𝙉𝙞𝙮𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙞

●Chapter 33● Punishment ●

At Dwarka:

The incarnation of Sesha Naga hurried walked to the chamber of his brother. He entered it without permission, as the matter was of grave importance.

He found his brother standing near the balcony and overlooked the setting sun. His face reflected profound sadness and sorrow.

Balarama grabbed Krishna by his shoulder and asked him, "Do you know what Karthi did?"

Krishna nodded solemnly and said, "Yes, I know."

Balarama tugged his hair with frustration and said, "What was this boy thinking? He is a God for heavens sake! He should that his actions will not only affect him but the rest of the world too."

Krishna said softly, "He put his brotherly duties before his godly duties, brother. He was right in his own eyes."

Balarama said disgruntled, "Whatever, but what he did was beyond reckless. God knows what is his verdict."

Krishna carefully avoided Balarama's eyes which he noticed almost immediately.

Balarama asked him with a trace of worry, "Has his verdict been passed? I don't need your usual riddles , Kanha. I practically raised this boy, I have the right to know what happened. So please, just say the truth!"

Krishna couldn't ignore the plea in his brother's voice and he said with dejection, "Yes, his verdict has been passed, brother."

Balarama's eyes widened slightly and looking at the expression of his brother he knew it was bad. He asked with miserably, "It's bad, isn't it?"

Krishna nodded slowly and said, "Beyond bad, brother. I fear it will break Karthi beyond repair."

Balarama eyes widened in fear. He could only hope Karthi comes out of the verdict unscathed.

But who was he kidding, Karthi's life will become toppled by this verdict. He could only pray that the boy he raised will recover from it.

In Ayodhya Forest:

"Welcome, Sage Naradha!"

Though surprised with the sudden visit of Naradha, Guru Vashishta nonetheless treated him with respect.

Sage Naradha looked the same. With his typical saffron clothes, a Veena and a Khartal in his hands. His almond shaped eyes emitted sadness than his usual mischievousness.

Muruga took one look at Sage Naradha face and he knew he is the bearer of the bad news.

Muruga greeted him with a forced smile, "Welcome, Sage Naradha. I hope you didn't come here just to see my pitiful state. Surely there must be a good reason for your untimely visit."

The God of War didn't want to be sarcastic or disrespectful. His human body was messing with his mind. Fortunately, Sage Naradha didn't take any offense to his words.

Sage Naradha had a solemn face and said, "I am here as the bearer of bad news. Lord Karthikeya, you have broken the most sacred rule of Swarga and it will not go unpunished. I am here to inform you about your punishment."

Muruga was sweating profusely due to his nervousness. He gulped slowly and asked him to continue.

Sage Naradha continued in a rueful voice, "Seeing your current situation, you have already lost your godhood and had become a mortal. And you will remain so for a period of six years."

Muruga asked quietly, "And after six years?"

Sage Naradha replied, "You will only get fragments of your power."