chapter 4 :" Her entry in shaktidhara"
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Shaktidhara's Introduction
Shaktidhara, the legendary floating city of powers, , suspended between the peaks of majestic mountains. The sky surrounding it dances with hues of saffron, gold, and indigo, as if painted by the gods themselves. The city gleams with an aura of mysticism, its towering temples and spires kissed by sunlight and cloaked in a perpetual mist that glows faintly, reflecting the energy of the elements.
Golden bridges, intricately carved with depictions of celestial beings and ancient warriors, stretch between the city's floating platforms. Each platform is a masterpiece—lotus-shaped courtyards, marble sanctuaries, and crystal-clear pools that mirror the heavens above. Sacred rivers flow gently, their waters imbued with elemental energy, cascading into waterfalls that vanish into the clouds below. The sound of bells, chimes, and distant chants creates a soothing melody that seems to connect the city to the divine ,and the permanent sound of sitar could be heard among the air.
Flames flicker in grand stone lamps, water flows endlessly in carved fountains, and the very air hums with the energy of earth, wind, fire, and water. The disciples, clad in flowing robes of saffron, white, and gold, glide gracefully through the courtyards, their movements deliberate and serene, as if in tune with the pulse of the universe.
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Sanyukta's Appearance
As Sanyukta steps into Shaktidhara, she is a vision of quiet strength and resilience. Her figure, slender yet sturdy, radiates a natural grace despite the exhaustion of her journey. Disguised as a boy, she wears a simple dhoti paired with a light, fitted tunic, both in shades of earthy brown and deep red. Yet, there is an unmistakable elegance in her simplicity.
Her skin glows like polished bronze under the soft light, a canvas kissed by the sun and marked with the faint scars of her struggles. Her short, uneven hair, now clean and shining, curls gently at the ends, framing her sharp jawline and high cheekbones. Her eyes, dark and profound, hold a depth of emotions—grief, determination, and an unyielding fire that cannot be extinguished.
A red thread is tied around her wrist, a token of protection from her mother, and her bow—crafted from ancient wood with carvings of serpents and flames—rests firmly in her hand. Its presence is almost alive, glowing faintly with an energy that resonates with Sanyukta's own powers.
Even in disguise, her beauty is undeniable—raw and unpolished, yet captivating. As she walks through the gates of Shaktidhara, the very air around her seems to ripple, as if recognizing her as someone destined for greatness, her face was showing nervousness,she stood at the gate for a while , clunching into the bow but after a while when Veer called her, she took her first step in Shaktidhara leaving behind the life she had lived and entering in her new life.
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Sanyukta's First Day in Shaktidhara
The grand gates of Shaktidhara creak open as Sanyukta steps in, her heart pounding with both awe and trepidation. The city's beauty is otherworldly—the golden bridges, cascading waterfalls, and glowing temples seem like something from a dream. Yet, she feels like an outsider in this divine place.
The head monk, a calm yet authoritative figure, approaches her with a knowing gaze. "Welcome to Shaktidhara, young one. You may find yourself tested, but you are here for a reason. Come, let us begin."
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As the head monk leads Sanyukta toward the disciples' quarters, a loud commotion interrupts the serene atmosphere. From behind one of the tree, a girl rushes out, her long braid swinging wildly. She trips over her own feet but manages to stay upright, carrying a tray of fruits that wobble precariously.
"Wait, wait, I'm not late! I swear this time—oh no!" The basket tips, and the fruits scatter across the ground, rolling toward Sanyukta. The girl looks up, her bright eyes wide with panic. "Oh, great. My first impression on the newcomer is me ruining everything. Perfect."
Sanyukta bends down and picks up a fruit, silently handing it back to the flustered girl. "You should be more careful," she says in a quiet, serious tone.
The girl grins sheepishly. "Careful is overrated. I'm Malya, by the way. And you're the serious one, aren't you? ." She flashes a warm, unapologetic smile, completely undeterred by Sanyukta's stoic demeanor.
The head monk clears his throat, his tone laced with mild amusement. "Malya, since you're here, why don't you help our new disciple settle in?"
Malya salutes dramatically, nearly dropping the little basket again. "Yes, Guruji! I'll make sure they're absolutely comfortable—or at least not completely miserable."
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The Morning Ritual
At dawn, Sanyukta is woken by Malya shaking her shoulder. "Rise and shine! Or just rise—you don't look like the shining type," she teases, earning a quiet glare from Sanyukta.
Malya chatters endlessly as they walk to the courtyard for the morning rituals, pointing out landmarks and sharing snippets of gossip about the other disciples. Sanyukta listens silently, her eyes scanning the surroundings, but something about Malya's energy is strangely comforting.
When the group gathers for meditation, Malya struggles to sit still, fidgeting and peeking at the others. Sanyukta, on the other hand, immerses herself in the practice, finding a surprising sense of calm in the hum of elemental energy around her.
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The Trial
Later, during the test of balance and strength, Sanyukta focuses intently as she crosses the narrow bridge. The wind howls, and the weight of the water bowl tests her endurance. She nearly slips but steadies herself, completing the task with determination.
On the other side, Malya greets her with an exaggerated applause. "Well done, oh serious one! I, on the other hand, spilled half my bowl but didn't fall, so that's a win!"
Sanyukta raises an eyebrow, unsure whether to smile or scold her. "You're not taking this seriously."
Malya shrugs. " don't worry—I'll make sure you lighten up eventually."
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A Quiet Evening
As the sun sets, Sanyukta sits alone by a sacred pool, the golden light reflecting on the still water. Her thoughts drift to her family, her journey, and the uncertainty of her future.
Malya appears out of nowhere, plopping down beside her. "You're brooding, aren't you? You have that whole 'dark and mysterious' vibe going on."
Sanyukta sighs, but there's no malice in it. "I'm thinking."
"Well, think faster. Dinner's almost over, and I saved you some food
But . You're welcome." Malya grins, her warmth cutting through Sanyukta's guarded exterior.
For the first time, Sanyukta feels a flicker of comfort. Perhaps, in this unfamiliar place, having someone like Malya by her side might not be so bad after all.
But the disturbance of malya ,was enough to raise the voice of sanyukta ( Jaya) even though she wasn't interested in talking to anyone of them
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