Theme Reveal: Blogging from A-Z, April Challenge 2019

I managed to complete the A-Z Challenge 2015 consisting of stories from the Indian Mythology and felt quite thrilled with myself. It was truly a challenge not just coming up with a theme but ensuring that there were stories suitable for each alphabet. The best part of the A-ZChallenge is the lack of competition. Participating in this is to pit my wits against myself and none else. That’s what I feel most exciting about this journey along with a huge number of bloggers from around the globe.

The past few years, I have got so busy with writing and publishing my books as an indie author that I haven’t had the time or the bandwidth to take part in this. But this year, even before 2019 dawned, I had made a promise to myself: TO PARTICIPATE in A-Z April Challenge 2019.

And here I am, with my theme reveal, though a bit later than the March 18 dateline. I am planning to talk about my books and my characters, a little bit about how I do my research and the hurdles I faced while penning a particular story or creating a persona during April 2019.

Looking forward to meeting new bloggers and reading a lot of interesting stuff from around the world.

See you all on April 1, 2019!

Film Review: AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

Google Images: Artificial Intelligence Vision (Paul Bettany)

The film is rife with action from beginning till end

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Anthony Mackie, Hayley Atwell, Idris Elba, Stellan Skarsgård. James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson
Director: Joss Whedon

I saw this movie 15-20 days ago. With A-Z April Challenge 2015 in full swing, I got to blog the review only now.

The Film

The Avengers go in search of Baron Wolfgang von Strucker (Thomas Kretschmann) who has Loki’s sceptre. He’s been experimenting with it, the results being twins Pietro (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) who have acquired superhuman skills. While Pietro moves faster than lightning, Wanda can manipulate minds. The twins hate Tony Stark, convinced that it was his bomb that had killed their family. Tony Stark aka Iron Man (Robert Downy Jr.) manages to retrieve the sceptre.

Tony and Bruce Banner aka Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) find out that the sceptre’s gem contains artificial intelligence. They decide to use it to complete Tony’s Ultron programme – without consulting the other Avengers. Inadvertently, they create a terrible danger to the very existence of the Earth. Ultron, the AI created by them, believes that wiping out humanity is the only way to save the earth. The first thing Ultron does is destroy JARVIS, the artificial intelligence that Tony had created before. Jarvis used to guide Tony in a number of his activities.

When Ultron goes on a rampage, will the Avengers be able to save the Earth?

My Perception

I have developed a taste for sci-fi and enjoy watching films on extra-terrestrials. That’s how I landed up seeing The Avengers and thoroughly enjoyed it.

While Avengers 2 is a superbly made film, I found the non-stop action tiring. It was fight and death from beginning till end. Of course, all the actors have performed very well. But still it was tough to swallow with the amount of dust flying around from the constant battles. A little bit of quiet is shown at Hawkeye’s (Jeremy Runner) safe-house, while the feeling of sitting on a time bomb refuses to leave the viewer.

What I really liked was the new Avenger who’s born amidst the older ones – an artificial intelligence with super powers – going by the name of Vision (Paul Bettany). Vision is what becomes of Jarvis when he comes up against Ultron. Vision is like the calm oasis in the middle of a desert, giving the Avengers hope while fighting Ultron, immediately connecting with the audience.

VERDICT: Not as good as The Avengers, but a must-see if you like non-stop action. I wouldn’t have minded not seeing the film.

*Silly
**Shaky
***Smart
****Snazzy
*****Super

A-Z April Challenge 2015: Thank you! See you in April 2016

Google Images

When I joined the A-Z April Challenge this year, though I was confident of completing it, I never expected to enjoy it so much. As I had mentioned in my “theme reveal”, I had tried the challenge last year but unfortunately, couldn’t complete it.

I love to write and hence my blogs. I enjoy writing fiction and have a few published novels and a collection of short stories to my name along with a few short stories on my website. I have an opinion about anything and everything and my blog is the best place that I can air them.

I have never been fond of contests. I find them too negative for my liking. I feel that competition eats into one’s creativity. I always steer clear of them. But the April Challenge is exactly what it says it is. A Challenge - one where you pit against yourself.

You decide on a theme - only if you want to. You can write about anything under the sun; in any form - prose, poetry or even pictures. Your posts are preferred to follow the alphabet - it could be names, adjectives, nouns, just about any damn thing.

This year, I decided to write stories from Indian mythology. Just in case I couldn’t find the names or topics to suit the alphabet, I gave myself the freedom of borrowing from Grimm’s Fairy tales and European mythology – wrote two for ‘C’ & ‘X’. I was sure I would never find anyone in Indian mythology for Z and had planned to write about Zeus. But the response I got for my typically Indian stories was so overwhelming that I challenged myself to write a post from Indian mythology for the last letter of the alphabet. And that’s how Zealous Little Squirrel from the Ramayana was born.

I must say I loved every bit of the challenge while I made a number of new friends as we interacted with one another via our blogs. Better yet, I was amazed at the ideas my fellow bloggers came up with while presenting their posts. Simply incredible! It’s been a wonderful journey and for that I have to thank the team of “Blogging from A to Z Challenge” for organising such a wonderful blogging exercise - one without too many rules - the only kind that I love.

Thank you so much Arlee Bird, Alex J. Cavanaugh, Jeremy Hawkins, Stephen Tremp, Tim Brannan, Rob Z Tobor, J Lenni Dorner, Jenny Pearson, Jeffrey Bushman and a host of others who have made this humongous effort possible.

Catch you all next year during A-Z April Challenge 2016!

A-Z April Challenge 2015: Z for ZEALOUS LITTLE SQUIRREL

Z for Zealous Little Squirrel
Google Images

The Rama Setu across the Indian Ocean – from India to Lanka – was being built under the supervision of the engineer monkeys Nala and Nila. A large number of monkeys and bears came together to build the bridge. As they walked back and forth, carrying huge boulders with Lord Rama’s name written on them, a monkey almost stepped on a little squirrel that was busy carrying pebbles in its tiny mouth and placing them along the construction site.

The monkey roared to the little squirrel, “What are you doing here, you little one? This is not the place for you. Can’t you see that I almost stepped on you? What if a boulder falls on you and kills you?”

The zealous squirrel replied, “I am also helping build Lord Rama’s bridge.” The monkey was astounded on hearing this and called out to his comrades. They all stood around the squirrel, laughing at his puny efforts.

When the lord came to know of what was happening, he came forward to lift the little squirrel in his lotus palm and held it with great love. He saw the tears shining out of its black eyes and gently ran three fingers down its back. “Do not worry, little squirrel. Your work on this bridge is as important to me as that done by all the others.” So saying, he let the squirrel on the ground. Lo and behold! The brown squirrel had three white lines running down its back – where Lord Rama had stroked him lovingly.

And thus the zealous little squirrel worked along with the monkeys and bears to create Rama Setu.

NOTE: Rama Setu is also known as Adam’s Bridge. Click Here to know more...

Squirrel with three white stripes on its back

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: Y for YUYUTSU, SON OF SUGADA & DRITHARASHTRA

Y for Yuyutsu held by his father Dritharashtra
Google Pics

“Traitor,” accused Duryodhana, glaring with his reddened, tempestuous eyes at his half-brother Yuyutsu. “How dare you take the side of our enemies, the Pandavas?”

Dhitharashtra turned his head this way and that, trying to understand what was going on. “Duryodhana,” called his father, “Whom are you calling a traitor? Who’s taking the Pandavas’s side?” 

“Pitaashri, it’s Daasi-putra Yuyutsu, he’s the traitor,” roared Duryodhana in accusation, a tremor running through his body as his temper blew out of proportion. 

On hearing this, the blind king turned to his left, where he presumed his second son Yuyutsu to be as Duryodhana’s voice came from his right. “Yuyutsu, why are you upsetting your elder brother?” he asked. Duryodhana was his favourite and Dritharashtra wouldn’t dream of taking his younger son’s side, that too, the son of his maid Sugada, not Queen Gandhari. 

“Pranaam Pitaashri! I feel it only right that the sons of Uncle Pandu be given their share of the kingdom. We have insulted them enough with this game of dice. Shaming Draupadi Baabhi as did Dushashana, cannot be permitted by any code of honour. Going forward, we are laying the foundation for the ruin of the Kaurava dynasty. Please make Duryodhana understand Pitaashri,” pleaded Yuyutsu, hoping against hope that their father will have some kind of influence over the eldest Kaurava prince.

Duryodhana didn’t wait for their father to respond. “Get out Yuyutsu, get away from the kingdom. If Yudhistir and his brothers are so important to you, go and join them. I don’t want traitors in our midst!” he ordered, a hand pointing to the entrance of the throne room. 

“Duryodhana,” began the blind king, trying to pacify his hot-tempered eldest born.

Only Duryodhana wouldn’t let their father finish what he wanted to say. He didn’t want to hear anything that would prove an advantage to his hated cousins, the Pandavas. “Go Yuyutsu. Get out of my sight before I kill you with my bare hands.”

Yuyutsu left, much to the Kauravas’s disadvantage. He knew all the war secrets and strengths of the Kauravas and was a great boon to the Pandavas during the Kurukshetra War. 

On Day 18 of the war, Yuyutsu looked at the battlefield, tears in his eyes. His warning had fallen on deaf years. His half-brother had refused to listen. The Kaurava dynasty had come to an end. 

Glossary:

1. Pitaashri - Father
2. Daasi-putra - Son of servant

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy

A-Z April Challenge 2015: X for X-MAS FATHER

X for X-mas Father
Google Images

Little Jamie was too excited to sleep. His mother had read him the story of Santa Claus at least twelve times that very day. He had helped his father hang three stockings near the fireplace – one for each of his parents and the biggest one for Jamie himself. Now all they had to do was to wait for Xmas Father to appear on his sleigh drawn by nine reindeer. Oh yes, Jamie could count up to twenty. His father had told him that Santa would bring him four gifts this year as Jamie was almost four years old.

His parents had gone to sleep an hour back. They were unaware that their little son was too eager to meet Santa to sleep that night. Jamie pretended to be asleep, his eyes tightly shut. What if Santa didn’t come, thinking he was awake?

At the stroke of midnight, he saw the glow of red light in the living room. Jamie got up with a jerk, his heart pounding in excitement. That surely must be Rudolph. He was the one who had a red nose that shone so brightly. He sat against the bed-head, watching the scene unfold in front of him. He saw the Christmas Father place a small basket in front of the hearth and couldn’t help squealing in delight. Jamie ran out of the bedroom as fast as his little legs could carry him. He rushed to Santa and put his arms around his legs and hugged him tightly. “You came, Santa. Thank you so much for bringing me a kitten,” said Jamie.

He raised his head to look up at the cheery old man with a red face. Santa was exactly how his mother had described him. Santa brushed back the little boy’s curls and smiled at him. “You wanted three more gifts my dear boy. What would they be?” he asked in a booming voice.

Jamie was busy opening the basket to remove the little black and white kitten. He held it close to his heart as he said, “I don’t need anything else, Santa. Can you please give the other three gifts to my friends living on the other side of the railroad track? They need a warm bed to sleep in and some toys to play with too.”

The Xmas Father left Jamie’s home with a brimming heart, aware that he had achieved what he had set out to do – instill the true spirit of Christmas in Little Jamie’s heart.

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: W for WISE SAHADEVA

W for Wise Sahadeva
Google Images

The council met late in the night before the Kurukshetra war began. There was Sri Krishna, Yudhisthira, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva along with the many sons of the Pandavas. A discussion came up – was there a way to stop the war with the Kauravas?

One person suggested, “The war can be stopped if Draupadi’s hair is shorn off.”

Another said, “If Bheema’s gada is shattered, there will be no fight.”

A third one said, “If Arjuna’s gandiva is broken, there will be no war.”

That’s when Sahadeva got up to give his opinion. He was a wise soul and a man of few words. So whenever he spoke, all tended to remain quiet and listen well.

“The only way to stop the war with our cousins,” Sahadeva smiled as he turned to look at Sri Krishna, “is if Krishna is tied up. He’s the cause of all this. If he’s bound, all this will come to a stop.”

All those present were shocked. Tie up Krishna? Was such a thing possible? Was something wrong with Sahadeva? How could he make such a suggestion?

A soft smile broke out on Sri Krishna’s lips as he looked at Sahadeva with great affection. “How do you think that’s going to happen, Sahadeva? Is there a person born who can tie me up?”

His brothers did their best to stop Sahadeva from saying anything, but in vain. Unperturbed, Sahadeva looked Krishna deeply in the eye as he said, “I will do it, Krishna.”

Sri Krishna got up from his seat, stood in the middle of the conference hall as he began to grow in size, the tip of his crown touching the rafters. Everyone in the hall stood up, awed as they watched Sri Krishna’s Vishwaroopa, their jaws dropping as their hands automatically came together in worship.

But Sahadeva was unshaken. He also had his hands together as he uttered a shloka to propitiate the lord, as he knew full well that it was Lord Mahavishnu who was born as Krishna. Sri Krishna just shrank back in size and he was tightly bound with ropes, as he stood in front of the praying Sahadeva.

Sri Krishna’s smile never disappeared as he blessed the youngest Pandava prince. The lord was but playing a game to show the world the devotion Sahadeva had for his God.

Glossary:

Gadha – mace
Gandiva – a special bow belonging to Arjuna
Vishwaroopa – a special darshan of Lord Mahavishnu in full form
Shloka – prayer

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: V for VISHWAMITRA IS BORN

V for Vishwamitra (King Kaushika in the picture)
Google Images

King Kaushika was out hunting with his army when he reached Sage Vashishta’s ashram. It was late evening. All his men were hungry and thirsty. Kaushika got off his horse at the entrance to the sage’s home. When Sage Vashishta stepped out the king bowed to him, saying, “Namaskar Rishivar!”

Vishishta blessed the king, “Aayushmaan bhava! Why don’t you and your men freshen up at the river? Dinner will be served soon.”

Thanking the sage, Kaushika turned to his men and instructed them to camp for the night. He was glad that they wouldn’t go hungry. They hadn’t been able to hunt enough to feed the large army. He was sure the ashram would be able to provide them with fruits along with some rice and lentils – enough to carry them through the night. After all, one can’t expect a sage to provide for two hundred hungry warriors.

Less than an hour later, King Kaushika’s eyes almost popped out of his head as he saw the array of dishes provided for dinner. There were three types of sweets, four vegetables, two different lentils along with fish and mutton. All these were served on silver plates along with the best quality of steaming rice. Astounding! However could a sage manage this? Despite his curiosity, Kaushika had two helpings of each dish as they were irresistible. After ensuring that his men were comfortably settled, Kaushika went to meet his host.

“Rishivar, I am truly thankful for the feast that you provided for all of us. But how...?”

Sage Vashishta was amused to see the amazement on the king’s face. He gestured to the royal to go with him as he walked to the cow-shed. Kaushika followed, wondering where the sage was taking him. They stopped outside a specially cordoned off section which housed a young cow. “Meet Nandini, the divine cow. She was given me by Lord Indra himself. She’s the source of the feast that you and your men enjoyed today, my dear king,” said the sage, his love for the cow obvious.

King Kaushika stared in disbelief. Was such a thing possible? The sage read his mind easily and bringing his hands together against his chest in a prayer posture, requested of Nandini, “Please bless me with two horses.”

Nandini stood up and suddenly, two horses sprung forth from within her. The king’s jaw dropped as he saw the excellent quality of the horses. His mind was made up. He had to have Nandini. What use was such a wonderful cow to a sage, living in the forest?

The next day, as he took his leave, the king said to Vashishta, “Let me have that cow Rishivar. Nandini will be of way more use to a king than to a sage who has given up all worldly pursuits. I will provide you with whatever you need from my kingdom,” he offered in exchange.

When the sage refused, the king sent his warriors to forcefully take the cow. Within a few seconds, hundreds of warriors sprung from Nandini on Vashishta’s silent request. The king’s men were no match for the divine warriors and soon Kaushika was bound tightly and brought before the sage.

“I will pardon you this time, King Kaushika. Go away and do not come back in the direction of my ashram ever again,” said Sage Vashishta as he had the king set free.

That’s when King Kaushika decided that all the riches of his kingdom were nothing in comparison to the power of Sage Vashishta’s penance. He renounced his kingdom and went to the forest to do penance. It was King Kaushika who became Vishwamitra, the Brahmarishi.

Glossary:

Namaskar Rishivar - The way to greet a great sage
Aayushmaan bhava - Blessing for a long life
Brahmarishi - the greatest of sages

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: U for URMILA, THE FORGOTTEN HEROINE

Urmila, The Forgotten Heroine 

U for Urmila
Google Images

She woke up with a start from the vivid dream, her arms aching as she held the silken pillow close to her breasts. Oh how she missed him! She, who had decided not to cry over her husband’s absence, was startled to find her pillow damp with tears. She got up and wiped her face with a small towel that she dampened with the rose water kept in a bowl near her cot. Not long now! He should be back in another six months. 

Excited, she got ready for the day, not bothering to take help from the number of hovering maids who were at her beck and call. Being a princess had both its advantages and disadvantages. She preferred the silence in her loneliness and the maids’ chatter drove her crazy at times.

The past thirteen years she had devoted herself to the service of her in-laws. But as the time got closer to his return, she wanted to take time for herself – brush up on her music and dance lessons. Oh she planned to keep him glued to her side for a long time once he got back. 

And the day arrived!

He walked into the celebrating capital city along with his brother and his wife. While all the citizens’ eyes were on his brother, he knew that one pair would definitely be on the lookout for him. His dark brown eyes roved the palace balconies where the womenfolk waved out from. A gentle sigh escaped his heaving chest as he caught sight of her. And yes, she was eyeing him from the second floor where their chamber was situated, just as he had known. Was it his imagination or had she grown more beautiful than when he had met her last?

He was here! Finally! Fourteen years was such a long time and she couldn’t wait to be back in his arms where she belonged. So what if he was the Prince of the country? He belonged to her first and foremost. He appeared taller and broader than before. They had heard snippets of news about the royal trio that had been away for so long. But it wasn’t the same as knowing everything firsthand.

“You did what?” she asked, her head on her loving husband’s lap, her face glowing with a satiated smile. He had made thorough love to her, not once, not twice, but thrice in the course of the evening. She still refused to sleep as she was keen to catch up on the past fourteen years. While there had been nothing exciting that had happened in the palace, it was obvious he had a lot to say. “Don’t tell me you weren’t tempted when she threw herself at you?” she pouted, drinking in his handsome features that glowed in the light from the oil lamps. 

“Don’t be silly my love. I chopped of her nose,” he laughed as her jaw dropped. He could never cease to wonder her, her darling husband. He was a passionate man, notorious for his temper. Was she glad that she was the sole recipient of his love! Urmila sighed as she settled in more comfortably to listen to Lakshman as he narrated the Ramayana firsthand. 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy

A-Z April Challenge 2015: T for TRISHANKU SWARGA

T for Trishanku
Google Images

King Trishanku had not expected this of his guru, Sage Vasishta. Wasn’t the guru supposed to aid a king in becoming the greatest? Explore unchartered territories? Why had Sage Vasishta refused him? Trishanku fumed, as he walked up and down the throne room, wondering how to deal with the situation.

His chief minister walked in just then, great excitement on his face. “Pranam Maharaj! I have just found the solution. Why can’t we approach Sage Vishwamitra?” He lowered his voice as if even the walls of the palace had ears. “Vishwamitra, I believe, is ready to do anything that Vasishta says is not possible.”

Trishanku’s bowed head rose up in enthusiasm. “Is that so? Get my chariot ready. I will visit Sage Vishwamitra immediately.”

Vishwamitra didn’t even bother to find out exactly what Trishanku sought. He only heard that his adversary hadn’t been able to grant the king his wish and immediately insisted that he, Vishwamitra, could do it.

Trishanku’s happiness knew no bounds. He promised the sage a lot of riches before telling him what he exactly wanted. “I am in the last stage of my life, O Sage. I would like to enter Heaven with my body.”

Vishwamitra was startled when he heard clearly what the king had to say. Enter the heavens with his physical body? Such a thing was unheard of. But then, a cunning light entered Vishwamitra’s eyes. What if he did manage to do it? Send Trishanku to Heaven in his physical body? Vasishta would definitely have to accept him as Brahmarishi, in that case.

And thus began the powerful yagna that went on for days. All the beings from various realms came to the earth, to Vishwamitra’s ashram to find out what was happening that was shaking up the whole universe. Trishanku was exhilarated as he imagined himself sitting amidst the Devas, maybe on Lord Indra’s right.

Suddenly, Trishanku rose up into the air so speedily and reached the gates of Heaven. The guard stopped the king from entering the gates. Two Devas who had been keeping a watch on Indra’s behalf, came out and pushed the king away forcefully. So much so, that Trishanku began falling towards the earth, upside down.

Vishwamitra, who had been watching the scene from the yagnasthal, raised his hand and uttered a mantra. Trishanku stopped in mid-space, hanging upside down. That’s when Vishwamitra created a parallel heaven for the king. He had made a promise to Trishanku. How could he not keep it? This heaven came to be called Trishanku Swarga.

NOTE; Till today, Trishanku Swarga means a place which is neither in Heaven nor on Earth.

Glossary:

Guru – Teacher
Brahmarishi – The greatest of sages
Yagna – Fire sacrifice
Ashram – Hermitage
Devas - Demi-Gods
Yagnasthal – The place where the fire sacrifice is conducted

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: S for SITA GOES BACK HOME

S for Sita
Google Images

Sita was heartbroken when Lakshman left her in the forest across River Ganges. Rama had decided to heed a washer-man’s words and send her away. Heavily pregnant and all alone, she takes refuge at Sage Valmiki’s Ashram. 

Giving birth to twins, Sita accepts her fate and brings them up in the forest. Lava and Kusha learn the Vedas and Warfare from Sage Valmiki and become valiant even at a young age. That’s how they end up catching the Ashwamedha Yagna horse that Rama had sent across the country. Unaware of the impact of their actions, the young boys fight the huge army of Rama and defeat them effortlessly. Shatrughan, Bharat and then Lakshman were all defeated by Lava and Kusha. 

Finally, Rama arrives on the scene. It is not long before Sage Valmiki arrives amidst them and introduces the twins to their father Rama. Rama is truly happy to meet his sons and turns to the Rishi to tell him that he’s more than willing to take his queen back home to the palace. 

But what of Queen Sita?

She stood in front of Rama, her stance straight, her eyes directly meeting his. She stared at her beloved’s face, wondering what she had ever done to be separated from Rama again and again. 

The first time, it had been Ravana, the lord of Lanka, who had kidnapped her. She had undergone the Agni Pariksha (walking through fire) to prove her chastity. 

Then, just because a washer-man had uttered the words, Rama decided to send her to the forest. He had not turned to look back over more than a decade. The king who took care of every single subject, who thought that even the words of a poor washer-man were important, had never bothered to find out if his own wife, the queen, had given birth to his child; if she had survived childbirth; if she was still alive after being abandoned in the forest where dwelt wild animals. 

And now he was ready to take her back home? Why? Did that mean that the washer-man was no more? What will happen if someone else – a palace servant maybe – said something to besmirch Sita’s name yet again in the future? Will he send her away so that Sita will part with her husband for a third time? 

Her heart was ready to burst! As a strong trembling took over Sita’s body, a roar resounded in the whole area as the earth split in two – with Rama, his sons and all the army on one side and Sita on the other. Bhumi Devi came out to embrace Sita bodily, going back into the earth within a few seconds. 

The earth closed up, without leaving a trace. Rama looked on, tears in his eyes, never to see his dear queen ever again. 

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Ina Tales

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

Eloquent Articulation by Inderpreet Kaur Uppal

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

Shanaya Tales
Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy

A-Z April Challenge 2015: R for RAAS LILA

R for Raas Lila
Google Images

Just as the sun went down the horizon at one end, the full moon made its appearance from the opposite end, embellishing the Yamuna River with ripples of white gold. The water flowed calmly while the birds and animals began to settle down for the night. Suddenly, their ears cocked as they heard the divine music from Krishna’s flute. Deer, cows, horses along with crows, pigeons and peacocks came rushing to the bank of the river to find their favourite Gwala seated on a smooth rock, his fingers delicately caressing the flute as he blew such wonderful notes from it.

It was not long before Radha joined the scene at his feet, her eyes looking up at her lover’s face adoringly. A gentle sigh broke from her lips as she placed her head against his lap, giving herself up to the soft music.

Gopika Karuna stood straight, entranced by the sounds coming from the river bank. She forgot that she was serving her husband his dinner and walked out of the house, following the notes.

Gopika Shivangi didn’t stop to find out if her baby was asleep in his crib before she stopped her lullaby in a hurry to reach the banks of the river.

Gopika Madhavi was spreading the bed on the floor to settle for the night. The pillows fell out of her hands as she left her task midway to follow the music flowing into her ears.

Gopika Ranjana was just shutting the cowshed when the cows pushed against the door and walked away. Surprised to see this unexpected behaviour of the cattle, she turned in the direction they were walking when she heard Krishna’s flute. She followed the cows, forgetting her home.

And so it was all around Gokul, every single woman from age 14-50, thronged the banks of Yamuna, listening to Lord Krishna’s divine flute. Their eyes studied Radha enviously. Wasn’t she lucky to have the Blue Lord belong to her!

Lo and Behold! Each Gopika was astounded to find a lovely Krishna beside her, looking at her with glowing dark eyes, as if she was the only other person on earth besides himself. And it began, the celestial dance of hundreds of Gopikas with as many Krishnas, with Radha-Krishna in the centre. The anklets of the Gopikas added rhythm to Krishna's flute as the Raas Lila lasted through the night.

Glossary:
Gwala – cowherd

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I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

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Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
The Moving Quill by Shailaja Vishwanath

A-Z April Challenge 2015: Q for QUEEN DAMAYANTI’S SWAYAMVAR

Q for Queen Damayanti's swayamvar
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Queen Damayanti stared unseeingly at the garden from the window of her chamber. All the riches in her father’s kingdom and her adoring children did not stop her from missing her husband. They had shared twelve years of happiness. Twelve years in which they had lived as one soul in two bodies.

Alas, he had left her alone in the forest. Of course, Damayanti knew that Nala loved her more than his own life. He hadn’t left her for a better life. She knew that he had left her so that she did not have to undergo the suffering along with him. A deep sigh came up from the depths of her being. Where was he?

A bizarre idea took shape in her head as Damayanti’s eyes began to sparkle. She snapped her fingers before turning around to call out to her maids. Her step was lighter as she got ready to go meet the king, her father. It was time to hold another swayamvar. Yes, a swayamvar for Queen Damayanti this time as against Princess Damayanti. Despite the passage of almost two decades, despite being the mother of two growing children, Damayanti looked young and beautiful. And there were even the Gods lusting after her.

The king sent out the invitation, knowing of his daughter’s intention. He prayed from the depth of his heart that Damayanti was reunited with her husband King Nala.

The day of the swayamvar dawned. Indra, Varuna, Yama and Agni had come down to earth to try their luck at securing Damayanti’s hand, at least this time round. They were all happy that Nala was not in the running this time round. Dwarf Bahuka rode Ayodhya King Rituparna’s chariot as the king of Ayodhya was also keen to participate in the swayamvar. Bahuka wondered what his wife was getting at. Yes, it was Nala who had attained the form of a dwarf due to a snake bite. Had Damayanti given up on husband? Didn’t she have faith that he would return to claim her?

Damayanti watched from her window as the kings and Gods arrived for the swayamvar. But the face that she sought was missing. Her disappointment was acute.

Just then, her maid brought her a bowl of cooked meat. The aroma was titillating to say the least. Moreover, it was familiar. Hope flowered in Damayanti’s heart as her appetite returned with a vengeance. As she took a bite of the dish, a wide smile broke out on her face. Her husband was back. Her maid took her to the kitchen to point out the dwarf Bahuka and informed the queen that it was he who had cooked the meat.

Damayanti walked into the kitchen to face Bahuka, much to the surprise of the palace cooks. She lifted the swayamvar garland and placed it on his neck. Lo and behold! Bahuka was transformed into the tall, fair and handsome Nala. Queen Damayanti’s joy knew no bounds as she was reunited with the love of her life.

Check out some of my favourite bloggers who are also participating in A-Z April Challenge 2015

Devika Fernando - Author of Romance Novels

I Luv Fiction by Ruchi Singh

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Prasanna Rao
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A-Z April Challenge 2015: P for PURU BECOMES YOUNG AGAIN

Puru Becomes Young Again

P for PURU
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The Prince admired himself in the full length mirror, adjusting his angavastram on the left shoulder, his thick moustache oiled and brushed back, underlining his masculinity. His lips tilting in a half smile, he was content with his life. After completing a hard day at sword training, he was on his way to meet the love of his life, Tilottama. 

With his foot on the threshold to his chambers, the prince noticed a servant walking towards him. The servant stood in front of the prince and said, “Greetings O Prince Puru! His Highness Emperor Yayati sends his greetings to the prince and awaits him in the throne room.” He stood with his spear held in his left hand, his right hand at his mouth and his body almost bent double out of respect.

Puru’s expression never changed as he mentally postponed his rendezvous with Tilottama and walked towards the throne room to meet his father, the emperor. 

Seeing his aged father seated on the throne, Puru bowed before him offering his “pranam”. “My dear father, you wished to speak to me?” he asked respectfully.

The emperor glanced at the ministers around him. Understanding his silent command, they all left the throne room along with the attendants, leaving Yayati and Puru alone. 

“My dear son, I have a request. I know I shouldn’t ask this of you....?”

Puru rushed forward to place a hand on his father’s lips. “Never say so my father! Command me! I am always at your service.”

Yayati asked the youngest prince for something that none of his other sons were ready to grant him – his youth in exchange for the emperor’s old age, a curse he had acquired from Sage Shukracharya. Prince Puru didn’t think twice before agreeing to his father’s request. A rejoiced Yayati sprang up energetically from the throne while Puru’s form shrunk, his skin wrinkling even as his body bowed down with old age. 

Taking leave of his father, Puru went to keep his delayed appointment with Tilottama. Unable to recognise the old man with shrunken shoulders, Tilottama was extremely upset to find out that Puru had sacrificed his youth and good looks for his father’s sake. Unable to face a future with the ancient man in front of her, the lovely princess walked away, breaking the brave Prince’s heart. 

Puru ruled the kingdom for thousands of years while his father Yayati explored different avenues to enjoy his youth.

A few thousand years later.....

Yayati returned to the palace and gave back his loving son Puru, his lost youth, and retired to the forest.

A newly rejuvenated Puru with blessings from his father, set out in search of Tilottama. He arrived at her kingdom after five days of travel on horseback. Reaching the palace, he requested a meeting with Princess Tilottama. While he waited in the palace garden, he caught sight of the lovely princess as she sat near the lotus pond, lost in thought. “My Tilottama.......” called Puru softly. She turned around to see a stranger, obviously of royal lineage, looking at her with so much love that she blushed. 

The dowager queen looked from afar, tears rolling down her cheeks. Her prince had fallen in love with her great granddaughter who also happened to carry her name. 

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A-Z April Challenge 2015: O for OM NAMAH SHIVA!

O for Om Namah Shiva!
Mohini teaches Bhasmasura to dance while Lord Shiva watches on
Google Images

“Om Namah Shiva! Om Namah Shiva! Om Namah Shiva!” Bhasmasura chanted again and yet again over many years, patiently awaiting the appearance of his Ishta Devata Lord Shiva. The lord knew the asura’s intentions. But had he ever refused any bhakta’s prayers? Never! Lord Shiva never says ‘no’ to anyone’s prayer. And thus he came down to earth to give darshan to Bhasmasura.

The asura was mighty pleased when the lord appeared before him. Not the smartest person on earth, Bhasmasura had just one boon to ask. He could have asked for riches, land, wisdom, cattle, the most beautiful women, a horde of people to serve him. But no, he wanted just one boon – one that he believed will make him superior to all; one boon that will make him all-powerful; one boon that will make every living being fear him. And he asked of Lord Shiva to grant him the power of burning down to ashes anyone on whose head he placed his hand.

A smiling Shiva granted him exactly what he asked. An excited Bhasmasura went on a rampage, killing human being and animals. Having done with that, he went to Indraloka – where the Devas lived – and managed to kill a few before the rest of them disappeared. What more could he do to establish his power? The dim-witted Bhasmasura went back in search of Shiva. He wanted to place his hand on the lord’s head.

Could the rest of the triumvirate (Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva) sit back watching? Lord Vishnu went to Shiva’s rescue, taking the form of Mohini, once again.

It was up to Mohini to deal with an impossible situation. The lovely maiden lured Bhasmasura with her beauty. She insisted that he should learn to dance before she would become his. He followed her steps as she danced. Soon, she placed her hand on her own head. Following her lead, Bhasmasura placed his hand on his own and got burnt down to ashes.

Glossary:

Ishta Devata – Favourite deity
Asura - Demon
Bhakta - Devotee
Bhasmasura – Bhasma+ Asura – ashes+demon – A demon who can turn things to ashes

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A-Z April Challenge 2015: N for NAKULA, THE 4th PANDAVA

N for Nakula with Panchali
Google Images

Panchali’s hands trembled in excitement as she arranged the royal blue vastra over her lush breasts. She looked into the mirror and smiled into her own eyes that shone brilliantly, like black grapes freshly plucked off the vine. She bit her lips to make them redder than they already were, as she tilted her head to look out of the window. A full moon was rising up in the sky just as the sun had slid down the horizon at the other end. Her heart pumped harder as she awaited her lover for the night.

Panchali didn’t know if she was lucky or not, for she did have five men to love her. But then, she found the eldest Yudhishthira quite staid. He went about making love just the same as he would go about running his kingdom – out of a sense of duty. That was not the best way to keep a woman happy.

Bheema was... Panchali searched her mind for the right word... his appetite for food outshone all his other appetites. She couldn’t stop grinning to herself as she passed this judgement over the second Pandava. Well, there was no other way to describe it.

Prince Arjuna! Well, he was handsome, he was a warrior through and through. And it was he who had won Panchali at the swayamvara. But did that make him the best lover? Panchali saw her head shaking in the mirror. Arjuna was too much of himself. He counted himself first and foremost. Everything else followed after that. His wife was probably way down in his list, she was sure.

Now Nakula... Panchali blushed a fiery red, her cheeks turning hot to the touch. He was the handsomest of the five. In spite of that, and despite the fact that he shared Panchali with his four brothers, Nakula had never thought of getting married again. All the other four had many wives. But not Nakula!

Panchali felt cherished by the 4th Pandava prince. He knew how to make a woman happy – both mentally and physically. Was it any wonder that Panchali eagerly awaited her turn with him? She quietly juggled the schedules of the other princes so that she got to spend more time with Nakula. It wasn’t too difficult as they did have other wives to keep happy.

Wasn’t Panchali lucky that she had got Prince Nakula in the package deal when Arjuna won her at the swayamvara?

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Prasanna Rao
Flightless Bird Thoughtful Wings by Swathi Shenoy
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