[{"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-64":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},1856959,2464,"Chapter 64 - 62: Gift From the Love... Between Them...","mahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable-chapter-64",64,"\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>The corridor leading to Devara’s chamber no longer echoed with urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now—it carried aftermath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Bhishma, Vidura, Drona, Subala, along with Shakuni, his brothers, and Ashwatthama arrived. They stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because of danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of what remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards were already at work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water poured. Cloths dragged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red slowly turning... less red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But not gone. It never fully leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A silence settled among the elders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drona’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...All of them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A guard bowed hearing his question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Acharya. No survivors left.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashwatthama exhaled slowly looking at the carnage before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Sigh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Twenty-seven.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he sounded impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shakuni tilted his head, gaze scanning the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Efficient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was his word for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>King Subala’s expression was harder to read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his palace. His walls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—It was someone else who had answered the threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—A soft chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Chuckle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes turned to Bhishma who had just chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...He hasn’t changed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze lingered on the faint stains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In fact ...he’s grown into it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He always did have a... certain way of fighting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not cruel. Butcomplete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bhishma’s eyes drifted slightly, not seeing the room anymore—But something from years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Ten years back...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He murmured as he remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When he saved Gandhari...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He cut down two Rakshasa without hesitation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No pride in his voice. No concern. Just... recollection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And when he stood before me...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slight pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...for Amba.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That memory carried weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not many could stand before Bhishma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fewer couldfighthim with purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...There is something in him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bhishma said quietly as he evaluate his own brother higer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once it awakens... It does not hold back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drona crossed his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I have seen skilled warriors.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A glance at the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...I have seen ruthless ones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—A slight shake of his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But this ...this is different.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashwatthama didn’t respond immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The precision. The calm. The lack of hesitation in each cut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...He wasn’t angry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said finally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s what’s strange.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because that detail mattered. Very much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mahamantri1Vidura spoke next, voice low but sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then we should be grateful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because if he ever is...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t finish. He didn’t need to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shakuni let out a quiet breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well ...at least we don’t need to search the palace anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smirk formed on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Smirk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our guests have already been... handled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>King Subala nodded slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Nod!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice firmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We do not lower our guard.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because one truth remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those were assassins. Not the army. They strike in shadows but were now Devara as dealt with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The palace still buzzed above—Voices, footsteps, urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Devara chose something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After washing away the blood and weight of the night, he walked—not toward chambers, not toward guards—But toward the garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pond greeted him quietly which was located at the end of the royal garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which had Clear. Still. Alive water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same pond...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That had changed under his touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t any attention to the changes. He didn’t hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A step forward. And took a breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—He jumped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water embraced him without resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No splash echoed loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No disturbance lingered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As He sank. Deeper. Past the surface glow. Past the drifting plants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fish moved aside as if recognizing the calming aura he carried with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the bottom—A stone slab waited. Unmoved. But perfect for the replacement for bed for the night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He settled onto it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not tense. Not alert. But At peace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above him—The surface shimmered faintly like a distant sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Below—Only stillness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling at peace under the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time that night—There was no threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No voices. No weight. Only memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Mother...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered his mother Goddess Ganga\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought came quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not spoken. Felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water wrapped around him—Not cold. Not distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Comforting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like something that had always known him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like something that remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His breathing slowed. His body stilled completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And sleep—Took him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not restless by his earlier fight. Not broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep sleep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The kind of sleep only those who have faced death without fear can find.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Above—The palace remained on edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guards walked around every corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Torches burned in their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plans formed to counter and prevent any future assassins from entering the royal castle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But below—In the quiet heart of the pond—Devara rested sleeping soundly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far from the quiet pond where Devara slept—The world had already chosen violence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The borders did not whisper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stood ready for battle at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one side—The combined forces of Gandhara and Hastinapura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disciplined by training and battle. Layered by their variety. Unyielding by their will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the command of Bhishma and Dhritarashtra’s authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other—A storm gathering teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The army of Mathura. Not just soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But something darker mixed within—Rakshasa\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting. Hungry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at the heart of that storm—King Kamsa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had just arrived at the borders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He entered the war tent like a man who had already decided the outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general bowed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord... The wedding is tomorrow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kamsa sat at the seat which was meant to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The royals—of Gandhara ...has tightened the palace defenses.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the assassins we sent...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...have all been killed by the prince who we send them after.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment—Nothing moved pin drop silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—Kamsa smiled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not in anger. Not in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in Confidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...All of them?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, my lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kamsa leaned back slightly. A low chuckle escaped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Chuckle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So ...he can fight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words held no concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand rested on his mace. A slow grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That changes nothing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he understood—This was not a man who measured threats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He crushed them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The palace is tight?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kamsa asked rising an eye brow but not suprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, my lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the kingdom?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even tighter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kamsa nodded slowly as he felt satisfied how serious these kingdom took him even before the war as began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Nod!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then we will not sneak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words dropped like a hammer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We will enter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general looked up slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord... the combined forces—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kamsa raised a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let them stand.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes gleamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They protect him outside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smirk which had not left his face till now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Smirk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will take what I want ...inside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence thickened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this was no longer strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was certainty of how confidence their king had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They celebrate tomorrow? Right...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kamsa stood from his seat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then tomorrow...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice lowered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...they will remember.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The torches flickered violently around the camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not as a wedding.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...but as the day...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grip tightened on the mace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...their prince failed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside—The armies waited for the orders from their head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside—The decision had been made.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next day...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Morning did not arrive with noise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It arrived... with light as it reflected through the fresh pure water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A soft blue glow filtered through the pond, touching Devara’s face like a quiet invitation to wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes opened slowly since its time for him to wake up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was stunned to find two familiar figures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On either side of him—Two presences that felt older and purer than any gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warmer than memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goddess Ganga and Goddess Bhudevi Sitting calmly on the stone slab.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if they had always been there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good morning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good morning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their voices flowed like water and earth—Gentle. Certain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment—Devara didn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—Recognition came to his face as his sleepiness vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Mom...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose instantly and pulled them both into an embrace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No hesitation. No restraint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they responded the same way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hands on his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fingers brushing through his hair—Now drifting in soft waves under the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No divinity in that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only... mothers who were greeting their son. Only warmth between.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only belonging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quiet pause passed between them—Not empty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Full.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"....\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—Devara pulled back slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And noticed. Everything around finally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pond—No longer just clear—But alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Radiant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flowers bloomed where none had existed before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Colors unfamiliar. Shapes unimagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They swayed gently in the water—As if greeting him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...This...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked around slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mom ...Did you do this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze turned to Goddess Bhudevi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She smiled hearing his question. Not proudly. Knowingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hand lifted, gently brushing his cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This ...is not something I created.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes softened looking at her son’s confused face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is something thatresponded.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara frowned slightly. Curiosity written all over his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Frown!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bhudevi continued with her explanation—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When you and Gandhari sat here... When your hands touched the same water which ripped after Ghandhari left where she had touched it...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...something was acknowledged.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flowers shimmered softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nature does not ignore truth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It recognizes it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And sometimes ...it answers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara looked around again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understanding slowly forming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These are ...for her?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goddess Ganga smiled this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For you to give.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meaning settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten flowers. Different. Beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not yet found by him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his love as Given him that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which will Fulfilled the condition no a request put forth by Gandhari.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without effort. Without search.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the gift given to them by their love for each other which blossomed between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the request—Had already been heard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Sigh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That was fast way to fullfill someone’s request.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bhudevi chuckled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Chuckle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Love does not wait for permission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga added gently—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Nor does it follow time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The water around them shimmered again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And for a moment—Everything felt... right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No pressure of the war which was blooming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No danger which could reach him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No shadow of Kamsa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a son—And his mothers who were sharing their moments with each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a promise he had given to his future wife—Already fulfilled by the love between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The royal palace answered with color, song, and turmeric.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s morning the time where was Haldi cermoney would take place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Courtyards glowed in shades of yellow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bowls of turmeric paste shimmered like captured sunlight—mixed with oil and water, blessed in the name of Parvati.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughter threaded through chants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hands waited to anoint.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the pond—Something quieter unfolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara stepped out of the water, ten flowers gathered—each a different hue, each unlike anything grown in ordinary soil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not picked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gifted to him and Ghandhari.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind him—Two presences walked as if the world itself made way:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goddess Ganga and Goddess Bhudevi\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the shore, guards stiffened seeing Devara had really stayed the whole night under the water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not from fear—From reverence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashwatthama’s grin broke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Grin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A short laugh escaped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"-Hahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I knew it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward and bowed deeply to Ganga.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My respects.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, without hesitation, he turned to Bhudevi—And bowed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he had never seen her before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara had told him enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shakuni, meanwhile, stood frozen for a heartbeat too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then reality struck him like a delayed arrow. He bent quickly, bowing low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My respects...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His usual ease faltered just slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this—Was not court. Not politics. This was... presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meeting even one such being was said to be the fruit of lifetimes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And here—Two stood before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ashwatthama straightened, glancing sideways at Devara.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You really don’t do things halfway, do you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Devara only smirked faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Smirk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Apparently not.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flowers in his hand shimmered softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten colors. Ten answers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One promise already fulfilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ganga’s gaze rested on him with quiet pride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bhudevi’s eyes held something gentler—A knowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because what he carried now—Was not just flowers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as the palace called him forward—Toward ritual, toward celebration, toward Gandhari who he will be giving her the flowers she requested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>*******************************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Author note:)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hope you guys give me your opinion and idea’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-->\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t forget to review guys...\u003C\u002Fp>",1989,"2026-06-10T05:05:13.714Z",1,"novelbin.me","52e60f48c36cf9fb4991593c6ae361ff3f89f55af817df6ac875064c2eb2e7f3","mahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable-chapter-65","mahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable-chapter-63",149,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmahabharat-shiva-s-last-variable-cover.jpg"]