The vampire-white mountain range of Kailash covered sparsely with vegetation, famous for death due to frost bite were bathed in warm yellow light emanating from the 26 year man , clad only in a white cotton dhoti and angravastra.

The atmosphere was serene and dense. The man in meditation seemed too concentrated , to focus on his surroundings and acknowledge the changes ever since the past year. But today a miracle happened, the man who hasn't for once shivered even in the winter days of Kailash...shivered. The one who could be easily mistaken for being a stone sculpture showed movement... movement of eyeballs with a small but soulful smile. The movements of eyeballs depicted his restlessness whereas the serene smile easily reflected his inner happiness and tranquility. For anyone who would visit him now , would be extremely confused at his state...but standing before him were Devi Shakti and Mahadev . The one's who knew this restlessness of being near yet away and tranquility of each other's presence too well . It's wierd to say but when both these opposite emotions are in perfect balance , they give rise to another bittersweet emotion...which is equally confusing.

The divine couple was equally elated as Karn for the arrival of this lightbringer , the game changer and moreover their daughter and his ol' unknown yet known friend.

I feel very elated today & y not? My daughter is finally here ...I still remember the day she had accepted me as a father, mentor and friend asking me to guide her. That day when she was badly hurt...I still remember her sobs & accusations. From then on , she has always seen me as another being and not as God ..She would cry , fight , joke and accuse me but would remember me every day. She would ask me to help her choose the thing that would be best for everyone and not only for her. On Mondays and Mahashivratri where people would ask me to fulfill their wishes and blessings ; she would ask me for guidance on the path of humanity , righteousness and practicality and would thank me whenever she feels like it . She is equally if not more close to Shakti. She accepted me as her father in the later years but Shakti was her mother from birth. Shakti is her role model. & It won't be wrong to say that she has turned out to be in ways like Shakti only...No..She doesn't have divine powers or anything . Her personality replicates Shakti...fierce yet kind, practical yet emotional, perfect combination of beauty , brawn and brain.

I suddenly feel Shakti's warmth seeping into my cold hands . She seems worried and I know why !! We both together set off to look at Karn.

His powers have grown in the past year by activating his 3 chakras.. Initially it was difficult for him but now he has got a grip of it and would activate all his chakras in this year or even sooner.....or he might just ditch this. After all she's here & I can clearly feel the restlessness of his soul to be in her vicinity. Can't blame him when I too suffered the same once. Hope he controls his urges and excels in this.

I'm more than delighted with her being here and ... worried. And Y shouldn't I be worried? Dwaparyug sees women as meek and always in need of men for protection ...an independent woman, in the current time is not acceptable. Although Kaliyug too believes somewhat the same but the various reforms over the years , have led to acceptance of independent and high-spirited woman and their views. For her Dwaparyug would feel like a cage and I won't be surprised if she does something stupid to get out of here. She is free-spirited and clearly knows what she wants. She is not the one to be in shackles instead she loves breaking them. But I'm afraid of the emotional damage she would suffer for this. I know , I haven't done any mistake in bringing her here but may be in some way I have wronged her. Snatched her independence and fruits of hardwork. I hope she wouldn't be too disheartened and forgive me. Forgiving is not a problem to her till the person is genuine , otherwise even Mahakaal can't save u from her.

I hold Mahadev's hand and soon we are before Karn ..I know my son here is restless for her. His soul craves her presence but now he is restless for her well being , which adds up to my worry list. I have to make sure she is fine.

My eyes shift to Mahadev who seems immersed in deep thoughts. I have an idea of what he is thinking and I can't let it happen. I raise my hand and soon rays of blue light surrounds Karn, removing his inner restlessness. I smile at Mahadev who nods with a serene smile and soon creates a barrier around him to protect him from the upcoming changes. I don't want him to feel her or her emotions now as it would definitely create a hindrance in his path.

She can be both , his liberation as well as confinement.

Sunlight filtered through the different shades and types of leaves and branches of trees , fell on the matte green grass which at places was covered with Amaltash and palash flowers , seeming as if someone threw them on it. Near a palash tree was laying an unconscious petite girl , wounded on forehead by the rock beneath her. A very small but prominent stream of blood was oozing from her head.

Giggles could be heard, not far from her location, indicating a group of girls walking towards her direction.

: It was so much fun last year ..We decorated and sang so many songs. Even the dance by Suruchi was splendid.

: Yes!! Holi lightens up the atmosphere and spreads colour in our lives. Although mom condones me from playing...Thanks to Devi Amba who allows us to enjoy to our hearts content. What say Suru?

: Holi is so much fun..playing with colours and flowers but my favourite part is making those colours. Selecting the best flowers and leaves making lots of vibrant colours from it...

Suruchi jiji are u gonna perform this time too?

Ashwatthama's love interest , shadow of Ananya and looks up to her. Orphaned by bandit attack at a small age of 10 and was taken under wings by Amba. Bubbly but when challenged can be fiery. Is generally calm but in anger shares the same temper as Amba.

: I don't know...I'm not a great dancer. But will see ...I think I can perform as we girls would celebrate it in our way at our place. Hey !! Don't forget to collect firewood and collect as many flowers as possible . I want to make the best possible colours this time.

Everyone is busy during this time. Some in cleaning. Some in decoration. Some in arranging things. Basically everyone is occupied. Holi is round-the-corner so everyone is elated as well as busy.

These palash and Amaltash flowers would make perfect orange and yellow colours ....I start collecting as much as flowers possible..and thanks to Mahadev there's a lot of flowers on the grass ..While collecting something flashes in my eyes..I look for the source of flash and ...Oh Mahadev!!! There's someone lying wounded ...I rush up to her..

Umm!! Her clothes are odd..and she has somethings like sanduks (wooden box) around her. I touch her to turn her around and feel her burning up. On turning, I see a wound on her head which can get serious if not treated soon. By this time all others had arrived I asked Pratha and Asha to carry her things and by the help of Prachi took the girl to Ashram. I'm sure Devi Amba won't have a problem with nursing her to health.. Soon we reach Ashram and the ashramvasis crowd around us...I can see astonishment in some eyes , curiosity in others , suspicion in some and concern in others.

Before we can speak , the round of questions begin with what , how ,who where, why .... Until a familiar roar ..oops voice cuts them off. The voice that belongs to none other than Devi Amba.

What on earth is happening here?

All of them move aside to pave way for her and she glances at us . Her eyes show concern and suspicion both...She walks forward and examines the girl we have shoulder. Well I must say this girl is quite light and..... pretty.

Hey Mahadev !! She is burning. Admit her in the cottage and get medicines and herbs fast.

Her order is full of authority like a queen. We both take her to the cottage where Devi Amba treats her with utmost concern and care....

One of us has to stay with her to monitor her condition...As u all are preoccupied , I will stay here and look after her. If u need anything , I will be here. Inform others as well.

We nod and leave the cottage to inform others.

I'm really concerned about her. Hope she wakes up soon....

Never in my 61 years of life have I seen someone like her. Her beauty is beyond words could describe, as if she is an Apsara. Her face screams innocence.I don't want to think what would have happened if a man , bandit or Rakshas would have taken her. Beauties like her aren't safe in this male dominated Aryavrat. Her clothes were odd thank god I changed her out of them. Even the things she has got is out of my understanding. From the past 2 days I'm constantly monitoring her condition , although her fever has receded but she hasn't gained consciousness.

I have already asked Matamaha , Bhagwan and Mata Dharini's presence and they would be here soon.

I don't know why but I feel I can trust her. She connects with me...How?? I don't know. I have never even seen her or someone like her then.. y do I feel such connection with her?Not only me even Suru feels some connection with her ...I have seen her visiting this girl and checking up on her many times. There's something about this girl that I can't point out...Not something bad ofcourse.

Maa Shakti..I'm losing my senses .

I was moving towards the exit when I felt a soft touch on my little finger ...as if someone has gripped it... Before I could turn around to look at her I heard the word ...I thought I wouldn't ever hear in my lifetime.

My body went numb..my vision got blurry ...Tears made their way from my eyes ..tears of happiness and sadness... Happiness that atleast for once , even in an subconscious state someone did address me as Maa and sadness that there has been & would be no one to address me such in the past and future respectively.

Maa...maa..maa (pitch decreasing each time)

By the time I turned around she is fast asleep...I sit beside her and caress her hair lovingly...The crease on her forehead gradually disappears and a there's a slight upward motion of her lips , she leans into my touch and sleeps soundly. I keep on lovingly caressing her head.

I don't know what I want anymore. I can't understand myself. I'm trying to connect and form a bond with someone I have no idea of ... someone who might just wake up tomorrow and leave.

This word..Maa.. has the ability to create ocean of emotions in a woman. I don't believe that being a mother completes a woman or a child completes a woman but being a mother is a different achievement. An achievement ,a pleasure , a happiness that none in the world could describe.

I have seen the women who were disowned by their families during pregnancy be all lively with their child. It's true at times I too yearned for a child but with these years I had convinced myself that I can't possibly have one , then why now ? Y the desires I have locked up and forgotten being resurfaced?

In my despair I hadn't noticed when mata Dharini entered and sat by me..

I can relate to u putri...I know this feeling all very well.

I'm confused..

I too met Karn in similar circumstances. He awakened the mother in me just like she did to u. U know when we desire something from the purity of our heart , we get it in one way or other. Vidhata always gives what one deserves. May be she deserves to be your daughter...may be u are destined to be her mother.

Mata (silently) Even if this is possible ... would she accept me as her mother? .....Everyone is not as fortunate as u & fortune and me don't come together in a single sentence. Y are we even talking about this ? Forget it!! Where's Matamaha and Bhagwan Parshuram? They're supposed to be here...

Did someone just miss us?

Matamaha .. Bhagwan.. Pranam. (Greetings)

Blessings !!

Is this the girl Amba?

I nodded. He swiftly but cautiously moved towards her and closed his eyes , chanted some mantras while keeping a hand on her forehead....

There's no significant negative aura or magic around her..She instead has positive aura, a bit different ..aura that is very powerful......She is a pure soul.

I sigh contently ..I knew she was no harm but needed to be sure. Getting the compliment of being pure soul by BP is no easy task...but.....

Amba: what do u mean by different powerful aura?

Every person is associated with a aura or wave function & has rhythm of its soul. And this aura differs with each person. A person's aura in general can be gauged by his reaction to a particular situation when he/she is wide awake. But his/her original and authentic aura can be known only when the person is free of pretenses ie in the sleeping or unconscious state. Her aura is not harmful instead it's healing. Her aura significantly differs from all of us because...

MD: Because...??

: Because...she is from a different time period...She is from... Kaliyug!!

What???

A tense silence ...

: Why? How? ..umm??......Now what?

We take care of her and ask her how this happened. Wtever we got to know today shouldn't get out of this room. If people got to know about her , her life would be in constant threat.

So all of this information will stay among us.

All of us hummed .

I moved to sit beside her and take care of her. God knows how will she handle all this.

MDSwami!! ...Look at her pendant... Isn't it the same as Karn's?

I too look at her pendant and am astonished.

Dharini not only this looks same as Karn's but has the same energies as of Karn's locket. This girl is protected by... Ardhnarishwar.

We all look at each other bewildered. None knows how to react . Getting something from Ardhnarishwar in Dwaparyug is an impossible task and she had managed to acquire something from them in Kaliyug ...She is special...very special. Unknowingly a small smile makes its way to my lips and I sit there lovingly caressing her.

Ahh!! Ouch!! Maaa!! What the!!! Did someone run down a bulldozer on me? Y am I feeling so much pain and weakness?My head hurts worse than that stupid hangover I had . Ahh!! I can't even get up on my own . Great!!! Feels like my body has no strength.

I just lay there on the cot, reminiscing whatever has happened....me leaving home for flight , shutting down of cab in the middle of nowhere... moving towards bus station and .... whirlwind and ...ahh...and ......com'on...portal ?? My eyes flew wide open..No no no!!! That can't happen..My mind must be pranking me .

I look around myself to see a small but cozy cottage decorated with plants. There's just a cot I'm lying on, a side table with water in an earthen pot and some herbs on my right. On my left is a small ....what seems like a diwan of wood and on it are my belongings .. perfectly intact. To my extreme right is an idol of Shiv-Shakti ..I pay my regards to them...and look at the door which has just opened...

A girl in very different , odd but simple clothes enters ...

Thanks to Mahadev u are awake.. We all were tensed for u ...

She seems genuinely concerned ...but y? I don't even know her?? I was about to speak something but ended up coughing.. My throat feels tooo dry...In no time she was beside me and made me drink some water. I'm grateful to her. The cold and sweet water feels like Amrit!

Wait!!!Is she speaking Sanskrit??😮 Woow!!! Here, I always wanted to learn it ...Wait how am I understanding it?

Yeh ho kya raha hai bhai??( What is happening ?)

Am I in some kind of village...but ...I was in Netherland and she seems Indian.... speaking Sanskrit fluently...Even her clothes date back to ...what we say ..umm...the Vedic period??

Hey Mahadev save my sanity. I really need a good sleep or ...am I dreaming?

Girl: Jiji ...u are fine? Lemme call Devi Amba... please rest...

& with that she dashes off ... leaving me bewildered in whirlpool of questions...

Not much later...4 people along with her enter the room ....

A strong , sturdy man with straight , long shiny , grey hair and beard...and an axe in hand?? He was followed by a man who was very much alike but with white hair and rudraksha mala in hand. Both of them resembled sages...After them entered two women ...One slightly younger than other. But both of them have black hairs..one straight and other wavy. Both were adorned with flower ornaments and sagic clothes. The elder lady is a calming beauty, serene but the younger one seems challenging , a no nonsense kinda person.....She had authority in her stance but concern in her eyes...Wait is she concerned about me?...I don't even know her...

They introduced themselves as..... Bhagwan Parshuram, Devi Dharini , Rishi Hotravahan and Devi Amba....

I'm officially mad now. I mean for heaven's sake they are characters of Mahabharata ..how can they be here in Kaliyug? My mind wavers to the second possibility...which obvio isn't possible, right?

My mind went numb ...I could hear them clearly but processing the information relayed was too much for me....

I mean how do I believe that .... I mean.. it's not possible..is it?

They asked me how I got here , what happened and I told them obviously skipping the portal part. What if it's a prank? I spoke robotically and cringed at my voice....I still feel as if I'm in a dream which would be over soon ...so I pinch myself and ..

ahhh!! "HELLLLL NOOOOOO" !!!

(The words in "___" denote the words said by Ananya in English)

What happened? Are u alright? Is it paining somewhere ?Do you need something?