Rebirth As The Asura Prince

"We have to orchestrate a plan in which it looks like they started the conflict and we simply responded in defense of the cosmic balance. By positioning our actions as a reaction to the Asuras' aggression, we can maintain the support of the divine order and avoid the appearance of insubordination to the Trimurti," Agni suggested carefully, hoping to temper Indra's rage with strategic foresight.

Indra's rage began to subside, though the crackling energy of the Vajra still pulsed in the air. He took a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he considered Agni's words. The hall remained tense, the other deities watching with bated breath as their king weighed the suggestion.

Indra finally spoke, his voice calmer but still resonating with authority. "Very well, Agni. We will proceed with caution and strategy. We will make it appear that the Asuras instigated the conflict, ensuring our actions are seen as a necessary defense of the cosmic balance."

The tension in the room eased slightly as the gods and goddesses nodded in agreement, relieved that Indra was willing to consider a more measured approach.

Varuna, always the voice of reason, added, "We should gather intelligence on the Asuras' movements and prepare our forces discreetly. This way, we can respond swiftly and decisively when the time comes."

Vayu, the God of Wind, chimed in, "We must also ensure that our actions are coordinated. We cannot afford any missteps that might give the Asuras an advantage. Our unity and precision will be key to our success."

Shani Dev, with his characteristic gravitas, spoke again, "We should also be prepared for the possibility that Ravana and Guru Sukhracharya. As for Meghnad, he might be a formidable warrior in the future but right now he is just a three years old toddler.

and poses no immediate threat. Our focus should be on the current leaders and strategists among the Asuras."

Indra nodded, the intensity in his eyes dimming slightly as he considered Shani Dev's words. "You are right, Shani Dev. We cannot afford to be distracted by potential future threats when the immediate danger is so great. We will bide our time and gather our strength, ensuring that when we strike, it is with the full force of our combined might."

The gods and goddesses around Indra visibly relaxed, the tension in the hall easing as their king's fury subsided. They knew that Indra's temper could be as unpredictable as the storms he commanded, but his strategic mind was sharp, and his leadership was essential in times of crisis.

Varuna stepped forward, his calm demeanor providing a stabilizing presence. "We should begin by strengthening our alliances with the other celestial beings who share our interest in maintaining the cosmic balance. Their support will be crucial in the coming conflict."

Agni agreed, "Yes, and we must also be vigilant in monitoring the movements of the Asuras. Any intelligence we can gather will give us an advantage."

Vayu added, "We should also prepare our forces discreetly. A sudden and overwhelming response will be more effective if we catch the Asuras off guard."

Indra, now fully composed, addressed the assembly with renewed determination. "We will proceed with caution and strategy. Our actions will be deliberate and measured, ensuring that we maintain the support of the divine order. The Asuras' aggression will not go unchecked, and we will be ready to respond decisively when the time comes."

The assembly of deities nodded in agreement, their resolve strengthened by Indra's leadership. The plan was set in motion, and the gods and goddesses dispersed to carry out their tasks, each understanding the importance of their role in the impending conflict.

As the hall began to empty, Indra turned to Varuna, Agni, Vayu, and Shani Dev, the core members of his council. "Kill that abomination of a child at the first chance you get," Indra commanded, his voice low but laden with the weight of his authority. "Meghnad may be a child now, but his potential to become a formidable adversary is too great a risk to ignore. We must eliminate the threat before it fully matures."

The council members exchanged grave glances, understanding the severity of Indra's order. While the thought of targeting a child weighed heavily on their consciences, the looming threat posed by Meghnad's future power left them with little choice.

Varuna spoke first, his voice steady. "We will carry out your orders, Lord Indra. But we must proceed with utmost caution. Any move against Ravana's son will undoubtedly provoke a strong response. We need to be prepared for the consequences."

Agni, his fiery resolve unwavering, added, "We must also consider the timing and method. Striking at the wrong moment or in the wrong way could backfire. Our approach must be both swift and subtle."

Vayu, ever the strategist, nodded in agreement. "We should gather more intelligence on Meghnad's whereabouts and routines. Knowing when and where to strike will be crucial to our success."

Shani Dev, his expression somber, spoke last. "I will assist in any way I can. My powers can aid in the subterfuge required for this task. However, we must be mindful of the karmic repercussions of our actions. The balance of the cosmos is delicate, and we must tread carefully."

Indra acknowledged their concerns with a nod. "Your points are well taken. We will act with precision and care. Our primary objective is to prevent a future catastrophe by eliminating this threat before it can grow. Proceed with your preparations and keep me informed of any developments."

As the council members dispersed to begin their covert operations, the atmosphere in the celestial realm remained tense. The gods knew that their actions in the coming days would shape the future of the cosmos, and the weight of their decisions hung heavy over them.

Indra stood alone in the grand hall, a twisted smile on his face as his eyes lost their focus and gazed into the distance. The prospect of eliminating Meghnad, even as a child, was a grim necessity in his mind. He believed that the ends justified the means and that securing the cosmic balance required difficult choices.

***

[City of Lankapuri, Kingdom of Lanka]

[Meghnad's POV]

It's been over a week since my second mother Dhanyamalini came. My routine was quite simple wake up and have a royal breakfast, study with Kakashri Vibhishana, breathing exercises in the royal garden for yogic prana with Kavya watching over me. Then I'd have some free time to play before lunch. My afternoons were filled with more lessons – mostly about our kingdom's history, politics, and warfare basics, which always excited me. The evenings were spent with my parents, where Father would often share stories of battles and conquests, and Mother would ensure I was nurtured with love and wisdom.

Today, however, felt different. As I finished my morning exercises and walked toward the dining hall, Father was wearing a different outfit than his usual king's attire.

He was wearing a Bhagwa (Saffron ) doti with intricate gold embroidery and a matching angavastram draped over his shoulder. His regal crown was replaced by a simpler, yet still ornate, headpiece. It was an unusual sight, as I was used to seeing him in his full royal regalia. Father seemed to be preparing for something significant.

"Father, why are you dressed like that?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

Ravana smiled, his eyes twinkling with a rare softness. "Today is a special day, Meghnad. Today is Mahashivaratri on which Mahadev performed his cosmic dance of creation, preservation, and destruction. We celebrate and honor Lord Shiva, our great benefactor. It's a day of deep spiritual significance for our family and our kingdom."

I nodded, absorbing his words. "Will we have a special ceremony?"

"Yes my son, and today your father is going to perform the tandava himself to impress Mahadev," Instead of father, Maa came towards me and picked me up in her arms. She was also dressed in traditional attire, a beautiful silk saree adorned with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

"Your father has been preparing for this for a long time, Meghnad," she said, her voice filled with pride. "The Tandava is a powerful and sacred dance, one that requires immense strength and devotion."

I looked at Father with wide eyes, filled with awe and admiration. "Will you teach me how to dance like that one day, Father?"

Ravana chuckled, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "One day, my son. But for now, you must learn to be patient and observe. You have much to learn before you can perform the Tandava."

I nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. Today was indeed a special day, and I couldn't wait to see the sacred dance that honored Lord Shiva.

As the preparations for the ceremony began, the palace buzzed with activity. Servants hurried to decorate the hall with flowers and lamps, and the aroma of incense filled the air. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of reverence and devotion.

Dhanyamalini, my second mother, approached with a gentle smile. "Come, Meghnad, let's get you ready for the ceremony." She led me to my chambers, where she dressed me in fine silk garments befitting a prince. My outfit was adorned with jewels and embroidery, making me feel every bit the royalty I was born to be.

Once I was ready, Dhanyamalini took my hand and led me to the grand hall where the ceremony would take place. The hall was magnificent, illuminated by countless oil lamps and decorated with vibrant flowers. A large statue of Lord Shiva, adorned with garlands, stood at the center of the hall, radiating an aura of divine power.

Father stood before the statue, his eyes closed in deep meditation. The hall fell silent as he began the sacred rituals, invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The air was thick with the sound of chanting and the fragrance of incense, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

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[To Be Continued]

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Word Count: 1685