It was a big room.
Artworks and paintings were hanging on the walls, giving it a majestic look.
The bed was near the window, a white curtain blocking the moonlight.
But the curtain itself glowed faintly as it blocked the light.
The room looked empty—until you noticed someone lying on the bed.
A man lay there unconscious, with small leaves and flowers attached all over his body. Some leaves were already dry, as if his body had absorbed all their nutrients.
His eyes blinked.
He tried to sit properly but wasn't able to.
After a couple of tries, he managed to lean back against the bed, eyes calm but filled with confusion.
He was Arjun.
A lot of thoughts were jumping around in his mind, and his memories felt twisted.
He arranged the fragments—the moments before he was going to be executed.
At that moment, he had sensed his Guru's shakti, and his handcuffs had already been released.
Only then did he finally understand: his Guru had appeared.
A man walked slowly into the room, and everyone who saw him froze for a second.
It was Arjun's Guru.
All three old men there didn't dare move or speak.
Arjun's Guru said,
"I'm taking him. You can have the complete conversation in Murali," and helped Arjun stand.
But Arjun fainted again.
The next time he woke up, he was in a cart.
It lasted only for a few seconds before he fainted again.
Arjun now came to the conclusion that his Guru had appeared and taken him away from the sabha of the three rishis.
He had understood everything except one thing.
The first time he "fainted"… it wasn't exactly fainting.
When he tried to use the Sudarshan Chakra as a last-ditch effort to save himself, his consciousness had gone to another location.
Someone was there—someone who looked exactly like him.
But the presence felt heavier… almost overwhelming.
That person said,
"Can't even free yourself from that level of karma-infused handcuff?
How disappointing. I told you to become stronger, and yet…"
Arjun was confused as the other person looked exactly like him.
But his voice was different.
And he recognised the voice.
He could never forget this voice.
For a moment, he wasn't sure if that person was truly him…or someone else.
He flicked his finger, and the handcuff was released.
Arjun felt refreshed as he got strength from the flick, but it was not enough to save him from the talwar.
That same person flicked again, and the talwar that was going to pierce his heart melted in an instant.
- - - - - - - -
Arjun looked extremely confused, lying in his bed, murmuring,
"Nine years back…I heard the same voice telling me to become stronger, and after ten years, obtain a mantra and use it.
I'm sure I'm strong—not like that Gandiva wielder—But I'm not that weak.
My archery is perfect."
At that moment, a thought hit his mind. He finally realised,
So that's what you meant by becoming stronger…
He tried to wake up, but he still wasn't able to.
He sighed and realised the condition of his body.
But one thing wouldn't leave his mind
If that wasn't a Maya, which likely isn't
Then who was he?
It was morning.Someone entered the room where Arjun was lying.His eyes were open, indicating he had also woken up.The person who entered the room was Subha.She came close and sat near him.
For a moment, nobody spoke. Everyone was silent,They are both looking at each other.
Arjun asked, breaking the ice,
"How did you contact my Guru?"
He knew Subha was the one who called his guru.
Subha frowned and said,
"Right now, you are lying on a bed. If I had not called him, you would be on a deathbed."in a mocking tone to lighten his mood.
Her expression became serious, and she spoke,"Do you know why you are lying on the bed with all these herbs?"
Arjun nodded and said,
"Yes, because of my fainting condition."
Subha, in an angry voice, said,
"Don't play dumb. Many of your Marma Points are damaged.You tried to use something that is out of your capability… like that astra you recently got."
Arjun said softly,
"I had no other options."
The atmosphere again became very heavy.
Arjun looked away for a moment, trying to shift the mood, and asked,
"Where are we? I don't think we're still in that Sagar town."
Subha, who now looked a little calm, said,
"This is Murali — the capital of Dwarka.And we are currently staying in the royal guest house.It was provided to us because of your Guru."
She added,
"It seems like he is a big shot here."
Arjun nodded and said,
"He told me a long time back that he was an advisor to the king or something."
Subha said,
"You will have to attend a seven-rishi bench sabha tomorrow to clear the misunderstanding about the mantra."
She said,
"I think it's okay to reveal the astra here because the sudasrhan chakra here is very respected and noble. I don't think they will do anything ill because of it."
Arjun nodded slowly.
He knew tomorrow was going to be a big day.