Читать книгу The Swan Song онлайн

However, before he could pass through the gates of the royal capital, where the celebrations of Nal and Damayanti's wedding were winding down, he discovered what had transpired in the coliseum hall. "The Two Peerless have indeed united. Folly be upon those who try to break them apart," the regular folks exclaimed to the infuriated demon lord wearing the façade of the ordinary man. The intense emotions of a scorned and enraged lord of sins caused the clouds to tremble in fear, and the tempestuous storm wreaked havoc upon the wilderness.

Punctuality is a virtue and a way of life for the righteous – the sworn enemies of Kali, the lord of sin. He was late, he was a personified sin. Kali decided to extract his revenge. The grand war board was unveiled, and Kali devised an intricate plan to bring the legendary love story of the King and his Queen to a wretched and ruinous end.

With unwavering patience, he lurked in the shadows for twelve long years, awaiting Nal's descent into a forbidden sin. Kali remained resolute in his scheme and assembled a formidable alliance. Among his recruits was Nal's cunning cousin, Pushkar, who harbored envy for the virtuous Nal with every breath he took. Disguised as a mortal, Kali approached Pushkar, who readily aligned himself with the enemy of his enemy.

"I have heard tales of the King's fondness for game of dice. Gambling is his only vice. Await my signal, for when I defeat him in the depths of his being, you shall inherit all his possessions, even his beloved queen" Kali whispered to the conniving cousin.

Twelve years after their reunion, on an ordinary evening, Nal prepared for the customary sunset sermons. He lit the oil lamps while Damayanti collected the fragrant flowers from the royal orchid in a meticulously woven basket adorned with beads.

In the mundane routine, Nal, lost in muscle memory, overlooked the ritual ablution⁷ before beginning. He unintentionally omitted washing his feet before stepping into the sanctum. Although a minor oversight, it remained a transgression within the realm of virtue.