Hello wonderful readers!

Back with the new update.

I am so excited to finally witness the Eclipse and the Legend Myth.

Are they true?
Is there an reality behind the Claim and the Eclipse?

What this Eclipse has in store for Adhikshit and Roshni?

Let's find out!
Long chapter Ahead!

8th October 2020

"Moments Of Totality - The Eclipse "

Writer's pov

Some wise man said :

You are always just one decision away from living a totally different life.

And true that is!

One side of the Himalaya Valley was happily engaged in worshipping the Surya Dev and their beloved Goddess Parvati for blessing them with Singhas. They prepared the offerings for their deities, whereas, on the other somewhere in the beautiful Treks of Karakoram, a lot of evilness was consuming the wildlife and landscapes to its credit including a thrilling mystery around the Valley.

The lake that crossed through the Mountains, is littered with many humans remains, including skeletons, bones and skulls perched on rocks. While one man was standing there looking at the bones and skulls without any emotions. According to the manuscripts, the skeletons belonged to a king’s family who were cursed by a powerful Goddess to die this way.
Pick one or the other, we will never be sure of this one.
But the entire lake screamed evilness!

What are you looking at Brother? - a silky voice interrupted his blank stare

Nishan turned around and saw his sister, Nakshratika, who was as evil as her brother, may be more!

Do you know, what they say about this lake?
And about these rocks and heaps of Skeletons?

They bloody, say that this side of the Lake is cursed!
Whoever happens to spot and reach by its bay, those greedy humans, who wish to stay here forever to gain immortality, they are drawn to it's sides!
So that, they can be punished for thinking that selfish!
They blame it on us!

They said it was not good for Humanity!
Can you believe they made the entire valley, believe their lies?

Can you ever forget how that Powerful Goddess Parvati along with those Singhas, massacred our whole family!?! - he spoke with vengeance filled in his words

Family??
Nah, Brother!
She destroyed the whole lot of Nian Generation!
And they should be punished for their deeds! - she replied in cold blood

And that is why, I am going to Destroy that New Lagend!
I am going to hit him where it would hurt him the most!
- Nishan spoke gritting his teeth

And I am with you Bother! - spoke Nakshratika
What's your plan? - she asked

I have already played my cards, sissy!
I said a few things to his so called Mate!
And now as far as I figured out, she is not going to go with him willingly, and that's where I will step in! - he said

And do you think, she will act upon your words? How are you this sure?? - she asked eyeing her brother

Because, I played my words well, sister! She is too much of a curious mind to not listen! - he smirked

Well! In that case, I would be celebrating!

Let's add some revengeful spices to their lives, Brother!
My hands are itching to show some of my specially earned black magic! - she winked like the evil witch that she was

Tsk... Tsk!
That Little Human Mate!
I really pity Her now!
Finally, the Bulbul (nightingale) is trapped! - smirked Nishan

And they both laughed like the actual descendents of Satan!

(The Evil Duo - Nishan + Nakshratika)

At The Singha Castle

Everything was set!

The new Legend Singha, Adhikshit was given holy bath, his Royal priest did his tilak.
He was presented the Holy Sword and hd completed all his rituals before the Eclipse.
His mother, did his Aarti and she donated gold amongst the Pandits.

A feast a hosted where everyone from the jungle was invited and they were fed to their satisfaction.

Everyone seemed Happy!

After completing the rituals, Adhikshit finally reaches his room, that was decorated with jewels and flowers to welcome his human mate.

He looked around the room and sighed but stiffened when he heard a voice -

Are you Ready, Adhikshit?

He relaxed as he knew it was his friend, Samar Singh.

He sighed and said - I don't Know Samar!

Samar placed his hands on his shoulder and spoke - I know buddy, you are not quite a fan of this whole claim on your mate thing.
But this us how we work, right?
Roshni is a matured girl for her age.!
And I am sure, even if you take her against her wishes, she will eventually see your good side.
Even I m going to claim my mate, right?
But I am not pondering over it!

Easy for you to say Samar!
It's different for me buddy!
She is going to hate me from today! - he spoke in defeat but soon his mood changed as he watched his friend day dreaming

And , Don't I know about your little affair with your destined mate.?
What is her name, again? Sugandha?
Am I Right or I m Right friend? - he asked smirking

And suddenly the rough and tough commander of the Singhas turned red.
Samar was not used to blushing but when it came to his mate, Sugandha, who was a local, he was a shy man.

They both had accepted the fate that they both are going to be together.

Sugandha was a nice bubbly 19 years old girl from malana and she was willingly ready to go with Samar.
However, she is still not aware of his full identity but she wants to be with him, even if he kept secrets from her. It was love at first sight for both and that made Samar more than happy!

Singha! Please!
For your sake, stop teasing me! It's not like what you think it is! - Samar spoke nervously

Yeah, whatever! - adhikshit replied but laughed

So what's the Plan? - Samar asked

Plan is simple Samar.!
I plan to go to her and first distract her and claim her when she turns unconscious with the fragrance of the castor plant mixed in my legend scent.

Samar gasped and said - Castor Plant???
Adhikshit, you do know if you use them on your body, it will cause you trouble!
It's not safe!

It doesn't matter Samar!
I can handle it, besides I don't want to do this the hard way!
I can't be the selfish one for our interests, I have to consider her feelings too! - adhikshit replied calmly

Samar felt proud of his Future King as he was sensitive towards his mate which was a rare thing for their kinds.
He said - In that case my friend, I wish you all the Luck!
And I will be around, if you need me!

Adhikshit nodded smiling at Samar and patted his shoulder and said - Just concentrate on your mate Samar!
I will be ok!

If only, he knew that it was not going to be easy to claim his destined mate and also that his enemies had weaved a web of traps for him and his mate!

In The Malana Village

Finally, Today is the day where the day turns to night.
Today is the Day where all the Nakshatras are going to align to a totality and the disc of the Sun is fully obscured by the Moon.

Total is the Day of Total Darkness which is going to bring Luminescence in the Himalayan Valley!

Today is the Day of rare Annual Hybrid Eclipse!

The Eclipse had always been the talk of the valley and villagers no matter what, believed in the myths and folklores and the offerings.

And this time was no exception. Priests from all over the valley had gathered to chant holy mantras and offer gold, grains and animals to their deities.
The villagers had already gathered the bridal dolls and put Vermillion on their houses in order to show their willingness to offer a bride to the Jungle Legends.
No matter how much The younger generations opposed the myths, the older generation over ruled them. And same happened with Roshni's brothers.

They were outrageous when their grandma said she will also put Vermillion on their entry gate as a symbol of offerings.

She not only put that but also sent a bridal doll to the pandits as she thinks Roshni is eligible for the lagend claim too.!
Roshni did not know how to react to all this, when she herself acquired so much new information on the Myth.
She didn't dare to tell her brothers about the stranger who called himself her savior and she kept this as a secret, as she did not want them to be anymore worried for her.
They already had decided to guard the house and they had asked her to be in her room and she gladly obligedobliged as she herself didn't want any trouble.

The Day began to pass and Finally, A sense of uneasiness seemed to gradually steal over all living things in the valley. Cows and horses and other cattles suddenly refused to eat but according to the pandits they were following the ritual of the Eclipse, called intermittent fasting.
The Ladies of the house began singing holy folk songs.
The usual bird songs diminished, grasshoppers fall quiet, and a suggestion of chill crosses the air.
All the grass fields seemed dead and the landscape grew Darker and darker.

The brightness of the Sun began to diminish. And soon, it was time for the Eclipse.
The Ball of Fire, the Sun, Moon and Earth began to align as per the astrologers and just about five minutes before the total obscurity, strange wavering lines of light and shade danced across the landscape and the Houses. According to the villagers, they are called the "kaali Patti"
(Shadow Bands).
But according to the new age scholars, It is rather a curious and beautiful effect that is elated to the same atmospheric phenomenon that causes stars to twinkle in the night.

Now, The usual clear blue sky changes to gray or dull purple, speedily becoming more dusky, and a death-like trance seizes upon everything earthly. Birds with terrified cries, fly bewildered for a moment, and then silently seek their refuse of the night. Sensitive flowers, the scarlet pimpernel, the African mimosa, closed their delicate petals, and a sense of hushed expectancy deepened with the darkness.
Then, with frightful velocity, the actual shadow of the moon could be seen approaching, a tangible darkness advancing almost like a wall, swift as imagination, silent as doom.!
The immensity of nature never comes quite so near as then, and the strong hearted Pandits, did not try to quiver and kept chanting the mantras as the blue-black shadow now rushed upon the spectator with incredible speed. A vast, palpable presence seemed to overwhelm the entire valley and the devotees.

And finally it was darkness everywhere!

The Moon had finally covered the Fire ball.!

Eclipse had started!

Roshni, tried looking out of her window but her brothers had put heavy curtains, in order to stop any kind of celestial lights to fall on her.

She decided to head to her bed but stilled when she heard a wild grunt.!

Her heart was beating very fast she felt it would come out any moment.
Roshni again concentrated on that noise and walked out of her balcony, but she immediate regretted her decision as she not only heard teh grunt again but also saw a silhouette approaching from the darkness.

Sweatbeads formed on her forehead as the figure neared her. She tried to call for her brothers but nothing came as she felt her throat was dead dry.

The little silhouette that seemed to now reached her balcony was now roaring and it's heavy paws caused the floor to shake.
Her breathing became faint when she realised what is was.

It was a Giant Lion!

Her mind questioned - Was he is the Legend?
But he seemed different than the one she had met few weeks back.

Her eyebrows narrowed trying to think hard but before she could come at a decision, she heard a whisper - Didn't I tell you, he will come for you?

The hair on the back of her neck stood as she could feel hot breaths around her neck and the thing that she feared the most was the lion infront of her now looked kind of surprised.
It's fierceness was gone, rather it looked alarmed as if he knew of this new person.

And she knew him too, it was Nishan!

Suddenly, The lion grunted in pain and he began thrashing it's legs in agony before roshni could figure out what was happening, she saw a young woman doing something to the lion that was inflicting excruciating pain to it.

The lion however tried to shield Roshni but that caused him more pain.
Roshni tried stopping this new mysterious girl but she was jerked away from her by Nishan.

He said - Don't interfere Mate!
That Lion deserves this pain!
You should rather think about yourself!
Come with me!

Roshni shook her head and she struggled in his tight grip and that earned her a stinging pain on her cheeks.
Nishan had slapped her hard!

If I were you, I would not oppose and go with whatever has been asked for! And besides, she is my sister!
And she would not stop unless she is done with that Cat! - Nishan gritted his teeth and Roshni gasped looking at his blazing eyes

She had already seen something like that but what was more scary, was the Color Blue.

It was Electric Blue and it send instant fear to her entire system.
By the look of it, She knew this guy was someone dangerous in the skin of a gorgeous man. And his sister was no less!

They both screamed Danger!

Panick attacked her brains and she started to hit him with her tiny soft fists but Nishan only tightened his grip and began to walk away from the scene.

Leave me!
Let me go you monster!
Who are you?
You are making a mistake!
I am no Special and I don't want to go anywhere! - she cried

But the grip on her arm was way to tight and Nishan glared at her in anger.
Helpless, Roshni began to shout for her brothers, but what she didn't know was that Nishan had already made them unconscious.

Her crying and her calls for help was unanswered.

Roshni, felt dizzy yet she tried to reach the lion who seemed in so much pain yet he wanted to fight as if he was trying to protect her.
Then Nishan singled Nakshratika something and she smiled like an evil witch and twisted the head of the lion with such a force that he breathe his last.

The Lion was dead and he lay motionless on the floor.

And now, Nishan was dragging Roshni towards the jungle and no matter how much roshni tried resisting, she felt helpless!

Her mind gave up and she began pleading as she knew she was being kidnapped and her kidnappers were very veryp dangerous.

She pleaded sobbing - Please... Let me Go!

I don't want to go anywhere with you!

You don't seem nice to me!
And I... I am not special!
Please..... Just let me go!

But all his got in return was another tight Slap!
Her mouth let out a scream and she tasted metallic in her mouth.
And both Nishan and Nakshratika dragged her further in the dark.

Yet she struggled, she resisted....!

Suddenly, the three of them halted in their place when they all heard a deep deadly growl -

The lady said to leave her alone!

A sudden spark of hope aroused in Roshni and she tried looking for the source.

And there she saw someone she never expected!

Adhikshit Raj Singhal!

She knew nothing much about him but she knew he was her only hope!

She kicked Nishan and shouted -

Help Me!
Please Help me Ashikshit!
They want to kidnap me for God knows what!

Adhikshit halted in his place and a wave of emotion crossed his narrowed eyes.
It was the first time, His mate address him with his first name!
He felt his Lion roar in excitement but he had better things to concentrate on.

He was shocked to see Nishan and his evil sister.
Why hadn't he seen this coming?

This was not in his plan and he knew the duo was deadly and he needed help to fight with them. Not that he was scared of them but it was a matter of safety of his mate but Before he could mind link with Samar, he heard Nishan speak -

Ah!
Now, I see You, Finally!

The New Singha King!

Truth to be told, I was disappointed when you didn't show up for your mate today!
I thought you were not interested this year as you sent one of your pawns to take her.!
Or, Did you think.....I was so unfamiliar with your scent that I would not know it was not you!?!
And then you think you can take her under my nose!
Did you forget what we are? - Nishan spoke in a mocking tone

By the Way, nice try Singha!
You cats always like to play tricks!
- spoke Nakshratika mocking

Adhikshit watched between the duo and then at Roshni who looked surprised.

Things did not turn out how he had planned!

And now there was going to be a Fight!

A WAR!!!!

Between SINGHA and NIAN!

He had no time to convince Roshni but had to put up a fight with Nishan, may be in his Beast Form!

And this is what he feared the most!

Shaking the thoughts away, he growled -

This is my destined mate Nian!
And there is no way in whole universe, where I would leave her in danger!

But what disappointed me that, if you two wanted to fight with me, you should have started it on a fair battle!

But guess, old Habits die Hard!

Playing dirty is in your Blood!
No wonder you wanted to trick my Mate!

Nishan let out a grunt and roshni winced at the cruelty of that sound.

Let's see what you got Cat! - he suddenly charged towards Adhikshit

Alarmed, Adhikshit used his fists to dodge him but he froze when he saw, both Nishan and Nakshratika ready to charge at Roshni.

Roshni widened her eyes and screamed when she saw those humans changing into something un-natural.

Sudden cracking of bones could be heard, their skin had spikes.
It had a body of a lion but the head seemed like a bull.!
The whole man however had turned into the body of a lioness but she had wings, and a beak like vultures.!

The creatures were spine chilling!
She had never seen or heard of anything like that!
They both were grunting and their mere presence was enough terrifying. But to her horror, roshni watched them ready to pounch on her and she closed her eyes waiting for her death but nothing touched her.

Rather she heard another sound of cracking of bones!
Roshni slumped down with a heavy thud, she was immobile.
Her mind was blank!

And she was scared Shitless!

The one she thought was her savior was also no less than a monster!
With a body of a enormous Lion, with wings like Eagles, Adhikshit had shifted into a Beast too!

And this creature looked way more powerful and fierce!

She didn't know whether she was dreaming or it was real.... Roshni lost all her brains and began sobbing and shivering.

Adhikshit tried to near her but she backed away with fearful eyes....and his lion didn't appreciate when he saw his mate cowering away from him.
He wanted nothing but Claim her as His!

The Beast Roared and the entire jungle was shaking because of the power he radiated.

Roshni now going under a panick attack, just like the one where she saw two figures saving a kid from a Monster.
She was continuously shivering...Her teeth chattering....her entire body sweating and she could hardly keep her eyes open.

Whatever was happening in front of her was just so blurry!
All she could register was the Beast was fighting with those creatures.

She didn't know for how long things were blurry, neither did she care.

And finally, she gave up on herself because she knew, there was no way she was going to survive those Monsters!

What felt like eternal agony, she finally felt light headed and she heard some noises like metals, some cling-clangs....some thuds...some roars....and someone, speaking softly to her but she could hardly understand a word

It was Adhikshit, who had fought bravely with Nishan and His sister. Samar and other Singhas had also gathered to help him fight with their enemies.

And soon, both the nandinghas had flee away sensing that they were no match to Singha king and could not stand his new found powers without help.

With that done, he instructed Samar to take everyone safely back at the castle and he promised he would come with his mate in some time.

Samar resisted him but he warned him as his king and Samar obliged.
Soon the Singha army ran into the deep jungle and finally Adhikshit shifted back to his Human form.

He neared his chosen one but sighed at the unconscious Roshni, his mate....and whispered -

I am so sorry Nightingale!
I know, I hurt you!
The way I am taking you against your wish is wrong... I know!
But, I swear, I did not want this but...as the Jungle King, The Scarlet Legend, I have to follow the protocols.

I had to claim you Mine!

And I care about you!
It's not only sex or mating that I want to have with you!
I feel different with you... I feel alive when I see you smiling and carefree and  I would like to keep it that way!

Had I met you in different circumstances....In a different set up... I would have won your heart first!

But Roshni, I promise you protect you from any harm and I will win your Heart, mate!

He roamed his scarlet eyes on his mate's angelic face and letting out a victory roar got blurred in the deep knitted Jungle, for he was taking his mate Home!

To Her destined castle!

Because, his Castle seemed empty without it's Queen!

And Finally, the Scarlet Legend has claimed his Human mate!

So guys, what do you feel?
Finally, roshni has been claimed, even though against the wish but let's see if Adhikshit fulfills his promise and wins her heart!

I bet it is not going to be an easy way!

Do write about your thoughts on the Story and the Chapter.
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See you all soon!