EXTRA CHAPTER 2: SMILE OF THE SERPENTESS

~ A NAG PANCHAMI TALE FROM NIRVANIA ~

The air in the Antariksha-Mandap shimmered with an invisible pull, drawing all shishyas into silent reverence. It was the day of Nag Panchami[1], sacred and shimmering with astral significance across the Manovrta continent. In the celestial Gurukul of Nirvania, two venerable Acharyas descended into the cosmic hall—each cloaked not just in robes but in lifetimes of wisdom.

Acharya Nakshatraketu, the Acharya of Antariksha Gyaan & Brahma-Raah Nirdeshak, stepped first into the light. His presence hummed like a constellation had shifted into human form. Beside him walked Acharya Lokantarika Sutratmak, the Acharya of Rahasyagya Lokakhyanacharya, whose eyes reflected the untold myths of all realms.

The moment they entered, all shishyas rose and bowed in unison.

With a nod of blessing, Acharya Lokantarika spoke, "Today is no ordinary day. In ancient Yuga of Nirvania, on this same day, a Naagin of the Kundal-Kshatra[2] drank the sacred celestial milk, breaking a curse that bound her across dimensions..."

Acharya Nakshatraketu continued, "And thus, began the tradition—of offering milk to serpentine beings, not out of fear, but out of sambandh[3]—a divine bond. For they are not creatures to be feared, but guardians of our karmic secrets, coiling silently beneath the veils of time."

The tale flowed like a cosmic river, winding through stars, symbols, and soul-ties. Shishyas listened, wide-eyed, unaware that a very different kind of mischief was brewing in one corner of the Nirvania Gurukul...

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In the quiet, leafy inner courtyard, Ved and Devansh exchanged a look. A silent, shared thought passed between them like static before lightning. With a nod, both approached a small corner where a tiny figure sat, legs swinging off a carved stone bench.

Little Irika, no more than three years old, blinked curiously at the bowl of milk in Ved's hand.

"This is for you." Ved said with a bright grin, holding the bowl forward ceremoniously.

Devansh stifled a snicker.

Irika looked at the bowl, then at them, her brows furrowed. "But why?"

"No questions." Ved winked. "Just know—it's a sacred offering. Drink up!"

Oblivious to their game, the little one picked up the bowl and began sipping.

With each gulp, Ved and Devansh's grins grew wider.

And then—

Whack!

Two ears were captured with motherly precision.

"Aaah—!" Ved yelped.

"Hey—!" Devansh tried to retreat, but it was too late.

Chhayeshwari stood behind them, fuming.

"VED!" she thundered. "How can you do this to your own daughter!?"

Irika blinked. "Daughter?"

Chhayeshwari glared, shifting to Devansh. "And you—Devansh—I never had hopes from you anyway. One rotten apple does spoil the bunch." Then—looked at Ved.

Devansh blinked in disbelief. "Rotten apple!?"

Releasing their ears with theatrical disappointment, she scooped up little Irika in her arms, nuzzling her head.

"Today is a very auspicious day to feed milk to a serpent… and besides, Irika is… a two-coloured pearl serpent herself." Ved chuckled nervously. "Well...technically."

Chhayeshwari slapped her forehead. "Hopeless. Clearly hopeless."

Irika blinked again, trying to decode the grown-up tension. Her little mind didn't grasp the full weight of the drama—but she could tell... something was not right.

Then came her transformation.

She puffed up her cheeks, crossed her arms, and stood straight like a tiny empress. Her lips curled into a pout.

Her eyes narrowed. Fake fury activated.

Ved tried to control his smile. Devansh almost squealed at her adorableness.

"You both…" Irika said slowly, "...were teasing me because I'm little. Gang-banging a tiny child like me."

Chhayeshwari's expression froze. Ved's eyes widened. Devansh almost tripped.

"Wha—Irika!" Ved gasped. "Where did you learn that word!?"

Irika ignored him. A sly smile tugged at her lips. "Now. You. Deserve. Punishment."

She pointed at a stone wall. "Daddy. Face the wall. Two hours."

Ved gave her the classic puppy eyes. "But—"

"Now." Chhayeshwari's tone ended all discussion.

Head bowed, Ved walked to the wall like a prisoner of love.

Devansh, meanwhile, puffed his chest proudly. "I accept my punishment with grace."

He stood tall, expecting a light one.

Irika and Chhayeshwari exchanged a glance.

Then, with a shared grin, they declared:

"Do squats for two hours."

Devansh's smile evaporated. "Wait—what?! Why is he just staring at a wall and I have to do squats?!"

Chhayeshwari crossed her arms. "Because it was your idea."

"Yes." Irika mimicked her. "Your idea!"

Devansh looked toward Ved, who dared not turn around but quietly giggled against the stone wall.

"Ved!" Devansh hissed.

Ved laughed lightly.

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And so, the sacred day of Nag Panchami in Nirvania—while Acharyas taught the cosmic truths of serpentine wisdom—two unlikely culprits found themselves trapped under a three-year-old's divine justice.

As the sun moved overhead, casting glowing serpentine shadows from the temple carvings, little Irika munched on sweet kheer[4], watching Devansh squat and Ved stare—utterly victorious.

Her soft giggle echoed through the stone courtyard, the innocent laugh of a little serpent in training.

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[1] Nag Panchami – A traditional festival honoring serpents, symbolizing respect and protection from hidden forces.

[2] Kundal-Kshatra – A mythical constellation in Nirvania, home to Naag beings guarding karmic wisdom.

[3] Sambandh – A Sanskrit word meaning deep bond or sacred connection.

[4] Kheer – A sweet milk-based rice pudding, often made during festivals and rituals in Indian tradition.