There was a feast on the occasion of Poorvi’s birth. The Ashram was decorated beautifully. Sachidevi also arrived with some gifts, along with Brihaspati, Viswamitra and some other rishis who were invited by Markandey himself.

Sachidevi was in a maid form, who sat beside Apoorva. Apart from Markandey, Brihaspati and Viswamitra no one knew who she was. They did not bother to say anything. They just smiled and nodded their head when she greeted them with respect.

Everyone blessed the child. Everyone gave some gifts. Viswamitra passed some mantras directly into her head and said “they will be useful when you need” except for the three rishis no one understood what the words meant nor what he passed into the child.

Brihaspati poured some of his cultivation energy into the girl. Sachidevi gave a small ring to Apoorva and a chain for Poorvi. The chain had a lightning pendant.

Among them was a figure in hooded dress. Everyone was little guarded as they saw him. However no one said anything as he is a guest invited by Markandey. The other Maharishis seems to know who the figure was, they smiled at him approving as he walked forward.

He reached the girl and put a red diamond pendant around her neck. His hands were very thin. His face was not visible to anyone due to the hood. The Maharshis gasped at the sight of the red diamond, their eyes wide. Apart from Sachidevi no one was able see their gasp or the shock. The shock was only for second, they quickly composed themselves, a broad smile on their faces. Their eyes looking at the sky.

She was amazed because of their expressions, it was rare for the maharshis to show those expressions. She tried to figure who the hooded figure was, but was unable to see through him.

“Hope you become good friends with my Prince” the hooded figure said, as the thin hand caressed her curls.

*********

A Few years later:

At the back of the ashram:

Poorvi was standing vigilantly facing her opponent, a short sword in her hand. The opponent a boy was who also carried a short hand sword was looking into her eyes keenly. Both circling around each other examining the other's step.

For fifteen minutes they were weighing each other, suddenly the boy took a step as he saw a small opening to attack while they were circling, Indrani was waiting for that step for a long time which gave her the opening she needed. She quickly jumped forward locking the boy and pinning him down, she pointed the sword tip at the boy's heart.

“Hmm” nodded Markandey.

"Good" Said Maharshi Arija.

Poorvi got up and extended her hand towards the boy to help him to his feet. The boy took it then suddenly pulled her to the ground pointing the sword to her throat.

“Ha...ha...ha” laughed rishi Markandey. “It’s a lesson never to lose focus in a battle” he said.

“I think it has become old maharshi” replied Poorvi. “What I did was on a friendly note, and I know who my opponent is. Now if it’s real, then...”, with lightning speed she locked the boys hands with her legs and pinned the boy down, his own sword now pointed at his throat. Then she got up and brought down the sword with full force, which pierced the ground touching the boy’s neck. A small line was visible at spot the blade touched the skin, a thin line of blood can be seen but it did not ooze out as it was very small scratch. However half of the sword went inside the ground.

“Wonderful...” shouted Arija with excitement.

Markandey just gave a smile.

At that time, Apoova walked towards the training ground. Poorvi got up and saw her mother coming. Poorvi quickly ran to her and hugged tightly.

“Momaaa...” she said smiling.

“So how is my little devil faring today?”

“Yes, I am devil, aaarrrrr” Poorvi roared. Her mother laughed at her antics. Arija who heard their conversation also laughed.

A bird soared through the air and perched on Poorvi’s shoulder. It was a phoenix.

“I’m hungry let’s go and eat” said the phoenix.

“Ruthuv you are always hungry” commented Poorvi.

“A lady should maintain her health and beauty, obviously.”

Poorvi giggled at her words. Suddenly the natured turned warm. The people around her felt like the nature itself was laughing.

Markandey just smiled at the change.

“Why are you laughing, wait for few more weeks, I will grow a bit more and will be able to transform into a beautiful angel, then the world will topple over for me to win my love. At that time we will see who is more beautiful you or me” said the phoenix challenging Poorvi.

Everyone laughed.

“Mom where did you go last night, you were not there when I woke up” questioned Poorvi suddenly startling everyone.

Apoorva stammered and said “nowhere, I just went out to breathe some fresh air”

Poorvi did not question her anymore.

Then both Poorvi and Ruthuv left racing each other.

“Child, be careful, try to stop going there” warned Markandey his eyes on Poorvi and Ruthu.

Apoorva lowered her head looked at the ground. She was daily visiting the place where her husband died.

Then she looked Poorvi laughing and playing with the phoenix. “Maharshi, is it good teaching her fighting, she already behaves like a boy rather than a girl.”

Markandey laughed at her comment “do not worry child, there is nothing wrong in teaching self defence. Also, don’t forget that I’m her master, all my disciples should be good in every type of arts.”

After talking a little with Markandey both mother and daughter went home, along with the phoenix on Poorvi's shoulder. It was a small hut made of stones, and top was covered with palm tree and coconut tree leaves.

As her mother prepared food, Poorvi took out some scriptures to read.