UNFINISHED SOMNIUM

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She found herself standing before an azure, pristine lake, encompassed by a paradisical verdure. An iridescent butterfly fluttered past, drawing her gaze to its graceful assemblage of hues. Its delicate wings shimmered as it settled upon a vibrant sunflower, sipping its ambrosial nectar.

Then, without warning, the butterfly shattered.

A sudden force made her jolt as the fragile wings burst into fragments, and fierce flames erupted, engulfing the sunflower in a violent blaze. The golden petals curled into embers, swallowed by the inferno.

A shiver coursed through her. She turned away from the harrowing sight—only to freeze.

A grand, decorated mirror stood before her, though she had no memory of it being there a moment ago. In its polished depths, she saw herself draped in rich violet silk, adorned with gold and diamonds. A jasmine garland rested in her alta-painted hands. Beyond the reflection, the royal court unfolded—rows of dignitaries and noblemen seated before her, waiting.

Her lips curled into a soft smile as she stepped forward, heart pounding, to garland the man of her dreams.

But the vision shattered.

The opulent court dissolved into a battlefield. Warriors lay strewn across cold marble, their lifeless forms painted in shadows. The jasmine garland was gone, her silk robes in disarray. In the corner of an unfamiliar chamber, she sat curled against the wall, knees drawn to her chest. Her already red-rimmed eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

Ambika gasped.

The dream yanked her awake, her breath unsteady, tears stinging her eyes. She sat up on the silk-upholstered bedstead, pressing a trembling palm to her chest, willing her heart to slow. Yet the unsettling visions refused to fade. The dream—so vivid, so piercing—left thousands of questions whirling in her mind.

What did it mean? Was it an omen?

She turned to the sacred presence in her chamber, her gaze locking onto the Shivalinga. Folding her hands to her bosom, she whispered a silent plea.

"Mahadeva, protect all of us."

The flickering lamp before the deity cast dancing shadows, offering a momentary solace. But the lingering weight in her heart told her the dream was far from ordinary.

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Here is the prologue! 

Somnium - A Latin originated word synonymizing a  dream.

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