Immortals of Meluha

Ayurvati as well. It was the first time that Parvateshwar was travelling in the same carriage as
Shiva. Krittika had begged off the carriage and volunteered to ride, claiming that she was
missing the scenic beauty of the countryside. Veerbhadra was more than pleased to ride along
with her in Nandi’s platoon.
They had journeyed just a few days away from Karachapa when the convoy was brought to
a halt by a large caravan travelling hurriedly in the opposite direction. Parvateshwar stepped
out of the carriage to inquire. Brigadier Vraka came up to Parvateshwar and executed a military
salute.
‘What is the matter?’
‘My Lord, they are refugees from the village of Koonj,’ said Vraka. ‘They are escaping a
terrorist attack.’
‘Escaping!’ asked a surprised Parvateshwar. ‘You mean the attack is still on?’
‘I think so, my Lord,’ said Vraka, his face filled with rage.
‘Goddamit!’ swore Parvateshwar. Neither Meluha nor he had ever got an opportunity like
this. To be present at the right time and right place with a thousand five hundred soldiers while
a terrorist attack was in progress. And yet, Parvateshwar ’s hands were tied. He was not
allowed to take on any mission except to protect the Neelkanth and the Princess.
‘What nonsense?’ he thought to himself. ‘My orders forbid me from following my Kshatriya
dharma!’
‘What’s the matter, Parvateshwar?’
Parvateshwar turned to find Shiva right behind him. Sati and Ayurvati were getting out of the
carriage as well. Before Parvateshwar could answer, a horrible noise tore through the quiet
forest road. It was a sound Shiva had come to recognise. It declared the evil intentions of the
conch-shell bearer, loud and clear. It announced that an attack had begun. A Naga attack had
begun!