically on his head, amplifying his imposing stature. His gait was confident as he strode towards the throne, his every movement watched with a mix of awe and reverence.

Behind him, a group of elite Daitya guards, clad in matching armor, formed a formidable escort. With deliberate steps, Ajashakti reached the summit of the stairs and ascended the throne, his silhouette casting a long shadow over the assembled ministers. The guards, mirroring their master's imposing stature, stood on either side of the throne, their presence a silent affirmation of his dominion.

A subtle nod from Ajashakti signaled the commencement of the court proceedings. The murmur of voices subsided, replaced by an expectant silence.

Pralayant stepped forward, his face adorned with a servile smile. "A thousand salutations to Asur-raj. The troops of the Danavas and Rakshasas, weary from their duties, humbly request permission to return to their homes." He said.

Ajashakti's brow furrowed in confusion. "But we are on the brink of conquering Swarglok. This is no time for respite."
he stated.

Ketunemi stepped forward, his face devoid of any hint of remorse. "Daitya-naresh," he began, his voice dripping with false humility, "The monsoon season is a time for rest and romance. It is a period when warriors return to their families."

Ajashakti's eyebrows rose in amusement. The concept of an entire season dedicated to romance was foreign to him. But as the newlywed king, the idea held a certain appeal.

"My lord," Pralayant said, "worry not. We shall return to your service on the first day of autumn, our spirits renewed and our resolve strengthened."

"And besides," Ketunemi said with a sly grin, "The king has recently entered the sacred bonds of matrimony. It is only fitting that you spend time with your beloved queen. She is, after all, a paragon of beauty."

Ajashakti's gaze turned icy at the last words of Ketunemi, and the tone in which they were said. The Rakshasa king had overstepped his bounds, a fact not lost on the Asura king.

"Dismissed," Ajashakti commanded, his voice carrying the weight of his authority.

The Danava and Rakshasas bowed their heads in submission, their eyes filled with a mix of relief and apprehension. As they filed out of the courtroom, the air was thick with tension.

But still, the mention of Anugamini brought a soft smile to Ajashakti's lips. His mind, once occupied with matters of conquest, was now filled with thoughts of his beloved queen. The allure of spending quality time with Anugamini was proving to be a formidable opponent to his ambitions.

Vakrang, his face etched with a mixture of contempt and resentment, stepped forward. His voice, sharp and accusatory, cut through the silence of the courtroom. "You have been fooled, Ajashakti," he declared, his words carrying a venomous undertone.

"Vakrang," Ajashakti warned, his voice low and menacing, "Mind your tongue. Remember, I am the Asur-raj."

Vakrang sneered, his voice dripping with contempt, "Letting those weaklings go was the act of a fool, not a king."

"They have the right to return home during the monsoon," Ajashakti replied, his voice steady despite the anger surging within.

"Is it not suspicious that the monsoon arrived so early, Asur-raj ?" Vakrang said, his voice laced with venom. "This is a trick of Indra, a ploy to weaken our forces."

Ajashakti groaned in exasperation, his patience wearing thin. "It is merely a season, Vakrang. Sometimes it arrives early, sometimes late. This is nothing out of the ordinary."

"This is Indra's doing, I tell you !" he insisted, his eyes glinting with conviction. "This is no coincidence, Ajashakti. He has manipulated the weather to weaken us. He knows our plans, and this is his counterattack."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in, before continuing. "Consider this: the monsoon has arrived prematurely, disrupting our carefully laid plans to make strategy move ahead. Our troops, who were so prepared for battle now wish to go and rest. And most importantly, this unexpected change in climate will disrupt the yagya that you had to perform."

Ajashakti listened intently to Vakrang's words, a growing sense of unease settling in his gut. The Daitya's words resonated with a disturbing logic. Could it be possible that Indra had orchestrated this untimely monsoon ?

Vakrang's voice softened slightly as he continued, "Despite our differences, Ajashakti, I care about the Daityas. Our destiny is to rule the heavens, and I will not stand idly by while Indra's treachery threatens our chances of victory."

"I acknowledge your concern, Vakrang." Ajashakti replied, his voice carrying a hint of weariness. "But we cannot act on mere suspicion. While it is possible that Indra is behind this, we cannot be certain. And even if he is, how long can he prolong the monsoon ? Nature has its own cycles, and even gods cannot defy them indefinitely."

Ajashakti stood up abruptly, his mind racing with the implications of Vakrang's words. A heavy silence descended upon the courtroom as all eyes fell upon the Asur-raj. With a final, lingering glance at the assembled ministers, he turned and walked away, the guards following behind, their footsteps echoing through the empty chamber.

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A/N

Smart ho Vakrang 🌝