The seemingly normal man. The one whom Shivansh did not apparently know was the one who knew every moment of his life. Even after becoming a scientist, even after thinking everything in a logical way. He could not let go of one and only one sentiment. Devotion.
He could not let go of his devotion to his god. The one whose story he heard everyday since his birth. One of the Tridevs[1], the god of Destruction and Balance. His god, Mahadev also known as Shiva.
Currently, Shivansh was overwhelmed with emotions. The god who he loved and cherished all his life ever since he was a child was in front of him. The mighty god was sitting right in front of him.
This surreal incident invoked various emotions that succeeded in overwhelming him. His god was the consequence that he had failed to calculate.
"Get up Shivansh" Mahadev said in a calming tone, helping him up.
"You know I was really surprised when I sensed such deep devotion from you even when such emotions were rarely found in this era." He continued
"In this kalyug[2] it is very rare for someone to such selfless devotion. I assumed that you would have forgotten me after you gained success but I was proved wrong. You remembered my name until the very last moment." He said in a surprised tone.
Shivansh was still unable to say anything. He was just bawling his eyes out. He was still shivering and stammering. Only a few words could be made out like prabhu[3], ma[4], papa[5].
Mahadev looked at his condition and ruffled his hair and placed his hand over his eyes. He used his mystical powers to calm Shivansh's surging emotions and calm him down.
"Prabhu. I have finally met you but I a devoid of any joy because I am stuck in a myriad of feelings. On one hand I have met you. My protector but on the other hand..." He pointed his hand towards his family members.
"I cannot even talk to my family. I can see the love in their eyes but a- am unable to drink that sweet nectar. Hel- help me prabhu. Help me!" Shivansh's voice started to crack mid sentence. The condition of his family caused him to start sobbing again.
"So... you want a chance to make things right? I can surely help you but the real question here is... What are YOU willing to give up for another chance?" Mahadev asked with a tone filled with mirth as he crossed his legs.
Shivansh suddenly felt his mind getting clearer and clearer. His overwhelming emotions that were affecting his judgements were disappearing. He suddenly regained all his clarity. He calmly replied,
"Prabhu, I was prepared to never meet my loved ones again and was fully prepared to perish and meet them in the afterlife. But here I am. My family just out of my arms reach.
Their faces have reawakened long forgotten memories. This has changed everything. I am ready to face any consequence as long as the time once passed can return again"
Mahadev raised one eyebrow and asked,
"Even your life? Are you willing to gamble with your life?"
Shivansh looked up and without any second thoughts or hesitation replied,
"My life and soul always belonged to you Prabhu. But if my worthless life can help me gain another chance at life then so be it. I am prepared for it."
Mahadev suddenly laughed. Oh! how glorious was that laugh. It was as if the whole universe danced in joy. He wiped one tear that escaped due to him laughing so hard and said,
"In so many eras, there are very few like you. You are the first one to successfully travel through time and that to successfully. The first one to bend laws that were never meant to be broken. This made you a Source Of Error in the eyes of the Universe and it's laws."
"The universe is like a well oiled machine and you a form of rust. Your mere existence is something that should not be possible. You have a more powerful soul because you merged with yourself, which should not be possible because unbreakable laws. You also have all your memories. This is the reason why even time resists you."
"I can solve it but you will have to something for me. A task that you will have to do. Count it as a fee for solving your problem." Mahadev continued.
"Please Mahadev, tell me. Just tell me. I am willing to do anything as long as it means that I will be able to live with my family again." Shivansh got down to his knees and begged.
"You just have to entertain me..." Mahadev smirked
A/N: This is a bonus chapter because I felt bad that the previous chapter was so small. Cheers!
[1] In Hindu Mythology, Tridevs represent the greatest of the gods. Bhrahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the Destroyer.
[2] Kalyug is a form of era. It is said at the end of Kalyug everyone will perish and Satyug (Era of truth) will start again. Please search if you want to learn more
[3] God
[4] Mother
[5] Father