Introduction

These are the stories of one woman, one goddess. These are the stories of many lives. These are the stories of the same struggles in different worlds in different guises with different names. These are other things which could've happened, and perhaps, which should've.

The life she lived as Sita was less than ideal. It started well enough, found by a king, growing up in a palace, seeing a handsome man, being loved by him.
Then came the troubles.
The forest.
The kidnapping.
The trial.
The distrust.
The abandonment.
As Lakshmi goes on to other lives, things are the same, but she is different. She has grown. She will not take her persecution without retribution.

In the city that never sleeps, in 1994, Lakshmi is Royina. She lives with her boyfriend, Himil. Things are fine until they aren't. However, she is trained in Kalarippayattu, and she will fight anything or anyone who stands against her, even if that someone is Himil.

In a world where demons lurk in the night, and angel-blooded humans called Shadowhunters protect the rest of the world from attacks, Lakshmi is Asima. Her boyfriend, Darpa, does not want her to go out on missions alone, but she will not allow him to rule her. She is a warrior, and she will protect the world. It is her duty.

In a future among the stars, Lakshmi is first officer of a Federation starship. Her name is Shyann, and she feels lucky to have been assigned to the same ship as her love, Ashmik. When they are marooned on a planet, Ashmik changes, becomes controlling. She balks under his grip. She can take care of herself. He does not believe her.

Again and again, Lakshmi undergoes the same trials. She learns each time. She grows each time. She never falters. She will never crumble.


Photo: Looking Out to Sea by Petur