AUTHOR POV:
Just as they reached the door, a soft glow emitted from the very book they had been discussing—a thick, leather-bound volume with gold leaf edging that had often beckoned to them, its pages whispering secrets and adventures. It shimmered, capturing their attention, pulsing softly as if alive.
"Did you see that?" Aarav exclaimed, pointing at the book, his eyes wide with wonder.
The others turned, breath hitching in their throats. The book shone brighter, illuminating the dark corners of the library before it quickly dimmed, leaving only silence and the echo of their collective breath.
"Maybe it's just an illusion?" Tara suggested, though her voice wavered with doubt.
"No," Dhruvi said, her curiosity piqued. "how it can be illusion? All of us just now have seen the bright light".
Naina said with look of seriousness "It felt like it was trying to tell us something."
The group exchanged glances, curiosity overpowering their hesitations. They approached the book, which now lay ominously still on the table as if nothing had happened. With tentative resolve, Naina reached out and brushed her fingers along the spine, feeling an unusual warmth emanate from its pages. The moment her fingers made contact, they felt a pulse, like a heartbeat, resonating through the air.
"What if we opened it?" Aarav proposed, his adventurous spirit igniting.
"Don't, what if it is dangerous?" Tara exclaimed.
They all exchange glances before looking at the book . After a collective pause, Aarav remarked with curiosity in her tone, "I don't know guys, but my curiosity level is just skyrocketing right now. How about we just open it and take a look? I don't think it will be dangerous, and even if it is, we won't find out until we open it and have a look".
And with a collective breath, they opened the book. But instead of words, shimmering light spilled from the pages, swirling around them, enveloping them in a cocoon of brilliance. Each color painted a memory, a dream—their hopes, fears, and the laughter they'd shared.
RAJVANSHGARH KINGDOM
12th century
As their eyes fluttered open, Naina's gaze danced across the vast expanse of towering trees—each one twisting toward the sky, their branches forming a lush canopy overhead. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting intricate patterns on the forest floor, where soft moss cushioned their forms. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and blooming wildflowers, laced with the sweet and musky notes of ancient bark.
"What just happened?" Dhruvi asked, her voice barely above a whisper, disoriented as she pushed herself up on her elbows. Tara and Aarav were slowly rising, brushing twigs and leaves from their hair and clothes.
"We opened the book..." Naina started, her voice trailing off as the memories of the vibrant light and swirling colors flooded back.
"Right! And then... we were here." Aarav's tone was laced with confusion. "This is some kind of dream, isn't it? It has to be!"
Tara shook her head, her expression growing serious as she surveyed their surroundings. "This feels too real, don't you think? We need to figure out where we are."
They noticed a little motion nearby, as if to reinforce what she had stated. Everyone turned at the same moment to see a figure emerge from the dense shrubbery. Man, tall and bearded, looked to be in his mid-40s. He was holding a rudraksha mala in one hand and had worn orange dhoti and orange shawl draped over his neck. On his forehead, he also had a tika. An ancient wisdom that was both demanding and enticing poured from his eyes. He gives off the impression of being a powerful, knowledgeable saint at first.
"Lost, are we?" He enquired, his voice calm but filled with interest.
"Who are you?" Aarav fired back, advancing in a guarded manner.
The figure said, "I am Raghavdas, Guardian of Rajvanshgarh; you can call me Guruji." He smiled at him. "Furthermore, you are not the only people to arrive through this book".
"Rajvanshgarh?" Naina reiterated, It's the same kingdom, right? Rajvanshgarh is one of the sub-Kingdoms under the Rajput's, as explained in the book. It is also well-known for its ferocious protectors and legendary stories.
"A land in Bharatavarsha, indeed," guruji said, his voice becoming serious. "The balance of magic and reality has been upset, and it appears that your coming was not by chance. "The book drew you in for a reason."
"Wait, in Bharatavarsha, what do you mean?" Dhruvi furrowed her brow. "And how do we even return?"
Guruji motioned for them to follow, saying, "First, you must listen."
Four of them glancing at each other and after a small pause they got ready to follow Guruji.
The trees started to whisper as they ventured more into the forest. It seemed as though the forest itself was alive with promise, as the air was charged with potential.
Suddenly, Guruji came to a halt beneath a mighty tree, its gnarled roots swirling above the ground like snakes, creating an archway leading into a small cave nestled within its embrace.
"Enter," Guruji urged, his voice a melodic whisper. As they crossed the threshold, Four of them felt a shiver of trepidation mixed with curiosity. Inside the cave, the atmosphere was different; In the center lay a few massive stone, perfectly shaped into a cube to sit. on the wall, a slender stick with a small bowl-like structure at the top flickered with fire, casting a warm glow.
"Sit," Guruji instructed, and one by one, they found their places on the cold stone, feeling its coldness beneath them. The fire crackled softly, its golden light reflecting off their anxious faces.
"The ancient powers here are losing their stability. The kingdom is about to be destroyed by evil forces. Your friendship is a source of strength as well as a key. "Guruji began, his voice grave.
"How can we help in that?" Naina asked, in hesitation
"You must meet the Courage and Wisdom Trials, which will put your hearts to the test. If you succeed, the inner power within you will contribute to the restoration of peace. If any one of us fails, then it will be dark".
"And why us?" Tara interjected incredulously; disbelief mingling seamlessly amongst urgency thrumming beneath her skin—the pulse quickening their breaths shared together under watchful skies overhead filled only moments ago by light!
Guruji paused briefly before answering: "Because you have come through passages unseen by most mortals—you possess bonds stronger than any weapon forged within palace walls!"The air thickened around them—a silent agreement hung between friends entwined tighter than vines climbing toward sunlit heights above!
"Restoring harmony requires facing truths hidden in long-forgotten pages." Guruji went on gently, "...the one-sided narratives written about heroes who bore burdens heavier than crowns ever could!"
Again, their expressions were confused by such open statements uttered without hesitation!
"A tale that only presents one side? But aren't those stories designed to inspire rather than terrify? Aarav enquired earnestly, seeking answers amid spinning doubts that surged to tremendous heights like tumultuous seas crashing against unfamiliar shores!
"Yeah, But bear in mind that in royal palaces, cunning politics spin complex webs that cause siblings to become rivals in the pursuit of power," Guruji said, nodding gravely and looking at each pair of eyes.
The realisation struck everyone deeply—every tale relayed held weight much beyond mere entertainment—it impacted perceptions that lasted generations!
"They've painted bright smiles over the truths about bloodshed!" Naina whispered, gently grasping the fragile strings that linked pasts torn apart by shattered histories, waiting patiently for the restoration that was sorely required right now more than ever.As quiet enveloped them once more, everyone had an unsaid understanding—a shared burden that spanned time itself.
Dhruvi abruptly interjected, "Wait," as memories flashed across her thoughts like candle flames dancing in the dusk. "You mentioned that we're not the first ones," Her curiosity and eagerness caused her eyes to widen. "Came through the book...what does that mean? Is there anyone else who got transported through books?"
Guruji's countenance shifted subtly, indicating awareness. He responded hesitantly but compellingly: "Ah yes...This book has numerous mysteries, including an ancient treasure thought to be lost to time".
He leaned forward slightly, bringing them into his confidence as if he were sharing secrets only to them.
He spoke slowly, building a complex tale full of wonder and terror at the same time. "The stories speak of others—travelers captivated by its enchantment during eras when kingdoms rose and fell like waves upon shores eternal."
"They too searched for truths hidden under layers of fraud, but their discoveries frequently came at a high cost." Aarav's heartbeat raced as images of strong people from bygone eras engaged in combat not just with enemies but also with ignorance itself! They were similar souls imprisoned in never-ending cycles until someone had the audacity to break free.
"What happened to them?" Dhruvi listened carefully, breathless with expectancy racing through her veins as Aarav pressed with great eagerness.
"A few came back enlightened, but they were haunted for eternity," Guruji uttered, almost in a respectful tone, as though he was scared to wake the ghosts who slept peacefully inside those pages, kept firmly bound by the harsh hand of fate.
"Others died entirely trapped in the shifting sands or entangled in vines that choked out hope for life..." The weight of the world descended upon them, a palpable blanket that was weighed heavily across youth but burdened shoulders that were still far from reaching adulthood at such young ages!
"We have change the history of this book!" Naina blurted out loud, her soul burning with a fresh purpose that was determined to face the truth head-on rather than just follow after long-gone shadows!
"Let's do it," Aarav declared, fists clenched in determination.
"Yes!" Dhruvi echoed, drawing strength from her friends. Tara nodded in agreement, her nervousness fading with the conviction in their unity.
Guruji smiled, a glimmer of hope igniting in his eyes. "Then let us embark on this journey together. The trials await, and you may yet become the guardians this kingdom needs."
All of them nodded sharply, sensing fires ignite deep inside, demanding action and igniting latent desires.
They longingly released wings that had been imprisoned for far too long, while there yearningly reached higher and deeper, exploring uncharted territories and uncovering countless destinies that were patiently entwined and awaiting discovery!
After a few minutes of silence, Guruji spoke. "I want you, child, to know something."
With profound meaning in his eyes, Guruji added, "There is a gift that you will got from your transportation through this book, which you all would soon discover."
"But for now, I am giving something that will help you to settle down here with ease".
THANK YOU READING SO FAR.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WILL HAPPENED NEXT?
HOPE YOU LIKE THE STORY ? WRITE YOUR THOUGHT?
Write a comment ...