Demise of the Demon King

by Utkarsh Srivastava

  'As you wish, father.' Said Tejasvi, and went out of the cottage to arrange a meal.

  'Have your place Bhanusen. Who has shown you this route, after years?'

  'Like that only, I wished to meet you, so came here. I was so busy in royal duties, that I couldn't find time for my dear ones. That's why I've came here to fulfill my father's wish.' Saying this Bhanusen turned around Vikramajit's back.

  'Father's wish, did our father had any last wish, which is still not fulfilled?' Vikramajit asked amazingly.

  'No elder one, I am not talking of King Bhabhuti.' Saying this Bhanusen stabbed Vikramajit from back side, with the poisonous Poniard provided to him by demon's mentor Bhairavnath.

  'This is what my father Demon King Markesh wanted, but it's not his last wish.' Bhanusen pushed Vikramajit on the floor.

  'What you have done Bhanusen? Have you gone mad, our father's name is King Bhabhuti, what you're saying?'

  'That's your father's name, not mine. I have not forgotten the murder of my mother 'Shivanya', I am very well aware about that incident.'

  'So you came…to…know…about…that..secret, But you must know…..Bhanu….., my father was .….not..only..responsible…for your mother's death….Markesh was responsible…for it too.'

  'Enough, you are near to your death, then also lieing to me, you should be ashamed of yourself. The mistake which King Bhabhuti has made by adoptingme, whole Vidarbh has to suffer it's consequences.'

  Injured Vikramajit grabbed Bhanusen's neck. 'You wretch, I..may…die today. But it's my oath, that until… the Demon King Markesh….. will not be destroyed completely….., my soul…… will not leave this…..earth. My son Tejasvi has….capability….to singlehandedly….destroy the… whole demon's….race. And you….all…are…still…unaware…of my that son…,who will be proved as a huge disaster for….the….whole demon's race. My second…son, 'Yugandhar' 'The Serpent's King'.

  Bhanusen was astonished to know about Yugandhar. At the next moment only, Tejasvi entered the cottage, he was shocked to see injured Vikramajit, and when he saw a poniard in Bhanusen's hand he couldn't believe. He rushed towards Vikramajit to handle him, seeing this Bhanusen escaped from there. Vikramajit was on the floor, Tejasvi took his head on the lap.

  'Have patience, father. I'll soon bring you a Vaidhya for you, till then you collect all your will power to survive.' But before Tejasvi could leave, Vikramajit stopped him holding his hands.

  'Wait…my son. I don't have…much..time, till the time…you'll…bring…any Vaidhya…I shall be dead till that time. It was a venomous….Poniard, it's venom….will not….let…me live…even a prahar.'

  'No father, Firstly Maa and then now you, no, it can't be.'

  'I want to…say…something..to you, Tejasvi. A….secret…about which…only I, and my father, King Bhabhuti was aware of. Bhanusen…is…my murderer….., he..is only…responsible for…my father's death. And…..even…he is not my…..real brother.'

  'Yes my father, I am listening.'

  'My brother…..Veersen is in….danger, Bhanusen will….surely…..create….a deceit to harm him. Your duty…is to save….him.'

  But before Vikramajit could complete his words, the effect of the venom reached at its extreme level. Soon the greatest warrior of the Aaryavart, took his last breath.

  'Pitashree (Father )……………..' Tejasvi's heart was burst with pain.

  'Whoever is responsible for your death, I'll surely kill him with my own hand. Uncle Bhanusen, I am coming.'

  After then Tejasvi preserved the dead body of Vikramajit, and hided it at a secret place.

  'Vayujit….' One Strong and beautiful white Horse came in front of Tejasvi on his command.

  'You are my childhood friend Vayujit, Take me to the palace of Vidarbh with the speed of wind. Today I have to kill that Bhanusen, after that I'll pay the funeral to my father, let's go.'

  Vayujit snickered, and moved his head as like he was agreed with him. Tejasvi ascended on his back and proceeded towards the palace of Vidarbh. On reaching the gate of the palace Tejasvi shouted

  'Bhanusen…….'

  Listening his roaring sound Veersen, Bhanusen, Suryam, Akhand and all other brothers came out of the palace.

  'What type of insolence is this, Tejasvi? You should be ashamed of calling your uncle with his name.' Akhand was not able to tolerate the insult of his father.

  'Why should I pay respect to such a sinful person? His crime can't be forgiven. I am not here to challenge anyone for war, I am just here to punish this criminal.'

  'What type of crime my brother has committed? I also want to know.' Veersen was furious.

  'He killed my father through an unfair means. Today before sunset he came to our cottage, he send me out from there, after that with a deceit he killed my father through a venomous poniard.'

  'It's impossible, my elder brother couldn't be dead. Any warrior of this world is not capable enough to face him. Who can kill him?'

  'When a person whom you have trusted the most, cheats you and stab you at your back, then no weapon of this world could resist that. And this deceit was played by this Bhanusen, who cheated my father.'

  'Enough, Tejasvi. Bhanusen was playing the game of dice with me since morning. And so what you are saying is meaningless for me. I am not ready to believe it.'

  Bhanusen was smiling in his mind, as because on his place one demon who impersonated him, was present at the palace of Vidarbh and was with Veersen since morning to evening.

  'I am not lieing uncle. I am the witness of this incident, may be this Bhanusen is playing games with you all.'

  Then Bhanusen interrupted 'Enough, you sinner. Brother, I think that this sinner has joined hands with the King of Balisthgadh, and killed our elder brother, and blaming me for this sinful act. You only think brother, Why King of Balishthgadh hasn't returned the Divine Gem yet?'

  'Bhanusen…………' Tejasvi roared like a lion and evocated Jihva Astra to kill Bhanusen.

  Seeing this Suryam, Akhand and all other brothers along with Veersen came in front of Tejasvi's arrow to protect Bhanusen.

  'If you want to kill my father, then you have to firstly kill all your brothers. Come on, shot your arrows on us.' Akhand putted the situation of dilemma in front of Tejasvi.

  Anyhow Tejasvi controlled his anger, putted his arrow back in his quiver.

  'This time I am leaving, brother. But soon I will return, with all the proofs against Bhanusen. You all not allowed me to get justice of my father's death, so it's my request to you all, when I'll pay the funeral to my father, you all please don't come there for the show off.'

  Tejasvi commanded Vayujit to return back, and soon he disappeared from there, others kept him watching.

  After sometime, Tejasvi himself lied his father's body on the pyre and putted it on fire. At that time only, Veersen, Bhanusen and all other royal bloods came there to pay the tribute. Tejasvi was furious, seeing them.

  'Why you all have come here? To pay tribute, or to blame me for my father's death?'

  'We all know, that you could not kill your father .But it doesn't proves that, his brother Bhanusen who loves him most, could kill him. Whatever you saw could be a jugglery, he could be a demon who might have impersonated Bhanusen.' Veersen tried to calm down Tejasvi.

  Tejasvi got to know that, until he could bring any solid proof, he could not prove his truth. He thought that there was no use to tell them about the last words of Vikramajit said on the death bed.

  'What you are thinking about, brother? My father will forgive you for your insolence. Let's go to the palace, you need your family, just leave this Jungle. Your family's affection will surely reduce your pain. Then we all together will destroy the whole Demon's race.' Akhand tried to convince Tejasvi.

  'Eight years before, I vowed for an exile, have you forgotten that, elder. Until and unless, that Demon King Markesh is alive, I would not enter any palace, and will not have any royal pleasures.'

  'If you want to be sticked with your o
ath, then I'll not leave you alone in this war, I'll stay with you in this Jungle. Until then, when your arrows and my mace together will destroy the kingdom of the Demon King Markesh.'

  'No, Elder. You are the crown prince, future King of Vidarbh. We cannot risk your life.'

  Listening this Veersen putted his hand on Akhand's shoulder. 'Akhand is right, Tejasvi. He is the crown prince, that's why it's his responsibility to protect the kingdom of Vidarbh from the dark shadows of the Demons. If he do so, I'll feel proud to handover the responsibility of this kingdom to him, and people of Vidarbh will respectfully accept him as their King. Consider it as the test of your capacity Akhand.'

  'And I am ready for this, Uncle.' Akhand accepted the challenge.

  'As you wish uncle. I and Akhand are enough for Demon King Markesh and his brothers, and not only that, soon a fierce warrior will join us in our mission.' Tejasvi's words astonished Bhanusen.

  'Who is that warrior, Tejasvi?' Akhand was eager to know that.

  'Soon he'll come in front of us. You stay with me in this jungle, you'll get to know about him.'

  'Ok brother, as you say. Perhaps, you want to surprise me.'

  'Well you got it right, elder.'

  Listening Akhand's decision Bhanusen was fulfilled with anger, but he couldn't express it.

  Suvarna's abduction

  Leaving Akhand and Tejasvi in the Jungle, rest all the brothers returned to the palace of Vidarbh along with Veersen and Bhanusen.

  After some days, one women ascended on her horse, arrived at Tejasvi's cottage in the dense forest. Tejasvi was chopping woods in front of his cottage, he recognized her as soon as he saw her. She was the maid and friend of Princess Suvarna i.e. 'Shyama'. She took out a letter, and handed it over to Tejasvi.

  'This message is from Princess Suvarna for you, Prince Tejasvi.'

  When he got to know that Suvarna has sent a letter, he was quite astonished. But then also he took that letter from the lady and started reading it. He was quite restless reading that letter.

  'Prince Tejasvi, after being Prince of Vidarbh, have you forgotten my love for you? I am still in love with you. But my brother Raajveer want me to marry the grandson of Markesh 'Subaahu'. When my father wanted to return the heritage of your Kingdom, 'The Divine Gem'. Then my brother Raajveer imprisoned him and captured the throne of Balishthgadh. Your father Chakrsen is also expelled from the kingdom. My marriage with Subaahu is fixed at the last of this month. I cannot marry anyone else than you. If you'll not take me from here, I'll imbibe the venom, and will finish my life.'

  'Just inform your princess that she should not worry, I'll surely come to Balishthgadh to take her.' Saying this Tejasvi sent away maid Shyama back.

  'What happened Tejasvi, who was she? What message she brought?' Akhand came out of his cottage and questioned Tejasvi.

  'I have to abduct Suvarna (Princess of Balishthgadh), elder. Prince of Balishthgadh Raajveer has deceived us. When he came to know, that King Bhargav has decided to return the Divine Gem to us, that wretch Raajveer captivated his father and imprisoned him. Now he is the King of Balishthgadh. And Suvarna, the girl whom I am in love with, he is forcefully marrying her to the grandson of the Demon King 'Subaahu'.'

  'What you're saying is quite ok, Tejasvi. But remember one thing, we can't defeat Balishthgadh on their land until the Divine Gem is with them. We'll lose our strength, when that gem will come in front of us.'

  'If not with our strength, we'll go through a deceit, but I can't let Suvarna die. I have to reach Balisthgadh as soon as possible.'

  'Then let's go brother, because according to the message, only two days left in the marriage ceremony.'

  Tejasvi was glad to have Akhand's support. They both ascended on their horses, and approached for Balishthgadh.

  After an unbreakable journey of a day, both the brothers reached Balishthgadh. Now only one day was left in the marriage. Now question was that, how Tejasvi should send his message to Suvarna. Suddenly they heard voice of strolls of a huge army. When Tejasvi turned and came to know, that this army was under Markesh 'The Demon King' and his grandson Subaahu, he was out of control. But then only Akhand calmed him down.

  'Wait, Tejasvi we might defeat the Demon King and his army, but we are not knowing about the secret of his death. Any mortal weapon of this world could not kill him. Even if we succeed to defeat him and his army, then also we could not face the army of Balishthgadh.'

  'I want only Markesh's head. Because of that wretch demon, my father couldn't save my mother's life, and I can't forget that.' Tejasvi holds his bow tightly.

  'Don't you have any responsibility towards Suvarna's love and devotion? Don't forget prophecy of Sage Shankracharya. When the time will come, you will only kill the Demon King. So have patience, and think only about Suvarna at the present.'

  Tejasvi agreed with Akhand, he controlled his anger and downed his bow.

  'I have an idea, elder one. The last lesson that my father taught me, was to impersonate any one, I have to use it now.'

  In the palace of Balishthgadh, Suvarna was in inconsolable state. At that moment his elder brother and the present King of Balishthgadh entered her room.

  'There is no use sitting like this in inconsolable state, Suvarna. It's time to celebrate. Your future husband Subaahu has arrived here. Tomorrow is your marriage ceremony, so be ready for that.' Raajveer informed Chitrlekha about her upcoming hard time.

  'Elder. Are your hands are not shaking while handling your sister to a demon? Is there is no importance of my wish for my marriage?' Suvarna cried.

  'No, there is no importance of your wish. It's my wish to acquire more power. And I'll do anything for that. Because of this marriage, we'll get the support of the Demon King Markesh, and I'll be victorious after that.'

  'Sorry to say so, elder. I had forgotten that, the person who can cheat his own father, can't be expected to think about welfare of any of his family member.'

  Furious Raajveer grabbed Suvarna's hair and pushed her towards the floor.

  'Whatever I am doing, it's for the welfare of Balishthgadh. Otherwise, our father was about to return the Divine Gem to Vidarbh. That's why for the welfare of this kingdom, our father must remain captured in prison. And now you must get ready for your marriage, shameless girl. Although you should be punished for talking like this to me, but leave it. I will forgive you for this, but finally you have to marry Subaahu, and that's final.'

  Raajveer left. Suvarna continued crying, but that doesn't effected that wretch, who was only dreaming of being powerful. He left Suvarna crying.

  In the morning after Sunrise, one maid came and informed Suvarna that only two prahars were remaining for her marriage ceremony. Maids had to come soon for her adornment. Suddenly Raajveer entered her room and ordered the maid to go outside.

  'Suvarna, I am ashamed of my sin. But I couldn't face the Demon King, I am not capable of that. Before that Subaahu could get a hint, come, I shall take you to a secured place.'

  Suvarna was surprised, he questioned Raajveer 'What's the reason behind this sudden change in you, brother?'

  'Just trust me Suvarna, I'll take you to the safe place, I couldn't feel relax until I won't do it. Just give me one chance to atone for my sins.'

  'But I have sent message to Prince Tejasvi, he'll surely come to take me. I have full faith on him.'

  'Before that we'll reach him. Trust me, Tejasvi has crossed the border of Balishthgadh.'