More on this book
Community
Kindle Notes & Highlights
Read between
July 14 - July 17, 2020
‘I’ve come to help,’ said the woman, still unable to tear her eyes away from the sword. ‘So I’ll repeat that you really don’t need that. We Parihans will never break Lord Rudra’s laws.’
Scheherazade was a name that harked back to ancient Parihan roots; a person who gives freedom to cities.
‘Great Mithra, I have sent her to them.’ ‘Thank you, Bahmandokht. The Vayuputras will be indebted to you in perpetuity, for you have helped our tribe fulfil our mission and our vow to Lord Rudra.’
The ancient memory was still fresh in his mind, as if it had all happened yesterday – the conversation with his close friend and brother-in-law, Manobhu.
Manobhu stepped forward and put his hand on the Parihan’s shoulder. ‘Trust me, the Somras is turning Evil. Lord Rudra would have wanted us to do this. If the council doesn’t agree, then the hell with them. We will ensure that Lord Rudra’s commandments are followed.’
A thick reddish-brown paste had formed; small bubbles were bursting through to the surface.
‘I never thought that our rebellion would succeed, Manobhu.’
‘Manobhu, it was a good idea to name our nephew Shiva. A good clue to help me guess that he is the one.’
‘Because there was a man whom I had loved once, who had told me that the Somras was turning evil. And I didn’t believe him at the time.’
‘He is dead. He was killed, perhaps by those who’d wanted to stop him. Ending the reign of the Somras is my way of apologising...’
‘Brahaspati is alive,’ said Shiva. ‘He is with me.’
Tears poured from Scheherazade’s eyes. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
‘Tara, you will come back with us when we’re done here. I’ll take you back. I’ll take you back to your Brahaspati.’
Scheherazade collapsed into Shiva’s arms, inconsolable in her tears. She would be Tara once again.
‘This eye-reading business is very dangerous. It doesn’t allow one to have any secrets.’ ‘Sometimes, it’s important that there be no secrets,’ said the Mithra, ‘especially when such big decisions are being taken. How else can we be sure that we have taken the right step?’
‘And the world cannot afford to have you lose sight of your mission, great Neelkanth. You are too important for us. So let me answer your personal questions first.’
‘Now, how do I know your mother? Simple. I grew up with her. She was my sister.’ Shiva’s eyes opened wide in surprise. ‘You are my uncle?’ Mithra nodded. ‘I was your uncle before I became the Mithra.’
