CHAPTER 33: The Arrow's Target

The King of asuras cried out in alarm, “Mrutyunjay!”

Ravichandran who was already baffled by what he saw could not fathom whom his counterpart was referring.

For the first time, Aryaman’s arrow did not hit its adversary’s weapon but just happened to pass by it and came towards Chandrashekar.  The King looked on helplessly and the arrow released a rope from its sharp edges and wound him up.

Aryaman looked on at the divine astra as it came near him calmly.  It was as if he had surrendered himself to it completely.  Just then, something strange happened. 

The arrow changed its course and swerved a little to its right!  It then swiftly went after someone else!  Taken by surprise Aryaman looked in its direction and by all probability it seemed to head towards Ravichandran! 

Aryaman quickly regained his normal self along with the armor and flew in great speed towards the King.  He surpassed the arrow and came near Ravichandran.  Rajaveera looked at him dazed and again called out, ““Mrutyunjay!”  Aryaman just smiled at him faintly and made Ravichandran rest in his hands.

  Lifting the King, Aryaman flew away in the sky with the arrow following him!  Rajaveera too followed suit.

“Why is that arrow pursuing me?”  Ravichandran asked terrified.

“I am as puzzled as you are, Maharaj!”  Aryaman replied in ignorance as he continued to fly across the sky in rapid speed with the arrow following them closely.

“Why did you not disarm Chandrashekar when you had the opportunity to do so?”  The King griped.

“We shall discuss about that later, Maharaj!  For now, what is important is to save you from that arrow!”  Aryaman pointed out looking behind intermittently.

“Please save me, Aryaman!”  The King pleaded.

“I will try my best, Maharaj!  Please be calm and allow me to think!”  Aryaman urged.

He knew that he had to do something fast to save the King’s life.  Flying at a significant speed he managed to leave the arrow far behind.  As he was thinking about his next move, he happened to pass by a well below. 

An idea struck Aryaman.  He quickly flew downwards and went inside the well still holding the King in his hands.  “Why have you brought me here?”  Ravichandran cried out in alarm.

“Relax, Maharaj!”  So saying, Aryaman made him sit on one of the elongated protruding bricks that were attached to the wall of the well at measured intervals for climbing purposes. 

“Please be seated here, Maharaj!  I have something in mind that I need to execute!  I have no time to explain it now!”