Aru Shah and the End of Time (Pandava Quartet, #1)

by Roshani Chokshi

Brahmasura (BRAH-mah-soo-rah) Once upon a time there was an asura who prayed long and hard to the god Shiva (Lord of Destruction, as you might recall). Shiva, pleased with the asura’s austerities, granted him a boon, and this dude, real casually, BTW, asked for this: “ANYONE WHOSE HEAD I TOUCH WITH MY HAND GETS BURNED TO ASHES.” I imagine their convo went like this: Shiva: Why, though? Brahmasura: ☺ Shiva: No, seriously, why? That’s a horrible wish. Brahmasura: ☺ Shiva: I…ugh. Okay. Fine. You will regret this! *shakes fist* Brahmasura: ☺ Okay, so fast forward, and everyone hates Brahmasura and is scared of him, so Lord Vishnu has a solution. He changes form to Mohini, the beautiful enchantress. Brahmasura is like “OMG I love you,” and Mohini’s like “LOL, okay, let’s dance first, and see if you can match me move for move,” and Brahmasura is super excited and does the thing. Well, joke’s on him, because when Mohini/Lord Vishnu puts her hand on her own head, Brahmasura imitates her. BAM. Turned into ashes. Let it be known to all ye mortals: don’t underestimate what you might consider froufrou things, like dancing, because you might just end up a pile of ashes.