Week 12 Storytelling: Shiva and Kanyakumari - A Love Story Gone Wrong

(Shiva in Bangalore

Indianhillbilly Source: Wikipedia)

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It was a beautiful evening, and Kanyakumari was getting ready to be with her boyfriend, Shiva. She had not seen him for weeks, and today was the day he was to arrive in her hometown. He had been on a business trip visiting all parts of India, and tonight he would arrive in Kanyakumari's South India hometown from North India. 

Kanyakumari was in the middle of her preparations and decided to go get ready herself. The time was getting closer to Shiva's arrival and she wanted to be perfectly ready once he arrived through the house doors. She applied makeup, dressed in her finest clothes, and made herself as beautiful as she could. Once she was ready, she continued to finish making the meal for the evening's dinner. 

Shiva was on his way but started to encounter some traffic. He thought he would not be able to make it on time, but didn't let this doubt phase him from continuing on the path to be with Kanyakumari. Shiva occupied his time with music, calling friends as he was driving, and even read a book when the traffic started to become really slow. He feared he would not be able to make it in time. 

Along the way, Shiva received a text message. The message read "Shiva, another meeting has been set for the construction site we are to tear down tomorrow in Uttar Pradesh. You will need to be back in UP by the morning. Safe travels." This message was disheartening to hear. There was no way that he could make it to South India and back up to U.P. by the time morning came around. His company "Shiva Destroyers and Co." was counting on him to be back in the morning, but his girlfriend, Kanyakumari, has been awaiting this day for weeks. 

He thought to himself, "Well, I am sure she'll understand." Shiva decided to text Kanyakumari and let her know of the situation. "Hi sweet Kanyakumari, I will not be able to make it tonight as something at work has urgently come up. As soon as I get done with the job site tomorrow morning, I will be one my way to spend the rest of the weekend with you. Cannot wait to see you. Love, Shiva" 

In the midst of this message, Shiva had driven underneath a bridge. Distraught with the amount of time he had left driving until he reached U.P., Shiva did not pay attention to his phone. Due to the lack of cell service as Shiva drove underneath the bridge, the message did not deliver. 

Back at Kanyakumari's home, Kanyakumari awaited Shiva's arrival. She had the dinner table set and the food was ready. She lit the candles and sat in her seat. She waited as hours passed, and it began to get late. She checked her phone and didn't see any missed calls or missed text messages. It finally was too late in the evening, and Kanyakumari realized she was stood up. Upset with Shiva, Kanyakumari wiped off her makeup, threw away the food, and realized that she did not need him. Kanyakumari was better than to wait around for a guy who could not even make time for her let alone even let her know about plans not working out. 

Kanyakumari blocked Shiva's number and vowed herself to never get caught up with a boy again. This was her time to think about herself and her time to work on herself. Kanyakumari went on to become one of the best feminist writers in South India. She referred to men as demons and reminded women that being able to do things for yourself was the best thing a woman could do. Shiva and Kanyakumari never saw each other again, and Kanyakumari continued to use her power to better the world. 

Author's Note: This story is about the Goddess Kanyakumari. In the original story, Kanyakumari was expected to marry Shiva. Shiva was making his way down to South India from North India as the wedding was to happen before the next day. Along the way, the Gods sent a rooster in the path and Shiva thought the next day had come. He thought it was too late to go and see Kanyakumari, and turned back. Kanyakumari made dinner preparations and made herself look beautiful. When she realized Shiva was not coming, she became outraged. She threw the food and wiped off her makeup. She used this inner energy to begin battling demons. This story represents the power of a Goddess, and how, without a man she is more powerful. I decided to make this story a little more modern, and add some twists of my own while also keeping some of the same elements. 

Bibliography: Pattanaik's Calendar Art Part D Reading Guide