Demise of the Demon King

by Utkarsh Srivastava

  'If that not happened earlier, it will be done today. Today I'll crush you with my feet, and will brighten the future of entire demon's race.'

  Then only Bhairavnath reached there with his horse, 'Wait, Markesh. Don't fight this duel.'

  Listening to the babblings of Bhairavnath, Tejasvi insinuated Demon King.

  'So here comes your mentor Markesh, who always rescued you whenever you were in danger in the battlefield. Go you coward Demon, just leave to save your life.'

  'Not today. Even if my death will approach towards me, then also I'll not leave this duel. No one will come between us. Come on, let's begin the combat.' Markesh disarmed himself and was ready for the Mallyudh.

  Tejasvi and Markesh rushed towards each other with full speed. All the warriors present in the battlefield dropped their weapons and reached at that place. This was their desire just to be the witness of one of the greatest duel in this world. On that place, only Markesh and Tejasvi were having the fierce fight, rest all warriors were acting as audience only.

  While on the other side King Bhargav came in front of Bhairavnath, blocking his path.

  'Not today Bhairavnath, not today. Today even Lord Shiva (Mahadeva) cannot protect Demon King Markesh, today is the final day for him.' King Bhargav took his spear, and jumped from his chariot and stepped towards Bhairavnath.

  On the third side in the battlefield Vishandhar came near Sage Shankracharya.

  'We have to finish off this war today itself, Army Chief.'

  'But until Sage Kapish is alive, that's not possible. And I am not getting the way to defeat him.'

  'There is the way, Sage Shankracharya. I will ascend on your arrow, and will reach Sage Kapish to kill him.'

  'What you are saying, Naagraj? It is a sinful step, how could you think of that?'

  'Have you forgotten how Sage Kapish deceived us? Now there is no boundary for deceit or strength in this war. If Sage Kapish wouldn't have cheated, then mighty warrior Suryam must have not died. If he would not have been blocked the path of you and Veersen, then my grandson Yugandhar would not have to suffer this situation. See, he is on death bed now, I want only revenge.'

  'But your life will be at risk in this step.'

  'If my sacrifice can lead our victory, then it's all right Sage Shankracharya. I will bite Sage Kapish before he could kill me.'

  'If that is your final decision, we'll go for it. I am going to challenge the Army Chief of Vidarbh. At the arrow which I would aim evocating you, you sit on that to bit Sage Kapish.'

  Serpent King Vishandhar planned and transformed in a snake and hided himself in the chariot of Sage Shankracharya. On reaching nearer to Kapish, Shankracharya challenged him.

  'So, the disciple of Lord Parshuram. Today I'll punish you, for all your deceits by taking you to the death bed.' Sage Shankrcharya evocated Naagraj Vishandhar while aiming his arrow.

  'Naagraj Vishandhar, just ascend on my arrow and be the cause of demise of the Sage Kapish.'

  The weapon of Sage Shankracharya was coming towards Kapish. Kapish was overconfident of his skills, he holds that arrow with his hand. Vishandhar took the advantage of the moment and without wasting any time he bitten on his neck. Furious Kapish grabbed that snake who was actually Vishandhar and crinkled his neck, but due to effect of venom stinger he falls on the ground.

  'What type of deceit that was, Sage Shankracharya?' Kapish confronted Shankracharya.

  'That was the reply of all your delusion, Sage Kapish. You have humiliated the race of Brahmins of Aaryavart. You have lead down your mentor Lord Parshuram, so it's your destiny to be killed through a deceit like this. You were the greatest barrier in front of our victory, so your demise was essential for us.' Sage Shankracharya made his judgement.

  Venom of Naagraj Vishandhar started spreading over the whole body of Kapish rapidly. On the other side, at last spear of King Bhargav stabbed abdomen of Bhairavnath. Bhairvanath also stabbed him with his Trishul in return. Both of them falls on the ground, and soon their bodies were lifeless.

  The time of Sunset arrived. War among the armies were stopped. But duel among Tejasvi and the Demon King was still going on. Suddenly Markesh saw face of Vikramajit with the body of Tejasvi.

  'Vikramajit….' This moment was scaring for the Demon King.

  'Yes Demon King, today I have come here to punish you for all your sins. My this punch, will make you realize your sin, which you made seprating my son Tejasvi from me for sixteen years.' Said Vikramajit from Tejasvi's body, and made a fierce attack on the chest of Demon King Markesh, as a results huge amount of bloodstreams spelled out of his mouth.

  'This blow is for killing my brother Yugandhar through unfare means. Today no rule of Dharma will be followed in this combat. This duel will last till your demise.' Tejasvi's face was once again in its original form, and through his fist jab, face of Demon King started bleeding.

  Once again Tejasvi's face turned into the face of Vikramajit.

  'This will be my final blow Markesh, this will be for the sin of conspiracy of killing my beloved wife Chitrlekha.' Tejasvi turned as Vikramajit, he collected all his strength and fiercely attacked on the chest of Markesh.

  Whole body of Demon King was covered in blood. He falls on the ground 'Vikramajit….you don't assume that, you…are victorious….after killing…me. After my death,…a huge…disaster…will surely strike....the Kingdom…of Vidarbh. And remember one thing…..,your soul…was wandering until….you…took your revenge of your wife's ….death. I will…also not..calm..down, until I fulfill my oath…..for Shivanya…..' Before completing his words, he lost his control over his life, therefore he took his last breath.

  Tejasvi was astonished to listen those last words of Markesh.

  'Har Har Mahadev…….' The whole army of Balishthgadh were excited on their victory.

  Tejasvi's eyes were also filled with tears, He was freezed at the moment of thinking about the sacrifices, which was made to win this war.

  But the very next moment, he thought about his brother, Yugandhar. He rushed towards him. Yugandhar was on death bed, and was on his last few breaths. Tejasvi came nearer to him. Soon he saw the soul of his love, Suvarya.

  'We won, Yugandhar. That wretch Demon King has reached his destiny.'

  Yugandhar smiled and said, 'Congrats…, brother. We succeeded … in…our motive.'

  Suddenly, mother of Yugandhar Kanishka, reached there. She was almost fainted to the condition of his son.

  'What happened to you my son? How this happened?' Eyes of Kanishka were filled with tears. While Yugandhar joined his hands in front of her.

  'Allow ….me to leave…, Maa. I am a Martyr… in…. this….. war. My love…. Suvarya is….calling me.., Maa. Allow me…to leave…, this mortal world.'

  'No, My son you cannot go anywhere.' Kanishka's appearance was like a dead person, she almost lost her consciousness.

  'I can see…. Suvarya… in front… of ….my eyes.., she is…. calling me, spreading…her arms. Permit me now, mother….. And remember one thing….., Suvarya has promised…. me to return back, for our…,unfulfilled love. So you don't worry mother….,I will… take another… birth and will surely….meet you. Till then,….you have… to wait for me.'

  Kanishka was convinced up to some extent, she regained her consciousness at the moment. Seeing this, the great Yugandhar took his last breath.

  The greatest warrior, who overshadowed all the great warriors of Patallok, was dead now. Kanishka screamed on her son's body. Whole battlefieldwas mourning, every eyes were filled with tears. Akhand was feeling like a dead person, because of his sins.

  Whereas on the other side, bodies of Sage Kapish and Naagraj Vishandhar were lifeless. While, at the death bed, there were only tears of atonement in the eyes of Sage Kapish.

  Seeing this, Akhand came to Bhanusen. 'What we received from this war, father. Lakhs of soldiers, your all sons, Suryam, Yugandhar. All the warriors, burned in just one seek of vengeance. Still time is there, just go and regret fo
r your sinful acts. Only one prahar is there for the Sunrise.' Akhand requested Bhanusen.

  'If I would not do this, will you leave my side, Akhand?' Bhanusen asked Akhand.

  'I am a Kshatriya Warrior, Father. I am man of my words, I cannot break my promise. You and me, will be separated only after death.'

  'I am also a son of a Royal lady, Akhand. I swored an oath to destroy the whole clan of Vidarbh, when I was just sixteen. Now if I quit this war, then it will be humiliation of my father's Demon King's demise, it will be humiliation of sacrifice of Sage Kapish as well as my all sons. But you can quit this war my son, because the person whom you have promised to protect me, was not actually your mother Vaishali.' Said Bhanusen, and explained him all about the conspiracy created by Bhairavnath. Akhand was astonished to know that.

  After that Bhanusen stared at Akhand, 'You take away Subaahu from here, Akhand. He is your brother, and it's your duty to protect him. So just go.'

  'I have swored an oath to protect you, although this promise was not made to my mother. But it was my oath to protect you, and I will fulfill this duty of mine. So I will support you in this war, which is going to start within a prahar. You are my father, and I cannot leave you alone in this condition. Regarding Subaahu, I've sent him far away from the battlefield seeing today's destruction, he will reach soon to a safe place. Subaahu will be far away from this battlefield now.'

  Sun was about to rise. After years Tejasvi putted off his forester clothes and wore an armor, and ascended on a chariot. His oath was fulfilled, which was demise of the Demon King.

  After Sunrise, war of fifth day broke out. No one was aware of the reason, why Vakrbaahu was not present in the battlefield. Everyone was searching for him, but couldn't find him. Tejasvi was moving straight towards Bhanusen. Akhand rushed to protect his father, but Veersen blocked his path. He picked up a spear and jumped from the Chariot.

  'Let's fight, son. For the first time you will face me, let me test your strength.'

  'Let me go tatshree (uncle), my oath is calling me, I have to protect my Father.'

  In reply of Akhand's request Veersen thrown a spear towards him. 'After the demise of Bhanusen, you will be free from your words, my son. So get ready for the duel.'

  Akhand was compelled to reply this challenge. Rest all the warriors of Balisthgadh were engaged in destroying the enemy troops.

  Eagerness of Akhand, lead to be a disaster for Veersen. Spear of Akhand soon stabbed the abdomen of Veersen. He falls on the ground, Akhand lied on his knees.

  'F… Forgive me Tatshree, I was compelled to do this.' Eyes of Akhand was filled with tears of atonement.

  On the other side, Tejasvi found out Bhanusen. He challenged Bhanusen.

  'Now, no more destruction, Bhanusen. I am present here for your demise, come on fight me.'

  'I am not a coward Tejasvi, who leaves the battlefield because of the fear of death.' Bhanusen also took up his bow. But within few moments, he was disarmed with the arrows aimed by Tejasvi.

  'Now here comes the Agni Astra, which will completely destroy your existence.'

  Said Tejasvi and evocated Agni Astra, and targeted it towards Bhanusen. But at the next moment, Akhand rushed towards his father and ascended on his chariot, and before that Agni Astra could reach Bhanusen, he jumped from the chariot with him. A huge explosion occurred, and the chariot of Bhanusen got blasted. Bhansuen was injured, seeing this Akhand ascended him on another chariot and went away from the battlefield.

  'What you are doing, Akhand? It's better to receive death, than escaping from the battlefield.' Bhanusen was in injured position, he tried to stop Akhand.

  'I have to fulfill my responsibility, so you remain silent and let me do my work.' Akhand continued his journey.

  'Stop, just stop, Akhand. Until when you will protect your father?' Akhand didn't stopped even after Tejasvi's warning.

  In the battlefield, injured Veersen stood up and ascended on his chariot to chase Bhanusen. Akhand moved miles away with his chariot, but he was actually unaware of the path, where he was going on. Soon his journey ended reaching near a deep trench, now there was no way to escape. Tejasvi also reached there.

  'Till when you will escape from the reality, elder? Now you should accept the fact, that you cannot protect your father anymore.'

  'No one can touch my father, until I am alive. Come on, fight me. Kill me if you can, after then only you can reach my Father.' Akhand challenged Tejasvi.

  'If that's your wish brother, then I'll provide you equal opportunity. I will not fight with the divine Vijay Dhanusha. Let's go for a sword combat, elder.'

  'Could you resist my excessive strength, little brother?' Akhand pulled out his sword.

  'Perhaps you don't know that, at present King Vikramajit's soul is in my body. His strength is with me, so you think of your safety.' Tejasvi also pulled out his sword and jumped from his chariot.

  Both the brothers were in front of each other, and were eager for the duel. They rushed towards each other. Then only Kanishka (mother of Yugandhar) reached there.

  'Tejasvi, Akhand is responsible for Yugandhar's death. I want him dead.'

  The swords of Tejasvi and Akhand were about to collide, the clashing sound of both the swords produced a huge sound. Tejasvi who was having the strength of Vikramajit was overshadowing Akhand. Seeing this, Bhanusen stood up from the ground and tried to interrupt in this duel. But at the next moment only, Veersen reached there, and came in front of him, he was injured, then also he challenged Bhanusen for a duel. The duel of the both injured warriors begins.

  Seeing this soul of Vikramajit left Tejasvi's body, and entered in the body of Veersen. His strength risen excessively, he pushed Bhanusen on the ground. Now is spear of Veersen was on Bhanusen's neck. Soon in the place of Veersen's face, Bhanusen could see Vikramajit. At last he concluded.

  'My oath is fulfilled now, Bhanusen. You and your father are finished now.' Bhanusen's was stabbed by Veersen.

  Bhanusen continued to see Vikramajit's soul. 'It's my last breadth….., Vikramajit…, but you don't even know about the…… disaster which… will come after ….this. Soon there will….,be rise….. of that Demon…., who will…destroy the clan of Vidarbh, Durbheeksh…will rise… once again.' Before completing his words Bhanusen took his last breath, his body became lifeless.

  Veersen also falls on the ground. Seeing this, the duel between Tejasvi and Akhand stopped.

  'Your father is dead now, elder. Now we don't need continue this duel.' Tejasvi thrown his sword on the ground.

  'No, Akhand is responsible for the demise of my son, he will be punished. I want the revenge.' Said Kanishka, and picked up a sword thrown by Tejasvi and stepped forward towards Akhand.

  'I am a sinner, you have the right to punish me.' Akhand also thrown his sword on the ground, and joined both of his hands to welcome his death.

  'No, No mother…,stop.' Tejasvi tried to stop Kanishka, but he didn't succeed. Perhaps, the curse of Sage Shankracharya had destroyed Kanishka's ability to think. She stabbed directly on the abdomen of Akhand, the sword ripped his abdomen and came out through his back.

  'Akhand….' Tejasvi screamed.

  'Forgive me mother,…. I was compelled for the sins, I have made.' Akhand joined both of his hand.

  At the next moment only, Kanishka appeared to be awaken. She was shocked to see the condition of Akhand. All her anger turned into compassion.

  'Forgive me son, I was turned blind to avenge my son. Perhaps, the curse of Sage Shankracharya, destroyed my ability to think.'