Kanyaka [Sequel to Durga] | ✓

9. Time

You guys are amazing! Even though my updates are highly irregular, we have crossed 1k reads! This is the chapter to celebrate this milestone. :)

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(Again, continuation of Durga's dream). . .

“I can't believe this Kanyaka. Just because I questioned him, he decided to put me in dungeon? Won't that affect my honour? How can he put me in the dungeon? How did King Shadakshari agreed to this? Where are we going?”

She glared at him in anger. “Can't you keep quiet? I am sick of hearing your rantings from the time you've escaped dungeon. We are going to the Shakti Temple. You will be safe till we wish.”

He looked at her with wide eyes. “Shakti temple? The abandoned one? Safe till you wish?”

She sighed. They took a sharp turn and entered the entrance of passage. She pushed a metal lever that was cleverly concealed in the wall which closed the entrance, stealthily. “Yes, we are the ones who are able to understand Devi Shakti’s sign. The last time you left the temple without waiting for signal, you were imprisoned.”

He gave a small laugh. “Seriously? You want me to seriously believe these stuff? Signal and all?”

“When Queen Siyala left the temple, she was murdered. When I left the temple, I was caught. Anyways people like you won't understand this,” she replied, turning towards him to see his reaction.

The joke was lost. He drew his pocket knife and placed at her neck. Terrified, she take baby steps and walked behind until her back hit the stony wall. Their proximity scared her for she could literally feel his breath. “Come again.”

She took a deep breath. “People like you won't understand this. Enough?”

“Why do you think so?”

“Because you're an atheist,” she repiled. He gave her a questioning look. The knife was still lingering near her neck. “Death of your mother made you so, isn't it?”

He gave a small nod. “So you are planning to convert me?”

She gave a small laugh. “Not at all. I have been repeating this; this move is for your safety. As a matter of fact, Bharat had many gurukuls for atheists.”

He sheathed his knife. “Weren't you scared if I would have done something to you?”

She smirked. “In the territory of enemy, attacking the enemy would be the most stupid thing. I knew you weren't going to kill me. Just in case you would have, I would have pulled that lever,” she replied pointing at the lever concealed in the wall. “It releases poisonous gas from the openings at the side walls at the top.”

His face was devoid of expression. She continued,” Just in case you have some stupid plans, let me tell you that there are many such levers along the length of the tunnel. Just keep quiet and follow me.”

The moment he stepped back, she took a deep breath. She had no idea why she had stopped breathing. They hurried towards the exit of the tunnel.

***

“So, why was this temple closed?”

“It's from this temple devadasi system started. From here the devadasis were taken to the royal palace.”

“Who are they?” Omkara asked, pointing towards the women.

“They were the supposed devadasis,” she replied. “Supposed?”

“Queen Siyala stopped devadasi system. But she was murdered. We had to provide them safe place to live so we closed the temple. This temple doors won't open until Rajadasi system is abolished.”