The Swan Song

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The moon remained in the sky even as the sun rushed to dawn on a day of good omen. The celebrations began early, and the music added to the air of excitement as the bugles sounded the summons. Kings and lords from the corners of the world assembled in the royal coliseum, each seated on his throne like a lion on the mountain. The coliseum looked filled with glory and power, resembling a cauldron of might and light.

The Kings indulged in conversations and musings with their neighbours. The air within the coliseum began brewing with power and determination. Each king spoke with a voice louder and heavier than the other, each began to sharpen up their wits in occasional pauses. The commotion of mixed emotions captivated the universe within the coliseum as some Kings grew impatient and began flirting with pride and anger among other emotions.

Suddenly a dead silence conquered the universe as Damayanti entered the coliseum. The Kings retired to their courteous behavior fitting for a royalty and were eager to hear the challenges that awaited them. She bowed down in reverence to the assembled kings as the Swayamvara of Damayanti was about to commence. She passed the first few rows of the assembly without uttering a single word. Confused and unsure, the kings didn't turn to look.

Damayanti walked by several lines of suitors. Silence grew as the King’s began to wonder what was to unfold. No challenge was yet announced, no trial was yet laid out but Damayanti walked with a sense of determined task.

"There he is! I can sense him there!" – she said to herself as she approached one end of a long row she was walking past. She began to walk briskly in the direction her heart dictated and took a sharp turn to the left. She came to a sudden halt as a bewildering sight assailed her senses. "What kind of sorcery is this?" she exclaimed to her now numbminded self, which presented her with five men who bore an uncanny resemblance to her beloved, Nal, seated before her. The radiant glow on her face dimmed as she began contemplating an escape. She, in her truest heart, had chosen Nal as her Champion and was attracted by his very presence in that corner of the majestic coliseum. As she stood in her frozen tracks, she gazed in amaze at the five identical men with every physical and meta physical that her lover Nal exuded. She delved into the depths of her soul, questioning, "How can I discern my true love among them? They all appear identical, even their essence feels the same." Her inquiry carried a resolute determination to seek assistance. Moments later, she offered a prayer with the pride of a lioness and the humility of a saint.

In the sweet melody of the swan's song,

I found my heart's true path, where I belong.

Amidst the Lords and beings untold,

I beg you, my love, to unfold.

For I have chosen you, my chosen King,

In your presence, my heart takes wing.

You dwell in every corner, all around,

Within my heart, your presence profound.

For you alone, my love does reside,

No other can claim a place by my side.

We are two halves of one soul's embrace,

Together, we will find solace and grace.

Bound in love's thread, we shall forever thrive,

With you, my King, our souls will survive.

Mighty four, reveal your noble might,

I remain faithful, I remain true.

I leave it upon your divine wisdom

The fate of my love, the destiny of my tale.

Damayanti stood unperturbed, with eyes closed and head bowing in reverence with her palms folded like the delicate petals of a jasmine bud. Love guided her, and as she opened her eyes, she observed distinct variations among the duplicates of her beloved.

One levitated, defying gravity, while another remained unblinking. The garments of the third were miraculously cleansed of stains and wrinkles, and the fourth emitted a radiant light, illuminating a significant portion of the colossal hall. Turning her attention to the fifth, she beheld a figure with a defeated expressions, drooping shoulders, and weathered attire, lost in contemplation of his own feet.

Love emerged triumphant, and even the Gods conceded a rare defeat. Damayanti first embraced Nal with the blessed garland, and then caressed him in her loving arms. The hall erupted in exuberant cheers as the celebrations commenced. Nal and Damayanti were the crowned family a wonderful matrimony awaited.

The universe celebrated their perfect union. Riches and blessings were lavished upon the people across the lands. As the lords and kings departed with mixed emotions, the jubilant festivities continued for several days. Their love flourished like a tree racing towards the heavens. In due course, their love bore them children, and an unshakable harmony permeated their lives. The tumultuous emotions of misery and pain became distant memories. Peace reigned on earth as love prevailed throughout the world, just as the swan had prophesied.

"Love Reigns Supreme" – sang the cheerful Queen in the arms of her beloved King as they strolled through their idyllic life. Their kingdom flourished, and they earned the love and adoration of all. The weather perpetually graced them with its perfection, and Mother Nature showcased her magnificent splendor. A bonfire was lit, and the warmth of their love spread to the farthest corners of the universe.

Lord Of the Sin

“How dare your mortals belittle me?

I’m the god of vices, the lord of sin!

That Southern King, in foolish display,

Failed to await my arrival, I say!

How dare he choose a mortal, so bold,

Over me, whose power remains untold!

Damayanti, a lore's enchanting tale,

She captured me, love's intricate veil.

But her deceit pierced my sinful core,

Preferring a lowly mortal, my heart she tore!

She forgot to wait, and now I proclaim,

Misery and solitude shall be your destiny!

In war's embrace, I shall shatter your reign,

Leaving you broken, fragmented, in pain.

No lifetimes enough to gather the pieces,

As I descend, chaos upon your very essence.

Nal, the knight in Shining armour,

Rumours of your glory proved true.

Yet a you’re fool to claim what I desire,

A fool who’ll drown in solitude and despair.

In shadows I'll lurk, vigilant and sly,

Waiting for your stumble, sin drawing nigh.

I'll seize your soul, in the depths of night,

Swiftly consuming, vanishing from sight.

If she can't be mine, no one shall possess,

I am the Lord of Sin, The God of Vices.

My Word is final, my verdict delivered,

I am the Lord of Sin, the God of Vices”

Kali

, the God of vices and the lord of sin, had learned of Damayanti's Swayamvara. Captivated by her beauty and consumed by his own self-love and ego, he descended to the mortal realm of Earth, intending to participate in the Trial of the Champions. He was confident that he would be chosen as the champion above all others. An escort of his disciple demons followed in his shadow.

6 – Kali – a demon that reigns the present age (kali-yuga). Not to be confused with Goddess Kali

However, before he could pass through the gates of the royal capital, where the celebrations of Nal and Damayanti's wedding were winding down, he discovered what had transpired in the coliseum hall. "The Two Peerless have indeed united. Folly be upon those who try to break them apart," the regular folks exclaimed to the infuriated demon lord wearing the fa?ade of the ordinary man. The intense emotions of a scorned and enraged lord of sins caused the clouds to tremble in fear, and the tempestuous storm wreaked havoc upon the wilderness.

Punctuality is a virtue and a way of life for the righteous – the sworn enemies of Kali, the lord of sin. He was late, he was a personified sin. Kali decided to extract his revenge. The grand war board was unveiled, and Kali devised an intricate plan to bring the legendary love story of the King and his Queen to a wretched and ruinous end.

With unwavering patience, he lurked in the shadows for twelve long years, awaiting Nal's descent into a forbidden sin. Kali remained resolute in his scheme and assembled a formidable alliance. Among his recruits was Nal's cunning cousin, Pushkar, who harbored envy for the virtuous Nal with every breath he took. Disguised as a mortal, Kali approached Pushkar, who readily aligned himself with the enemy of his enemy.

"I have heard tales of the King's fondness for game of dice. Gambling is his only vice. Await my signal, for when I defeat him in the depths of his being, you shall inherit all his possessions, even his beloved queen" Kali whispered to the conniving cousin.

Twelve years after their reunion, on an ordinary evening, Nal prepared for the customary sunset sermons. He lit the oil lamps while Damayanti collected the fragrant flowers from the royal orchid in a meticulously woven basket adorned with beads.

In the mundane routine, Nal, lost in muscle memory, overlooked the ritual ablution

before beginning. He unintentionally omitted washing his feet before stepping into the sanctum. Although a minor oversight, it remained a transgression within the realm of virtue.

7 – A part of culture spread across several countries today of washing feet before entering a sacred room

"Seize the moment!" echoed the inner demons residing within Nal's heart, beckoning their master. Like a savage beast, Kali lunged out of the shadows, seizing the defenseless soul of the virtuous King Nal. Unbeknownst to Nal, his innermost being was no longer under his control. Almost immediately, a dark cloud began to form over the palace of where the King slept with his Queen.

In the depths of darkness, my demons reside,

They now befriend you, your soul shall be mine.

Your downfall commences, oh foolish King,

Who dared steal my desire, a sinful sting.

Your thoughts I control, your actions I claim,

For your gravest sin, insulting my name.

The Queen, once revered, won't reign for long,

Desolation and destitution shall sing their song.

The Kingdom shall mourn, a King it will lose,

As your grip on power begins to diffuse.

The Queen, torn apart, shall lose her sanity,

A tragic fate befalling her fragile humanity.

Indulge, virtuous King, in your vices so grand,

Let them consume you, bow down at their command.

Oh, how enticing they are, beckoning your fall,

In their embrace, your virtuous facade shall crumble and sprawl.

These whispers from Kali in his innermost heart sounded like an echo in Nal’s troubling mind. As the days passed, Nal grew increasingly withdrawn. The once-enduring charm that radiated from him dimmed, and his slumped shoulders bore the weight of an unseen burden. Damayanti, concerned deeply, sought answers and offered her support, but there was no visible wound to heal. Deep within, Nal heard a beckoning call from his inner soul. With a menacing sneer, Kali whispered a commanding order to his fallen prey, his voice dripping with malice. "Host a tournament of your beloved game of dice. Wager everything you possess. Indulge in your beloved vice. Gamble on! Now is the time, the time is now!". Gradually Nal fell to the call from his inner demons and a new, uncontrollable passion burned within his heart. Nal longed for a game of gamble. He was determined to go all in on the first table he’d take.