"What is it, Chitragupta?" Yama inquired, his stern expression softening with a hint of curiosity.
"Lord Yama, there has been an unprecedented disturbance in the cosmic balance. The realms are in turmoil, and the fabric of the afterlife is affected," Chitragupta, the divine record-keeper, explained, his voice filled with urgency.
Yama's gaze intensified as he listened to Chitragupta's report. "Explain the nature of this disturbance, Chitragupta. The cosmic balance is not to be taken lightly."
Chitragupta opened the divine book in his hands, pages filled with intricate writings and celestial symbols. "My Lord, it appears that something or someone severed the connection of many souls from the afterlife...And I can't find that anomaly even after trying to find it actively."
Yama's eyes narrowed further as he absorbed the gravity of the situation. The disruption Chitragupta described went beyond the usual afterlife processes, indicating a force that defied the established order.
"Chitragupta, You know as well as I do that severing the connection of a soul possibly damages the soul more than anything which leads them to perish and leaves traces behind in the fabric of existence which we can find easily than What is the problem?"
Chitragupta, the meticulous record keeper, nodded solemnly. "Indeed, my Lord. The severed connection creates an imbalance, and the traces left behind usually guide us to the origin. However, in this case, there are no traces as if the very fabric of existence has been skillfully manipulated to conceal the source. It's an anomaly beyond our understanding."
Yama's expression grew graver. The cosmic laws that governed the afterlife were intricate and designed to maintain balance. An unforeseen disruption of this magnitude could have far-reaching consequences.
Yama suddenly remembered someone who could do something like that, 'Ashborn...Are you still alive?'.
"Chitragupta, From where did you last sense this disturbance emanate?"
Chitragupta flipped through the celestial pages of the divine book, his finger tracing a complex pattern. "My Lord, the disturbance originated in the...abandoned Celestial realm."
Yama's eyes widened at Chitragupta's revelation. The abandoned Celestial realm was a place of ancient mysteries, a realm that had long been forsaken by deities and beings alike.
The very mention of this realm stirred memories in Yama, memories of a time when its energies were sealed off due to the dangerous experiments of powerful entities.
"The abandoned Celestial realm... That place should not be meddled with. Its energies are potent and unpredictable," Yama muttered, a tinge of concern in his voice.
Chitragupta nodded in agreement. "Indeed, my Lord. The disturbance is unsettling, and its origin in such a forsaken realm raises many questions. I have already dispatched some Yamadutas to investigate further."
'Celestial realm...we lost so many there, A war so ferocious and hurtful that the memory of it still echoes in the corridors of time.' Yama thought, recalling the ancient conflict that led to the abandonment of the Celestial realm.
'Ashborn, Eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Your sacrifice, We still remember that smile on his face when he burned his entire being to stop those MONSTERS!!!'
Yama's memories echoed with the pain of that ancient conflict, the sacrifice of Ashborn, and the desperate measures taken to stop the looming threat in the Celestial realm. The sudden disturbance in this forsaken place brought back memories that Yama had hoped to leave behind.
"Chitragupta, gather the elite Yamadutas. We must investigate this disturbance personally. The cosmic balance is at stake," Yama commanded with a tone that brooked no delay.
Chitragupta, sensing the urgency, bowed and hurriedly left the throne room to carry out Yama's orders. The vastness of Yamaloka echoed with the sounds of countless souls, but Yama's focus was now on the abandoned Celestial realm, a place where potent energies and ancient mysteries intertwined.
As Yama prepared to leave the throne room, he glanced at the divine book that Chitragupta had brought. The pages still emitted a faint glow, a testament to the disturbance in the cosmic balance. Yama took the book in his hands and closed his eyes, focusing his divine senses on the celestial patterns within.
Images flashed before Yama's eyes—souls severed from their destinies, cosmic threads unraveling, and the abandoned Celestial realm pulsating with an unsettling energy. The disturbance seemed to defy the very laws that governed the afterlife.
With a determined expression, Yama opened his eyes, the orbs of authority now ablaze with a divine intensity. He descended from his golden-black throne and walked through the grand hallways of Yamaloka, heading towards the portal that would take him to the abandoned Celestial realm.
Yama's mind raced with thoughts of the possible implications. If someone had the power to manipulate the fabric of existence in such a way, it posed a threat not only to the afterlife but to the entire cosmic order.
'Ashborn...Are you back? like you said.'
The portal to the abandoned Celestial realm loomed ahead, its ethereal glow flickering with an ancient resonance. Yama, the Lord of Death and Justice, approached with a resolute stride. His mind echoed with the memories of the past, the sacrifices made, and the looming threat that had led to the forsaking of this realm.
***
[Hastinapur, Kingdom of Kuru]
In the earthly realm of Hastinapur, the capital of the Kuru Kingdom, life carried on its usual hustle and bustle. The vibrant city sprawled with its markets, palaces, and bustling streets. The people went about their daily lives, unaware of the cosmic disturbance reverberating through the realms.
At the heart of the kingdom, in the royal palace, King Dhritarashtra held court. Seated on his grand throne, the blind king ruled with wisdom, guided by his chief counselor, Vidura.
"Your Majesty, It's been two days since the 'Kala Pradarshan' we should distribute rewards to the participants as a gesture of appreciation," Vidura advised, his voice echoing through the ornate court.
"And the hand of Princess Dusshala's in marriage to Angraj Karna shall be granted as promised," Shakuni nodded, a sinister smile playing on his lips. The courtiers and advisors exchanged glances, aware of the political machinations that often unfolded in the royal court.
King Dhritarashtra, though blind, possessed a keen sense of perception. "Yes, Vidura, you are right. Arrange for the distribution of rewards, and let the announcement of Princess Dusshala's betrothal be made public. It is essential to maintain the stability of our kingdom."
As the court proceedings continued, a messenger burst into the hall, breathless and visibly anxious. The court fell silent, and all eyes turned toward the newcomer.
"What urgent matter brings you here?" Vidura inquired, his expression serious.
The messenger bowed before the king and spoke with a sense of urgency. "Your Majesty, pardon the intrusion. Angraj Karna is getting ready to leave for Anga, and he requests an audience with you before his departure."
"Granted!"
King Dhritarashtra nodded, giving his permission for Angraj Karna's audience. The messenger hastily retreated from the court, and soon after, Karna entered with a confident stride.
The aura released from Karna made everyone unconsciously bow their heads in respect. His formidable presence commanded attention as he approached the throne.
"Angraj Karna, you requested an audience. What brings you before the court?" King Dhritarashtra inquired, his voice resonating with curiosity.
Angraj Karna bowed respectfully before the king and spoke with unwavering confidence, "Your Majesty, I express my gratitude for your benevolence. I am here to formally take my leave as I return to the Kingdom of Anga. The journey awaits, and I wish to depart at the earliest."
King Dhritarashtra nodded, acknowledging Karna's request. "Angraj Karna, your valor in the 'Kala Pradarshan' was commendable. As a token of appreciation, we shall bestow upon you the rewards promised, and the announcement of your betrothal to Princess Dusshala will be made public."
Karna's expression remained stoic, but a flicker of something unreadable crossed his eyes at the mention of Princess Dusshala. He gracefully accepted the acknowledgment, "Your Majesty, I am honored by your generosity. I shall await the announcement and the bestowed rewards."
As the courtiers began to prepare for the distribution of rewards, Shakuni, the mastermind behind many intrigues, observed Karna closely. A sly smile played on Shakuni's lips as he whispered to himself, "The pieces are falling into place, and the game of politics unfolds."
Vidura, the chief counselor, noted Shakuni's demeanor but remained focused on the proceedings. The court was abuzz with anticipation as the rewards were brought forward, each item reflecting the wealth and prestige of the Kuru Kingdom.
Amidst the presentation of rewards, Princess Dusshala entered the court, her regal presence commanding attention. She carried an air of grace and composure as she took her place beside King Dhritarashtra.
An uneasy tension lingered in the air as the court awaited the announcement of Princess Dusshala's betrothal. The king, sensing the gravity of the moment, addressed the assembly.
"People of Kuru Kingdom, I stand before you to make an important announcement. In recognition of Angraj Karna's valor and contributions, I hereby announce the betrothal of Princess Dusshala to Angraj Karna of the Kingdom of Anga."