The Oath of The Vayuputras (Shiva Trilogy #3)

by Amish Tripathi

I’m sure you’re aware of how it rains in India, right?’ ‘Of course I am. One of your scientists had explained it to me. I believe the sun heats the waters of the sea, making it rise in the form of gas. Large masses of this water vapour coalesce into clouds, which are then blown over land by monsoon winds. These clouds rise when they hit the mountains, thus precipitating as rain.’ ‘Perfect. But you have only covered half the journey. What happens after the water has rained upon us?’ Shiva’s knowing smile suggested that he was beginning to follow. Gopal continued. ‘The water finds its way into streams and then rivers. And finally, the river flows back into the sea. Some of the water that comes as rain is used by humans, animals, plants – anything that needs to stay alive. But ultimately, even the water used by us escapes into the rivers and then back into the sea. The journey always ends exactly where it began. Now, can we say that the journey of the water serves no purpose? What would happen to us if the sea felt that there is no point to this journey since it ends exactly where it begins?’ ‘We would all die.’ ‘Exactly. Now, one may be tempted to think that this journey of water results in only Good, right? Whereas the Somras has caused both Good and Evil.’ ‘But of course,’ Shiva smiled wryly, ‘you would disabuse me of any such notion!’ Gopal’s smile was equally dry. ‘What about the floods caused by rains? What about the spread of disease that comes with the rains? If we we...