#veda chats ✧

[veeaxx]

i'm so happy!!! ARFHGHSGSH I LOVE HIMMM, MISSHU BABY

[veeaxx]

waka samaaa!!!!

[meluhha]

Buddhism rejected the Oppressive Vedas

Vedas as the ultimate source of knowledge, & Brahmin monopoly on that knowledge

Buddhism opposed the idea that the Vedas were the ultimate source of knowledge and authority because the Buddha taught that liberation from suffering could be attained through personal experience and understanding, rather than relying on the authority of external sources such as the Vedas or Brahmins. The Buddha emphasized the importance of direct insight and understanding, and encouraged his followers to rely on their own experience and understanding of the nature of reality. The Buddha also criticized the rigid social hierarchy promoted by the Vedas, which gave a privileged position to the Brahmin caste and reinforced the idea that certain individuals were inherently superior or inferior based on their birth. Buddhism, on the other hand, taught that all individuals have the potential to attain enlightenment regardless of their social status or background.

Buddhism rejected the idea that knowledge and spiritual attainment were the exclusive domain of the Brahmins or any particular social class. The Buddha taught that anyone, regardless of their caste or social status, could attain enlightenment through personal effort and practice of the Dharma. This challenged the traditional belief in the superiority of the Brahmin caste and the idea that only they were qualified to perform certain religious ceremonies and rituals. The Buddha also criticized the Vedic tradition of sacrificing animals, which was a common practice during that time, and emphasized non-violence and compassion towards all living beings.

[boneappletits]

just dm me already 🫶🏼😌

AFHFHGKGKKFGG babes i cannot start a conversation �� ♡︎♡︎

[veeaxx]

i love heartslabyul omg😭😭����

"MY TYPE IS..." with TWISTED WONDERLAND

synopsis: you respond to a "what's your type?" question with his name. how does he react?

characters: riddle, trey, cater, ace, & deuce x gn! painfully blunt! reader

includes: cursing, non-explicit makeout mention,

heartslabyul(here), savanaclaw+octavinelle, scarabia+pomefiore, ignihyde+disomania.

grim, as always, was nagging you with questions in front of your crush and group of friends. they're all left to their own devices until grim asks, "what's your type?" and the attention of your crush falls on you for your answer.

riddle rosehearts, dorm leader of heartslabyul.

"my ideal type? well, he's red-haired, with grey eyes, whose short and just happens to be the dorm leader of heartslabyul!"

the "ideal crush" in question was as red as his hair. he almost spits his tea out.

you practically confessed to riddle! or at least told him he's the type you're looking for.

riddle looks at you like you've gone mad, not even realizing he's been actively staring at you.

"[name], are you serious?" he questions, calming himself down. you look at him confused.

"why wouldn't i be serious? was my clear description of you, riddle rosehearts, my crush, not enough?"

he still looks at you confused. riddle fully understands, it's just.. you're being so straightforward about it! he can't handle how blunt you're being with your advances.

you sigh, "since you still aren't understanding, i like you riddle. is that clear enough?"

"no, i am not as red as my hair! ugh, yes, [name]. i understood just well. it just took me a while to get used to how blunt you were. but, i guess i could say you're my ideal type too. and i guess i like you too."

trey clover, vice dorm leader of heartslabyul.

"my type's obviously a green-haired, amber-eyes, glasses-wearing, hot baker with a clover on his cheek."

doth trey's ears deceive him? you obviously just described him. he has green hair, yellow eyes, glasses, and a clover on his cheek. plus, he's a baker!

trey doesn't even realize he's stared at you, the tart he made long forgotten on his plate.

you stare at him like you didn't just say he was your type. "um, [name]?" "yeah?"

trey looks at you, takes a deep breath and asks, "do you like me?"

"of course i do, silly! i wouldn't have described you as my type if i didn't."

trey takes a deep breath once again. thank the great seven.

"oh thank goodness. i liked you too but i didn't really know how to approach it. i was gonna make you a (favorite dessert) with "will you be mine?" on it, but i guess i don't have to anymore. oh? i should still do it? well, i guess you'll just have to come over to heartslabyul tonight for a surprise, dear."

cater diamond, heartslabyul third year.

"do you even have eyes? my type is this really cute guy with orange hair, green eyes, a red diamond on his face, a heartslabyul third year and magicam influencer! aka, the hottest guy in the world!"

he squeals. cater lets out a loud, high-pitched, squeal that would be associated with preppy high school girls in movies. people would have noticed if it wasn't for the already loud cafeteria.

he moves to the seat next to you, holding you by your waist.

"[name], do you really like me?" the smile on his face blinds you, but you can see he has a hint of worry in his green eyes. imagine how disappointed he'd be if you were to like some other heartslabyul guy that looked exactly like him.

you lean in, hooking a arm around his neck and using your hand to push his head into your lips. your lips kiss him and you can taste his lime tart and cherry chapstick.

"is.. is that enough to prove to you that i love you?" you pant after the kiss, looking at cater's reddened face.

"haha! that was more than enough, but how about you prove to me how much you love me a bit more, cutie?"

(you guys make out and have to be forcefully separated becuase the friend group does NOT approve of the pda.)

ace trappola, heartslabyul first year.

"okay, so he's a fucking pain in the ass and a stupid idiot but i love him, y'know? his orange-red hair and the stupid heart on his face and that silly grin his makes when he does something dumb like breaking riddles rules or messes up a potion or something.. he may be a fucking dumbass but he's a dumbass i have a crush on."

first of all, ouch.

he's not a pain in the ass or a stupid idiot! and his heart isn't stupid and his grin isn't silly- wait, did you say you have a crush on him?

ace is flattered, but that would never ever stop him from being a little shit about it.

i mean, you called him a stupid idiot you love, right? so that means that he can be a dumbass and you'll still forgive him, right? of course you will, he thinks.

"[nickname]~ you have a crush on me? aww, you're too cute! of course you'd like me, i'm hot, i have a cute grin,-- what! i'm not an idiot!"

deuce spade, heartslabyul first year.

"what a silly question! anyways, my type is tall, blue-haired, and a real cutie! he has this cute little spade on his face but hes kinda dumb. i love it about him though! the pout on his face he gets when he's confused is adorable!"

queue cute, confused deuce.

"aw look, he's doing the little confusion pout right now! ah, i have the biggest crush on him!" you gush, and the color drains from his face before it comes back as a vibrant red blush.

he bangs his head on the table, making a cute whimpering noise.

when he finally looks up, still blushing, he's met with your smile and almost topples over. you're gonna give him a heart attack!

"don't embarrass me like that! ugh, but since we're on the matter, y-yeah i like you, too."

[veeaxx]

go away writer's block :((

[veeaxx]

happy belated to my pretty boy, whose bday boy card came home in 40 pulls💞ilysm my little scrunkly scrimblo!!

(accidentally skipped when i got him, whoopsie)

MY JAMIL EMPIRE IS BUILDING WATCH ☝‼️‼️

[meluhha]

“dasas” - the original Meluhhans, Melakans, Melans, Tamilans ... or Indus Valley ppl/Indus?

In the Rigveda, Dasas is the name given to a group of tribes who are depicted as the enemies of the Bharatas in the Battle of the Ten Kings. The Dasas are described as being led by the powerful king Sambara and are portrayed as having a different culture and language from the Bharatas.

Dasas are often depicted as the enemies of the Vedic people, and the Rig Veda mentions battles fought between the two groups.

The Rig Veda describes Dasas as being "black-skinned" and "ugly", and contrasts them with the fair-skinned, handsome Vedic people.

Some scholars believe that the Dasas may have worshipped different gods than the Vedic people, but there is limited information on this topic.

The Rig Veda mentions that the Dasas practiced animal sacrifice, but it is not clear if this was different from the animal sacrifice practiced by the Vedic people.

There are references in the Rig Veda to Dasas having a fortified capital city called Shushna, which was located on the banks of the Ravi river.

The Rig Veda also mentions a Dasa king named Sambara who was defeated by the Vedic hero Indra. Sambara is sometimes described as a "sorcerer" or "demon" in the Rig Veda.

There is no clear evidence to suggest that the Dasas were Indo-Aryan. In fact, some scholars believe that the Dasas were a non-Aryan people who lived in the Indus Valley region prior to the arrival of the Indo-Aryans. The Rigveda describes the Dasas as a group of people who were at odds with the Indo-Aryans, suggesting that they were a distinct and separate cultural group. The Dasas are also described as having their own language and religious practices that were different from those of the Indo-Aryans.

The precise language and culture of the Dasas is a matter of debate among scholars, and there is no definitive answer. However, some scholars have suggested that the Dasas may have spoken a non-Indo-European language and represented a distinct cultural group that was different from the Vedic culture.

- They are believed to have been a group of people who lived in the Indus Valley region, which encompasses parts of present-day Pakistan and India.Some scholars suggest that they may have spoken a Dravidian language, which is a language family that includes languages spoken in parts of southern India.

- They are believed to have had a distinct culture that was different from the Vedic culture. For example, the Dasas are often depicted as being hostile to the Vedic gods and priests.

- The Rigveda describes the Dasas as being wealthy and possessing large herds of cattle.The Dasas are also depicted as being skilled in metallurgy and as having access to rich mineral resources.

- Some scholars suggest that the Dasas may have been associated with the Harappan civilization, which was a major urban civilization that flourished in the Indus Valley region from about 2600 BCE to 1900 BCE.

- The Dasas are often depicted as being enemies of the Vedic people, and they are said to have been defeated by the Bharatas in the Battle of the Ten Kings.

- The Rigveda describes the Dasas as being skilled in warfare and as possessing chariots and other weapons.Some scholars suggest that the Dasas may have had a decentralized political system, in contrast to the more centralized political system of the Vedic people.

The Dasas are often depicted as being associated with darkness and chaos, in contrast to the light and order represented by the Vedic culture.

The Rigveda describes the Dasas as having a different physical appearance from the Vedic people, with some descriptions suggesting that they may have had darker skin.

The Dasas are often depicted as being associated with the non-human realm, such as with demons or monsters.

Some scholars suggest that the Dasas may have practiced different forms of religion than the Vedic people, such as animism or ancestor worship.

The Dasas are often depicted as being associated with the mountains and forests, in contrast to the open plains associated with the Vedic people.

The Rigveda describes the Dasas as being skilled in magic and as possessing supernatural powers.

Some scholars suggest that the Dasas may have had a more egalitarian social structure than the Vedic people.

The Dasas are often depicted as being associated with water, such as with rivers or floods.

The Rigveda describes the Dasas as being associated with the god Varuna, who is associated with water and the underworld.

Some scholars suggest that the Dasas may have been part of a larger network of cultures that were spread across Central Asia and the Near East.

The Dasas are often depicted as being associated with death and destruction, in contrast to the life and fertility associated with the Vedic culture.

[veeaxx]

OAHSJAGAHE I LOVE THIS ELP ??!! yes im into twst again fight me

I live for The Great Seven™ gossiping about NRC x MC like teenagers and having their own ship wars with each other

Queen of Hearts: *to the King of Hearts* Riddle and MC are so cute together. They must invite me to their wedding.

Jafar: Their wedding?! I assure you that nothing of the sort will happen. Why only yesterday, MC had praised Jamil on his progress in sorcery. They're only one carpet ride away from their inevitable romance.

Hades: Jaffy, babe, have you not seem how close MC is with my man, Idia. Sure he never gets out but Ortho sees them as a big sibling and they always spend time together in his bedroom. *mutters* Now all he needs are a few pomegranate seeds and-

Scar: Leona's scent is all over them. No one else has a chance against a lion.

Ursula: You should've seen how enchanted MC was when they went swimming with Azul in his merform. You lot underestimate the power of body language tentacles and a well written contract.

Evil Queen: None of those boys are even remotely worthy of breathing the same air as MC. Why would they settle for a ghastly fixer-upper when they can have the most beautiful man of all. Vil is a much better match.

Mistress of All Evil/World's Best Grandma: I'll have you fools know that my grandson has been courting MC since the day they met. Don't worry Queen of Hearts, I'll make sure to give everyone an invite to their wedding. Now where did Lilia keep those marriage papers?

They all have bets placed and are actively sabotaging the others

Queen of hearts sets a picnic? Maleficent ruins it with thunder

Scar sets up Leon with a walk? Dowshed by Hades

A deal with the sea witch? Haha good luck with jafar rooting for jamil

[veeaxx]

so i bought some twst unofficial photocards and just received them today, take note these are like gacha pouches so i never knew who i was gonna get!!

.. sadly jamil and kalim did not come home but VIL DID OMFG AJSHHAHSHS AGAIN⁉️⁉️⁉️

I'M DONE WITH POMEFIORE SMH🤺🤺🤺

[yusei-tales]

The Old Continent Arbis Expedition Record: An Account of an Audience with Betelgeuse, the Sixteenth Demon King.

-Betel and Rineyas sitting together. -The scribe records. -They ask for an explanation of what it means to be a Demon King.

Betelgeuse (Betel): Sixteenth Demon King of the Veda race (demons). Rineyas Van Ardenn Tardis: King of the Tardis Kingdom of the Huma (humans).

Allen Farrell: Biologist and an explorer, chosen as the youngest member of the First Old Continent Expedition. The recorder of this conversation.

(Chatting) "Oh, that's right, Rineyas. Your first child was just born, right? Congratulations." "Ah… thank you. I'm glad he was born healthy."

"When he's a bit older, why not bring him here for a visit? Reve could use a playmate. Since she can't leave this place, she'd be glad to see someone. Not like I can just go out and snatch up people for her to meet, right?"

"Lady Reve… Now that you mention it, it’s been quite a while since I last saw her. Is she well?"

"Same as always. She growls when she sees me."

"Haha. I see. Sounds like she's got plenty of energy. I'll bring my son for a visit once he's a bit older."

(More chatting)

The presence of this one… Betelgeuse… the Sixteenth Demon King…! (A bit overwhelming)

"Hey, you there, the scribe? Or should I call you a recorder?" "Yes, you. Come here."

"Oh, you're nervous. Relax~ I'm not going to eat you. Where else would you find a demon king as human-friendly as me?"

"Haha, I think so too." (Rineyas)

"Anyway, that's right. The former Demon King, Canopus, had a daughter with a human—her name is 'Reve'—and it's well-known that Betel cherishes his half-sister deeply. I suspect his positive stance toward humans largely comes from that connection."

"And besides, Rineyas is my friend, so I'm not about to do anything nasty in front of him. Though I'd welcome a little bit of fear since people thinking of me too casually makes it hard to keep any dignity." (Gives a flash of a dangerous look)

"Eep!"

"Just kidding." _(Shrugs) "Why's an explorer so skittish?"

("Explorer," but I’m mainly focused on research and advising; the ones who do the real fieldwork are different people...sob)

"Betel, please don’t scare him too much."

"You're the odd one, Rineyas; that reaction is perfectly normal. What human would come here asking for an audience with the Demon King? And a king of a nation, at that. You really don’t hold yourself back enough."

"I have someone to cover me if needed. And, well, I had a bit of trust that it would be alright with you."

"Right, right… Anyway, let’s get down to the main topic. You're compiling a compendium?"

"Yes, that's correct. Farrell here is a kingdom biologist. He may be young, but he's a remarkable talent. He’s even taking part in the Arbis expedition due to his passion."

"Ah, this is the Old Continent expedition you mentioned before?"

"Yes. The materials we compile this time will include findings from that expedition."

"Knowing my stories are going into a compendium is a bit surreal. Record it with some discretion, will you? I’m hardly an expert. There are others who could tell you more detailed stories, and I can introduce them if necessary."

"Oh, no, no! Your words are essential for writing materials on the Veda! It’s an honor to hear such invaluable insights directly from you!"

"I, too, am very interested in Betel's stories. Sharing your knowledge without reservation would serve as good nourishment for the people. And there are stories only Betel can tell. That’s why I arranged this meeting between you and Farrell."

"Hm… You’re right, indeed. This is definitely a tale only I can share, at least in this generation. I'm not sure if it’ll be the grand story you're expecting, but… let's begin."

"About the Demon King."

"I'm going to talk about something from a long, long time ago—perhaps around when the land we live on first emerged. Nowadays, the main races on this land are our horned kind, the Veda; you humans, the Huma, who live in clusters and have smooth, featureless skin; and the beastly Yasma, with their animalistic traits. But back then, our kind was likely the only highly intelligent species that roamed this land.

"I can say this with certainty because each generation of Demon King inherits the memories of the previous ones. It’s not that every bit of personality or memory transfers over, but it’s like seeing an ancient memory or a forgotten dream. They stir and swirl somewhere in the back of your mind. It’s a hard feeling to describe—it’s vivid as if you could reach out and touch it, but it can disappear just as quickly as snuffing out a candle. You don’t consciously experience it, yet you come to know it happened. The mind of a Demon King, in that sense, could be described as a subjective, personal history book—not exactly the truth, but someone’s reality."

"The First King… he wanted to pass on the lessons from past deeds. To study the merits and faults of the predecessors and to learn from them, so the same mistakes wouldn’t be repeated. I remember this intent clearly, and it’s one of the things I learned upon inheriting this power."

"Then, the moment that intent passed on, I think every Demon King must have seen it—a figure that fills your mind."

"It’s a woman with red hair."

"She turns, her long hair flowing, partially braided and ornamented. And she smiles brightly as she looks back."

"And as her lips move, she calls a name."

"Sirius!"

"That’s the First King’s name. When we become Demon King, the first memory we see and the reason the Demon Kingship exists begins with her. She was the beginning of it all."

"The woman’s name is Lilim. She wears a red shawl. We’re known for our horns, right? Lilim has one too, a small horn on the right side of her head, shaped like a screw head. While that isn’t particularly unique among us, she definitely has a striking appearance."

"The First King misses her."

"Desperately. To the point where his heart might melt away. Deeply, achingly, profoundly."

"Is it a love story, then? Maybe. For me, it feels like something deeper and weightier than love."

"Or perhaps… that’s exactly what love is. I can’t say."

(To be continued with later parts)

[dispallesuunanuvola]

Sono il motivo per il quale non puoi aprire la chat di Telegram in pubblico senza prima assicurarti che nessun altro veda.

[veeaxx]

⁉️⁉️ this is so cute

I posted this on twitter a couple of days ago and these are some of the prompts!

1.leona☔

2. Azul 🎶

3. Leona 🎄

4. Deuce 📚

5. Ruggie 💳

6. Ortho ❄️

7. Cay Cay 🌮

8. Trey 🧁

I may turn there into icon if I have the time 💕💕

[meluhha]

rigvedic seers or sages were political-magician-warriors-come-priests?

MILITARY & POLITICAL STRATEGISTS BEFORE PRIEST

- In the Rigveda, Vishwamitra is described as a warrior and a powerful magician, and he is believed to have provided the Bharata army with various magical weapons and spells that helped them to emerge victorious in the battle. He is also believed to have helped the Bharata king Sudas to formulate a strategy that led to the defeat of the ten kings.Vishwamitra's role in the Battle of the Ten Kings is significant because it highlights the importance of sages and priests in the political and military affairs of the early Vedic period. Sages like Vishwamitra were not only spiritual leaders but also political advisors and military strategists. They played an important role in shaping the social and political landscape of the early Vedic period

LESS RIG VEDIC GODS OVER TIME

- Agastya (**PRE-VEDIC OR NOT?) associated with south/ Tamils and taught Vasishta, who is associated with Bharathas of Kurukshetra, ie. more west/later. 

- Vasishta known teaching dharma, karma, etc.

LATER RIGVEDAS

- 1.65-73 written by Parasara, grandson of Vasishta and father of Vyasa, in praise of Agni. Apparently wrote 9.97 in praise of Soma. Also speaker of Vishnu Puranma

A “DASA” “SAGE” honoured earth as a goddess in the rigvedas, it was his ONLY hymn and he’s the ONLY “Brahmin” with ‘dasa’ in his name before Kalidasa?

Mahidasa was a sage or Rishi who composed hymn 10.148, known as the "Hymn to Earth" or "Prithvi Sukta." This hymn is dedicated to the personification of Earth as a goddess and is considered a hymn of praise to the Earth as a life-sustaining force. It describes various aspects of Earth and its significance in the cosmic order, and it is considered one of the most famous and revered hymns in the Rigveda.

The "Prithvi Sukta" is often interpreted as an expression of reverence and gratitude towards the Earth as a nurturing and life-giving force. It highlights the importance of Earth in ancient Vedic cosmology and expresses the idea of Earth as a goddess to be venerated and respected. Mahidasa is credited with composing this hymn and is considered an important figure in Hindu mythology for his contribution to Vedic literature.

[ramayantika]

Smriti

Phase-1 [Prologue/intro Ch-1]

The very first house in the fifth lane of the Pushpabagha locality belonged to Smriti's aunt and her family. It was the first hour of the Purvanha prahar. The older members of the house were going to wake up within a few moments, but the girls — Smriti, Saadhvi, her older sister and Tvisha, their cousin sister did not even sleep a wink.

Tvisha and Saadhvi were the same age, and Smriti was four years younger than them. However, this four-year age difference did not affect the bond between the three sisters. Tvisha and Saadhvi had been close to each other since childhood, and after Smriti was born, Tvisha would pamper her a lot. On reaching her teenage, Smriti too gained access to the inner circle between her older sisters where they openly talked about various topics ranging from relationships to academics.

Saadhvi had decided to continue her study of the Vedas at Kashi after passing out from Gyanpit. Meanwhile, Tvisha studied literature at a university in Avanti and looked forward to writing her own plays after graduating. She was greatly inspired by Kalidasa's works.

"Is he really going to meet us? Did he agree to it, or did you force him?" asked Saadhvi, combing her hair with her fingers.

Tvisha giggled and nodded at her. "Yes, he agreed! Look, you are my closest sister and partly my best friend, so he has to meet you." She then turned towards Smriti and ruffled her hair. "As for you, my younger sister, you are tagging along to witness some of these colourful experiences."

Smriti huffed. "As long as you are not taking me in the afternoon, I am fine to tag along." I have my own plans too.

"But in the afternoon, everyone will be at the fair, so we can sneak out to meet him. I promise you, it won't take long," argued Tvisha. "If we go in the morning, there is a high chance that we might get caught. And we certainly can't go to meet him in the evening or at night."

Smriti sat up and adjusted her hair. Passing a naughty smile towards Saadhvi, she said, "And that's why I have a plan."

Saadhvi hovered about in the courtyard, her eyes carefully observing all the elders. Her mother and her aunt were busy in the puja room after taking their bath. They were cleaning the small temple her uncle had installed inside the house and were chatting to each other, oblivious to Saadhvi's presence.

She then returned to the room and told Smriti about her observation. In the meantime, Tvisha had gone outside to check where her father was as her uncle, Smriti and Saadhvi's father was in his room doing his regular morning japa.

Hearing Saadhvi, Smriti declared, "Maa and Pitrishvasa won't go out of the house now. After cleaning the temple and the room, they will do the puja and then go to the kitchen to prepare for today's lunch. I will go and inform Maa we are going to the Devi mandir. If Tvisha didi comes up with good news, then we can execute the plan successfully."

The girls were planning to meet Tvisha's secret lover. Her parents knew nothing about them. Hence he was the secret lover. The boy lived in Avanti and studied with Tvisha at her university. They had been together for two years. Not many knew about their relationship except their friends and now Smriti and Saadhvi. The two sisters were at her home, so she wanted them to meet him. There was still some time to introduce him to her parents. Both of them had planned to do that after the completion of their studies.

Smriti and Saadhvi kept glancing at the doorway for any sign of Tvisha when they heard their mother's voice.

"Is there something you need? Whom are you looking at?"

The girls jumped in alarm. "Umm... no. We are waiting for..." Tvisha looked at Smriti and silently asked her to speak up. Smriti frowned at her, causing Saadhvi to nudge her elbow against Smriti.

Smriti slapped her sister's arm. "Oh, God! Looks like you are still thinking about your wonderful sleep, isn't it didi? You can't even speak properly!" Smriti smiled at her mother and said, "We are actually waiting for Tvisha didi. We have planned to visit the nearby Devi mandir. She told us that she will herself pick flowers for the offerings."

"In that case, I can accompany you three, too. I will just inform your aunt."

"No!" the girls shouted together at which their mother raised her eyebrow.

"Why?" she asked. "Do you have some other plans?"

Saadhvi gulped and looked nervously at Smriti, who kept a neutral expression on her face. She looked at the doorway and back to her mother, saying, "Actually, we do have some plans. After visiting the temple, we want to go for a boat ride in the Narmada and then to the market to buy some things."

"Oh, then it's okay. Have fun, but carefully come back home. And the most important question — will you eat outside or at home?"

Smriti immediately answered, "We will eat outside for now, and will come back home for lunch. Do not worry about us."

Another voice interrupted them. "Ratna, can you come here once? I can't open the lid." It belonged to Aagamita, Smriti and Saadhvi's aunt.

"Coming didi!" answered Ratna. "You all go, and I will inform didi about your outing."

The sisters nodded and heaved a sigh of relief. They turned towards the doorway and found Tvisha with a basket of flowers. She signalled them that the sight was clear ahead to go out. 

***

The temple wasn't crowded at all. The crowd would arrive in the last hour of the Purvanha prahar and would last till the Aparanha prahar until lunch is served to all the devotees.

The girls sat in front of the inner sanctum of the temple to pray to the goddess. The priests were chanting sacred hymns while offering flowers and fruits to the goddess. Outside the inner sanctum, to the right were a group of musicians playing instruments, and two singers who sang songs in praise of the divine mother. Tvisha enjoyed the beautiful devotional songs while Saadhvi focused on chanting her hymns and meditated on the image of the goddess. Smriti, on the other hand, had her attention on a group of dancers standing near the jagati. Dancers in temples were called devadasis who sang and danced for the deity of a temple. The dancers near the jagati were applying red dyes to their fingers and feet. They were soon going to ascend the temple and perform for the goddess.

Smriti looked at Saadhvi, who was deep in meditation. This was a perfect opportunity to go and meet the dancers outside. Had Saadhvi kept her eyes open, she would have asked her to stay put and meditate and then leave the inner sanctum. Smiling to herself, she bowed to the goddess and whispered as if the mother goddess herself was listening to Smriti. "Sorry, Devi maa, but you know I have always wanted to interact with temple dancers. Dance too serves as an offering to you, so let me go, and I promise I shall come back and dance for you right here someday."

She hurried down the stairs to meet the dancers. There were a group of seven dancers dressed identically. They were older than her but did not appear a day older than twenty-five. Each dancer was dressed in a bright yellow saree, and they had neat, thick braids adorned with flowers and hair jewels. Smriti looked at them from the stairs and thought to herself.

They look no less than a goddess!

As her foot stepped over the last stair, Smriti felt some hesitation rising inside her. She wondered if they would welcome her or not. She had seen temple dancers back in Takshashila and even Kashi but never got a chance to talk to them. Her mother had once narrated a childhood incident where the head dancer of the temple had blessed Smriti when she was a baby while holding her in her arms. She was then only seven years of age when she had first heard about it. This story inspired her to study dance dedicatedly in school.

Waving her doubts away, she approached the dancers and bowed to them. One of them asked, "What happened, child? Is there something you need?" Smriti was taken aback when they addressed her as a child. She was already sixteen, a young, youthful girl!

"I don't need anything — thank you. I just wanted to talk to you all. I have never talked to any temple dancer before, but I have watched many of their dances," Smriti leaned closer to them and spoke in a low voice, "which is why I come to temples to see them dance. Don't worry, the deities and I have a deal that I will dance for them someday. After all, even dance is worship, isn't it?"

Another dancer looked curiously at her. "So, you want to be one of us?"

"Oh, no no! My deal has a very long story. Well, my mother told me that I was blessed by a devadasi in Kashi. I am from Kashi, and I learn to dance in my school. My mother loved to dance, but she could not dance, and when the devadasi blessed me, she decided to have me learn dancing along with whatever I studied. Like the devadasi, I want to dance in temples to atone for all the times I did not mindfully pray like my sister does," answered Smriti.

"Ah! Will you watch us today? I know we have met you only a few moments before, but we feel there is something special about you..." The woman trailed off, her eyes intensely gazing into Smriti's. "I hope you don't mind staying for some more time?"

"Um... I want to stay, but I am not sure if... ouch!" Smriti felt a sharp pull on her earlobe."

"As usual, my little sister runs away from praying to the gods," Smriti heard her sister beside her. Saadhvi then apologetically spoke to the temple dancers. "I am sorry if Smriti has disturbed you. I think you have to perform there soon."

"Come on, you don't need to apologize to us. We all have taken a liking to your sister. We would appreciate it if you would let her stay with us for some time more." One of the dancers kept her hand on Smriti's shoulder. "Not many young women come and talk to us like that. We love a carefree interaction."

Smriti looked at Saadhvi with pleading eyes to let her stay. She could meet Tvisha's beloved some other day. Alas, her pleading eyes did not persuade her older sister to allow her to stay with them.

"I could have let her, but she needs to be back home for some work." Saadhvi eyed Smriti and then moved her eyes towards Tvisha who was with a boy in the temple sanctum. "Maybe she can try to visit you in the upcoming days. Won't you, Smriti?"

"I will," said Smriti with a painful smile and a glare towards her sister. She bowed down to the dancers and wished them a good day. Muttering to herself, she said, "Ugh! I will come back here no matter what."

Saadhvi called Tvisha downstairs, followed by the boy she was with inside the temple, who presumably was her lover. Smriti was still busy glaring and huffing at her sister.

She decided to cheer Smriti up later by buying some sweets or by a pair of anklets. Smriti had fancied a pair at the fair yesterday but did not buy it.

Tvisha and Adrit walked a few steps ahead. The four of them were going to go on a boat ride on the Narmada as suggested by Adrit. A concerned Saadhvi nudged Smriti, asking, "Are you still mad at me?"

Smriti raised her eyebrow at her and shrugged her shoulders. "I am still a little upset but I have realized that leaving you all and especially Tvisha didi won't be good. Remember how she was excited about us meeting Adrit dada? I can still recall her light blushed face from our talk yesterday? Perhaps I could leave the devadasis today to please my cousin?"

"When did you grow up?" asked Saadhvi.

"After you left Gyanpit."

The two sisters laughed and walked ahead, planning various ways to tease the young couple on their boat ride. 

***

"So this man is a gentleman, I see," said Ekaksh, stretching his arms out beside Smriti who had her head leaned back against the tree.

Ekaksh got up and stretched his arms again. He moved his face towards Smriti who sighed and spoke not a word. Her eyes were keenly observing the calm waters of the Narmada.

She had arrived here only a few moments ago and was excitedly chattering about the events of the temple and Adrit. But within a blink, her excited self had gone to sleep.

Ekaksh observed her and asked, "Is something wrong? You aren't speaking much today. When we met yesterday, I bet you ever stopped talking for a moment once."

Smriti shrugged her shoulders, her eyes still focused on the river, "I don't know. I am wondering what to talk about."

"You want to go home then? You had a lot of activities today so you must be tired too. We can meet tomorrow if you want," said Ekaksh, but deep down he wanted her to stay a bit longer.

Smriti had charmed this boy. Ekaksh, the oldest prince of Avanti, the next heir of the kingdom, had been charmed by a young girl who hurling abuses at the sun. His favourite place was the riverbank of Narmada. He often spent his time there indulging in the world of colours.

And now he met Smriti at the riverbank.

The prince had just turned eighteen, and next year he was to be announced as the crowned prince, followed by his coronation at twenty-two. The people of Avanti adored the twins and had high hopes for Ekaksh. The people had been showered with the late king's, Maharaja Karunesh's love during his reign and had witnessed the queen's prowess in ruling the kingdom efficiently after his death.

The people of Avanti saw him as the younger version of the late king. Ekaksh appreciated his people finding similarities between his father and son, but there were times when he felt that his identity had been confined to being his father's shadow. He wanted to be a good and loving ruler like his father but did not want to become another Karunesh.

He would be Maharaja Ekaksh. He did not want the title just because his father was one. He wanted to earn it and live up to it.

The prince's brother, Rathish, on the other hand, had already decided to not ascend the throne ever in his life. Both the princes had seen betrayal by some of their family's closest associates for the throne. Ekaksh was the firstborn twin — he had to be the king. Rathish was the second born. He could help serve the kingdom and his people in other ways.

When Ekaksh had first met Smriti, he was surprised that she wasn't able to identify him. Even though Rathish had a major fan-following from children to young girls thanks to his extroverted and charming nature, Ekaksh was still well known amongst the public and even in other kingdoms. Being the son of a powerful reigning queen did contribute to their fame, too.

Ignorance is bliss. Smriti was ignorant about Ekaksh's family and past. She did not see him as the future king of Avanti but as a boy who spends his time painting. She had even compared his looks to a fresh flower to which Ekaksh felt flattered. He even blushed at her compliment. It felt refreshing for him to finally talk to someone without them being alert to his royal status. He could be a normal young boy around her.

"Why not tell me about your school in Takshashila and friends?" asked Ekaksh.

Smriti's eyes gleamed and all her tiredness vanished. She sat upright and clapped her hands.

"My school Gyanpit is situated in the capital city of Takshashila. Our school, unlike the others, is near a forest but is safeguarded well against attacks from wild animals. Even though we all live near the forest, all amenities from the city are accessible to us. The main market is sixty vinadis away. We have carriages to go to the market. The school is spread over a large area to accommodate students from other kingdoms within Bharatvarsha and other nations. Apart from the natives, you will find many Yavana students studying with us."

"I have heard of the Yavanas being proficient in the arts and astronomy. Sadly, I have never met one. Do you have any Yavana friends?" Ekaksh was curious about the Yavanas, who majorly inhabited the northwest areas of the nation.

They once had their own kingdoms in Takshashila, but their power declined gradually. Some of them, however, took control of cities in Gandhar. The Yavanas had married the natives, and within decades, a rich cultural exchange took place between the two populations.

Smriti nodded. "Oh, I have plenty of them. And what you have heard is true. They have taught their craft of sculpture making. If you ever visit my school, I will show you some of them. Also, one of my friends is learning their style of dance. I am interested in learning that too, but I don't think I will be able to learn it."

"You can try it out. You have been into dance for a very long time. I don't think it would be too hard for you."

Smriti's eyes lit up. With a mischievous smile, she asked, "If you come to watch me dance, I will learn it." From yesterday, Smriti would always manage to find some moments between their conversation to tease the prince and make him blush.

The prince scratched his neck and laughed with a light blush on his cheeks. Smriti had begun to adore his blush and had decided to find ways to keep him blushing till the time she stayed in Avanti. She was to leave for Kashi the next week.

After meeting her yesterday, Ekaksh had cursed his fate for not being able to meet Smriti earlier. She had been living in Avanti at her aunt's place for the last two weeks. They could have spent more time, but he was thankful to get seven days with her. Seven afternoons.

Smriti was happy to make a new friend. She had decided to tell her friends about him once she would head back to Takshashila. Ekaksh was her painter boy. Back in Takshashila, she had no dearth of friends. From her tight group of well-known friends to acquaintances between her peers and junior kids, she knew almost everyone from her school. She was always open to meeting new people, listening to their stories and making new friends. Where ever she went, she either had some friends there or would make new ones. Many of them even wrote her letters, to which she regularly replied.

But Ekaksh?

She had interacted with many people, but Ekaksh was new to her. He was like a lily flower — fresh, colourful, and vibrant. They had only met for a day, but she liked him too much as a person. Just like Ekaksh, she too cursed her fate for not meeting him sooner.

She knew she would miss him from the next day itself after leaving Avanti.

Wondering if he would write her letters like some of her other friends, she asked him, "Will you write me letters, Ekaksh? You know I will leave next week, and I may like you too much to end our conversations here." Her eyes contained a hopeful expression.

Ekaksh looked at the sky. The blazing afternoon sun had cooled down to make way for the moon. The moon appeared hazy as if hiding behind a veil, ready to shine soon. It would be time for him to head back to the palace after the moon discarded her veil with the sun going to sleep. Two days with her would be over.

Could he send her letters? He would have to make sure to not add the royal seal.

Would he get the time? He could make some for it. She would make a great friend.

At the same time, why must one worry about future events now? Five days and five afternoons. Five days still remain to spend with a new friend!

"We still have five days, Smriti. Let's continue our conversations under this tree, near the Narmada, for five more days."

With a nod, both of them stared at the sky. One stared at the sun. The other stared at the hazy moon.

***

Taglist: @flowerheadkiller @mere-heera @celestesinsight @iwanttobeagopi @manujanolavu @ketchup-jar-ka @desi-cleopatra

[veeaxx]

HE'S SO PRETTY!!!!!

HE LOOKS SO DAMN BABY HE LOOKS LIKE HIS AGE 🥹🥹🥹 HE LOOKS SO YOUTHFUL AND FULL OF LIFE THAT'S OUR LIL SEBEK Y'ALL HE'S SO DAMN PRECIOUS 🥹🥹🥹