Those of the vanquished who survived are the Chandravanshis we see today’
‘So your differences go that far back?’
‘Yes,’ said Daksha. ‘The Chandravanshis are corrupt and disgusting people. No morals. No
ethics. They are the source of all our problems. Some of us believe that Lord Ram was too
kind. He should have completely destroyed them. But he forgave them and let them live. In fact,
we have to face the mortification of seeing the Chandravanshis rule over Lord Ram’s birthplace
— Ayodhya!’
Before Shiva could react to this information, the bell of the new prahar was rung. Everyone
said a quick prayer to welcome the subsequent time chapter. Shiva immediately looked
towards the window. A look of expectancy appeared on his face.
Daksha smiled as he observed Shiva’s expression. ‘We could break for lunch now, my Lord.
But if you have another engagement you would like to attend, we could continue tomorrow’
Parvateshwar glared at Daksha disapprovingly. He knew exacdy what the emperor was
trying to do.
‘That would be nice, your Highness,’ smiled Shiva. ‘Is my face that transparent?’
‘Yes it is my Lord. But that is a gift you have. Nothing is prized more than honesty in Meluha.
Why don’t you leave for your engagement and we could convene here again tomorrow
morning?’
Thanking Daksha profusely, Shiva left the room with Nandi in tow.
Shiva approached the hedge with excitement and trepidation. The moment he heard the
sound of the dhol coming from the garden, he despatched Nandi to have lunch at the guest
house. He wanted to be alone. He let out a deep sigh of ecstasy as he crept behind the hedge
to find Sati practising under the watchful eye of the Guruji and Krittika.
‘So good to see you again, Shiva,’ said the Guruji as he stood up with a formal namaste.
‘The pleasure is all mine, Guruji,’ said Shiva, as he bent down to touch the Guruji’s feet as a
sign of respect.
Sati watched silendy at a distance with her gaze on the floor. Krittika said enthusiastically, ‘I
just couldn’t get your dance out of my mind!’
Shiva blushed at the compliment. ‘Oh it wasn’t that good.’
‘Now you’re fishing for compliments,’ teased Krittika.
‘I was wondering if we could start off where we left last time,’ said Shiva, turning towards
Sati. ‘I don’t think I have to be your teacher or anything like that. I just wanted to see you
dance.’
Sati felt her strange discomfort returning again. What was it about Shiva that made her feel
that she was breaking the law in speaking with him? She was allowed to talk to men as long as
she kept a respectable distance. Why should she feel guilty?
‘I will try my best,’ said Sati formally. ‘It would be enriching to hear your views on how I can
improve myself. I really do respect you for your dancing skills.’
Respect?! Why respect? Why not love?!
Shiva smiled politely. Something inside told him that saying anything at this point of time
would spoil the moment.