**Setting: The old man's hut**
**Old Man (sighing deeply):**
"His name was Raghav, born into a respected family in this village. From childhood, he served his parents and was the most obedient and powerful student in his gurukul. His beauty was such that he seemed like Kamadeva himself."
"Every woman was drawn to him, yet he remained celibate, devoted to his parents and guru. He saved this kingdom from enemies multiple times. One day, his guru sent him to fetch flowers from a garden, where he saw a beautiful young woman, like an apsara. Raghav, who had never looked at a woman, was enchanted."
The old man recounted how Raghav followed her, only to be stopped by his guru, who gently rebuked him. Despite trying to focus on his duties, Raghav's heart was consumed by her image. The next day, he saw her again—Neelima, the guru's daughter. Their meetings grew frequent, and their love deepened.
One day, the guru caught them together and forbade further contact. Though they tried to obey, their love persisted. They planned to marry, but the guru sent Raghav to war. When he returned, Neelima was married to another, her forehead adorned with sindoor. Devastated, Raghav confronted her, but the guru banished him from the ashram. His parents, fearing societal judgment, disowned him.
The villagers, enraged, tied Raghav to the banyan tree and stoned him to death. His final words were:
"I, Raghav, served my parents, guru, and kingdom. I only loved, never demanding anything. Did I not even have the right to ask a question? Those who praised me now cause my death. Nothing in this world is pure. O Lord, take me to you…"
No one performed his last rites. Betrayed by love, family, guru, and society, his soul became a Betal, seeking liberation through selfless love.
**Neer (pained):**
"Such cruelty… What was his fault? Why did society wrong him?"
**Old Man:**
"Who knows, son? Only the heavens know."
**Neer (resolute):**
"We'll free him, Baba. We'll perform his last rites. He won't wander anymore."
**Old Man (shouting):**
"Stop! You're walking toward death! Don't go to that tree!"
**Neer:**
"Whatever happens, Baba, we must go."
Agni and Neer left for the ancient banyan tree.
---
The ancient banyan tree loomed ahead, its branches waving like living serpents in the gloom. No Betal was in sight.
Neer declared firmly, "Raghav of the Raghu dynasty, we have come for your liberation."
A cold wind swept through, and a distorted laughter echoed from the tree. A moment later, a blue-skinned, upside-down spirit materialized—its red eyes locking directly onto Agni.
The Betal spoke in a piercing voice, "You know the whole truth, yet you came? Wait... your soul..." Its gaze suddenly shifted to Neer, "And your soul... Hahaha! This is too ironic! Do you truly think you can comprehend the love that killed me?"
It pointed abruptly at Agni, "Have you ever spoken your heart to him? Or will you too walk the same path of betrayal?"