Chapter No.25 Dragon Eyes (Final)

[Meghnad's POV]

I woke up with an exhilarating sense of anticipation. Today was the day of my Yogic Prana awakening ceremony. As the first rays of dawn filtered through the windows, I felt a surge of energy within me, a prelude to the profound transformation I was about to undergo.

I quickly washed up and dressed in the ceremonial attire laid out for me. The robes were intricately designed with symbols representing the divine energies that would be invoked during the ceremony. Their rich fabric felt both heavy and comforting, as if they carried the weight of my ancestors' blessings.

Kavya entered my chamber with a soft knock, her presence a reassuring constant in my life. "Good morning, Meghnad. Are you ready for your big day?" she asked, her voice gentle and encouraging.

"Yes, Kavya. I am," I replied with a confident smile. "Thank you for being here."

She gave a slight bow. "It is my honour, Yuvraj."

Together, we walked to the temple located within the palace grounds. The pathway was lined with fragrant flowers, their petals glistening with morning dew. The air was filled with the soothing sounds of nature, a perfect harmony that set the tone for the sacred ceremony.

As we approached the temple, I saw my family gathered outside, their faces lit with a mixture of pride and expectation. Father stood tall and regal, his aura commanding respect. Mother Mandodari and Mother Dhanyamalini stood beside him, their eyes shining with love and support. Atikay, in the arms of Aunt Shurpanakha, gurgled happily, adding a touch of innocence to the solemn atmosphere.

Kakashri Vibhishana made sure that everything was in place for the ceremony. As this ceremony was considered private, only family members and sages were present.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

But my thoughts were interrupted by a huge shadow and heavy stepping as I looked towards the origin of such noise, I saw a huge man walking toward us. His massive frame towered over everyone else, and his steps made the ground tremble. His presence was intimidating, yet there was an air of familiarity about him.

As he approached, Father stepped forward and greeted him with a respectful nod. "Kumbhakarna, welcome," he said.

"Meghnad meet your other Kakashri (Uncle) Kumbhakarna," I turned my gaze to the towering figure. Kumbhakarna's presence was both awe-inspiring and comforting, his immense size only matched by his gentle demeanour. He offered a warm, reassuring smile, which contrasted sharply with his imposing stature.

"Meghnad," he said in a deep, resonant voice. "It is an honour to meet you. I've heard so much about you from your father. Today marks a momentous occasion, and I am here to share in this significant event."

I bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Kakashri Kumbhakarna. Your presence is a great honour. I'm grateful for your support."

Kumbhakarna's laughter rumbled like distant thunder, echoing through the temple grounds. "Ah, such politeness! You've truly inherited more from your mother than this prideful big brother of mine," he said, glancing at Father with a teasing glint in his eye. Father smirked, shaking his head slightly but with a hint of a smile playing on his lips. It was rare to see Father soften like that, especially in front of the family.

"Come son, I remember the surprise I talked about last night," Father placed his hand on my shoulder and gently nudged me toward the temple.

The atmosphere shifted as we crossed the threshold, the soft glow of oil lamps illuminating the sacred space. The air was thick with the scent of incense, mingling with the earthy aroma of sandalwood. The temple was adorned with intricate carvings depicting celestial beings, each telling a story of devotion and strength.

Inside, the sages were already gathered, their serene expressions exuding wisdom and tranquillity. They wore simple yet elegant robes, each marked with symbols of their spiritual lineage. As we entered, they stood and offered respectful nods, acknowledging my presence.

I took a deep breath, grounding myself in the moment. The impending ceremony felt like a culmination of all my training, my struggles, and my dreams. I focused on the elaborate altar at the front, where offerings of fruits, flowers, and sacred texts lay. It was here that the awakening of my Yogic Prana would be initiated.

Father guided me to the center of the room, where a ceremonial circle was drawn on the floor. The soft glow from the candles flickered, casting gentle shadows around us. "Do you remember what I said last night at dinner?"

I nodded, recalling his words from the previous evening. "You mentioned that there was more to the Yogic Prana awakening than the usual process. That a higher practitioner could potentially amplify the awakening's effects."

Father smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride and a hint of mystery. "Indeed. And today, we will take that to the next level. But I won't be the one leading your awakening."

My heart skipped a beat at his words. If not him, then who? My gaze shifted, scanning the room for answers.

Father shook his head as he saw my gaze on the sages and family members around us. His smile grew wider, almost playful, as he took a step back and asked, "Let me ask you a simple question: Who is at the pinnacle of Yogic Prana within all three realms?"

"Lord Shiva, the Mahadeva himself," I answer without any hesitation, my voice filled with reverence. "He is the Adiyogi, the master of Yogic Prana."

Only then did I realise what father was trying to say—

"But how? I could—"

My voice faltered as the weight of my father's words sank in. The prospect of having the Adiyogi himself involved in my awakening ceremony was both exhilarating and overwhelming.

"Father, you mean Lord Shiva will be guiding my awakening?" I stammered, a mixture of disbelief and awe flooding my senses. The idea seemed so far-fetched yet tantalizingly close.

"Precisely," Father affirmed, his gaze steady and filled with conviction. "I, Ravana am the biggest devotee of Lord Shiva. It is through my devotion and the connection forged over countless prayers and offerings that we have received his blessing for this ceremony."

The room fell silent, the weight of Father's declaration hanging in the air. My heart raced as I processed his words. I had always known of Father's deep devotion, I didn't know he would waste such a favour on me as if I was worthy of it.

"But...how?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper. "Is it even possible for him to be here?"

Father nodded, the lines on his forehead smoothing slightly as he spoke. "In the world of spiritual practice, true devotion can transcend boundaries. The connection between a devotee and the divine can be a bridge to extraordinary experiences. Today, that bridge will be forged for you."

I stood there, the reality of it sinking in. The thought of having Lord Shiva guiding my awakening filled me with a profound sense of purpose and responsibility. It was no longer just about my growth; it was about living up to the legacy of my father and my lineage.

"Yuvraj Meghnad," one of the elder sages spoke, his voice calm yet resonant. "If Lord Shiva is indeed to guide you, you must prepare yourself—body, mind, and spirit. This awakening is not merely a ceremony; it is a call to the essence of who you are meant to become. Do you understand?"

I swallowed hard, the gravity of his words weighing on me. "I understand, Rishivar. I am ready to embrace whatever comes my way."

The sage nodded approvingly. "Very well. The ceremony will require your utmost focus. You will meditate in the center of the circle, and Maharaj will invoke Mahadev's presence through sacred chants and rituals. This process will not only awaken your Yogic Prana but also deepen your connection to the divine energies that flow through all of creation."

I took a moment to gather my thoughts. The anticipation was almost palpable, filling the air with a tangible energy. The presence of my family and the sages around me offered a comforting foundation, but the enormity of the task ahead sent a thrill coursing through my veins.

Father stepped forward, his expression shifting to one of solemnity. "Meghnad, when the time comes just believe in yourself and Mahadev will guide you to the path you are meant to follow. Trust in the energies that surround you and the love that binds our family. Let that be your anchor."

I nodded, absorbing his words like a sponge, feeling the weight of their significance. This ceremony was not merely a rite of passage; it was a spiritual journey, a transformation that would shape my destiny.

The sages began to prepare the altar, meticulously placing offerings of fruit, flowers, and incense in front of the sacred images of Lord Shiva. Each item was chosen for its vibrational significance, intended to enhance the energy of the ceremony. The air thrummed with the anticipation of what was to come.

Aunt Shurpanakha slipped past Father and dapped her hand around my shoulder pulling me close to her, her eyes glimmering with warmth and affection. "Meghnad, remember that while today is about you, it's also a celebration for all of us. You carry our hopes, our dreams. And don't forget to breathe; the divine will guide you, but you must stay grounded."

Her words wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. I had always admired Aunt Shurpanakha's unwavering support. She had a way of infusing strength into moments of vulnerability. I felt a reassuring pulse of energy at her touch, which seemed to resonate with the sacred atmosphere enveloping us.

"Thank you, Aunt," I replied, a smile breaking through the intensity of the moment. "I will do my best to make everyone proud."

With a nod, she released me, allowing me to refocus on the ceremony unfolding around us. The sages began chanting in harmonious unison, their voices rising and falling like the tide, creating an atmosphere thick with spirituality. Each syllable reverberated within me, awakening a sense of connection to something greater.

"Let us commence the ritual," Father announced, his voice cutting through the haze of anticipation. He took his place at the head of the altar, facing me with a look of profound love and determination.

I stepped into the circle, feeling the energy intensify with each footfall. The intricate patterns drawn on the floor seemed to shimmer beneath my feet, a testament to the sacred space being created. I settled down into a meditative position, my heart pounding with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

As I closed my eyes, I focused on my breath, allowing the sounds of the world around me to fade. The chanting of the sages transformed into a gentle hum, enveloping me in a cocoon of sacred vibrations. I felt the warmth of the oil lamps flickering nearby, their light painting abstract patterns against my eyelids.

In the depths of my mind, I envisioned Lord Shiva, his presence both powerful and serene. I imagined his third eye opening, illuminating the path before me, guiding me deeper into my own consciousness.

"Om Namah Shivaya," I whispered, the mantra spilling from my lips as a pledge of devotion. It felt as though the very universe echoed my sentiment, responding with waves of energy that surged through me.

Suddenly, a shift in the atmosphere caught my attention. The chanting of the sages harmonized with the beating of my heart, creating a rhythm that resonated within the depths of my being. I opened my eyes, and the world around me shifted.

The candles flickered, casting ethereal shadows, and I felt a presence in the air, an undeniable energy that transcended the physical realm. I glanced at my family, their faces a blend of pride, love, and expectancy.

Then, in a breath, the atmosphere changed completely.

.

..

...

[To Be Continued]

----------------------

Please interact for more chapters.

Stone me, If you dare!

Comment your thoughts about the story so far...

Please leave a review, It helps.

Thanks for reading.

Word Count: 2021