In the serene hills of Kashmirpur, Shankaraakshya was like always preparing for his anushthaan to please Harihareshwari. Surrounding him, various tools and sacred objects lay on the ground, ready to be employed in the profound ritual.

It's been years since he had been undertaking the ritual every single day. Yet from childhood to adulthood, his determination remained steadfast and only increased.

His hands skillfully crafted the altar, it had become a second nature of his. But unbeknownst to him, watching silently from behind the veil of foliage, was the ruler of the heavens, Indra.

Concealed behind a tree, Purandhar's curiosity was piqued by a young man engrossed in preparation of the solemn ritual. He now truly wished to test Shankaraakshya's devotion, for it is through such trials that strength and character are forged.

Indra looked up at the heavens, a subtle smile appeared on his face as he gently called out, "Padmaprabha."

A soft breeze whispered through the trees, carrying a delicate fragrance of distant blossoms. The sky above transformed, a kaleidoscope of colors blending seamlessly as the heavens themselves seemed to part, as a celestial nymph, descended down on earth.

Her countenance was adorned with striking features like eyes that sparkled as if they were stars, lips as tender as rose petals, and a complexion that radiates purity and luminescence.

Padmaprabha joined her hands, in front of Indra, offering her respects to the king of gods.

"Aadesh kare, Devraj." She said in a soft voice.

"Padmaprabha, tum swarg ki sabse sundar apsarao mei se ek ho. Aaj tak aisa koi na huya jiski tapasya tumne bhang na ki ho." Indra said and then looked at Shankaraakshya, "Mai chaahta hu tum uska tapas bhang karne ka prayas karo."

"Jaisi aapki aagya." Padmaprabha said and then cast a gaze at the young man, lost in his own world of worship.

Sensing this as an opportunity, the celestial nymph gracefully went towards his unsuspecting self, her mesmerizing presence glided through the air.

But it seemed the jingling of her anklets, that demanded attention, fell over dead ears. Usually sages with weak control over their senses would just fall over their knees in front of her.

As she came and stood in front of him, it was then she got a look at his appearance. He was dressed in deerskin and his hair was in a half bun.

His countenance was graced by refined features, where masculine strength coexisted harmoniously with gentle tenderness. His eyes, deep and piercing, sparkle with an otherworldly light, as they determinedly focused on the altar.

Although she could figure out he was an Asur, there was a captivating divine aura around him, earned by years of penance. And amidst this divine semblance, a tranquil smile graces his lips, radiating a profound inner peace.

Padmaprabha couldn't help but be drawn to him, but then composing herself, she said "Iss ghane van mei bhi koi anushthaan kar sakta hai ?"

And at that Shankaraakshya looked at her, who sat down in front of him with all her celestial beauty. Padmaprabha thought that now his senses would be tempted, but surprise to her he remained composed and gave her a smile.

"Pooja evam Anushthaan toh kahi bhi kiye jaa sakte hai. Aur mai toh pichle 20 varsho se yaha anushthaan kar raha hu." Shankaraakshya said, his voice carried a soft manly husk.

"Yovan mei bhala kaun tapasya karta hai, yeh sab toh sanyaas ashram ke karya hai. Yovan toh bhog aur vilaas ke liye hai." Padmaprabha said, trying to persuade him.

"Yeh baat jaa ke Dhruv ya Prahlad se kahiye. Ya fir Bhagirath se." He said.

"Bhagirath ne toh ek mahatwapurn karya hetu tapasya kiya tha. Aap kis liye yeh anushthaan kar rahe hai ? Kya hai aapka bhagirathi prayas ?" She asked in a sweet voice.

"Iss bhoomi par manushya jeevan ki praapti." Shankaraakshya said.

At that Padmaprabha chuckled, a radiant burst of happiness, born from the depths of her graceful spirit.

"Kuch log swarg ko praapt karne hetu tapasya karte hai, aur kuch log moksh ke liye. Pratham baar kisi ko manushya jeevan praapt karne ke liye tapasya karte dekha hai." She said.

Shankaraakshya remained unbothered at her remark, he just kept smiling and said, "अत्र जन्म सहस्त्राणां सहस्त्रैरपि सत्तम ।
कदाचिल्लभते जन्तुर्मानुष्यं पुण्यसञ्चयात् ॥"
(It is only after many thousand births, and the aggregation of merit and virtues, the living beings are born in Bharat as human)

Padmaprabha pressed her lips into a thin curved line, hiding that she was taken aback at the fact that the man right in front of her was so steadfast in his determination, that her charms felt like an ant trying to move a mountain.

"Kintu isse shresht sukh hai swarglok ka. Bhog, Amrit, vilaas, yovan ka anand." She said leaning closer to him, "Aap kahe toh yeh sab aapke charano mei laa sakti hu."

Her words were laced with temptation, but Shankaraakshya remained undeterred.

"Manushya jeevan, moksh ki iccha aur mahapurusho ka sang, iss sansaar mei atyant durlabh hai. Yeh keval devtao ke kripa se praapt hote hai. Wahi kripa paane ke liye mai anushthan kar raha hu." Shankaraakshya said.

"Soch le. Har kisi ko yeh avsar praapt nahi hota." Padmaprabha said as she extended her hand and brought it to his face. But before she could touch, he slightly leaned backwards.

"Mujhe awashyakta nahi hai." Shankaraakshya said, causing her to take back her hand.

Although she was a little frustrated because for the first time she was failing, yet the apsara couldn't help but find herself captivated by his incorruptible spirit and his unwavering devotion.

"Yeh avsar kisi aise ko dijiye, jise aapke roop aur yovan mei ruchi ho." Shankaraakshya said.

At that she lowered her gaze, listening to her heart, what was getting magnetically pulled by him. With a small and honest smile she said, "Yadi aise vyakti ko jeevansaathi banana hota, toh kabka vivah ho chuka hota."

Saying that she stood up and walked away, a hint of sadness was etched on her face, for she had found a man free from the bounds of lust, but he was so committed to his anushthaan, that there was no way she could make him hers. Shankaraakshya watched her for a few moments before going back to his rituals.

Padmaprabha went where Indra till now had been watching the entire scene unfold. The king of gods had smile on his face, as he looked satisfied with the young man.

"Ab mujhe vishwas ho gaya hai ki Shankaraakshya Harihareshwari aur Shreeshaktiswar ke putra banne yogya hai."

"Kya yeh unka putra banega ?" She asked curiously.

"Lag toh kuch aisa hi raha hai." Indra said.

At that a hopeful smile appeared on the face of Padmaprabha, because maybe, maybe there was a way.

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A/N

Cute boi Shankaraakshya has turned into such a charming man ✨