Bhagirath, Anandmayi and Ayurvati were standing aft while they waited for the gangplank to be lowered on to the Vaishali port. Parvateshwar, having opted to stay back, had decided to practise his sword skills with Uttanka on the lead ship. The waiting party gazed at the exquisite Vishnu temple dedicated to Lord Matsya, built very close to the river harbour. They bowed low towards the first Lord Vishnu.

‘You will have to excuse me,’ said Bhagirath, turning towards Anandmayi.

‘Are you planning on leaving for Ayodhya right away?’ asked Anandmayi.

‘Yes. Why delay it? I intend to take the second ship and sail up the Sarayu to Ayodhya. The Vaishali King’s allegiance is a given. He is blindly loyal to the Neelkanth. Your meeting him is a mere formality. I may as well concentrate on the other task that the Lord Neelkanth has given me.’

‘All right,’ said Anandmayi.

‘Go with Lord Ram’s blessings, Bhagirath,’ said Ayurvati.

‘You too,’ said Bhagirath.

While the lead ships of Shiva’s convoy berthed at the main Assi Ghat of Kashi, the others docked at the Brahma Ghat nearby. Along with a large retinue, King Athithigva waited in attendance for the ceremonial reception. On cue, drummers beat a steady rhythm and conches blared as Shiva stepped onto the gangplank. Ceremonial aartis and a cheering populace added to the festive air. Their living god had returned.

King Athithigva bowed low and touched Shiva’s feet as soon as he stepped onto the Assi Ghat.

‘Ayushman bhav, Your Highness,’ said Shiva, blessing King Athithigva with a long life.

Athithigva smiled, his hands folded in a respectful Namaste. ‘A long life is not of much use if we are not graced with your presence here in Kashi, My Lord.’

Shiva, always uncomfortable with such deference, quickly changed the subject. ‘How have things been, Your Highness?’

‘Very well. Trade has been good. But rumours have been going around that the Neelkanth is to make a big announcement soon. Is that so, My Lord?’

‘Let us wait till we get to your palace, Your Highness.’

‘Of course,’ said Athithigva. ‘I should also tell you that I have received word through a fast sailboat that Queen Kali is on her way to Kashi. She is just a few days’ journey behind you. She should be here soon.’

With raised eyebrows, Shiva instinctively looked upriver from where Kali’s ship would inevitably sail. ‘Well, it will be good to have her here as well. We have a lot to plan for.’

Chapter 13: Escape of the Gunas

Chapter 13

Escape of the Gunas

A delighted Shiva embraced Veerbhadra as Sati hugged Krittika. The duo had just entered Shiva’s private chamber in the Kashi palace.