CHAPTER 40

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The soft glow of the setting sun bathed the room in a warm, golden hue. Ajashakti, his imposing figure reclined on the ornate diwan, was engrossed in a scroll, his brow furrowed in concentration.

The intricate patterns on his antariya, tied casually around his waist, accentuated his toned physique. His skin, bronzed by the sun, glistened with a healthy sheen. Despite his regal stature, there was a sense of ease about him these days, a casualness that belied his powerful nature.

Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the anguished entrance of his wife, Anugamini. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she rushed into the room, her sobs echoing off the stone walls. Ajashakti's eyes widened in alarm as he saw his beloved in distress. The scroll slipped from his grasp, forgotten, as he hurried to her side.

Anugamini collapsed onto the bed, her body wracked with sobs, her hands clutching at the silken sheets. Ajashakti knelt before her, his heart heavy with concern.

"Little bud, what has happened ? Why do you weep so ?" He gently asked.

But Anugamini remained silent, her tears the only response she offered. As she continued to cry inconsolably, Ajashakti's concern deepened. Without words, he gently reached out and began to caress her affectionately, like how a lion would caress his lioness wounded by the poisoned arrow of a hunter. His fingers traced soothing patterns on her skin, trying to offer comfort in the midst of her distress.

"My dear, why do you weep so ? Has someone dared to hurt you, to bring such anguish upon my queen ?" His voice was filled with both tenderness and authority, a reflection of his love and duty towards her.

With a fierce gentleness, he continued, "Tell me, Anugamini, what troubles your soul ? I cannot bear to see you in such agony."

Anugamini sniffles, her eyes brimming with tears. "I cannot reveal the culprit, Asur-raj. I fear the consequences. The offender is not one to be trifled with."

Ajashakti's brow furrows in disbelief, but a smile tugs at his lips. "Ah, my little bud, do you not yet know that there is not a single person I love as much as you ? I am the king of Asuras, seeing that I have the power, you ought not to doubt me."

Encouraged by his words, Anugamini spoke, "Ketunemi, the king of Rakshasas, has declared that he will claim me once they conquer Swarglok. He said you won't be there anymore."

As Anugamini revealed Ketunemi's threats, a storm brewed in Ajashakti's eyes. His brows furrowed in anger, his hands clenched into fists. The room seemed to darken as his fury radiated through the air. She could see the strength and power emanating from him, causing everything in the room to tremble in response to his intense energy.

Anugamini, with tears still streaming down her face, continued, "He looked at me as if I was merely a possession to be claimed after their victory. His gaze made my skin crawl, filled with lustful intentions that made me shudder. The lecherous hunger in his eyes, made me feel violated."

As Anugamini's words pierced his heart like shards of glass, Ajashakti's eyes blazed with fury. With a swift motion, he rose to his feet, his hand raised as a long axe materialized in his grasp, flames dancing along its edge. Ajashakti stormed out of the chamber, his every step echoing like a war drum.

Anugamini's gaze lingered on the door as her husband went out of sight, suddenly a subtle satisfaction became evident in her expression. She wiped away her tears, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. Her eyes gleamed with a cunning glint as she wiped away the remnants of her feigned distress. With a calculated calmness, she awaited the unfolding of the tumultuous events she had set in motion.

In the royal garden of the Daitya palace, the lewd king of Rakshasas, reclined on a lavish golden couch, surrounded by a throng of maidens serving him with sweet scents and gentle touches, unaware of the tragedy that awaited him.

The fading sun cast long shadows over the garden, but Ketunemi's mind was elsewhere. Lost in thoughts of Anugamini, his gaze lingered on the distant horizon. The maidens danced around him, their silken garments rustling with each movement, as they tried to capture his attention. But Ketunemi's thoughts were consumed by the forbidden beauty of Anugamini. Her image haunted him, her grace and allure stirring intense emotions.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the furious arrival of Ajashakti, his eyes ablaze with anger, a long axe wreathed in flames gripped tightly in his hands.

"KETUNEMI !" Ajashakti's voice thundered, his tone filled with menace and wrath. "YOU DARE SEEK MY WIFE ?!"

Ketunemi's heart pounded as he watched the enraged emperor approach, realization dawning upon him.

"Daitya-naresh, I-I can explain," stammered Ketunemi, attempting to defend himself as panic gripped his heart. But the one in front of him was beyond reason, his fury unrelenting.

The air crackled with tension as Ajashakti raised the fiery axe high above his head, the flames casting an ominous glow on his angered face. Ketunemi stood frozen in place, his earlier arrogance replaced by sheer terror. With a swift and violent motion, Ajashakti brought the axe down upon Ketunemi's head, the impact echoing through the royal garden. Blood sprayed in all directions, splattering over Ajashakti's enraged visage.

The maidens' screams pierced the night as they witnessed the gruesome spectacle unfolding before them. Ketunemi's body crumpled to the ground, lifeless and still, his lustful desires forever silenced.

Ajashakti stood there, his chest heaving with rage, the flames on his axe slowly dissipating. The once lush garden was now tainted with the stark reality of death, the stench of blood heavy in the air. With a deep breath, Ajashakti let go of his fury, the fire in his eyes extinguished. The axe vanished from his hand as quickly as it had appeared.

Slowly, he raised a hand to wipe the blood splattered on his face. The maidens trembled in fear, their gazes averted from the gruesome sight before them.

"What have you done ?!" Vakrang's voice echoed throughout the garden, as he came there, his eyes wide with shock. "The Rakshasas were already discontent with this alliance, now will never forgive us for this ! Our conquest is doomed !"

Ajashakti, still standing over the lifeless body of Ketunemi, turned to face his brother with a cold expression. "Who is asking for their forgiveness, anyway ? I did what had to be done."

Vakrang's anger flared, his hands trembling with rage. "You fool ! Our conquest of Swarg will crumble without their backing. You've brought ruin upon us all !" he shouted, his words echoing through the garden.

Ajashakti's eyes blazed as he turned to face Vakrang. "Watch your tongue, lest you want me to pull it out."

Vakrang seethed with frustration but held his words, knowing Ajashakti's wrath was not to be tested, especially not at the moment. With a final glare, Ajashakti pivoted on his heel and walked away from the gruesome scene, leaving Vakrang seething with resentment and remorse.

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A/N

Khel gayi Amarsri 🌝🔥

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