Chapter 16: The Unseen Follower
Rudra, had been wandering through the ancient streets of Somnath for a few days. He marveled at how the world had changed, how the stories of his time had been transformed into myths and legends, and how the temples and cities now thrived with a life he never anticipated. Yet, through all of it, he felt a strange sensation, an energy that lingered around him—an unseen presence following his every move.
At first, Rudra had dismissed it. He was, after all, once the most feared and revered figure of his time. Old habits of sensing danger were hard to forget. But as the days passed, the feeling persisted. Whoever was following him was patient, clever, never revealing themselves. It wasn't the random group of devotees or historians interested in ancient legends, nor was it part of the subtle search led by the daityas and asuras. This was something different—someone who knew him on a deeper level.
Rudra's senses were rarely wrong, and today, as he prepared to leave the inn to visit the beach for some quiet reflection, the presence seemed closer than ever. He couldn't ignore it any longer.
As he made his way along the sandy shoreline, watching the waves crash against the rocks, he finally felt it—an unmistakable energy approaching from behind. It wasn't hostile but filled with a sense of reverence and caution. He turned slowly, his eyes scanning the horizon until he spotted a figure standing at a distance, silhouetted against the fading light of the setting sun.
The man stepped forward, moving with a grace that belied his imposing frame. He was tall, well-built, with an aura that hinted at something far more powerful than his youthful appearance suggested. His eyes, sharp and intense, were fixed on Rudra. There was a deep admiration in them, a respect that spoke of long-held reverence.
"Ravana," the man finally spoke, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of centuries. "I've been following you since Kashi."
Rudra's eyes narrowed, studying the figure before him. "And who are you?"
The man bowed his head slightly in respect before answering. "I am Sharva, prince of the Asura clan. My bloodline stretches back to the ancient days when our kind ruled alongside the daityas. I have been waiting for your return for a long time."
Rudra raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "Sharva... I've heard of the Asura clans still existing, hidden in the shadows of this new world. But why follow me? What do you seek?"
Sharva smiled, a faint trace of admiration flashing across his face. "I don't seek anything, my lord. I came here because I knew you would return. I predicted it years ago—knew that the first place you would visit in this world would be Kashi, the city of your beloved Mahadeva. I came without informing anyone, without the knowledge of other asuras or daityas. They are still searching for you in vain, but I knew exactly where you'd be."
Rudra folded his arms, his gaze never leaving Sharva. "You seem confident for someone so young. How long have you known of my return?"
"Since I was a boy, I have admired you," Sharva admitted. "In my studies of our ancient texts, I learned not just of your power, but of your wisdom. The world only remembers the conqueror, the demon king who challenged the gods. But I know the truth—you were a man of unmatched intellect, a ruler who sought not just power, but knowledge, enlightenment, and the betterment of your people."
Rudra's expression softened, though his gaze remained sharp. "You've done your homework."
Sharva nodded. "More than anyone, I understand the balance you sought—between chaos and order, destruction and creation. Your downfall was not because of your ambition, but because the gods feared what you represented. And I've always believed that you would return to finish what you started."
Rudra chuckled softly. "Finish what I started, huh? I've had a lot of time to reflect on that—time I never thought I'd have."
Sharva stepped closer, his voice lowering to a more personal tone. "I didn't come here to pressure you, my lord. I came to serve. I want to help you understand this new world, to be your ally, your follower—just as the asuras once stood by you in Lanka. The world has changed, yes, but the forces that sought to control it remain the same. If you wish to rise again, I will be at your side."
Rudra studied the young prince closely. There was no deception in his words, no hidden agenda that he could sense. Sharva's reverence was genuine, and his admiration went beyond the stories of Ravana's strength—it was rooted in the deeper truths of his life, the wisdom that had often gone overlooked.
"You speak well," Rudra finally said. "And you see past the myths. I didn't just want to conquer, Sharva. I wanted to create a world where power wasn't limited to the gods, where knowledge could flourish, and where the balance of life and death was understood by all. I failed. My arrogance blinded me. I can't afford to repeat those mistakes."
Sharva's eyes gleamed with a spark of hope. "Then perhaps, in this new world, you can succeed. The gods no longer walk among us as they did in your time. This is the age of men, and they need guidance more than ever."
Rudra turned to face the sea again, the sound of the waves calming his mind. "Maybe you're right," he mused. "But I will not rush into anything. I've seen what happens when power is wielded without understanding. There's much to learn in this era."
Sharva nodded, standing silently beside his lord. He had waited his whole life for this moment, for the chance to serve the one he admired most. And now, as Ravana—now Rudra—gazed out over the horizon, Sharva knew that whatever path his lord chose, he would be there to follow.
"Return to your people for now," Rudra said after a moment. "You've proven your loyalty by coming here, but I must walk this path alone for now. I will call on you when the time is right."
Sharva bowed deeply. "As you wish, my lord. I will be ready when you need me."
With that, the young prince of the Asura clan turned and disappeared into the gathering twilight, leaving Rudra alone with his thoughts.
As the sun sank below the horizon, Rudra felt a new sense of purpose rising within him. He had spent lifetimes caught in the struggle between power and wisdom, between conquest and reflection. But now, in this strange and ever-changing world, he had the chance to forge a different path.
He had the chance to rewrite his own story.
The breeze carried with it the scent of the ocean, and for the first time in centuries, Rudra allowed himself to relax. The journey ahead would be long, but this time, he would be ready.
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