Extremely sorry for Yesterday --------------------------------------------
Chapter 75: Rudhira Rath and the Daughters of the Sun
The sun was rising, painting the sky in golden orange, as Rudra reached the grand palace of Raja Satrajit. The palace stood tall, surrounded by beautiful gardens and calm ponds. Courtiers and guards waited in silence, their eyes wide with respect. Today, they were to meet a man whose name was whispered with awe—Maharaj Rudra of Mahishmati.
Rudra walked through the palace gates with quiet grace. Dressed in his black and gold dhoti, his strong chest bare, and rudraksha malas wrapped around his arms and neck, he looked like a warrior sage. His long black hair was tied back neatly, and the Shiv tilak on his forehead glowed faintly. His presence was calm, but everyone could feel a storm beneath that calm.
Inside the royal darbar, King Satrajit stood from his golden throne. His beard was grey, his posture proud, but even he looked a little uneasy.
"Welcome to my humble home, Maharaj Rudra. Your visit is a blessing."
Rudra nodded.
"King Satrajit, I have come with a purpose. There is no time for formalities. The world is in danger."
The courtiers sat upright, listening carefully.
"A demon named Narakasura is spreading terror. He must be stopped. But only one person can help me defeat him—your eldest daughter, Princess Satyabhama. She is not an ordinary girl. She carries within her the power of Bhudevi herself."
Gasps echoed in the hall.
King Satrajit looked serious. He had seen this moment in a dream sent by Surya Dev. Still, he acted hesitant.
"She is my daughter, Maharaj Rudra. Sending her with you into danger is not easy."
Rudra looked him straight in the eyes.
"If she doesn't come, thousands of lives will be lost. Your daughter is the key to ending Narakasura's cruelty."
After a long silence, King Satrajit nodded slowly.
"If this is her destiny, then I won't stop her. But I ask one thing in return."
Rudra raised an eyebrow.
"Speak."
"You must promise me a favor. I will not ask for anything now, but one day, I will. When I do, you must fulfill it without question."
Rudra took a breath and agreed.
"I accept."
Just then, the royal doors opened. Three princesses entered, walking with grace and dignity.
In the center was Princess Satyabhama. Her eyes were sharp, her walk full of confidence. She wore a deep red dress with gold embroidery, and her black hair was tied in a long braid with jasmine flowers.
To her right was her younger sister Vratini, wearing a sky-blue dress, soft-spoken and graceful. To her left was Prasvapini, in forest green, calm and quiet, always looking down with respect.
They walked silently to the front. Satyabhama stood before Rudra.
"You want me to go with you, Maharaj Rudra?"
"Yes. This task requires strength, courage, and purity. You have all three."
"And if I say no?"
"Then I'll leave. But you know this is something only you can do."
Satyabhama turned to her father.
"With your permission, Pitashri?"
King Satrajit gave a heavy sigh.
"Go, my daughter. Make us proud."
Rudra gave a small nod and turned to go.
King Satrajit called out again.
"Would you allow me to accompany you to the city gate?"
Rudra shook his head.
"There's no time. Lives are at stake."
Vratini stepped forward.
"Sister, return safely."
Prasvapini whispered a soft prayer.
Satyabhama smiled at both and walked beside Rudra.
—
Outside the palace, everyone stood waiting. But there was no chariot, no horse. How would they travel?
Rudra paused in the open courtyard. He bent down and picked up a handful of soil. He whispered ancient mantras into the earth, then threw the soil ahead.
The ground began to glow. From it rose a black chariot, shining like stone with red lightning streaks. It had no reins, no horses, but it looked alive.
Everyone gasped.
Rudra then bit his thumb, letting two drops of his blood fall to the ground beside the chariot.
The earth cracked. From it rose two mighty horses, their bodies glowing red, lightning dancing along their backs. They neighed loudly, and then, to everyone's surprise, they spoke.
"Swami."
They bowed their heads.
"These are Rudhira Ashwa," Rudra said. "Born from my blood, meant only to pull my chariot. Their name is Rudhira, and they need no whip or rest."
Even King Satrajit looked amazed.
"He created life from blood... like Mahadev Himself."
Rudra turned to Satyabhama.
"Come."
She looked at the horses and the chariot, then nodded.
"I'm ready."
They both stepped into the chariot. As soon as they sat, the Rudhira Ashwa neighed, their red lightning lighting up the sky.
And then—Boom!
With a flash of light, the chariot vanished into the sky, faster than any wind, heading toward the dark lands of the Asuras.
The court stood still, frozen in awe.
King Satrajit looked at the sky.
"A king of Mahishmati came here today, and with him, my daughter rides into destiny."
Inside the palace, Vratini and Prasvapini remained quiet.
One of the palace women whispered.
"He created horses... from blood."
Vratini said softly.
"Only someone touched by Mahadev could do that."
Prasvapini said nothing, just kept her hands folded in prayer.
Outside, the clouds rolled. The wind had changed.
And so began a new journey— A journey of Rudra and Satyabhama, To end the tyranny of Narakasura, And restore balance once again.
Chapter Ends....