Chapter 71 (स्त्री हठ): The Pride of Divine Wives
Disclaimer:
This chapter incorporates elements of the historical and theological rivalry between the followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, which has existed in various forms throughout the history of Hinduism. The portrayal of this rivalry in the narrative is a fictionalized interpretation and is intended for storytelling. It does not aim to disrespect or discredit the beliefs of any group or individual. The chapter explores the philosophical differences within the context of mythology and fiction, rather than an accurate reflection of historical or doctrinal disputes.
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Devi Lakshmi's gaze remained fixed on Devi Parvati, her expression a blend of curiosity and unspoken challenge. The stillness between them seemed almost palpable, like the charged air before a storm. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and she spoke before the silence could stretch too long.
Her voice broke the quiet like the cry of a peacock—sweet but edged with playful sharpness. "So, how's the guy with the snake around his neck doing?" Her tone carried a teasing lightness, like a breeze that could cool one's skin or leave a sting in its wake. There was no mistaking the hint of amusement in her words.
Parvati's lips curved into a smile, a subtle one, yet her eyes shimmered with the same knowing mischief. She turned her head slightly to the side, unfazed by the jab, her composure as unshakable as ever.
"Ha~," Parvati replied, her voice low and almost a purr. Her gaze shifted towards the distant figure, and she spoke with an air of casual mockery. "Seems a man is sitting on a snake over there."
Lakshmi's lips twitched, but she remained silent for a moment, allowing the words to settle between them. Then, with a touch of impatience, she rolled her eyes. "Is Shiva still wearing that tiger skin?"
Parvati tilted her head, her smile deepening. Her voice, as smooth as silk, came with a mocking lilt. "Does Vishnu still have lotus flowers in his eyes?" she teased, her words pointed yet playful, a reference to Vishnu's iconic epithet, Pushkaraksho, 'Lotus-eyed.'
Indra had been quietly observing the exchange between the two goddesses, his brow furrowed in growing disbelief. His expression hardened as he watched them banter like children. Is this it? He thought, shaking his head with a quiet scoff. The two of you, supreme devis among devis, reduced to petty quarreling on whose husband is best?
Devi Lakshmi, unable to contain her displeasure, snorted coldly, her gaze never leaving Parvati. With an almost derisive tone, she spoke, "Is he still dancing that 'Tandava' of his?"
Parvati's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she met Lakshmi's challenge head-on. "By the way," she quipped, "after your husband went mad, he still had the Vajra mark on his head."
The words were like a dagger, a sharp reminder of an old wound. Lakshmi's expression darkened in an instant, her face flushing with anger. Her lips pressed into a tight, trembling line, and her chest rose and fell with each indignant breath. She glared at Parvati, the fury in her eyes unmistakable.
"You..." Lakshmi began, her voice shaking with fury, "Parvati, you are so rude!"
But Parvati was unyielding. A sly smile danced on her lips as she shot back, "Lakshmi, you talk too much. Every time you open your mouth, you're dripping with sarcasm."
The words hung in the air like a tension-filled storm, crackling with the force of their clash. Both goddesses, their divine poise momentarily forgotten, stood on the precipice of an all-out verbal battle. Their voices rose in angry waves, each cutting sharper than the last, neither willing to back down.
"Vishnu is a benevolent being!" Lakshmi declared, her voice ringing with pride and certainty. The words left her lips like a divine proclamation, filled with an unshakable belief in her husband's greatness.
"Shiva is the Lord of Innocence!" Parvati shot back, her tone equally forceful, the power in her words undeniable. The mention of Shiva's purity was like a shield she wielded with grace and defiance.
"Vishnu is revered!" Lakshmi responded swiftly, her voice rising in passion, an unspoken challenge in her words.
"Shiva is the Deva of Devas!" Parvati countered with equal fervor, her voice unwavering as she spoke of her husband's supreme status.
"Vishnu is supreme!" Lakshmi retorted, her voice now holding an icy edge, her eyes gleaming with the intensity of her conviction.
"Shiva is in the supreme form!" Parvati's words matched Lakshmi's with unwavering defiance, the two goddesses locked in an unspoken battle, their pride fueling the storm between them.
Devi Lakshmi's eyes narrowed, the blue light flickering in their depths. Her expression darkened as she glared at Parvati, the tension thick in the air.
"I suppose we'll never agree, will we?" Lakshmi's voice dripped with icy disdain, her words cold and final, a stark contrast to the lightheartedness of moments ago.
"No!" Devi Lakshmi shouted, her fury palpable in every syllable. "My husband is the greatest god! You, a wife who hasn't even given birth to a child for her husband, have no right to speak!" The words thundered in the air, striking with such force that they sent shockwaves through the gathering Devas.
The atmosphere grew heavy with tension, and even the usually composed Brahma, Sarasvati, Shiva, and Vishnu fell into stunned silence, their eyes fixed on the two goddesses. The words hung in the air, thick with insult and challenge.
Devi Parvati's composure shattered. Her usually serene demeanor flickered, replaced by a fierce, fiery glare. Her breath quickened, her chest rising and falling with barely controlled rage. The insult had cut deeper than she had expected, and the calm veneer she wore cracked like fragile glass.
"Neither did you!" Parvati snapped back, her voice sharp, biting, laced with venom. Her eyes blazed with indignation, the playful back-and-forth now forgotten in the wake of their heated words.
Lakshmi's lips curled into a cold, almost predatory smile, the venom in Parvati's retort not phasing her in the slightest. "Who says I didn't?" she chuckled darkly, standing taller, her regal posture commanding attention. "When I used peacock feathers to clean my husband's ears, two pieces of earwax fell into the Sea of Milk, and life was born. I am already a mother."
Lakshmi's eyes sparkled with pride as she turned to Vishnu, her gaze soft and affectionate, a playful wink dancing across her face.
Vishnu's smile faltered, his expression turning bitter. For a moment, he was left speechless, unsure of how to respond to the heated exchange.
"I see!" Indra finally exclaimed, his eyes widening in realization. "They're arguing over who is the greater among their husbands—Shiva or Vishnu!"
He took in the tension between the two goddesses, noting Devi Lakshmi's words. A strange unease settled over him. Wait, did she just say life was born from Vishnu's earwax?
Indra couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. He frowned, his arms crossing as he stood back, instinctively distancing himself from the brewing conflict. Is she talking about the asuras who forced Vishnu to ask a boon from them to end them?
With a quiet step, Indra moved behind the other Devas, deciding that it was best to stay far from the potential battlefield.
Meanwhile, the two goddesses stood locked in a stare, their eyes burning with intensity, lips pressed tightly together in a battle of wills. The tension was palpable, as if their anger was on the verge of erupting into an all-out confrontation.
Saraswati floated delicately in the air, her gaze flicking between the two goddesses with a mixture of hesitation and concern. She wondered if she should intervene and stop the escalating quarrel. But would she, too, be swept up in the storm if she approached too rashly?
"Narayana Narayana~"
Suddenly, a lively, free-spirited voice echoed through Vaikuntha, cutting through the tense atmosphere like a splash of color on a blank canvas.
With cheerful, brisk steps, the plump, exuberant figure of Narada Muni appeared in the heavenly realm, holding his Veena with one hand, a wide grin on his face. His entrance was as dramatic as ever.
His exuberant praises filled the air, breaking the oppressive silence that had settled over the gathering. Everyone's attention shifted toward the divine sage, and even Devi Lakshmi and Devi Parvati turned their heads, their focus now entirely on Narada's unexpected appearance.
Narada blinked, momentarily disoriented. He stood with his Veena cradled in his arms, his eyes slightly unfocused, a look of pure contentment on his face.
Looks like I'm in for some fun today!
But as he took in the scene, it became apparent that he had arrived a bit too late—and had unwittingly become a part of the entertainment. The two goddesses, no longer content with their verbal sparring, turned their ire towards him.
"Narada!" The chorus of voices—filled with irritation and authority—echoed, each syllable sharp with anger. Narada's eyes widened in shock, and a slight panic crossed his face as he realized that the fun he anticipated was about to be anything but lighthearted.
"Narada, let me ask you!" Devi Lakshmi raised her hand, a scolding tone dripping from her voice as she pointed at him with a finger as clear and sharp as crystal. "Who is the greatest deva in the world?"
Narada, caught off guard, could only blink in surprise. Before he could gather himself, Devi Parvati's intense gaze met his. Her eyes burned with an energy that hinted at her near-transformation into Kali—the goddess of destruction—should the situation escalate further.
Narada gulped. He hadn't expected to be thrust into the heart of this rivalry.
Indra, watching from the sidelines, couldn't help but smirk. His eyes glinted with amusement as he surveyed the unfolding scene. Even mischievous Narada has found himself caught in the crossfire this time.
Suppressing a chuckle, Indra crossed his arms, enjoying the spectacle. Well, it seems I've come to the right place today. This is going to be one interesting show.
Narada Muni's heart skipped a beat as panic flooded over him. The question that had just been asked was as tricky as the age-old dilemma: if your mother and your wife both fell into the water at the same time, who would you save first? There was no right answer, no simple way to escape the situation.
He wanted to say Vishnu—of course, that seemed like the safest choice. But Devi Parvati's intense gaze made his blood run cold. She was... a little too terrifying when angered.
Sweat began to bead on Narada Muni's forehead. He cast a desperate glance at his Lord Vishnu, hoping for some kind of help. But Vishnu simply gazed back, his expression melancholy and silent.
No help there.
Narada then turned his eyes to the sky, seeking some divine intervention. But even Shiva looked uncomfortable, his usual composure wavering in the face of the growing tension.
Not even Shiva?
Narada's gaze then shifted to his father, Brahma, and to the serene goddess Sarasvati. But Brahma only offered a helpless shrug, his face mirroring Narada's helplessness. There was nothing he could do to resolve this mess.
Desperate, Narada glanced around at the gathering of Rishis and Devas. Their eyes were wide with surprise, and some of them, sensing the brewing storm, took an instinctive step back.
Could it be?
Narada's frantic gaze flitted across the crowd.
Is he... trying to shift the responsibility onto us? The Devas and Rishis exchanged uneasy looks. They all had the same thought.
Would Narada Muni really go so far as to make them the scapegoats for this divine debate?
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Chapter 72 Trial of the Devas
Thump, thump, thump… The rhythmic pounding of the heart filled the air, an eerie melody that echoed through the tense silence. It was as though they stood on the precipice of a volcano, where the slightest spark could ignite an eruption at any moment.
Narada Muni's mind raced as he carefully studied the faces of the Devas around him. He knew one wrong move could tip the scales.
"Better to offend the Devas than the Rishis!" he thought, his eyes darting to the surrounding gods.
His gaze locked with theirs, and a brief flash of energy passed between them. Surya looked alarmed, Vayu appeared flustered, Agni was lost in thought, and Varuna seemed indifferent, his expression as blank as ever.
One by one, the expressions flickered like shadows, but none of the Devas made a move. The atmosphere grew even more oppressive.
Finally, Narada Muni clasped his hands together, preparing to speak.
"Both of your husbands are the greatest among the Devas in my heart," he began, his voice smooth and carefully measured. "I must confess, I am not wise enough to provide an answer to such a question. Moreover, I am a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, and my judgment may be clouded. However, Devis, the Adityas who govern the world surely possess the wisdom to resolve this matter. They must have the answer within their hearts."
With that, Narada Muni deftly deflected the question, passing the burden onto the Devas themselves.
Devi Lakshmi and Devi Parvati blinked in surprise, their eyes immediately narrowing onto the assembled Devas. The figures of the Devas froze, each one caught in the intensity of the moment, unsure of what to do next.
"Fortunately, I ran fast," Indra muttered to himself, his thoughts racing as he cast a glance at the unfolding drama.
In a swift move, he used his Maya powers to blend in with the Rishis nearby. Disguising himself with an orange-red robe, he joined their ranks, unnoticed by all except Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Saravati who were too caught up in the tension to pay attention to him.
"If I had known earlier, I would have practiced my Maya more," Indra mused to himself. He had some basic knowledge of illusion magic, but his skills were crude, and easily seen through by the Rishis and Devas. Today, however, he realized just how useful the power of Maya could be. If he studied it more, he'd be able to blend in even better next time—or escape without a trace if needed.
"More things to learn... more paths to take," he thought, silently vowing to improve his illusionary skills when he returned to Svarga.
Meanwhile, the goddesses' attention was now fully focused on the Devas.
"Surya, speak first," Parvati's voice rang out, her beauty intensified by the faint blue light that flickered under her skin. Her gaze was sharp, cutting through the air like a blade aimed at the Sun God, Surya.
Surya, who had been nervously eyeing the situation, now found himself squarely in the goddess's sights. The atmosphere grew even more charged, the tension almost palpable as everyone awaited his response.
"I-I-I..." Surya stammered, his voice faltering as panic set in. "I... I don't know!"
He instinctively shrank back, pulling his hands from his waist where they had been raised in hesitation. His face was filled with distress as he realized the precariousness of his position. He dared not offend either of the two goddesses before him.
Devi Lakshmi controlled wealth, the very lifeblood of the Devas, their "net worth" in her hands. On the other side, Parvati's Kali form was the embodiment of time, death, and destruction itself, controlling the "lives" of the Devas. His wealth and life lay at the mercy of these two powerful beings.
Surya knew better than to challenge either one. He was utterly powerless.
The two devis exchanged a cold glance, then turned their attention to Agni.
Agni, upon feeling the weight of their gaze, went pale. His body trembled, and he clasped his hands together in panic. He shifted uneasily, his feet shuffling, unsure of what to say. His words came out in a nervous stammer: "This...this...both are equally great?!"
The moment he spoke, the goddesses' anger flared. They stared at Agni, their eyes sharp and unforgiving.
"Next!" they seemed to hiss in unison.
Boom!
A wave of oppressive power surged through the air, and Agni was engulfed by it. He shrank back, his form flickering like a small flame, helpless in the face of their wrath. His hands pressed together, but he seemed like a tiny ember caught in a fierce, all-consuming wind.
Weak, pitiful, and utterly helpless.
Next came Vayu. He swallowed hard, his nerves getting the better of him. Looking between the two goddesses, his eyes darted nervously. He clasped his hands together, voice barely a whisper, "Maybe... the Preserver of the Brahman?"
At his words, a deep blue light glowed ominously beneath Parvati's skin, her anger growing more intense as she stared at Vayu. The God of Wind flinched, his heart racing in fear.
A low hum of displeasure emanated from Devi Lakshmi, her lips curling into a soft, almost sinister smile.
"There's also Varuna," she said, a glint of amusement in her eyes.
Varuna, ever the follower of the crowd, had always chosen whichever side seemed to hold the most power. He was quick to align himself with the winning force, and it appeared Devi Lakshmi had triumphed in this moment.
"Wait," Parvati suddenly interrupted Devi Lakshmi, her voice sharp. She turned her gaze and fixed it on Soma, who was standing next to Immortal Adili. "There's other devas left—let Soma choose first."
An immediate shift occurred. The space around Soma cleared as the Rishi respectfully stepped aside, making way for him.
Soma, caught off guard, hesitated. His head lowered in submission, and he clasped his hands together in prayer, unsure of how to respond.
In the blink of an eye, Soma transformed into a streak of silver light, shooting up toward the moon wheel above Shiva's head. He hovered momentarily before gently landing within it.
"Seems like Soma has chosen Shiva," Parvati remarked with a smile, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction.
Devi Lakshmi's smile faltered, her face darkening as she turned her gaze to Varuna who was now the last one left to make a choice.
Parvati, too, fixed her gaze on Varuna, her smile never wavering.
Varuna's hands trembled as he clasped them together, his eyes darting nervously. His mind raced for a solution.
Before he could speak, his form began to shimmer. Within moments, his divine body became transparent, his shape-shifting until he was nothing more than a body of water. With a soft splash, he collapsed onto the green grass, his liquid form pooling into a puddle.
"Mother, just treat me as a puddle of water!" Varuna's voice echoed from the watery depths, laced with a hint of desperation. "Please, don't ask me questions like this—I really don't know!"
The two goddesses responded with an icy snort, clearly unimpressed by his antics.
They turned their eyes back to the other Devas, their gaze sweeping over the assembly.
"Where's Indra?" Devi Lakshmi asked, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of irritation.
At her words, the Devas and Rishis all turned their heads, scanning the surroundings. As the moments passed, it became clear: the figure of the Emperor of Svarga was nowhere to be found.
"How strange," murmured one of the Rishis. "Where is the King of Svarga?"
"I swear I saw him just a moment ago. Where could he have gone?" another Rishi added, confusion spreading through the crowd.
…
The Rishis exchanged confused glances, their brows furrowed in collective uncertainty. Meanwhile, the eyes of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma shifted subtly, all three turning their gazes toward Indra, who was hiding among the Rishis.
Indra's heart raced as he quickly blinked, signaling with his eyes, silently pleading for them not to expose him.
Shiva said nothing, his expression unreadable. Vishnu gave a slight smile, his lips curving knowingly, but he said nothing to reveal Indra's location. Brahma, ever the stoic figure, looked as calm and ancient as ever, his gaze unbothered.
"You must be mistaken," Brahma finally spoke, his voice carrying the weight of his age and authority. "The King of Svarga has not arrived yet. Surely, he is busy with his meditation, focused on his Tapasya."
Indra let out a quiet sigh of relief, feeling the tension in his chest loosen. He then subtly manipulated his Maya, blending seamlessly into the role of a sage. Slowly, he spoke, feigning deep thought.
"Yes," he murmured, as if realizing something. "I suppose I must have remembered wrong. I didn't see him either."
Around them, the Rishis began to murmur in agreement, their expressions still puzzled but willing to accept the explanation.
"It seems so. I didn't see him either," one of them said, scratching his chin.
"Nor did I," another added, their voice tinged with uncertainty.
The moment passed, and the air lightened, though the strange tension still lingered, unnoticed by the oblivious Rishis.
…
The murmurs of the Rishis grew louder, their voices filled with confusion and curiosity.
"Wait really?" Lakshmi asked. "If Airavata is here, then Indra must be nearby!" Devi Lakshmi piecing the clues together.
Suddenly, Devi Lakshmi raised her delicate hand, her jade finger pointing directly at Airavata, who was lazily chewing on leaves nearby.
Airavata, startled, lifted his head high, his gaze meeting that of Devi Lakshmi.
"Indra!!" Parvati's voice rang out, sharp and furious. The blue light around her face intensified, glowing with a furious energy that seemed to vibrate through the air. Her roar echoed through Vaikuntha, lingering and reverberating like a storm.
The eyes of the Trimurti turned toward Indra, the weight of their collective gaze now bearing down on him. He could no longer hide.
Realizing his moment had come, Indra took a deep breath and stepped forward. With a calm wave of his hand, he released his Maya illusion, revealing himself in full. Slowly, he made his way toward the two goddesses.
"Pranam Devi Lakshmi!" Indra began, his voice measured and respectful as he clasped his hands in reverence.
"Pranam Devi Parvati!" he continued, bowing deeply.
The two goddesses glared at him, their anger palpable. "Tell us, Indra," Parvati demanded, her voice tinged with fury, "Who is greater—Shiva or Vishnu?"
Indra clicked his tongue, clearly in a difficult position. He spread his hands in a gesture of reluctant honesty.
"Well, in this case," he said with a slight sigh, "I can only tell the truth."
He paused, glancing around at the rapt attention of the Rishis and Devas before continuing.
"I had thought the two Tridevis would engage in a high-level discussion about Ultimate Truth, Dharma, or Karma, but it seems you want to know something... so simple," he said with a smirk that barely hid his nervousness. "You want to know who is greater—Shiva or Vishnu? Well, I will tell you."
He straightened, his tone growing more serious. "But listen carefully, for what I say now may not be what you expect."
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Chapter 73 Indra's Bold Gambit
"I have something to say—please, hear me out!" Indra's voice rang with urgency, commanding the attention of all present.
"The Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara—are not separate. Their powers are but different facets of the same eternal principle, indivisible in essence," he declared, his tone resolute, carrying the weight of divine truth.
Lakshmi and Parvati exchanged a glance, their expressions darkening. Their brows knit together in quiet displeasure. Was this not the same tired argument he had used before—the one about the unity of mud and clay?
Before they could respond, Indra pressed on, his voice gaining an unmistakable sharpness.
"As we all know," he continued, "a husband and wife are two halves of the same soul—Ardhangini! Their power is intertwined, inseparable."
He let the words settle, the air thick with tension. Then, with a measured pause, he added, his voice edged with unmistakable intent:
"There is no fundamental divide between the World Preserver and the World Destroyer—but their consorts, it seems, are a different matter. And if I may speak plainly... the two Devis here have not lived up to their own divine roles."
With that, Indra took a step back, retreating behind Vishnu, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.
The two goddesses were livid now. Their beautiful faces twisted in anger, their eyes burning with an intensity that could scorch the very earth. They fixed their gaze on Indra, a silent promise of retribution hanging in the air.
Indra didn't flinch. He carried on, his words sharp and deliberate.
"The first is Devi Lakshmi, who has become far too prideful," he said, his voice sharp, like a hammer striking an anvil.
Standing behind Vishnu, he remained unfazed by the growing rage he knew would follow. "You take pride in bestowing wealth upon the world, but that arrogance has clouded your judgment. Your complacency blinds you to the fact that your husband's troubles stem from your jealousy. How attentive, how caring, have you truly been as a wife? Look at Lord Vishnu's face," he challenged.
His words were like thunder, echoing through Vaikuntha.
The Rishis looked on in rapt attention, some of them furrowing their brows in contemplation, others listening intently. A few even seemed to nod in quiet agreement, while others merely observed, their expressions unreadable.
Shiva and Vishnu turned their heads slightly, their faces serious as they considered the weight of Indra's accusations. The atmosphere was thick with tension as the two gods weighed his words carefully.
Lakshmi's lips twitched with frustration, her eyes darting nervously to Vishnu before she spoke, her voice faltering. "No...!" she began, a slight tremor in her words. "I'm not arrogant! I... I care deeply for my husband!"
She waved her hand in protest, her voice rising in defense. "I only care for Him! I've always been by His side!"
Indra's gaze remained calm and steady, unfazed by her outburst. "If you truly cared for Him," he countered, his voice unwavering, "you would understand His struggles. You would have seen how your jealousy grew. Did you simply choose to feed your pride instead?"
His words cut deeper, each one sharper than the last. "You want him to be number one, don't you? Still dissatisfied with him being second? Is that really the measure of your love for Him?"
The room fell into a tense silence. Every eye was on the two devis, the weight of Indra's words hanging in the air, as they waited for a response.
Each word that fell from Indra's lips seemed like a divine wheel, striking with precision and reverberating through Devi Lakshmi's very soul. Each syllable sent a tremor through her heart, splitting the ground beneath her feet as if to underscore the weight of his accusations.
Her pupils dilated slightly as shock overcame her, and she staggered back a few steps. Her hands, trembling with emotion, clenched tightly together as her gaze shifted toward Vishnu, searching his face for understanding.
"Really?" she murmured, her voice fragile, barely above a whisper.
Vishnu's gaze softened immediately. He took a step toward her, his eyes filled with unwavering affection. "Lakshmi," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "No matter what happens, I will always be there for you."
The warmth in his words was like a balm for her aching heart. His arms opened wide, inviting her in, and without hesitation, she rushed to him. They embraced, the world around them fading into a gentle stillness.
Devi Lakshmi clung to him, her tears wetting his chest as she lifted her head, her eyes wide with vulnerability. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Vishnu smiled down at her with an unshakable kindness. "Husband and wife are one soul," he replied gently, his fingers brushing through her hair. "There's no need for apologies."
With a soft smile, he reached out, his fingers touching her hand in a tender gesture of affection. At that moment, a faint blue fluorescence began to emanate from his fingertips, a sign of his divine power. Vishnu twisted his fingers gently, capturing the blue sapphire which was the pride and arrogance of Narsimha, and purifying it into nothingness, dissolving it with a simple flick of his wrist.
The sight of Vishnu and Devi Lakshmi holding each other in such tender embrace brought a serene smile to the faces of those watching, their hearts lightened by the display of love and understanding.
Devi Parvati, who had been silently observing, couldn't help but raise her head high in quiet pride. A smirk played at the edges of her lips. "Looks like I won," she murmured to herself, a quiet triumph in her voice.
Lord Shiva, holding his trident with calm grace, cast a respectful glance at Indra. His expression remained unfazed, yet there was something in his eyes that conveyed admiration.
"It seems," Shiva said with a knowing smile, "that he hasn't finished speaking yet."
Turning his gaze to Indra, Shiva's voice was steady. "Indra, continue. We are all listening."
The sudden shift in focus caught Devi Parvati off guard. She turned toward her husband, her brow furrowing with confusion and a hint of sorrow. Her eyes searched his, silently asking why he had chosen to encourage Indra's continued words.
Shiva's gaze remained innocent, his smile unchanged. He stood resolute, watching Indra intently, as if he could see deeper into the heart of the situation. His quiet support for the unfolding drama seemed unshakable.
Indra blinked, his gaze flickering toward Devi Parvati. A realization struck him—this was not the direction he had intended, but rather the words of Lord Shiva. No matter. If Shiva had opened the door, he would not hold back.
"Then..." Indra began, his voice calm yet sharp, as he stood just behind Shiva, casting a measured glance at Devi Parvati.
"Then there is Devi Parvati," he continued, his tone now rising with accusation. "She has allowed her wrath to overtake her!"
His voice rang out, charged with a quiet fury. "When Devi Lakshmi voiced her dissatisfaction, you nearly descended into the form of Kali—an embodiment of destruction itself. All of this, over a single word spoken about the greatness of Lord Vishnu. Is Vishnu not your brother?" Indra's gaze sharpened as he pressed further. "It seems your anger arose from a single question. Has it clouded your judgment so completely?"
Indra's words cut through the air, and Devi Parvati inhaled sharply, her face flushing with indignation. She had been angered by Devi Lakshmi's words about her inability to bear a child, something that weighed heavily on her heart.
Parvati turned her head away, huffing in disdain. "Sometimes, lies are harmless, but the truth..." she murmured bitterly. "The truth cuts deeper than any falsehood."
Indra's words continued, relentless as ever. "Easily swayed by anger, Devi. Do you still remember your identity as the mother of the world? Are you nurturing this world with the tenderness of a mother to her children?"
The room fell silent as Parvati's expression shifted. Indra's words struck deep—yes, she was not just the mother of her children, but the mother of all.
Indra, feeling the momentum of his words, pressed on. He raised his hand and pointed toward Varuna, now reduced to a puddle of water by Parvati's wrath. "Look at what has become of them because of your anger," he continued, his voice growing more impassioned. "They are all children, just like us. We are all children of the universe!"
He pounded his chest, his voice echoing through the divine halls. "We are all just children!" Indra declared with conviction, as though the weight of the cosmos hung on his every word.
In that moment, he felt the righteousness of his stance, as though he were a divine lawgiver, setting the world to rights. The power of his speech made the other Devas seem insignificant in comparison.
Devi Parvati's prideful head lowered, her gaze softening with a touch of humility.
"It seems... I was really wrong," she murmured, her voice tinged with regret.
She walked toward Shiva, her steps measured and slow. Shiva, ever calm, met her gaze with a gentle smile.
"Parvati," Shiva said warmly, his tone light, "it's just because of your love for me."
His words were simple, yet full of reassurance. Parvati's shoulders relaxed, her heart easing as she met her husband's understanding gaze.
For a brief moment, peace settled between the two Devis, a rare stillness after the storm of their earlier confrontation.
The Devas, watching the scene unfold, turned their gazes toward Indra with deep reverence.
As expected of the King of Svarga!
Suryadev clasped his hands together, his voice barely a whisper but filled with admiration: "May your wisdom continue to lead the Svarga, Indra. We are ever grateful for your words!"
"We are ever grateful for your words!" echoed the Vayu and Agni, their eyes glowing with gratitude and respect.
Their reverence was palpable, like brothers bound by unspoken bonds.
Varuna, who had been reduced to a mere puddle, slowly gathered himself from the ground. Gradually, he regained his divine form, transforming into his human shape once more. With a respectful gesture, he clasped his hands together, his gaze filled with admiration. "Thank you big brother!" he intoned.
The Rishis, too, watched with awe, their eyes fixed on Indra, expressions of respect, admiration, and wonder etched across their faces. To defeat the two powerful Devis with nothing but righteous speech? His strength was undeniable.
So strong, they thought in unison. Such power and wisdom were a rarity among them. Indeed, Indra had become a model to which all Rishis aspired.
"Indra is growing ever more wise," Devi Saraswati murmured, her voice soft with admiration.
"Indeed," Brahma agreed, his beard slightly raised, a knowing smile on his face. "What a spectacle we've witnessed today. It has been most... entertaining."
Amusement danced in his eyes as he observed Indra's skillful display.
But Indra was not yet finished. He turned his head, scanning the Devas and Rishis with his piercing gaze. His eyes blazed like fire, intense and unyielding, before finally resting on a familiar figure: Narada Muni.
Ha! Indra's expression twisted into a knowing smirk.
Even the realms of Svarga and Earth were no longer safe from his wrath.
"Narada!" Indra's voice thundered, a fierce blaze of power that seemed to scorch the very air around him. The sound reverberated across Vaikuntha, shaking the heavens, like a clap of thunder.
"Narada! Narada! Narada!" The echoes of his fury rang out, cascading over the vast ocean of milk, stirring the waves into a frenzy.
Narada Muni, caught amid this storm, had already been preparing to slip away. His legs moved to leave Vaikuntha, his Veena in hand when Indra's voice reached his ears. Realization dawned upon him—he had pushed too far.
Too late... Narada thought, a wry smile crossing his lips, but the damage had been done. There would be no escape now.
As the echoes of Indra's fury continued to reverberate, a tense silence fell over Vaikuntha. Time was running short, and the approaching night would see even greater challenges. It was growing late.
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