[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-mahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable":3,"chapter-mahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable-mahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable-chapter-3":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Mahabharat: Shiva's Last Variable",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1857047,2464,"Chapter 3: Mother’s Love... After Five Years...","mahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable-chapter-3",3,"\u003Cp>(A\u002FN):\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drop a meme here that you find funny. Or reflects your mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-------------------------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Five years...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five years had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the surface, the River Ganga flowed as it always had—calm, sacred, eternal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pilgrims prayed by the sages, peoples or others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kings crossed. The world moved on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But deep beneath—Within the hidden domain of the river goddess—A different world thrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A world where currents danced instead of rushed...Where creatures lived without fear...Where time itself felt softer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the center of it—Chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small figure darted through the water like a streak of mischief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jet-black hair flowing behind him. Bright green eyes glowing with life and promised mischief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A five-year-old boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clinging tightly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To the tail of a very distressed crocodile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"FASTER!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crocodile swam in confused circles, its dignity long abandoned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fish scattered in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snakes slipped away cautiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the currents seemed unsure whether to flow... or watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nearby—Floating with arms crossed—Was Goddess Ganga.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression? Strict. Or at least... Trying to be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Devaratha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice flowed like the river itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get down. This instant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy turned mid-ride. Still holding the crocodile’s tail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And did the unthinkable. He stuck out his tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Blehh~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment passed...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—Ganga’s lips twitched like she was controlling something. And she lost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Twitch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft laugh escaped her, gentle and warm, echoing through the waters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This child...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha spun once more before letting go, flipping effortlessly through the water and landing before her with a grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Grin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was slow,\" he complained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him, the crocodile fled the scene like it had just survived a war.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga shook her head, though her eyes held nothing but affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At this rate, even the creatures of my river will begin avoiding you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They love me,\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha replied confidently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small fish bumped into his shoulder as if agreeing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Bump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga sighed looking at the little tyrant before her. But her voice softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come. It is time to eat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha froze hearing her words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What did you make?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile curved on her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your favorite.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"FOOD!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shot forward shouting like a power ranger or an arrow, leaving trails of bubbles behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he moved ahead—Something flickered within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a memory. Not a thought. Just a feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange fear which has been rooted from the very moment he opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’...What if this disappears?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know why that thought came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know where it came from. But it lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this—This warmth. This laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This presence—It felt too precious. Too fragile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if it could vanish the moment he stopped believing in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He slowed. Just slightly. Then turned back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga was watching him. Not as a goddess. Not as a ruler of a sacred river.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as—A mother. Their eyes met. She smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And something inside him—Quietly settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fear didn’t vanish. But it softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned away quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come fast! Mom I’m starving!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice returned to its usual energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bright. Carefree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if nothing had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga followed looking at the her son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze lingered on him for just a moment longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’...Stay like this... just a little longer.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile inside Devaratha’s body, Beyond sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond even divine perception—Something stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mechanism. Ancient. Patient. Preparing to awaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[⚖️ System Name \"Karma Genesis System\"]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[🔹 Core Function:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earn Karma Points by: Changing fate, Influencing lives, Altering key events, Spend points to obtain:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>->Abilities\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>->Weapons\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>->Summons\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>->Knowledge...ETC...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[⏳ Status: Activation in: 01:00:00]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unseen. Unheard. But is Ticking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha sat beside Ganga, happily eating, talking endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now—He was not a variable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a chosen existence. Not the balance of three gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just—A child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for the first time—He allowed himself to believe—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’...This... is mine.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meal had ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha sat content, small hands resting against his lap, bubbles lazily drifting upward as he let out a satisfied sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga watched him quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile lingering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Full?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Nod\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reached forward, brushing a stray strand of his wet black hair aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calm. Comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—Devaratha shifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Mom?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze softened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated. Just for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then looked up at her—Eyes bright. Hopeful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can I... go outside?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they rippled through the water like a stone dropped into stillness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga froze hearing his request. Not visibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But inside—Something tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Outside...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha nodded quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Nod\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to see... other people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Humans.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The currents slowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For five years—She had kept him here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Safe. Hidden. Untouched by the world above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not evenDevavrata1knew.Not even the kingdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the world... Was not gentle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he—He was too precious. Too important. Too... hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga looked away slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The world outside is not like this place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was calm. But firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There are dangers. People who do not understand. People who harm... even without reason.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha listened to her calmly. But his eyes didn’t dim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead—They softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—He stepped closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll be careful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small voice. But steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I promise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga didn’t respond immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because promises—From children—Were fragile things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at her. Not demanding. Not stubborn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just... Asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those wide green eyes that held both innocence...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And something she could never fully understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A long silence passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—Ganga sighed. A soft, defeated sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Sigh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You will not give up, will you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha shook his head immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Please?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That did it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga closed her eyes briefly. Then opened them again. The resistance was gone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha froze hearing her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Really?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded looking at her stunned son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Nod\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the next second—He exploded with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"YES!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spun in the water, laughter echoing around them, bubbles bursting like tiny celebrations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga couldn’t help it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She laughed too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Chuckle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped mid-spin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression shifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still gentle—But now carrying weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There is a condition.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha straightened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll do it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She almost smiled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Listen first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Nod\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga moved closer. Her gaze steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Be careful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not everything outside is kind. Humans... are the most unpredictable of all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"More than crocodiles?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga exhaled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Much more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That answer stayed. She continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not trust easily. Observe before you act. And if you ever feel danger...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Return to me immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha nodded seriously this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Nod\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga studied him for a moment longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then finally—She stepped aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The path upward opened. The surface. The world. Waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devaratha looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Light shimmered above like a distant sky calling him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excitement surged. He turned once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mom!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga looked at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He grinned at her happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Grin\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll be back!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And before she could respond—He shot upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like an arrow released from stillness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The waters parted as he swam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Faster. Higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Closer—To a world he had never seen in this life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga watched him go. Silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her fingers tightened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Come back safely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t say it aloud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the river carried it with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And above—The surface rippled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Devaratha’s head finally broke through—For the first time—He saw the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From now on—He wasDevara.1\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surface broke behind him with a soft ripple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water streamed down his small frame as he stepped forward—Out of the river...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And into the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His feet touched the wet sand. He paused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...It’s warm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange sensation spread through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Different from water. Different from anything he had known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each step felt heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Real. Grounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked slowly at first—Looking around with wide, curious eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky stretched endlessly above him. Blue. Vast. Alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...So this is outside...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind brushed against his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carrying scents he couldn’t name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—Voices. Laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under a large tree nearby—A group of children had gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Playing. Talking. Arguing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He moved closer quietly. Curiosity pulling him forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I heard milk is sweet!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really? My mother says it’s good for strength!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, it tastes weird!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The children debated passionately—As if discussing something incredibly important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara tilted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Milk?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word meant nothing to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the group—One boy sat slightly apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calmer. Quieter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On his forehead—A small, crystal-like formation rested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaped like a third eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other children turned to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey Ashwatthama! You know, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah! Tell us! Do you like milk?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy—Ashwatthama—looked at them. Then blinked. Confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Milk?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was simple. Honest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... don’t know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other kids frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you mean you don’t know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashwatthama looked down slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve never had it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were quiet. But they carried something heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Awkward. No one spoke for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And from behind them—Devara stood still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching. Listening. Something stirred inside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name struck him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashwatthama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara stilled. Something stirred within him—Memory\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man who would one day stand at the edge of destruction...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And be cursed by Krishna himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—Right now? He was just a boy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting quietly. Saying he had never tasted milk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara watched him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’...So this is how it begins...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment—He hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—He made a decision. He stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of footsteps over dry leaves broke the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group of boys turned. And froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing before them—Was a boy their age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jet-black hair still slightly damp. Green eyes that seemed... different. Clothes finer than anything they had seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Small ornaments and jewels catching the sunlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t look like them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked like—Someone who didn’t belong here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The children stared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wide-eyed. Speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara felt their gaze. But didn’t flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead—He smiled. Simple. Open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word felt new on his tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boys blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara placed a hand on his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m Devaratha. You can call me as Devara.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at them all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then asked—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you want to play with me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment—Hope lingered in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—It broke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boys glanced at each other. Then at his clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His ornaments. His presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And something shifted in their eyes. Not curiosity. Distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without a word—One stepped back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And suddenly—They ran.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feet kicking up dust as they disappeared into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gone. Just like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara stood there. Blinking. Caught off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t chase them. Didn’t call out. He just watched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trying to understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’...Did I say something wrong?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—He noticed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One boy hadn’t moved. Still sitting. Still watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashwatthama.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met. No fear. No hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara smiled again. Softer this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step by step—Until he stood in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You didn’t run.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashwatthama tilted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why should I?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A simple answer. Without weight. Without judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara paused hearing his response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—He asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Will you... be my friend?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The question hung between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashwatthama looked at him. Carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his clothes. At his eyes. At his strange presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then looked away. Thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few seconds passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—He nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Nod\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like that. No conditions. No hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara’s eyes lit up instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashwatthama nodded again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Nod\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A small smile appeared on Devara’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bright. Unfiltered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind passed gently between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in that quiet moment—A bond formed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not between warriors. Not between legends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But between—Two boys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One who had everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One who had nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And neither of them—Knew what the future held.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**********************************************************************************************************************************************************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Author note:) This story was a heavy A.U and all those characters belong’s to the OG creator of the epic. Except the Mc and Oc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I would never disrespect them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hope you guys give me your opinion and idea’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>WARNING: If you don’t feel like you dislike A.U on Mahabharat then there is a chance you might not like the story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the story won’t just follow the book or any serials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s A.U so might feel a mix kind of feeling. Bye guys I hope you enjoy the story.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PLAN: WEEKLY TWO ChapterS WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks for reading the Chapter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Please give a review!!! And power stone too!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guys it will motivate me more?\u003C\u002Fp>",2044,"2026-06-10T05:05:13.417Z",1,"novelbin.me","ecb749cd10fc9bd5edbaf2fdbc6eeb7f42dc2070f7957cd4e3141daff147fc39","mahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable-chapter-4","mahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable-chapter-2",149,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable-cover.jpg"]