The forest realm of Devi Aranyani had grown unusually quiet.
The amber sunlight still filtered through the towering canopies of the ancient trees, casting warm golden patterns across the sacred clearing. The leaves whispered gently whenever the wind moved through them, and distant birds continued their songs somewhere deep within the forest.
Yet the air now carried the presence of powerful arrivals.
Four divine figures stepped into the clearing one after another.
First came Karthikeya, the commander of the celestial armies. His tall form carried the effortless authority of a warrior born for command. His posture was straight and disciplined, his presence radiating quiet confidence. In his hand rested his divine spear, held lightly as though it were merely a walking staff.
The air surrounding the spear vibrated faintly with restrained power, humming softly as if aware of the battles it had already witnessed across the ages.
Beside him walked Ganesha,
Calm and thoughtful, his wise eyes moved slowly across the forest realm. Nothing escaped his attention. The ancient trees, the subtle currents of energy in the clearing, the quiet stillness of the land itself. His gaze carried the patient intelligence of one who saw beyond appearances.
Flowing gracefully behind them came Devi Narmada.
Her presence resembled the quiet movement of a sacred river. Cool and tranquil. Gentle yet immensely powerful. Wherever she walked, the air carried the faint fragrance of flowing waters and fresh stone.
Her long garments shimmered softly like ripples beneath sunlight.
And with quiet watchful grace arrived Devi Mansa.
Her movements were calm and deliberate. Her sharp gaze scanned the clearing with the alert awareness of a serpent resting beneath still water. There was wisdom in her expression, and patience that came from centuries of silent observation.
The four siblings stepped fully into the clearing.
Their eyes searched the surroundings.
The clearing…
The trees…
The low tea table is carved from an ancient cedar root.
But not the one they had come for.
Karthikeya frowned slightly.
"The boy…" he said calmly, scanning the clearing once more.
"He is not here."
All four of them slowly turned their gaze toward the centre of the clearing.
There, sitting perfectly at ease upon her cushion beside the low tea table, was Devi Aranyani.
She lifted a cup of tea as though nothing unusual had happened.
Her emerald eyes glimmered with calm amusement.
"Oh, good," she said warmly.
"You have all arrived."
She gently placed the cup back on the table and gestured toward the empty seats around it.
"Come. Sit."
Her tone remained light and welcoming.
"The tea will grow cold otherwise."
For a moment, none of them spoke.
Karthikeya exhaled slowly.
Then his eyes shifted sideways.
Toward a familiar presence he could feel lingering nearby.
"Ashok Sundari…"
He sighed softly.
Before the forest goddess could answer, a warm golden shimmer appeared beside her.
From the gentle light emerged Ashok Sundari.
She stepped forward gracefully.
She looked radiant.
Her form carried the glow of youth and divinity intertwined. Long dark hair flowed behind her like a cascade of midnight silk, threaded with faint golden strands that shimmered in sunlight. Her eyes sparkled with playful intelligence, deep and luminous like polished amber.
She wore flowing garments of soft gold and pale saffron that moved lightly with the breeze, and delicate ornaments of forest blossoms adorned her hair.
Kindness rested naturally within her smile.
Yet beneath that kindness there lingered a hint of gentle mischief.
She folded her hands respectfully.
"Welcome, brother… sisters," she said warmly.
Then she gestured toward the tea table.
"Please sit."
Her smile widened slightly.
"Godmother prepared the tea herself."
Karthikeya looked directly at her.
His sharp warrior's gaze softened into a knowing expression.
"I suspected as much."
He shook his head lightly, though there was affection in his voice.
"I know it was your idea, my sweet sister."
His tone carried gentle amusement.
"You are far too kind for your own good."
Ashok Sundari only smiled quietly.
Karthikeya continued, crossing his arms casually.
"But it is acceptable."
His gaze briefly drifted toward the distant forest path.
"With this… we have saved decades."
He turned back toward her.
"At least now the boy will be eligible to receive our training."
Ganesha chuckled softly as he lowered himself into a seat beside the table.
"A practical solution," he said thoughtfully.
"And a compassionate one."
Devi Narmada smiled faintly as she joined them.
"The forest always nurtures growth faster than the world beyond it."
Devi Mansa folded her arms lightly, though a small approving smile touched her lips.
"Let us hope the mortal survives it."
Aranyani simply poured fresh tea into the waiting cups.
"Have faith."
The siblings gathered around the table.
Quiet steam rose from the cups.
For a moment, the clearing felt peaceful again.
Yet every one of them slowly turned their gaze toward the same direction.
Toward the distant forest path.
Toward where Nandi-ji was walking.
In his arms lay the unconscious form of Rudra.
The Banks of Mata Ganga
The sacred river flowed wide and majestic through a valley carved from shining stone. Sunlight danced across the rushing currents, creating endless patterns of silver and blue across the surface.
The river carried the memory of mountains and the blessings of heaven.
Nandi approached the riverbank slowly, carrying Rudra with careful strength.
The young man remained unconscious, the faint Bel Patra mark glowing softly upon his forehead, pulsing gently like a quiet heartbeat.
As Nandi reached the edge of the river, the flowing waters began to swirl.
The current parted gently.
From the river itself emerged a radiant figure.
Mata Ganga.
Her form shimmered like living water beneath sunlight. Her flowing garments seemed woven from liquid crystal, cascading around her like the river itself. Long silver-blue hair drifted weightlessly as if moving within the current.
Her eyes held both compassion and ancient power.
She looked down at the unconscious Rudra.
A faint smile touched her lips.
"So…"
Her voice flowed like soft water over stone.
"It is already time for my gift."
She nodded gently.
"Well then."
She extended her arms.
"Hand him to me, Nandi."
Nandi stepped forward carefully.
But before he could place Rudra in her arms
—
A voice called out from behind them.
"Wait, Nandi-ji."
Both Nandi and Ganga paused.
They turned.
Standing upon the riverbank was another divine presence.
A young goddess stepped forward from the golden light.
It was Jyoti.
The living flame of Mahadev.
Her form glowed with a quiet but intense brilliance. Her skin carried the soft warmth of burning embers, and her long hair flowed like streams of molten gold threaded with sparks of crimson light.
Her garments were woven from shimmering threads of fire and saffron, dancing gently with every movement like living flames.
Yet despite the fire surrounding her, her presence felt calm… controlled… sacred.
She approached them slowly.
Nandi frowned slightly in confusion.
"Devi Jyoti?"
Mata Ganga tilted her head.
"You are early."
Jyoti smiled gently.
"Yes."
Her gaze lowered toward Rudra.
"But this must be done now."
Neither Ganga nor Nandi spoke.
They did not know the reason.
They did not know the destiny that waited ahead.
Some memories had long been sealed by the will of the Trinity and the Three Mothers.
Still, they stepped aside.
Jyoti walked forward.
She knelt beside Rudra's unconscious form.
For a moment, she simply studied him.
Then she gently placed two fingers upon the base of his neck… just above his chest.
A faint glow appeared beneath her touch.
Inside Rudra's body, a small divine flame already burned quietly.
Jyoti smiled softly.
"Still fragile," she whispered.
Then she released her own divine flame.
A brilliant spark of sacred fire flowed from her fingertips.
It merged with the flame inside Rudra.
The small ember transformed instantly.
It expanded.
Stabilized.
Becoming brighter… purer… stronger.
At that exact moment, a new mark appeared upon Rudra's neck.
A diamond-shaped crystal mark, glowing softly with deep ember-red light.
Jyoti withdrew her hand.
"There."
She rose calmly.
"He will need that."
Nandi and Mata Ganga exchanged a puzzled look.
They did not understand why the gift had been given early.
But the mark itself radiated undeniable power.
Jyoti gave Rudra one last quiet glance.
'Brother, I have given you the gift that will help you achieve your first greatness in the coming days. It will help you grow faster and firmer. May the fire of Mahadev guide you and help you become what you are meant to be.' Jyoti thought to herself
'Grow quickly so that my mother and mother can call you by name and won't have to feel this lonely anymore.' and then,
She turned and disappeared into the fading golden light. And proceeds to go and meet her siblings.
The river winds whispered again.
Mata Ganga looked down at Rudra once more.
"Well then," she said gently.
"It seems the child gathers gifts even before his journey begins."
She reached out her arms again.
"Now…"
"Let us see what the river must give him."