: Arrows, Tension, and Unspoken Sparks
The night had barely settled when a sudden commotion broke the silence of the Gurukul. Dharaaya's voice rang out sharply:
"What are you two doing out here at this hour? If anyone had seen you, you could have been expelled!"
Neervrah pouted like a mischievous child.
"Look, Dharaaya! It was him who provoked me into this duel," he said, glancing at Agnivrat with mock exasperation.
Agnivrat's expression remained calm, almost cold, yet his eyes held a quiet sharpness as he stared at Neer.
"Dharaaya, you may leave. I am returning to my quarters," he said, his voice calm, almost serene—but there was an unmistakable edge of authority. He gave Neer a long, piercing look before turning and walking away silently.
Neer's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile. He too walked toward his quarters, the night air carrying a subtle teasing rhythm in his steps.
Dharaaya, with a worried expression, dissolved the earth wall she had erected between the two boys back into the ground and slowly made her way back to her own room. The night returned to calm, but the undercurrent of energy remained.
---
The Next Day
The morning sun rose over the Gurukul, lighting the sprawling courtyard where archery practice was about to begin. The students lined up with their bows, the tension between focus and excitement crackling like a storm about to break.
Acharya Shatrunjay entered, his voice sharp and commanding:
"Children, today we practice Archery. Pick up your bows and aim for the circular targets on the trees. Every arrow must strike the center. Your focus should be complete. No distractions, no excuses!"
Students (in unison):
"Yes, Acharya!"
Everyone readied their bows. Agnivrat's arrow went slightly off target.
Acharya Shatrunjay (sternly):
"This is not enough, Agni. Listen carefully! A true archer, whether hunter or warrior, must have unwavering focus on the target. Nothing else should distract him. Watch closely."
He nocked an arrow, drew the bow with a fluid, precise motion, and released. The arrow flew straight, piercing the very center of the wooden target in a single, flawless strike.
Acharya Shatrunjay:
"Did you all see that?"
Students (in unison):
"Yes, Acharya!"
Now it was time for practice. Agni, Neer, Dharaaya, Vaayansh, Akash, Akshat, Gopal, Neelima, Vasundhara, Yamika, Bhargav, Nimish, and Soumya—all readied their arrows and focused on their targets.
Acharya Shatrunjay:
"Concentrate on your target. Control your thoughts. Let nothing disturb your mind. Only the target. Only the target."
Students (in unison):
"Yes, Acharya!"
Dharaaya's hands trembled slightly as she drew her bow. Neer, ever impulsive, pulled his string with a bit too much force. His arrow struck the center, but the target split in half and fell to the ground.
Acharya Shatrunjay (firmly):
"Neer! Control your anger! You may strike the target, but if your strength comes from uncontrolled rage, it is wasted. And Dharaaya—steady your hands. Do not let your emotions overpower you. Like Vaayansh, learn to master your mind. Akash and others have shown focus—so should you. Only with control does a true archer achieve mastery."
Students (in unison):
"Yes, Acharya!"
They drew their arrows again. Dharaaya concentrated, forcing her mind to calm the flutter of thoughts about Vaayansh. Her arrow struck true, splitting the center of the target perfectly.
Neelima (smiling):
"Well done, Dharaaya. Just control your mind, that's all."
Dharaaya (softly):
"You know, Neelima… no matter how much we try, we cannot control our hearts. My feelings for Vaayansh… I cannot hide them."
Acharya Shatrunjay's eyes scanned the students.
"Very well, children. Focus entirely on your practice. Your target is your greatest dharma."
Students (in unison):
"Yes, Acharya!"
The archers bent over their bows, arrows aimed once more. Dharaaya forced her attention away from her wandering thoughts and centered herself, her love for Vaayansh kept in check, at least for the moment. Her arrow flew true, striking the heart of the target.
---
A Subtle Interruption
Acharya Shatrunjay's gaze fell on Dharaaya.
"Dharaaya… wait. I need to speak with you on a matter."
Dharaaya looked up, startled.
"Yes, Acharya?"
Before Shatrunjay could explain, a deep, commanding voice echoed behind them:
"Dharaaya."
It was Gurudev Vishrayan, entering the hall. His presence silenced all chatter. He interrupted Shatrunjay.
"Dharaaya, return to your practice. We need to discuss a matter of great importance privately with the Acharya. You focus on your archery, child."
Dharaaya bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Gurudev."
"Pranam, Acharya. Pranam, Gurudev," she added politely.
Both teachers nodded in acknowledgment.
"Ayushman Bhav," they intoned together.
Dharaaya returned to her practice, and the hall's attention shifted back to the students and their targets.
---
A Secret Revealed
Gurudev Vishrayan and Acharya Shatrunjay spoke quietly, almost in whispers.
"Shatrunjay, we must ensure you do not discuss Vaayansh with Dharaaya yet," Vishrayan said.
Shatrunjay frowned.
"How could a young girl cause a problem of any consequence?"
Vishrayan's eyes were grave.
"Do you not know about the powers of Dharaaya and Vaayansh? Neither of them yet fully controls their abilities. Together, they could change the course of the world. The curse of fate… the path to breaking it… lies with them. But this secret must remain yours alone. You may only instruct them in their studies. Fate will handle the rest."
Shatrunjay bowed solemnly.
"As you command, Gurudev. I do not fully understand the curse, but I trust that what you say is for the welfare of the world and the children. From now on, we teach… and let what must happen, happen."
Vishrayan:
"May you prosper."
---
Even amidst archery, lessons, and discipline, the undercurrent between Agnivrat and Neervrah was undeniable. Their rivalry simmered beneath the surface the fire in Agni matched with the unpredictability of Neer, each push and tease leaving sparks neither could ignore. Every glance carried silent questions, unspoken challenges, and subtle curiosity.
And while Dharaaya's heart quietly leaned toward Vaayansh, the attention of the Gurukul—and fate itself—was already drawing Agni and Neer into a tension and chemistry that no words could contain.
Their story, like an unstruck arrow, was poised—ready to fly.