|| And It Happened Again || {IF_NC_Entry}- Chapter 3, Pg 8 - Page 4

Joy was the most prominent emotion in Kailasha; joy, devotion and pure, unadulterated love.

The various Gods and Goddesses, the Shiva Ganas, all settled themselves in pure anticipation and excitement, all looking forward to the birth of MahaLakshmi as Janakanandini. The air in Kailasha was buzzing, delight filling every corner of the vast, endless Shiva Loka.

Karthikeya and Ganesha, the two sons of Shiva and Parvati, were seated on either side of Narada, both talking excitedly to him, telling him their joy at the approaching birth of their Maa Lakshmi, Narada, as always, adding his own words of wisdom.

"Pitashree, said Karthikeya, smiling innocently. "How is Maa Lakshmi going to be born on Earth this time?

Shiva narrowed His eyes at Karthikeya in a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "You sound way too much like your Mamashree. I am not telling you anything till your Maa is actually born.

The sound of amused laughter brimmed through Kailasha. Shiva and Parvati exchanged fond looks. Even as Parvati turned to indulge a rather whiny Karthikeya, Shiva continued to gaze at her in unadulterated adoration, adulation, even.

All this pomp, and ceremony reminded Him of the time when He and She had wed, Kailasha was reverberating with as much, if not more, joy, love and celebration. His smile was fond as He remembered - everywhere was decorated, not even one corner of Kailasha was spared in the exuberance of the Shiva Ganas and the joyous instruction of Medha and Lakshmi. Vishnu and Swayam had been laughing through everything, seeing the excitement that had been paramount in Kailasha.

"I have a question. said Narada, eyes twinkling with mischief. Shiva groaned playfully seeing the mischief in Narada's eyes, His own beautiful eyes teasing.

"Can anyone ever stop your questioning? sighed Tripuraari, making everyone laugh, and Narada pout. "Tell us Narada.

"Prabhu, the question is for Karthikeya and Ganesha.

"Ask them then, said Shiva, indulgent smile on His face, exchanging a fond, exasperated smile with Swayam.

"How is Prabhu Mamashree but Maa Lakshmi Maa?

Medha shook her head, laughing within, when Parvati's tinkling laughter rang through Her head.

This child of ours,' thought Parvati, laughing more. Of course he would ask these two such questions.'

Given that they keep switching between Mamashree and Pitashree for Bhrata,' thought back Saraswati, completing Parvati's thoughts. The two of them were always up to something or the other, their affinity toward Narayana more pronounced every second.

"Mamashree is the one who teaches us how to prank, replied Ganesha innocently, giving Parvati wide eyes. Rolling Her fish-shaped eyes at Her son's dramatics, She reached forward and pulled Him by the ear, causing the Elephant God to whine loudly, Karthikeya laughing at His little brother's state.

"What has you laughing, Skanda? questioned Shiva, pulling Karthikeya's ear, making Him whine as well, Kailasha echoing with laughter at the antics of the two sons of Shiva.

"Pitashree, oucchh. It hurts, He whined, pouting at Shiva. Shaking His head, Shiva replied, amusement laced in every word.

"I can see just what Narayana has taught you, Karthikeya.

"Swami, my big brother is innocent, retaliated Parvati, as always coming to Narayana's defense, Her love for Him a joy that arose within Her, delighting Shiva Himself.

"He is nowhere near innocent, Gauri, said Shiva, shaking His head, His hand still holding Karthikeya by the ear. "Narayana is why everything that is happening is happening. He is the start, the middle and the end.

"He is innocent Swami. You only taught Him mischief, She said, teasing smile decorating Her moon face.

"Did you forget Priye? I came from Him, said Shiva innocently, laughing when Parvati pouted. "He is the origin, so it is from Him that I even know what to do, how to do it. Everything I know came from Narayana.

"But Narayana Bhrata is innocent anyway, chimed in Saraswati, exchanging a mischievous smirk-smile with Parvati, the latter grinning sweetly at Her Lord, whose adoration for Her seemed to have begun anew.

Narayana, what are you doing?' He thought exasperated, mock glaring at Brahma, who was laughing at the words that echoed in all their heads.

I did nothing,' rang the melodious voice of Narayana in Shiva and Brahma's heads, making both of them smile immediately, their devotion entrenching Kailasha with Bliss.

You did everything,' said Brahma, sending Shiva a sly smile, both Gods silently agreeing to be on the same side.

Of course you both suddenly decided to do this to me. Poor innocent me.'

Does Lakshmi call you innocent?' piped in Shiva, knowing well what His Eternal sister called Narayana.

Unfortunately, no,' sighed Vishnu, always one for theatrics. It was no secret who Ganesha had learnt it from!

Hey, He is your son!'

He is more yours than He is anyone else's Narayana. As is Karthikeya,' said Shiva, laughing. Don't act Narayana. Swayam and I know your tricks, including all the drama you did when Parvati and I were to get married.'

Me? Act? What are you even talking about?'

"Swami? Swami?

Shiva came back to Kailasha, where everyone was looking at Him and Brahma expectantly, Vishnu's laughter echoing in their heads, their non-verbal answer giving Vishnu the answer to His question.

Karthikeya gave Shiva a pouty look, all wide-eyed, the typical supposed innocent look that He was sure Vishnu had taught Karthikeya. Shaking His head, He released Skanda's ear, who grinned and flopped down next to Narada once again, everyone now taking their old positions.

"You both are yet to answer Narada, said Parvati, amusement colouring her lilting tone.

"Maa, Mamashree teaches us pranks, Ganesha repeated, ducking when Parvati made to pull His ears again.

"You also call Him Pitashree, added Medha, laughing at the two sons of Hara and Gauri, Her love an abundant ocean.

"He is also a father to us, Maa Medha, said Karthikeya. "When He is in strict mode, He is Paa. Else, He is Mamashree.

Both threw a sly glance at their father, who gave them a mock stern glare, silencing their mischief immediately. Parvati let out a happy laugh, the joy of being with Her family increasing by the second. Her beauty radiant, and Shiva was unable to take His eyes off Her, drinking in the joy that was beautified as Her face expressed it. A light cough is His head alerted Him, His eyes meeting Medha's, which expressed happiness at Shiva's love. Shaking His head, knowing something was concocting in Her mind, He turned to Nandi, who spoke as Shiva turned, perfectly timed.

"Prabhu, Mata, I think Maa Lakshmi's birth is near.

Nandi's gentle voice made the two parents, Kailasha Naatha and Kailasha Swamini smile, their eyes meeting those of the other two parents', all four nodding.

"Come. Let us celebrate the arrival of MahaLakshmi Herself to Prithvi Loka, in the form of Janaki, the daughter of Rajarishi Janaka.

Tripuraari- The One who destroyed the three cities called Tripura, literally translating to 'three cities'.

Skanda- another name for Karthikeya.

Swamini- Goddess.

Rajarishi- A saint among men, a King who is like a saint.