Devi Bhadrapraani : The Beginning Of The Universe

Teenage Dreams

Bhadre closed her eyes tight in fear as she slowly turned behind. In front of the bushes stood a teenage boy. Time slowed down as her eyes met the brown eyed one. His hairs like the waves of the ocean, resting on top of his shoulder. His forehead shone bright like a divine one. His cheeks were puffed like dough balls, and his eyes were innocent like eyes of a kopatah. A playful smile was peeking from his small lips. Bhadre stepped back as soon as she came back to her senses, covering her body from the cloth of her saree.

Bhadra - Demon! I know you are a demon in disguise! What do you want from me!

She yelled out as she took her steps back to guard herself. Hridev, the charming youthful boy chuckled as every step she took back he stepped forward to reach out to her.

Hridev - May I know why do you call me a demon?

He held his laughter to eagerly listen to her cuckoo like voice speak.

Bhadra - At the peak of the Midnight, rather than a demon who else roams in a dangerous forest!

Hridev - You mean to say that you are a demon too?

Bhadra - What!

Bhadra exclaimed.

Hridev - A beautiful young lady, who looks ethereal found in a the midst of the forest at night. What could be the reason for you to be here at this time?

Bhadra - I- I lost my way to home.

She lied.

Hridev - Oh, I am Hridev. I live in the village beside the forest, in Kingdom of Vyanarajya. I lost my way to home, too.

She almost believed him till his last sentence. She was skeptical so she kept her distance with him.

Bhadra - What do you want from me?

Hridev - Could I stay by your side till dawn, you could use some good company of mine!

Bhadra narrowed her eyes on him.

Hridev - I promise I am not a demon! I will try not to trouble you at all.

He chuckled as Bhadra ignored his words and looked away. Taking a moment before she took her decision to let him stay.

Bhadra - Okay. But on one condition! You will be 7 steps away from me. If you turn out to be a demon, I will curse you terrible. Remember that!

She was so innocent that not once in her life did she ever curse anyone. All she did was to give blessings to even the ones who were not worth the affection. She wanted to install fear in Hridev, but little did she know his secretive truth. Hridev smiled.

Hridev - That is all? I expected more rules to be followed, Devi!

He laughed but soon stopped himself when he saw a cute anger on her face.

Bhadra - First, we need some fire to stay safe in this forest. I will look for some stones. You look for the wood. Understood?

Hridev nodded as he observed her sit down and search for the perfect rock to start fire. Not even a minute after, Bhadra saw her shadow fall in front of her. Her eyes went wide as she turned around and there she saw Hridev sit next to fire. He gestured her to come and sit beside him while she stood there in shock, speechless.

Bhadra - H-how is that possible? I did not hear one leaf move and here you already started the fire?

Hridev - I am an elusive being, Bhadre.

Her hairs stood out as her body sent shivers down her spine.

Bhadra - How do you know my name? I did not introduce myself to you.

Hridev - I told you, I am an elusive being. You have no choice except staying the night with me. There are dangerous animals out there. Think about it.

Bhadra knew she had no other place to go, darkness had took over the entire forest. Bhadra could see light from a distance, on top of the mountain where Kingdom Vyanarajya was. She knew she could not risk her life, but she had to be careful of the elusive one.

Bhadra - You remember my rules?

Hridev chuckled as he nodded his face. But before Bhadre could come and sit near the fire, Hridev laid down with his hands resting on his arms.

Hridev - Oh while I lay on the ground and rest for some time, could you find me some food?

Bhadra clenched her eyebrows as she broke the stick in her hand.

Bhadra - If you want food, you find it for yourself.

Her stern voice made Hridev chuckle.

Hridev - You truly don't trust me, do you, Bhadre? Very well, if it's food you want, food I shall find.

With a mischievous smile, Hridev swiftly jumped to his feet and disappeared into the darkness of the forest, leaving Bhadra alone by the fire. Bhadra couldn't help but feel a mix of intrigue and fear. As she waited for Hridev to return, she tried to shake off her doubts about him being a demon. Instead, she focused on the enchanting night sky above her, with its sparkling stars and a gentle breeze that rustled through the trees.

After what felt like hours, Hridev finally emerged from the depths of the forest, carrying a small basket filled with a variety of fruits and nuts. Bhadra couldn't hide her surprise. Hridev's eyes twinkled with pride as he presented the basket to her.

Hridev - Good food requires patience and a little adventure, wouldn't you agree?

Bhadra couldn't help but smile, both impressed and puzzled by Hridev's resourcefulness. She started to see a different side of him, one that was kind-hearted and full of surprises. Hridev handed her a juicy mango, which she gladly accepted.

As they sat by the fire, sharing stories and laughter, Bhadra couldn't deny the growing connection between them. Despite her initial reservations, Hridev's presence brought a sense of comfort and excitement she had never experienced before. They talked about their dreams, their fears, and their shared love for nature. It was as if they had known each other for a lifetime, woven together by fate.

As dawn approached, Bhadra couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. She didn't want this magical night to end, but reality was calling her back. Hridev, too, seemed lost in his thoughts, his gaze fixed on the emerging rays of sunlight.

Bhadra - Hridev, the night has been like no other for me. I'm grateful for the way you've protected me and shown me kindness. I will cherish this memory forever.

Hridev smiled, his eyes filled with a hint of longing.

Hridev - Bhadre, fate has a mysterious way of intertwining lives. This night was destined, and I will carry the memory of our time together in my heart.

As the first light of dawn painted the sky, Hridev stood up, gracefully offering his hand to Bhadra.

Hridev - The path to Vyanarajya awaits, and our journeys may take different turns, but remember, Bhadre, the forest will always hold the echo of our laughter and the warmth of this shared night.

Bhadra took his hand, feeling a connection that transcended the boundaries of time and space. Together, they walked towards the edge of the forest, where the kingdom of Vyanarajya stood tall, bathed in the morning light. The adventure of the night had forged an unspoken bond between Bhadra and Hridev, setting the stage for the next chapter of their intertwined destinies.