Under Vigilance: peace under chaos

Amoha didn't turn when she felt him standing behind her. She didn't need to. His aura, his warmth, the way the air changed around him-it was something her soul recognized even when her mind refused to accept it.

"Running again?" Avyukt's voice was soft, but there was an edge to it, the kind that came with suppressed agony.

Amoha shut her eyes. "Not running," she whispered. "Just... wondering if I can walk this path at all."

Avyukt took a step closer, his warmth now brushing against her back. "Amoha." His voice was gentler now, almost a plea.

She finally turned, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Shakti stood by Shiv through fire and storm, through lifetimes of penance," she said, voice barely above a whisper. "But what if I fail?"

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, in one fluid motion, Avyukt closed the distance. His hands found her face, cradling it with a tenderness that contradicted the raw intensity in his gaze. He leaned in, his forehead touching hers, his breath mingling with hers.

"Then I will destroy anything that dares to come between us," he murmured, each word laced with a promise. His grip tightened ever so slightly, as if anchoring himself to her. "Because without Shakti... even Shiv turns to ash."

Amoha sucked in a sharp breath. The devotion in his voice, the unwavering certainty-it sent shivers down her spine. She wanted to believe him, wanted to give in to the pull that had been dragging her toward him since the very beginning.

A temple bell rang above them, as if sealing a vow. And for the first time, Amoha wondered if this love-this storm-wasn't just their destiny, but their dharma.