Agastya begins not as a “character” but as a ṛṣi in the Veda, a poet-seer of Ṛgveda Maṇḍala. His origin myth is cosmic: Mitra and Varuṇa, gods of vow, law, oaths, behold the celestial Apsarā Urvaśī. A moment of desire flickers. Their semen spills.

Tāṭakā did not begin as a rākṣasī. She was born yakṣiṇī, a forest spirit of auspicious lineage. Her father Suketu had earned her from Brahmā through austerities.

Six days and six nights. We will not stop once we begin. On the last night they will come. They have done so before. They will do so again. This time they will not.