LOVE AND BATTLE BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

CHAPTER 5

Chapter 5 :

Philian , while navigating the river, carefully balanced himself by holding onto a large rock. Standing cautiously on the edge of the riverbank, he grabbed onto smaller rocks to climb upwards. Just as he was about to reach a higher point, his foot slipped, and he began to fall. To stop himself, he grabbed onto the rock he was balancing on, preventing the fall. However, his foot slipped again, and he fell into a small crevice below.

The crevice led into a narrow, winding tunnel, trapping him inside and carrying him further down. Tumbling through the confined space and hitting rocks along the way, Philian found himself frightened for his life. He closed his eyes, remembering his parents. To his surprise, the doe-like eyes flashed before him, giving an assuring smile that pacified his troubled heart. Seeing the gentleness and reassurance in her eyes, Philian felt relieved and slipped into unconsciousness, feeling hopeful that he would wake up once he reached the end of the tunnel. After what felt like an eternity, he fell into a lake, and the water carried him to the edge, gently laying him on the shore which was surrounded with huge trees.

Hearing a loud splash and the sound of water splashing wildly , Saanvi was startled and rushed towards the nearest bushes to hide herself. After a few moments, she heard the sound of a group of footsteps. Peeking through the bushes, she saw a group of people carrying a small child, walking like robots as if they were in a daze.

Bewildered by the sudden incident, Saanvi gaped at them in shock, realizing her suspicions were coming true before her eyes. She slowly rose to her feet, and hiding behind the bushes, she cautiously followed them. She was trying to muster the courage to rescue the child and escape once she found the right moment.

The atmosphere grew dark as the sun completed its journey, setting in the west. The towering trees that seemed to touch the sky made the surroundings even darker, creating a frightening ambiance. Saanvi followed them slowly, adjusting to the darkness and holding on to the courage in her heart.

Their journey came to an end when they reached a place where a sorcerer was preparing a fire using various oils while chanting mantras. Opposite him sat Rudrendra, feeling proud and satisfied at the prospect of completing another offering that would bring him closer to becoming the supreme ruler of the universe.

The people placed the struggling child, who was trying to scream but no sound came out as her mouth was tied with a cloth.

Observing the people and the events unfolding before her, the frightened child tried to get off the bed. However, with a simple glance from the sorcerer, she sat quietly without making any movements, as if she had become a puppet to his will.. Witnessing everything, Saanvi was astonished to discover that Rudrendra was the main culprit behind the disappearance of the children.

Covering her mouth with her hands to stifle her gasps, Saanvi sat quietly among the bushes, waiting for the perfect moment to rescue the child and escape.

The sorcerer gestured to the men, prompting one of them to carry the child to the nearby lake. He swiftly dipped the child in the water twice before bringing her back to the bed. Then he retrieved a plate carrying sandal powder, turmeric, and kumkum, standing like a pillar beside the cot.

Once the fire soared to the sky like a wave, dispelling the darkness with its flames, the sorcerer stood up and approached the cot. He removed the child's clothes and gently applied sandalwood powder over her body, followed by turmeric to her face. Finally, he placed a dot of kumkum between her eyebrows. Returning to the fire, he resumed his place and continued chanting mantras.

Observing the group of people departing and seeing the sorcerer and Rudrendra with their eyes closed, Saanvi seized the opportunity to escape with the child. Silently, she crawled on the ground until she reached the cot. Once she felt unnoticed by the two men, she swiftly stood up, lifted the child from the cot, and began to run away, carrying the child on her shoulder.

Andhaka immediately opened his eyes, sensing the interruption in his offering. He glanced at the retreating figure of Saanvi, who was rescuing the little kid. Infuriated by the disruption, he focused his gaze on the running Saanvi, sending a wave of rays directed straight at her.

The fire that erupted from Andhaka’s eyes traveled directly towards Saanvi, intending to burn her to ashes. However, as it reached her, it was blocked by a thin protective layer that had formed around Saanvi, shielding her from the flames.

Oblivious to the chaos around her, Saanvi kept running, her only aim to protect the child from the atrocity. She prayed to all the gods to help her save the little girl.

Rudrendra, infuriated by the interruption, stood up, seething with rage as he saw Saanvi disturbing their ritual. Noticing her escape from the fire that erupted from Andhaka’s eyes, he swiftly retrieved his gun. Pointing it at Saanvi, he roared for her to stop.

Firing the gun into the air, Rudrendra growled,“Saanvi! Stop right there, or I will shoot you”, his words carrying an unwavering threat.

Hearing the gunshot, Saanvi's heart skipped a beat, but she didn’t halt her steps. Determined to protect the little girl despite the danger to her own life, she kept running.

Unable to tolerate the fury rising in his heart, Rudrendra fired at Saanvi, but she easily dodged by running in a zigzag pattern, though her heart was terrified of being hit by the bullet. She increased her pace, rushing into the nearby bushes to hide herself from them.

“Rudra!”, roared Andhaka, stopping Rudrendra from shooting Saanvi, strange emotions flickering in his eyes.

Meanwhile, Saanvi hid herself in the bushes, desperately searching for a way to escape. She prayed to God, hoping Ravali would arrive with the police soon. She couldn’t understand why Ravali hadn’t shown up yet.

“Andhaka! Why did you stop me? I will kill that despicable woman who shattered my dream!”, roared Rudrendra, his voice echoing through the dense forest.

Without answering his question, Andhaka closed his eyes and made a sweeping gesture in the air. Instantly, the group of people who had departed earlier returned and stood before him, attentively awaiting his command. Andhaka instructed them to chase after Sarayu and bring her back alive.

Later, Andhaka turned his attention to Rudrendra and spoke in a pleasant, calm voice,“You need not worry about achieving supremacy over the universe. Despite your worship being interrupted by that woman, she will guide you towards supremacy by offering herself to the goddess. Allow her to return. I will disclose her significance to you”, his words filled with unwavering confidence.

Ravali, along with Lucky, reached the police station and went straight to see Inspector Anurag. Upon entering his office, Ravali immediately greeted him, saying,“Good evening, Mr. Anurag!”, Her voice was tinged with respect.

Engrossed in reading a case file, Anurag, who was seriously going through the documents, swiftly spun his head towards their direction. Upon seeing Ravali, his eyes sparkled, and he rose to his feet, glancing behind her in anticipation.

“Hi, Ravali! What a sudden surprise?”, he inquired gently, his eyes searching behind her. “Is there a problem? Why are you alone?”, His voice was laced with concern.

Before Ravali could answer, Lucky appeared behind her and, with a wide smile, greeted,“Hi, Anurag! She is not alone. I have accompanied her. Can we speak in private?”, Moving forward to shake his hand, Lucky requested.

Shaking his hand, Anurag, with a warm smile, replied, though his eyes showed disappointment at seeing Ravali arriving with Lucky,“Hi Laxman! How are you? Is there a problem? I am always available for you. What’s the urgency to speak in private?”, Inviting them inside, he closed the door and ushered them towards the chairs.

After taking their seats, Anurag glanced at Ravali and, unable to control his anxiety, inquired,“Ravali! Why is Saanvi not with you?”, His voice was filled with concern.

Glancing at Laxman once before shifting her attention to Anurag, Ravali explained everything that happened in their town. She informed him about the disappearing children, Saanvi's suspicions, and how she went into the forest to uncover the truth. Hearing everything, Anurag looked at Ravali, his eyes reflecting worry for Saanvi.

“Ravali! Are you people crazy? In which century are we living? How can you believe in black magic? How could she go to the forest alone at this time? Isn’t it going to be dark soon?” Rising to his feet, Anurag reached for his cap and his gun, ready to leave.

Noticing him standing, Ravali and Laxman both rose to their feet, ready to follow him. They heard him reprimanding,“Saanvi is becoming insensible these days. Can’t she think more rationally? Why couldn’t she come to me directly and ask me to accompany her to the forest? Come, let’s leave immediately. Even if I have to cross your town's restrictions, I don’t mind protecting her”, Heading towards the exit, he gestured for Ravali and Laxman to follow him.