Yami

Chapter 22, Anartha: A boon

"Panna's anguished cries reverberated through the hallowed halls of the palace, reaching the ears of the divine. Stirred by her inconsolable sorrow, the gods descended to offer solace. Panna, in her desperate plea to resurrect her beloved, faced the harsh reality that the gods, powerful though they were, could not reverse the irreversible. Instead, they extended a single boon—a means to assuage her suffering."(Huh? it feels like they were trying to fix fire with band aid. I couldn't speak at the time, I didn't wanna get scolded)"In the depths of despair, Panna entreated the gods for a sanctuary governed exclusively by women—a realm where the descendants of women would unite in power. Acknowledging the purity of Panna's heart and the divine lineage coursing through her veins, the gods granted her wish. And thus, Anartha materialized—a real, distinct yet interwoven with our own.Within Anartha's walls, each room assumed the role of a prison, dedicated to containing creatures of various species and maintaining order and balance. This realm, fashioned to establish equilibrium, exhibited a preference for men in the external world, irrespective of their character or deeds—a reflection of the universe's method of preserving balance, even in the face of cruelty.Yet, resentment festered among the male palace guards. Envious of Panna's love for Surya and resentful of her perceived transgressions, they conspired against her, leaving her to bear the weight of her choices. yet, the female guard stayed aback as Panna requested from god "(Oh man, The men were really bad)"A new chapter unfolds—a saga of lineage and leadership. Panna's descendants, chosen by destiny, inherit the responsibility of assuming authority within Anartha's unique prison. When chaos threatens to overwhelm the containment of the imprisoned creatures, a leader from Panna's lineage must step forward to restore order and harmony.Thus, the descendants of Panna embrace their role as guardians of the extraordinary prison within Anartha's walls. Armed with strength, wisdom, and compassion, they ensure the delicate balance between captivity and control. Each room harbors a different species of creatures, presenting a myriad of challenges that the descendants of Panna navigate with grace and resilience."As Rukmi's narration ebbed away, her gaze met mine—a fusion of pride and sorrow shimmering in her eyes. "Yami," she whispered, her voice trembling, "your mother was destined to share this tale with you, but fate intervened. She valiantly fought in the final battle against the creatures, sacrificing herself for the safety of our world. Now, it is your time to rise—a true leader for Anartha."The weight of her words settled upon me, a tidal wave of emotions crashing over—grief for my mother's sacrifice, determination to honor her legacy, and an unwavering commitment to fulfill my destiny as the leader of Anartha.Once more, my inquiry about Manaraha Gaj Singh led to Rukmi's revelation that he was my ancestor, part of an extensive lineage where people looked up to me. Every woman born or married into the Gaj Singh family played a role in Anartha, and determining the heir to the throne was a formidable task. Rukmi emphasized that I, Yami, had been chosen. As she recounted, I arrived in Anartha at the tender age of two months, selected by Panna herself.Perplexed, I questioned the nature of this selection. Rukmi guided me to Panna's grave within the palace, adorned with a puzzle featuring revolving circles and a hole in the middle. According to Rukmi, when I first arrived, my Badi Mom placed me on the hole, and miraculously, the puzzle solved itself around me. I was, as Rukmi asserted, "Panna's wish."These words from Rukmi resonated deeply, infusing me with inspiration. She urged me to mature, make decisions, and refrain from succumbing to tears at every challenge. Above all, Rukmi emphasized the importance of trustworthiness, cautioning me against placing unwavering trust in others. Unbeknownst to me, she had been observing my every move through her mystical mirror all along."I accept this mantle with humility and resolve," I declared, my voice unwavering. "I will honor the lineage of Panna, protect Anartha, and guide our people with compassion and strength."In Rukmi's eyes, a glimmer of hope intertwined with profound relief. "You possess the spirit of a true leader, Yami. But before you embark on this transformative journey, there is much you must learn. Anartha is a realm brimming with secrets and ancient wisdom. It is time for you to embark on your own odyssey of discovery."My heart quickened, anticipation surging through my veins. To explore the depths of Anartha, unravel its mysteries, and learn from the imprisoned creatures—each with its unique wisdom—was a challenge I embraced eagerly."What must I do?" I asked, my voice a blend of trepidation and excitement, ready to take my first steps on this path of destiny.Rukmi's expression turned serious, her eyes aglow with an otherworldly light. "Journey through the corridors of Anartha, seek the guidance of the creatures within each room. They hold ancient wisdom and power that will aid you in your leadership. Embrace their teachings, earn their trust, and forge alliances that will illuminate your path, but still trust no one. Keep in mind anyone can kill you from the back."I nodded, determination swelling within me.

"I understand why I am the part of Anartha, but why the other five?" I asked inquisitively "Let's just say your destinies are intertwined with each other." Rukmi replied with some worry on her face. " Should I be worried, fend myself?" I asked again " NO! you just have to look out for yourself and trust no one. I will tell you more later but right now it's time that you leave" she answered, practically throwing me out of the dining area.

I yearned to explore Anartha's vast expanse, encounter its creatures, and absorb their knowledge. With each step, I would honor the divine lineage coursing through my veins and unravel the secrets shaping the future of this extraordinary realm.And thus, my journey commenced—a voyage of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. With the spirit of my ancestor, Panna, as my guiding light, I would navigate Anartha's intricate tapestry, embracing my calling as a leader. Stepping forward, I hallucinated a divine hand guiding my path, just a hand, I believed my gut and followed it. I carried the weight of history on my shoulders, vowing to safeguard the delicate balance between captivity and control. Anartha awaited, and I, Yami, stood ready to fulfill my destiny.

As the echoes of Panna's tragic tale lingered in the hallowed halls, I, the chosen heir, embraced the weight of her legacy. With determination ablaze, I will venture into Anartha's depths, guided by the spirit of my ancestor, to fulfill a destiny entwined with the delicate balance between captivity and control.