《Distruction for creation》 Code of Fate The air was thick with smog, a constant reminder of Earth¡¯s slow decay. The neon lights of Mumbai flickered overhead, casting strange shadows over the masses below. People scurried through the streets, heads down, lost in their own worlds as they rushed through the chaos of the city. Drones hummed above, their cold eyes scanning every face, every movement, ensuring that the city¡¯s laws ¡ª written by the corporations that controlled it ¡ª were enforced. Vihan sat in his cramped apartment, a single flickering monitor illuminating his gaunt face. His fingers flew across the keyboard, scanning lines of code faster than most could follow. He wasn¡¯t just a hacker ¡ª he was a ghost in the system. A ghost that lived on the fringes, unnoticed, unimportant. Or so he thought. He was just another cog in the machine, a forgotten soul in the sprawling city of Mumbai, where the wealthy few controlled everything, and the rest were forced to survive in the underbelly. But for Vihan, that was the price of freedom. To remain unnoticed was to remain free. His eyes narrowed as a line of strange code appeared on the screen ¡ª it wasn¡¯t part of any program he recognized. It was old, archaic even. He traced the code, his pulse quickening. This wasn¡¯t something anyone should have access to. It was encrypted with layers of complexity that even he, an expert hacker, struggled to decipher. But there was something undeniably compelling about it, like a whisper at the edge of his consciousness. A few hours later, the code unlocked, revealing a series of symbols ¡ª ancient Sanskrit letters. His eyes widened. He knew these characters; they were from a text he had come across in his childhood, buried in old books that most people had forgotten. The prophecy of Kalki, the 10th avatar of Vishnu, the one who would come at the end of times to restore balance to the world. But it couldn¡¯t be. The stories were just myths, legends passed down through generations. Kalki was only a story told to keep people hopeful in an age of ruin. Or so Vihan had always believed. Yet here it was, in front of him: a coded message about the return of Kalki, sent from a source so powerful it had to be hidden for centuries. Vihan leaned back in his chair, staring at the screen, the weight of the discovery settling in. What did this mean? Was Kalki real? Was he a savior, or a weapon? Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.Before he could process any further, the room¡¯s lights flickered, and an urgent ping echoed from his secondary terminal. It was an encrypted message ¡ª too many layers, even for him to decrypt immediately. But there was something familiar about the pattern, something he couldn¡¯t shake. He hesitated for a moment, then opened the message. The words that appeared were simple but chilling: ¡°They know. They are coming.¡± His heart raced. He quickly disconnected his systems, locking down everything. Someone had found him. Someone knew what he had uncovered. He had to leave, now. As he grabbed his bag and moved toward the door, his thoughts swirled. Who were "they"? And why were they coming? The prophecy of Kalki was just a story, wasn¡¯t it? But deep down, he knew: he had just unlocked something far bigger than himself. ----- Outside, the streets of Mumbai were more chaotic than usual. The hum of drones and the neon glow created an eerie atmosphere, one that seemed to pulse with an unnatural energy. Vihan pulled his hood up and blended into the crowd. As he moved through the alleyways, he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that someone, or something, was watching him. Every step he took felt heavier, more deliberate, as if the world around him was closing in. His comm device buzzed. A message from an unrecognized number. ¡°We know what you¡¯ve found. Come to the old library. It¡¯s time.¡± Vihan¡¯s mind raced. The library? That place had been abandoned for decades, swallowed by the rise of corporate-controlled information hubs. The old texts, the ones from his childhood, the ones that mentioned Kalki ¡ª they were locked away in that place. He didn¡¯t know who sent the message, but he didn¡¯t have time to second-guess it. If there was any chance of uncovering the truth about the prophecy, about the return of Kalki, he had to follow the clues. He sprinted through the streets, past the crumbling remnants of old Mumbai, where the shadows of the past still lingered. He didn¡¯t know what awaited him at the library, but he knew one thing: everything was about to change. As Vihan neared the library¡¯s entrance, a cold wind swept through the city, carrying with it a whisper ¡ª a whisper of fate. Kalki was coming. Chapter 2: The Hidden Path The air in Mumbai felt heavier as Vihan made his way toward the old library. The city was alive, yet it seemed to pulse with a strange urgency, as though the entire world was holding its breath. The neon lights flickered intermittently, casting harsh shadows that seemed to move with him as he walked through narrow alleys and forgotten lanes. He could feel the weight of the message in his pocket, its words echoing in his mind like a distant drumbeat: "They know. They are coming." The old library was a relic, swallowed by the ever-growing sprawl of the city. Once, it had been a place of knowledge, a sanctuary for scholars and curious minds. But now, it was little more than a crumbling structure, abandoned and forgotten. The corporate giants that now ruled Mumbai had long ago deemed it irrelevant, replacing it with high-tech data hubs and corporate-sponsored ¡°knowledge centers.¡± No one ventured into the forgotten places anymore. But Vihan knew better than most ¡ª some places had secrets. Some places held truths that couldn¡¯t be erased. As he approached the entrance, the heavy iron gates loomed like the jaws of an ancient beast. Vihan hesitated. The silence around him was unnerving. The streets, usually alive with noise, felt eerily still. He looked around, but no one was in sight. It was as though the world had disappeared. The door creaked open with a hesitant push, revealing a dimly lit interior. The musty scent of old paper and dust filled his nostrils, and the faint hum of a broken air conditioning unit was the only sound that accompanied his every step. The library''s once grand structure was now in disrepair ¡ª broken shelves, collapsed ceilings, and scattered remnants of forgotten books and papers. Yet, in the shadows, something felt... alive. Vihan¡¯s heart raced as he navigated through the aisles, his footsteps echoing in the empty silence. He had no idea who had sent him the message or what awaited him here, but he could feel that this place held answers. The prophecy, the message, the strange code ¡ª everything was leading him here. He reached the center of the library, where a large, cracked stone pillar stood. On its surface were inscriptions ¡ª old Sanskrit symbols that seemed to shimmer in the faint light. Vihan¡¯s breath caught in his throat. These were the same symbols he had seen in the coded message, the same ones from the ancient texts about Kalki.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. A low, almost imperceptible sound broke the silence. Vihan froze, instinctively reaching for the small concealed blade in his pocket. He wasn¡¯t sure who or what might be watching him, but he wasn¡¯t taking any chances. From the shadows, a figure emerged. It was a woman, tall and cloaked in dark robes. Her face was partially obscured by a hood, but her eyes ¡ª sharp, calculating, and strangely knowing ¡ª met his with a gaze that sent a chill down his spine. ¡°You¡¯ve come,¡± she said, her voice smooth but carrying a weight of authority. ¡°I was wondering how long it would take.¡± Vihan¡¯s instincts screamed to run, but he forced himself to stay calm. ¡°Who are you?¡± he asked, his voice steady despite the pounding in his chest. ¡°My name is Zara,¡± the woman replied, her eyes never leaving his. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you.¡± "Waiting for me?" Vihan scoffed, his grip tightening on the blade in his pocket. "I don¡¯t even know who you are." Zara stepped closer, her gaze intensifying. "You will. Soon enough. You¡¯ve unlocked the prophecy. The code. The key." She paused, as though measuring her words carefully. "The return of Kalki is not just a myth. It is the final hope for humanity... or its undoing." Vihan felt a knot form in his stomach. "Kalki... the 10th avatar of Vishnu? You can¡¯t be serious." "I am." Zara¡¯s voice was unwavering. "The prophecy is real. And you, Vihan, are part of it." The room seemed to pulse with energy, as if the very walls were alive with a hidden force. Vihan couldn¡¯t understand it. What had he gotten himself into? ¡°Why me?¡± he asked, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°I¡¯m just a hacker. I¡¯m not... I¡¯m not a part of any prophecy.¡± Zara smiled, but there was no warmth in it. ¡°You unlocked the code. You¡¯re the one who can read the signs, who can piece together the ancient knowledge with the modern. There is no one else. You¡¯re the one who will help bring Kalki into this world ¡ª or prevent him from coming at all.¡± A chill ran down Vihan¡¯s spine. ¡°I don¡¯t even know what that means. What do you want me to do?¡± Zara¡¯s smile faded, and her expression grew serious. ¡°The Council of 9 is watching. They know the prophecy is unfolding. They will stop at nothing to control Kalki¡¯s power ¡ª or to destroy him. You must find him, protect him, and ensure that he is not corrupted by the wrong hands. The balance must be restored. The choice is yours, Vihan. Help us, and we may save humanity. Fail, and the world will burn.¡± Vihan swallowed hard, his mind racing. The gravity of the situation was starting to sink in. Kalki ¡ª the savior, the destroyer ¡ª whatever he was, the future of the world depended on what happened next. But as Zara¡¯s eyes bore into him, he realized there was something more she wasn¡¯t saying. Something important. She was hiding something. He could feel it. ¡°What¡¯s the real reason you¡¯re here?¡± Vihan asked, his voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling inside him. Zara didn¡¯t answer immediately. She glanced around the room, as though ensuring no one else was watching. Then, in a quiet voice, she said, ¡°Because Kalki is not just a savior. He is a weapon. And the Council of 9 will stop at nothing to control him.¡± --- The weight of her words settled over Vihan like a heavy cloak. The world he had known ¡ª the world he had been hacking his way through ¡ª was about to unravel. And there was no going back. Chapter 3: The Councils Reach Vihan stood in the cold, silent room, Zara¡¯s words echoing in his mind. Kalki is not just a savior. He is a weapon. The weight of her statement felt like a heavy stone sinking into his chest, a realization that every choice he made from this point on could alter the course of history ¡ª or end it altogether. Zara remained still, her eyes fixed on him with an intensity that suggested she was weighing his every reaction. Her presence was unsettling, as if she knew more than she was letting on, but Vihan didn¡¯t have time to probe her motives. The urgency of the situation pressed on him, and the reality of what he had stumbled into was beginning to take shape. ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered me,¡± Vihan said, his voice tight. ¡°What do you want from me?¡± Zara stepped closer, her expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯ve already done the first step, Vihan. You unlocked the prophecy. The Council of 9 is aware of the return of Kalki. They know the prophecy is real, and they will stop at nothing to either control him or destroy him. If they succeed, it will be the end of humanity as we know it. The world is already on the brink of collapse, and they are willing to go to any lengths to maintain their control.¡± Vihan¡¯s mind raced. The Council of 9. He had heard whispers of them ¡ª a secretive group of elites who controlled everything from politics to the global economy. They were the puppet masters behind the scenes, pulling the strings of governments, corporations, and organizations. Powerful, ruthless, and silent. Their reach extended everywhere. ¡°You mean they¡¯re like... gods?¡± Vihan asked, incredulous. ¡°What makes them so powerful?¡± ¡°They wield power not just through wealth and influence,¡± Zara replied, her voice low. ¡°They¡¯ve been researching ancient texts for decades, trying to understand the nature of Kalki, how to control the divine force he represents. They¡¯ve studied the ancient Hindu scriptures, prophecies, and even the latest technological advancements to harness his power. They believe that if they can control him, they will become the ultimate rulers of the world. They are the ones who keep the planet on the brink of collapse. The environmental devastation, the social instability, the technological exploitation ¡ª it all serves their agenda.¡± Vihan felt a cold wave of dread wash over him. He had heard rumors, of course ¡ª rumors about shadow organizations and the manipulation of world events for profit. But this? The idea that an ancient prophecy was at the heart of it all, and that the fate of the world now rested on the return of a figure from Hindu mythology, seemed impossible. And yet, the evidence was piling up before him: the code, the message, and now Zara¡¯s cryptic warnings. ¡°So, what¡¯s my role in all this?¡± Vihan asked, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. ¡°You said I unlocked the prophecy. Does that mean I¡¯m supposed to be the one to stop them?¡± Zara¡¯s expression softened, though her eyes still held an edge of urgency. ¡°Not just you, Vihan. We need more than just one person to stop the Council. We need a movement, a group that can see the truth. You¡¯ve begun the journey. But you¡¯ll need help. And not just anyone. The philosophers, the rebels, those who understand the balance between science and spirituality ¡ª they will be crucial. But even more importantly, you must find Kalki.¡± Vihan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°How am I supposed to find him? How do I even know he¡¯s real?¡± ¡°That is something you will have to discover for yourself,¡± Zara said, her voice calm but laced with a hidden intensity. ¡°Kalki has been hidden for centuries, awaiting the right time to emerge. He will not reveal himself easily. But you must believe ¡ª in the prophecy, in the signs, in the possibility that the world can be saved.¡± A long silence passed between them as Vihan processed her words. He had always believed in the power of logic, of science, of codes that could be cracked and systems that could be broken. But this? This was beyond anything he could have ever imagined. The return of a divine being, tied to an ancient prophecy, was a concept he had never considered. ¡°I¡¯m not a savior,¡± Vihan muttered, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m just a hacker. I barely understand what¡¯s happening. And now, you want me to find a god?¡± Zara¡¯s gaze hardened, as though she were daring him to back down. ¡°You unlocked the code, Vihan. You¡¯re not just any hacker. You are the key. The Council will stop at nothing to destroy Kalki before he can fulfill his role. But they don¡¯t understand the power they¡¯re dealing with. They don¡¯t understand what Kalki can do. The moment he reveals himself, the world will change. The question is: will you help him change it for the better, or will you let the Council destroy him and condemn humanity to its fate?¡± Vihan fell silent, the weight of her words pressing down on him. He had never imagined that his hacking skills, once a means of survival in a corrupted world, would bring him to this moment. But the reality was undeniable: the fate of the world ¡ª and perhaps even the fate of humanity ¡ª was in his hands. Just then, his comm device buzzed, the vibration sharp in the silence of the room. Vihan reached into his pocket, pulling out the small device. It was a message from an encrypted channel he didn¡¯t recognize. *¡°The Council is already mobilizing. You don¡¯t have much time.¡±* Vihan¡¯s pulse quickened. The urgency in the message was clear. The Council was coming for him. They had to know something ¡ª something that he hadn¡¯t uncovered yet. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°We need to move,¡± Vihan said, his voice now steady with resolve. ¡°What¡¯s the next step?¡± Zara nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll need to find the others. The rebels, the philosophers, those who understand the ancient wisdom. But first, we need to leave this city. The Council¡¯s reach is vast. They¡¯ve likely already traced you here.¡± Vihan didn¡¯t hesitate. There was no turning back now. The pieces were falling into place, and he was no longer a mere spectator. The path ahead was uncertain, dangerous, and fraught with challenges, but for the first time, Vihan felt something he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time: purpose. --- As Vihan and Zara made their way through the hidden passageways of the library, the weight of the world seemed to press down on his shoulders. The journey to find Kalki, and protect him from those who would seek to control him, had only just begun. But one thing was certain: the world as he knew it was about to change ¡ª and he would be at the heart of it. Vihan stood in the cold, silent room, Zara¡¯s words echoing in his mind. Kalki is not just a savior. He is a weapon. The weight of her statement felt like a heavy stone sinking into his chest, a realization that every choice he made from this point on could alter the course of history ¡ª or end it altogether. Zara remained still, her eyes fixed on him with an intensity that suggested she was weighing his every reaction. Her presence was unsettling, as if she knew more than she was letting on, but Vihan didn¡¯t have time to probe her motives. The urgency of the situation pressed on him, and the reality of what he had stumbled into was beginning to take shape. ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered me,¡± Vihan said, his voice tight. ¡°What do you want from me?¡± Zara stepped closer, her expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯ve already done the first step, Vihan. You unlocked the prophecy. The Council of 9 is aware of the return of Kalki. They know the prophecy is real, and they will stop at nothing to either control him or destroy him. If they succeed, it will be the end of humanity as we know it. The world is already on the brink of collapse, and they are willing to go to any lengths to maintain their control.¡± Vihan¡¯s mind raced. The Council of 9. He had heard whispers of them ¡ª a secretive group of elites who controlled everything from politics to the global economy. They were the puppet masters behind the scenes, pulling the strings of governments, corporations, and organizations. Powerful, ruthless, and silent. Their reach extended everywhere. ¡°You mean they¡¯re like... gods?¡± Vihan asked, incredulous. ¡°What makes them so powerful?¡± ¡°They wield power not just through wealth and influence,¡± Zara replied, her voice low. ¡°They¡¯ve been researching ancient texts for decades, trying to understand the nature of Kalki, how to control the divine force he represents. They¡¯ve studied the ancient Hindu scriptures, prophecies, and even the latest technological advancements to harness his power. They believe that if they can control him, they will become the ultimate rulers of the world. They are the ones who keep the planet on the brink of collapse. The environmental devastation, the social instability, the technological exploitation ¡ª it all serves their agenda.¡± Vihan felt a cold wave of dread wash over him. He had heard rumors, of course ¡ª rumors about shadow organizations and the manipulation of world events for profit. But this? The idea that an ancient prophecy was at the heart of it all, and that the fate of the world now rested on the return of a figure from Hindu mythology, seemed impossible. And yet, the evidence was piling up before him: the code, the message, and now Zara¡¯s cryptic warnings. ¡°So, what¡¯s my role in all this?¡± Vihan asked, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. ¡°You said I unlocked the prophecy. Does that mean I¡¯m supposed to be the one to stop them?¡± Zara¡¯s expression softened, though her eyes still held an edge of urgency. ¡°Not just you, Vihan. We need more than just one person to stop the Council. We need a movement, a group that can see the truth. You¡¯ve begun the journey. But you¡¯ll need help. And not just anyone. The philosophers, the rebels, those who understand the balance between science and spirituality ¡ª they will be crucial. But even more importantly, you must find Kalki.¡± Vihan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°How am I supposed to find him? How do I even know he¡¯s real?¡± ¡°That is something you will have to discover for yourself,¡± Zara said, her voice calm but laced with a hidden intensity. ¡°Kalki has been hidden for centuries, awaiting the right time to emerge. He will not reveal himself easily. But you must believe ¡ª in the prophecy, in the signs, in the possibility that the world can be saved.¡± A long silence passed between them as Vihan processed her words. He had always believed in the power of logic, of science, of codes that could be cracked and systems that could be broken. But this? This was beyond anything he could have ever imagined. The return of a divine being, tied to an ancient prophecy, was a concept he had never considered. ¡°I¡¯m not a savior,¡± Vihan muttered, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m just a hacker. I barely understand what¡¯s happening. And now, you want me to find a god?¡± Zara¡¯s gaze hardened, as though she were daring him to back down. ¡°You unlocked the code, Vihan. You¡¯re not just any hacker. You are the key. The Council will stop at nothing to destroy Kalki before he can fulfill his role. But they don¡¯t understand the power they¡¯re dealing with. They don¡¯t understand what Kalki can do. The moment he reveals himself, the world will change. The question is: will you help him change it for the better, or will you let the Council destroy him and condemn humanity to its fate?¡± Vihan fell silent, the weight of her words pressing down on him. He had never imagined that his hacking skills, once a means of survival in a corrupted world, would bring him to this moment. But the reality was undeniable: the fate of the world ¡ª and perhaps even the fate of humanity ¡ª was in his hands. Just then, his comm device buzzed, the vibration sharp in the silence of the room. Vihan reached into his pocket, pulling out the small device. It was a message from an encrypted channel he didn¡¯t recognize. *¡°The Council is already mobilizing. You don¡¯t have much time.¡±* Vihan¡¯s pulse quickened. The urgency in the message was clear. The Council was coming for him. They had to know something ¡ª something that he hadn¡¯t uncovered yet. ¡°We need to move,¡± Vihan said, his voice now steady with resolve. ¡°What¡¯s the next step?¡± Zara nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll need to find the others. The rebels, the philosophers, those who understand the ancient wisdom. But first, we need to leave this city. The Council¡¯s reach is vast. They¡¯ve likely already traced you here.¡± Vihan didn¡¯t hesitate. There was no turning back now. The pieces were falling into place, and he was no longer a mere spectator. The path ahead was uncertain, dangerous, and fraught with challenges, but for the first time, Vihan felt something he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time: purpose. --- As Vihan and Zara made their way through the hidden passageways of the library, the weight of the world seemed to press down on his shoulders. The journey to find Kalki, and protect him from those who would seek to control him, had only just begun. But one thing was certain: the world as he knew it was about to change ¡ª and he would be at the heart of it. Chapter 4: Shadows of the Past The city had changed since Vihan had first arrived in Mumbai. It was as though the very air had thickened, charged with a foreboding energy. His feet echoed against the cold concrete as he and Zara moved swiftly through the labyrinth of back alleys, taking care to avoid the eyes of the corporate enforcers and surveillance drones that patrolled the streets. The Council¡¯s presence loomed large, and the city¡¯s pulse seemed to quicken with every step they took. Every shadow could be an ally or an enemy. Vihan¡¯s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one more unsettling than the last. The Council is already mobilizing. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he was being watched. Every corner he turned, every abandoned building they passed, seemed to hide secrets. He had always prided himself on being able to read people, to track patterns, but this was different. This was a game far bigger than anything he had ever encountered. Zara led the way, her pace deliberate, her face set in a mask of determination. She had said little since the library, and the silence between them felt heavy, like the air before a storm. They finally reached an old warehouse, its exterior worn and weathered, but seemingly inconspicuous amidst the sprawling urban decay. Zara gestured for Vihan to follow her inside. Inside, the air was thick with the smell of metal and rust. Dimly lit by flickering overhead lights, the large, open space was filled with crates and machines long forgotten. The walls were covered in faded propaganda posters, some advertising corporate products, others warning of the dangers of the ¡°rebel scum¡± ¡ª a term Vihan had heard in passing, though he had never given it much thought. In the corner, a group of people sat gathered around a table, whispering among themselves. Vihan¡¯s eyes narrowed as he scanned the room. The group was diverse ¡ª some appeared to be ordinary citizens, others wore the unmistakable signs of the underground: worn clothing, hidden weapons, and eyes that had seen too much. At the head of the table sat a woman with sharp features and an intense gaze. Her presence commanded attention, and there was a calm authority about her that immediately put Vihan on edge. ¡°This is our ally, Asha,¡± Zara said, her voice breaking the silence. ¡°She is the one who has been decoding the ancient texts, the ones that tell of Kalki¡¯s return. If we are to stop the Council, we need her knowledge.¡± Asha¡¯s gaze swept over Vihan, assessing him with a keen eye. ¡°You must be the hacker,¡± she said, her voice steady. ¡°The one who unlocked the prophecy.¡± Vihan nodded, feeling the weight of her words. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for this. I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s really happening. I¡¯m just... trying to understand it.¡± Asha studied him for a moment before speaking again. ¡°The prophecy has been passed down through generations. It is no coincidence that you discovered it. The Council has been searching for the key to unlock Kalki¡¯s arrival for years. They¡¯ve spent decades manipulating history, ensuring that the time of his return is delayed. But they cannot stop it forever.¡±If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Vihan felt a knot tighten in his stomach. ¡°So you believe Kalki is real?¡± ¡°I do,¡± Asha replied. ¡°I¡¯ve spent my life studying the texts, tracing the signs, and I know that Kalki¡¯s arrival is not just a myth. The question is... who will control him? The Council wants to use him as a tool, a weapon. But there are others ¡ª rebels like us, philosophers, spiritual leaders ¡ª who believe that Kalki can restore balance. He is not just a being of power; he is the embodiment of transformation. But transformation comes with a price.¡± Vihan swallowed hard. ¡°What price?¡± Asha¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°Humanity has caused immeasurable destruction to the planet. The balance between man, nature, and the divine has been fractured. Kalki¡¯s arrival will either restore that balance... or it will hasten the final collapse. If the Council gets to him first, they will use his power to further control the population, to maintain their stranglehold on the world. They will burn the earth and remake it in their image.¡± Zara nodded, her expression grim. ¡°We cannot let that happen. But to stop the Council, we need to find Kalki before they do.¡± Vihan¡¯s mind raced. ¡°And how do we do that? How do we even know where to start looking?¡± Asha stood up and moved to a nearby table, where ancient manuscripts were scattered across the surface. She pulled one of them toward her and began to flip through the pages. The text was written in a mix of Sanskrit and archaic symbols, a language long lost to most of humanity. Vihan watched as Asha¡¯s fingers traced the lines, her brow furrowed in concentration. ¡°These texts speak of a hidden path,¡± Asha said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°A place where Kalki is meant to emerge. It is said that only those who are truly ready, who understand the balance between the material and the spiritual, can find it. The path is not one that can be followed by technology alone. It requires understanding, insight, and belief.¡± Vihan frowned. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying we have to believe in this prophecy? That we have to find Kalki based on... some ancient texts and vague clues?¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Asha replied, looking up from the manuscript. ¡°It¡¯s not just about data or technology. It¡¯s about understanding the deeper truths of the universe. You¡¯ve unlocked the code, Vihan. That means something. You¡¯re the bridge between the ancient wisdom and the technological world. It¡¯s not an easy task, but the fate of humanity depends on it.¡± Vihan could feel the weight of her words sinking in. This wasn¡¯t just about finding a person or an object ¡ª it was about understanding a higher purpose, a cosmic balance. He had always been a man of logic, of technology, of hard facts. But this? This was different. ¡°Where do we start?¡± Vihan asked, his voice quiet. Asha looked up, meeting his gaze. ¡°We start by finding the first clue. A place called the ¡®Nectar of the Moon.¡¯ It is an ancient site, hidden from the eyes of the modern world. Only those who are truly seeking will be able to find it. From there, we can begin the journey to Kalki.¡± Zara nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll leave tonight. The Council will be watching. We can¡¯t afford to waste any more time.¡± Vihan¡¯s thoughts were spinning. The road ahead was uncertain, filled with dangers from both the Council and the mysteries of the prophecy itself. But as he looked around at the people gathered in the warehouse, their determination burned brightly in their eyes. There was no going back now. They would either find Kalki and restore balance ¡ª or watch as the world descended into darkness. Chapter 5: The Nectar of the Moon The rain began to fall as Vihan, Zara, and Asha emerged from the shadows of the warehouse, their footsteps soft against the wet pavement. Mumbai had always been a city of contradictions ¡ª vibrant and chaotic by day, but after the sun set, it became something else entirely. Tonight, the streets seemed eerily silent, as though even the city itself was holding its breath, waiting for something. The wind picked up, whipping through the narrow streets and sending the scent of rain-drenched earth into the air. Vihan pulled his collar up against the chill, his mind racing. The ¡°Nectar of the Moon¡± ¡ª a cryptic phrase that Asha had mentioned earlier ¡ª had taken root in his thoughts. What was it? A place, a symbol, an idea? Asha hadn¡¯t offered much more information, only that it was an ancient site, hidden away from the eyes of the modern world. A site that held the first clue to Kalki¡¯s true location. Zara was already several steps ahead of them, her figure merging with the shadows as she moved through the city. Asha, walking beside Vihan, seemed lost in her own thoughts. Her face was unreadable, as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. Vihan had always known there were people who lived for causes, but this was different. Asha was driven by something deeper ¡ª a belief in the balance of the world, and the role that Kalki was meant to play in restoring it. For her, this was not a mission; it was a destiny. ¡°Do you really believe it?¡± Vihan asked suddenly, his voice cutting through the silence. Asha glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Believe what?¡± ¡°That Kalki is real. That he¡¯s going to fix everything,¡± Vihan said, his words laced with doubt. ¡°It sounds... impossible.¡± Asha smiled, but it was a sad smile, as though she had heard this question a thousand times before. ¡°It¡¯s not about belief in the way you think, Vihan. It¡¯s about understanding the forces at play ¡ª both in the world and within ourselves. Kalki isn¡¯t just a savior. He is a force of nature. A reminder that every cycle has its end, but also its rebirth. The world will always go through cycles of creation, destruction, and renewal. We are at the end of this one. But the new cycle ¡ª that¡¯s where Kalki comes in.¡± Vihan fell silent, pondering her words. He wasn¡¯t sure he understood, but something about the way Asha spoke made it clear that she wasn¡¯t someone who clung to ideals without reason. She had spent her life studying this, believing in it with every fiber of her being. The trio navigated through the streets, the city now fully cloaked in darkness. They took quiet back alleys and avoided the bustling main roads, knowing that every minute brought them closer to danger. Vihan¡¯s mind kept drifting back to the encrypted message he had received earlier: The Council is already mobilizing. His palms were sweaty as the weight of their mission pressed heavily on him. They were running out of time. The rain began to fall harder, and the cold stung Vihan¡¯s skin. His breath came in shallow bursts, his nerves on edge. He knew the city. He had hacked into its deepest corners, seen the surveillance systems and the eyes that watched every movement. But tonight, it felt different. It felt like the city itself was a labyrinth, and he was a mouse caught in its traps.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. They reached the edge of the city, where the towering buildings gave way to the outskirts ¡ª a wasteland of forgotten industries and abandoned constructions. The area was silent, the only sounds the gentle hum of distant machinery and the rustling of wind through broken windows. They came upon a large, rusted gate, overgrown with vines and grime. Zara reached into her pocket, pulling out a small device. A few seconds of silence passed before the gate creaked open, revealing a narrow path leading into the darkness. ¡°This is it,¡± Zara said, her voice firm. ¡°The Nectar of the Moon is beyond this gate.¡± Vihan looked at the gate, then at Asha, who nodded solemnly. He could feel the weight of the moment ¡ª they were stepping into the unknown, into a place that held the key to everything. His pulse quickened, but he pushed the fear aside. There was no turning back now. They stepped through the gate, moving deeper into the ruins. The path was narrow and uneven, the ground littered with debris. The further they went, the darker it became. The faint glow of their flashlights barely illuminated the path ahead. The air grew heavier, charged with something ancient ¡ª a feeling that Vihan couldn¡¯t place but that sent shivers down his spine. As they reached a clearing, a massive stone structure emerged from the darkness. The ruins were like something from a forgotten age, half-buried in earth and time. It was a temple of sorts, though much of it had been worn down by centuries of neglect. Intricate carvings adorned the walls, depicting scenes from ancient Hindu mythology ¡ª gods, demons, and cosmic battles. At the center of the ruins stood a large, weathered statue of a horse ¡ª the mount of Kalki. ¡°This is where the first clue lies,¡± Asha said, her voice reverberating in the stillness. ¡°The statue of Kalki¡¯s horse. The Nectar of the Moon is a metaphor for the journey ahead. The next step lies within the carvings. Only those who are truly ready can decipher them.¡± Vihan stepped forward, his heart pounding. The carvings seemed to shimmer in the weak light, as though alive. He moved closer, his fingers brushing against the ancient stone. The symbols were unlike anything he had seen before, a mixture of old Sanskrit and celestial patterns. But one symbol stood out among the rest ¡ª a symbol he had seen in the code he had cracked: a spiral, the same spiral that had appeared in the encrypted message. ¡°This is it,¡± Vihan whispered, a sense of realization dawning on him. The symbol was the key. He just had to figure out how to unlock it. Asha stepped forward, her gaze focused on the carving. ¡°The spiral represents the cycle of life and death. The answer lies in understanding that cycle ¡ª the destruction of the old, and the birth of the new.¡± Zara moved closer, her expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯ve unlocked the code before, Vihan. Now, unlock this.¡± Vihan¡¯s mind raced. He had always been good with codes, but this... this was something else. He took a deep breath, letting the symbols and their meanings wash over him. Slowly, deliberately, he began to trace the spiral, feeling its energy pulsing beneath his fingers. And then, the ground beneath them shifted. A deep rumble echoed through the air, and the ancient statue of Kalki¡¯s horse began to move. The stones around them trembled, and the air seemed to hum with a low, resonant sound ¡ª the sound of something awakening after centuries of slumber. ¡°Step back,¡± Asha urged, but Vihan didn¡¯t move. He was mesmerized, his eyes locked on the shifting statue as it slowly revealed a hidden doorway beneath it. The next phase of their journey had begun. Chapter 6: The Hidden Path The doorway that emerged from beneath the statue was ancient, its edges worn and weathered by centuries of neglect. The stone trembled as if responding to the touch of time itself, and the air grew thick with an energy that seemed almost tangible. Vihan stood frozen, staring at the entrance that had appeared in front of him. This wasn¡¯t just a physical threshold; it felt like a crossing into something far beyond the world he had known. Asha and Zara stood behind him, their expressions grim yet filled with anticipation. The air was heavy with the weight of the moment, as if the very earth was holding its breath. ¡°This is it,¡± Zara whispered, her voice barely audible. ¡°The next step.¡± Vihan swallowed, forcing himself to step forward. His hand brushed against the cool stone of the archway, and he could feel a subtle vibration ripple through his fingertips. The doorway beckoned, an invitation to the unknown. A part of him wanted to hesitate, to turn back, but he knew that there was no other choice. They had come too far to retreat now. Asha¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. ¡°Be careful. The path ahead is not just a physical one. It¡¯s a journey through the mind and spirit. The door is a test. It will only open for those who understand its meaning.¡± Vihan turned to her, his brow furrowed. ¡°A test? What kind of test?¡± Asha gave him a cryptic smile. ¡°One you¡¯ll have to face yourself.¡± The doorway was narrow, just wide enough for them to pass through one by one. Zara moved first, her movements deliberate and confident. She disappeared into the darkness beyond the threshold, and Vihan followed closely behind. The weight of the atmosphere shifted as he crossed the threshold ¡ª the air seemed heavier, more oppressive, as if the world beyond had its own rules. The path within the temple was not like anything Vihan had expected. It wasn¡¯t a simple corridor or tunnel; it was an intricate labyrinth of twisting passageways, hidden alcoves, and winding staircases that seemed to stretch endlessly into the darkness. The walls were covered in cryptic symbols and faded frescoes, depicting scenes of cosmic battles, celestial beings, and mysterious forces beyond human comprehension. The deeper they went, the more oppressive the silence became. The only sounds were their footsteps echoing off the cold stone, and the occasional rustle of wind sweeping through unseen cracks in the walls. They walked in silence, the tension between them growing. Vihan¡¯s mind was racing with questions. What kind of test did Asha mean? What was it that they were supposed to understand about this place? Every corner they turned seemed to lead deeper into the unknown. After what felt like hours, they reached a small chamber. The walls were adorned with shimmering, iridescent carvings that seemed to come alive with the dim light of their flashlights. At the center of the room stood an enormous stone pedestal, upon which rested a single object: an ancient book bound in dark leather, its pages yellowed with age. The book seemed to hum with a faint energy, as if it contained the secrets of the universe within its pages.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. ¡°This is it,¡± Asha said, her voice filled with reverence. ¡°The Last Copy of the Bhagavad Gita.¡± Vihan approached the pedestal, his fingers trembling slightly. It was hard to explain, but the book felt important ¡ª more important than anything he had ever encountered. This wasn¡¯t just a book; it was a relic of a time long past, holding knowledge that could change everything. He reached out to take it, but as soon as his fingers brushed the cover, the ground beneath them trembled once more, and a low, ominous hum filled the air. The walls of the chamber seemed to close in on them, and the temperature dropped sharply. Vihan jerked his hand back, his heart racing. Asha stepped forward, her expression unchanged. ¡°The test has begun,¡± she said quietly. Suddenly, the carvings on the walls began to glow, their intricate patterns shifting and rearranging themselves in a mesmerizing dance. The symbols seemed to come to life, swirling around them in a dizzying spiral, and Vihan felt an overwhelming pressure build up in his chest. The very air seemed to grow heavier, as if they were being pulled into something vast and incomprehensible. ¡°The test is not about physical strength,¡± Asha continued, her voice calm amidst the chaos. ¡°It¡¯s a test of understanding ¡ª of how well you can let go of the material world and embrace the higher truths. The path of Kalki is not one of control; it¡¯s one of surrender.¡± Vihan blinked, trying to make sense of her words. Surrender? He was a hacker, a man of logic and reason. Letting go, surrendering control ¡ª these were not things he understood. Everything in his life had been about control, about manipulating systems, about bending reality to his will. But this? This was different. As the symbols on the walls shifted and expanded, the room seemed to warp and distort. The stone beneath Vihan¡¯s feet felt as if it was moving, rising and falling like the surface of a stormy ocean. He closed his eyes, trying to center himself, but the sensations only grew more intense. His heartbeat quickened, and a voice, soft but insistent, began to echo in his mind: Let go, Vihan. The voice was not Asha¡¯s. It was something deeper, more ancient. The very walls seemed to be speaking to him, urging him to release the grip he had on the world around him. Let go of your need for answers, the voice continued. Let go of your fear. Let go of your doubt. Vihan¡¯s breathing became shallow as the pressure around him intensified. His mind screamed for control, for the clarity he had always relied on. But something inside him stirred ¡ª a faint spark of realization. For the first time, he allowed himself to stop thinking, to stop trying to force understanding. He simply was ¡ª standing in the middle of the chamber, surrounded by the swirling patterns of light and shadow, and the voice that seemed to come from the very core of existence. The world around him began to still. The swirling patterns on the walls slowed, the hum in the air softened, and the temperature returned to normal. Vihan opened his eyes. Asha stood before him, her gaze steady and unshaken. ¡°You¡¯ve passed,¡± she said quietly. Vihan looked around, still disoriented. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t understand.¡± ¡°The test was not meant to be understood by your mind alone,¡± Asha explained. ¡°It was meant to be felt, experienced. You had to surrender to the process, to the energy of this place. Only then could you access the next step.¡± Zara stepped forward, her expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯ve done it. Now we have the Last Copy of the Bhagavad Gita. But the journey is far from over.¡± Vihan glanced at the ancient tome resting on the pedestal, its cover still humming with faint energy. He felt the weight of it, but this time, it didn¡¯t seem like a burden. It was a key to something much greater ¡ª something that could either save the world or destroy it. With a deep breath, he reached for the book once more. The path ahead was uncertain, but he had crossed the first threshold. And whatever lay beyond, he knew one thing for certain: they were no longer just searching for Kalki. They were becoming part of the prophecy. Chapter 7: The Childhood Prophecy Vihan¡¯s hand trembled slightly as he closed the ancient book with a soft thud. His eyes lingered on the cover, the title "Bhagavad Gita" embossed in gold, now weathered by age, as if it too had a story to tell. It was surreal that this very book, the one that had been lost for centuries, had just found its way into his hands. There was no mistaking the gravity of this moment. He was holding something that could change everything. "Let¡¯s go," Asha said, breaking his reverie as she looked toward the exit of the ruined temple. Vihan nodded silently, tucking the book into his bag. He turned to join the others¡ªAsha, Zara, and the rest of the group¡ªwho had already gathered near the old stone steps leading out of the temple. The tension in the air was palpable. What was the next step? The prophecy of Kalki had been set into motion, and Vihan could no longer avoid the fact that he had a role to play in it. As they walked down the steps and out of the temple, the world outside seemed unchanged, the city of Mumbai continuing its relentless hum. The sky was overcast, the city¡¯s ever-present haze hanging thick in the air. But Vihan felt something different today. He wasn¡¯t sure what it was yet, but something inside him stirred, a recognition deep within that he could no longer ignore. Zara glanced at him, her expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯ll see it soon,¡± she said cryptically. Vihan frowned, but before he could respond, a loud noise erupted from behind them¡ªa vehicle¡¯s engine revving. They turned just in time to see a black SUV speeding toward them, tires screeching on the cracked pavement. Without thinking, Vihan grabbed Asha¡¯s arm, pulling her aside. The others followed suit, instinctively seeking cover. It was too late to outrun it, but they had no choice but to make a run for the nearby alleyway. As they darted into the shadows, the flash of headlights disappeared, but Vihan couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The world around him felt suddenly claustrophobic, as if every shadow hid a threat. It was in that moment, when the chaos of the present crashed against the uncertainty of the future, that the memory hit him. --- Flashback: The Temple, A Child¡¯s Vision Vihan had been a restless child. Nine years old, with a hunger for adventure that no one could quell. Unlike the other kids in the neighborhood, he didn¡¯t find joy in games or idle chatter. He spent his days exploring the back alleys of the city, sneaking into forgotten temples, and often getting lost in the labyrinth of old Mumbai. It was during one of these adventures that he had found the temple. He had stumbled across it by accident, or perhaps it wasn¡¯t an accident at all. Something about it had drawn him in. The temple, standing against the backdrop of the crumbling city, was overgrown with vines and forgotten by time. But there was an energy there that he couldn¡¯t explain. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. His mother had always warned him to stay away from places like these, but the moment he stepped inside, it felt... different. It was dark, except for the faint light filtering in through cracks in the ceiling, and the air smelled faintly of incense and decay. As he wandered deeper into the temple, he had been drawn to a small alcove at the far end. There, nestled among forgotten statues and shattered stone, lay a pedestal. On it rested a box¡ªsmall, simple, but imbued with an undeniable aura. Vihan couldn¡¯t help himself; he reached out and touched it. The moment his fingers made contact, something strange happened. The air seemed to thrum with energy, and for a brief moment, the world around him froze. The distant sounds of the city disappeared, and he was consumed by a vision. A figure, tall and draped in a cloak of light, appeared before him. The face was indistinct, shrouded in mist, but the voice that came from it was clear and certain. ¡°The time is near, child,¡± the figure said. ¡°You will walk the path of Kalki, and when the time comes, you will carry the flame of balance. But first, you must learn, you must understand the world that is to come. The prophecy will guide you, but only if you listen.¡± The vision faded as quickly as it had come, leaving Vihan breathless, standing alone in the temple, the box still in his hands. He had run home that day, the pendant he found inside it stuffed into his pocket, not understanding what it meant, but knowing somehow that his life had changed. That the world around him was far more complex than he had ever imagined. --- *Back to the Present: The Awakening* Vihan¡¯s breath caught as the memory faded and the present came crashing back. His hands were clenched around the pendant now, the very same one he had discovered that day in the temple so long ago. It was the same pendant that Zara had recognized, that had triggered something deep inside him when he saw the symbols in the book earlier. Suddenly, it clicked. The journey he was on wasn¡¯t just about finding Kalki or fulfilling a prophecy¡ªit was about understanding the meaning behind those visions from his childhood. He had always been part of this world, even as a child, unknowingly preparing for the moment when the prophecy would no longer be a myth, but a reality. The SUV that had nearly run them down moments ago was not just a random threat. It was a warning. Someone was watching, someone who didn¡¯t want them to succeed in their mission. Whoever controlled the Council of 9, whoever sought to manipulate Kalki¡¯s power, knew exactly who Vihan was¡ªand now, they would stop at nothing to destroy him before he could unlock his true purpose. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Asha¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. Vihan looked at her, the weight of the past and the present pressing down on him. He wasn¡¯t sure if he was ready for this, if he was ready to face what was to come. But one thing was certain¡ªthere was no turning back. ¡°I will be,¡± he said, his voice steady. ¡°But we have to keep moving.¡± With that, they turned back toward the road ahead, the weight of the book, the prophecy, and Vihan¡¯s own destiny carrying them forward into the unknown. The past had returned to guide them, and the future was waiting. Chapter 8: The Boy Who Saw the Future The city streets blurred past as the group moved swiftly through the alleyways, keeping low and out of sight. The near miss with the SUV had rattled them all, but no one spoke of it. Vihan could feel the tension radiating from Zara and Asha, though they hid it well. He clutched the bag containing the last copy of the Bhagavad Gita, his grip tightening around the strap as if it were the only thing anchoring him to the present. But his mind was slipping, lost between the now and the past. The memory from the temple, the voice from his childhood¡ªit had resurfaced with a force that made his head spin. He had spent so long burying it, dismissing it as a dream, a trick of the mind. But now, with everything that was happening, he could no longer ignore the truth. This was never just about hacking, never just about uncovering secrets. He had been part of this prophecy long before he had ever known what it meant. The past was calling him again. --- Flashback: The Forgotten Words Vihan had always been different from the other kids. He had known it, and so had they. He never fit in with the noisy crowds of the playground. While others played cricket in the dusty lanes, he preferred to sit under the old peepal tree behind his school, tinkering with broken radios or trying to fix old watches his uncle discarded. Machines made sense to him. They followed rules, patterns¡ªthings that people rarely did. But it wasn¡¯t just his fascination with electronics that set him apart. It was the visions. They started when he was eight. Faint at first, like fragments of forgotten dreams that clung to the edges of his mind even after he woke. He never spoke of them¡ªnot even to his mother. How could he explain something he barely understood himself? Sometimes, it was flashes of fire, cities in ruin, the sky choked with smoke. Other times, it was whispers¡ªvoices speaking in languages he didn¡¯t know, but somehow still understood. And then there was the figure. The one he had seen in the temple. The first time the visions had truly terrified him was on his ninth birthday. The day had started like any other. His mother had woken him early, pressing a kiss to his forehead, placing a small bowl of kheer in front of him, a simple birthday tradition. He had smiled, trying to ignore the unease that had been creeping into his chest since morning. Something felt off. That evening, his uncle had taken him to the old market near Crawford. It was one of Vihan¡¯s favorite places, filled with stalls selling everything from books to strange mechanical gadgets that fascinated him. He had been looking at a rusted pocket watch when it happened. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The world around him blurred. The market, the sounds of people haggling, the honking of rickshaws¡ªit all vanished in an instant. He was somewhere else. Somewhere cold. The sky above was dark, the city in flames. A figure stood before him, tall and cloaked in shadows. He couldn¡¯t see the face, only the piercing glow of eyes that seemed to hold all the knowledge of the universe. ¡°You cannot run from this, Vihan,¡± the figure had said. The voice was neither cruel nor kind¡ªit simply was. ¡°You were chosen long before you understood your place in this world.¡± Vihan had tried to speak, but no words had come. ¡°The world is on the edge of collapse,¡± the voice continued, stepping closer. ¡°Kalki will return, but not in the way the world expects. He is not here to simply destroy, nor to save. He is here to reset the balance. And when the time comes, you must decide¡ªwill you be the key to his awakening, or the one who stops him?¡± The vision ended as abruptly as it had begun. Vihan had found himself back in the market, gasping for breath, his uncle shaking him by the shoulders. ¡°Vihan! What happened? Are you alright?¡± He had nodded weakly, not trusting himself to speak. But deep inside, he knew that something had changed. The visions weren¡¯t just dreams. They were warnings. And he had no idea what to do with them. --- Back to the Present: Asha¡¯s Revelation The sharp sound of a motorcycle engine jolted Vihan back to the present. He sucked in a breath, his heart hammering in his chest as he realized they had stopped moving. They had reached an old warehouse on the outskirts of Mumbai, hidden away from the prying eyes of the city. Zara pushed the rusted metal door open, ushering them inside. The dim interior smelled of dust and oil, remnants of a time when this place had once been something more than a forgotten ruin. Asha watched Vihan carefully as he stepped inside. ¡°You saw something again, didn¡¯t you?¡± she asked. Vihan hesitated. ¡°How did you¡ª?¡± ¡°I can tell,¡± Asha said simply. ¡°Your face. It¡¯s the same look you had in the temple.¡± Vihan sighed, rubbing his temples. ¡°I... I think I¡¯ve been seeing these things since I was a kid. But I never understood what they meant.¡± Asha¡¯s gaze was unreadable, but something in it softened. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one.¡± Vihan looked up sharply. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Asha took a deep breath. ¡°I never told you how I got involved in all of this, did I?¡± He shook his head. Asha glanced at Zara, who nodded silently, as if giving her permission to continue. ¡°I grew up hearing stories of Kalki¡ªnot just as a god, but as something more. My grandfather was a scholar, obsessed with the idea that the Bhagavad Gita held clues to Kalki¡¯s return. He spent years studying the texts, convinced that history wasn¡¯t linear, that time moved in cycles, and that at the end of every great fall, a force would rise to restore balance.¡± Vihan frowned. ¡°So he believed Kalki wasn¡¯t just a deity, but an event? A shift in the world?¡± Asha nodded. ¡°Exactly. But what terrified him was that he believed the prophecy wasn¡¯t about a single savior. He believed that someone¡ªa mortal¡ªwould be the one to bring Kalki into the world.¡± Vihan felt his stomach twist. ¡°And you think that¡¯s me?¡± Asha didn¡¯t answer immediately. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she admitted. ¡°But you¡¯ve seen things, haven¡¯t you? Things no one else should see. That means something.¡± Vihan exhaled, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Yeah. But I don¡¯t know if I want it to mean anything.¡± Asha placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm but not unkind. ¡°None of us chose this, Vihan. But the world is changing. The Council of 9 won¡¯t stop until they control whatever power Kalki represents. If we don¡¯t find the truth before they do, then everything our ancestors tried to protect will be lost.¡± Vihan closed his eyes for a brief moment. The voice from his childhood, the visions, the prophecy¡ªthey were all pushing him toward something inevitable. Whether he liked it or not, his past and future were colliding. And soon, he would have to make a choice. Chapter 9: The Lost Boy The warehouse was quiet except for the occasional creak of rusted metal. The group had taken a moment to catch their breath after the chaos of the temple and the near attack in the streets. But for Vihan, there was no peace. His mind was racing, spiraling deeper into the past. He leaned against a wooden crate, gripping the pendant that had never left his side since childhood. The weight of it pressed against his palm like an anchor, tethering him to memories he had tried to forget. The visions, the voice in the temple, the feeling that he had always been running toward something¡ªor away from it. As Zara and Asha discussed their next move in hushed voices, Vihan let himself drift back into the past, back to the moment when everything had changed. --- ### *Flashback: The Orphan and the Hacker* Vihan never knew his father. His mother never spoke of him, and he never asked. All he knew was that they had always been moving¡ªcity to city, home to home, never staying in one place for too long. Some nights, he would wake up to his mother hastily packing their few belongings, her hands shaking as she told him they had to leave. ¡°It¡¯s not safe here anymore,¡± she would say. ¡°We have to go.¡± And Vihan, no matter how much he wanted to ask why, never did. But everything changed the year he turned ten. His mother had taken a job as a librarian at a small, rundown school in Mumbai. For the first time in years, they had stability. Vihan was enrolled in classes, he made friends (or as close as he could come to having them), and for once, his mother smiled without the weight of fear in her eyes. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. But the feeling of unease never left him. It wasn¡¯t just the nightmares¡ªthe burning cities, the voice that whispered his name¡ªit was the feeling that they were being watched. Followed. And then, one night, his world collapsed. It was late. Too late for his mother to still be at work. He had fallen asleep waiting for her when a sudden knock at the door jolted him awake. Not a normal knock. It was urgent. Panicked. Vihan scrambled out of bed and unlocked the door. The moment he did, his mother stumbled in, her face pale, her hands clutching a thick, leather-bound book¡ªthe very same Bhagavad Gita he had taken from the temple today. ¡°Vihan,¡± she whispered, her voice raw with fear. ¡°Take this. Hide it.¡± He blinked, confused. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± His mother turned to the door, bolting it shut. ¡°They¡¯re coming.¡± Vihan¡¯s stomach twisted. ¡°Who? Why? What¡¯s in the book?¡± She knelt in front of him, gripping his shoulders, her eyes more serious than he had ever seen them. ¡°One day, this book will come back to you,¡± she said softly. ¡°And when it does, you must protect it. No matter what happens. No matter what anyone tells you.¡± Vihan shook his head, his young mind struggling to process what was happening. ¡°But why, Ma? What¡¯s so special about it?¡± His mother hesitated, as if deciding how much to tell him. ¡°It holds answers, Vihan. Answers that some people would kill to keep hidden.¡± The words sent a shiver down his spine. Before he could ask anything more, a loud crash echoed through the apartment. The glass window shattered. Then everything went dark. --- ### *Back to the Present: The Weight of the Truth* Vihan snapped out of the memory with a sharp inhale. His fingers dug into the pendant, his breath unsteady. He had never understood that night. His mother had disappeared before he could process what had happened. The only thing he remembered was the book, and the strange symbols she had told him to guard with his life. The very same book he now carried. His mother had known something. She had been running from someone. And if the Council of 9 had been looking for the Bhagavad Gita even back then... A sick feeling churned in his stomach. ¡°What is it?¡± Asha¡¯s voice broke through his thoughts. Vihan exhaled shakily. ¡°I think I know why I¡¯ve been seeing these visions,¡± he admitted. ¡°I think my mother was hiding something from me.¡± Zara raised an eyebrow. ¡°And now you¡¯re ready to find out what?¡± Vihan nodded. The past was no longer just haunting him. It was demanding answers. Chapter 10: The Book鈥檚 Journey Vihan sat in the dimly lit warehouse, staring at the Bhagavad Gita resting on the crate in front of him. His fingers traced the cracked leather cover, the faded gold lettering barely visible beneath the dust and age. His mother¡¯s voice echoed in his mind: "One day, this book will come back to you. And when it does, you must protect it. No matter what happens." She had given him this book the night she disappeared. And now, against all logic, it had returned to him¡ªhidden in an ancient temple, buried beneath centuries of dust and forgotten history. ¡°How did it get there?¡± he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Asha sat across from him, her fingers interlocked as she studied him carefully. ¡°That¡¯s what we need to find out.¡± Zara leaned against the rusted metal wall, arms crossed. ¡°The book didn¡¯t just end up in the temple by chance. Someone put it there, knowing it would be found. The real question is¡ªwho?¡± Vihan exhaled, forcing himself to think clearly. ¡°My mother had this book the night she disappeared,¡± he said. ¡°She told me to hide it. But somehow, it ended up in that temple. That means she must have left it there before¡ª¡± He stopped. His chest tightened. ¡°Before they took her,¡± Asha finished softly. Vihan swallowed hard. ¡°She knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to keep it safe herself. So she left it somewhere she thought it would be protected.¡±Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Asha nodded. ¡°And she chose that temple.¡± The temple had once been a sanctuary, a hidden refuge for those who safeguarded ancient knowledge. Before the rise of corporate-controlled Mumbai, before the Council of 9 spread its influence, the temple had been home to a secret order¡ªa group of scholars, monks, and spiritual philosophers who dedicated their lives to preserving truths that others wanted erased. Among the texts they guarded, the Bhagavad Gita was the most sacred of all. But not just any copy. This was the last unaltered version, untouched by the edits of kings, governments, or historians seeking to rewrite history. It contained not just spiritual wisdom but hidden messages¡ªprophecies about Kalki, encrypted within its verses. For centuries, the temple remained unnoticed, its keepers passing down their knowledge in whispers. But then, the Council of 9 learned of its existence. One by one, the temple¡¯s guardians vanished. Some were killed, others disappeared without a trace. The temple was abandoned, its doors sealed shut, left to decay under the weight of time. And yet, the book remained. Hidden. Waiting. Until one night, a woman arrived at the temple¡¯s crumbling entrance, her breath ragged, her clothes torn from the struggle of escaping something¡ªor someone. She moved quickly, placing the book on the altar beneath the statue of Kalki¡¯s horse. Her fingers trembled as she whispered a silent prayer, her gaze lingering on the sacred text. Then she turned and vanished into the shadows. She was never seen again. Vihan¡¯s breath caught as realization struck him like a thunderbolt. Vihan stared at the book, his mind reeling. His mother hadn¡¯t just been running¡ªshe had been protecting something. She had left the book in the temple, knowing that one day, someone¡ªhe¡ªwould return for it. It wasn¡¯t a coincidence. It never had been. Everything¡ªhis past, his visions, the prophecy¡ªit was all connected. But before he could process it further, Zara¡¯s voice cut through the silence. ¡°If the book was safe for this long, that means the Council didn¡¯t know where it was.¡± She met Vihan¡¯s gaze. ¡°But now that we have it, they do.¡± Vihan clenched his fists. They weren¡¯t just searching for Kalki anymore. They were racing against the ones who wanted to control him. And time was running out. Chapter 11: The Watchers in the Dark The warehouse had become suffocating. The air was thick with tension, the weight of Vihan¡¯s revelation pressing down on all of them. His mother had left the book in the temple. She had known this moment would come. But if the Council of 9 had spent years searching for it, and they now knew it was in Vihan¡¯s hands¡ª ¡°They won¡¯t let us keep it,¡± Zara said, echoing his thoughts. ¡°We have to move.¡± Asha nodded. ¡°There¡¯s someone we need to meet. An old friend of my grandfather¡ªsomeone who might know why the Council wants this book so badly.¡± Vihan forced himself to focus. ¡°And you trust them?¡± ¡°I trust that they hate the Council just as much as we do,¡± Asha replied. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Vihan exhaled and grabbed his backpack. ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡± The Streets of Mumbai ¨C Shadows in PursuitThis tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The city felt different tonight. As they navigated through the darkened alleys, avoiding main roads and surveillance drones, Vihan couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched. Mumbai was always alive¡ªalways buzzing with traffic, neon signs, and late-night vendors. But here, in the forgotten corners of the city, it felt almost abandoned. Too quiet. Asha led the way, her pace swift but cautious. Zara flanked the group, her hand hovering near the concealed blade at her hip. Vihan kept his head down, adjusting the straps of his bag. Every step he took felt heavier, like the weight of history itself was pressing down on him. Then he saw them. At first, it was just a flicker¡ªa figure disappearing behind a building. Then another. Dark silhouettes moving with unnatural grace, keeping to the shadows but always within range. Vihan tensed. ¡°We¡¯re not alone.¡± Zara didn¡¯t hesitate. She spun on her heel, drawing her knife in one fluid motion. ¡°How many?¡± Vihan scanned the rooftops, the alleyways. ¡°At least three. Maybe more.¡± Asha cursed under her breath. ¡°They found us faster than I thought.¡± Vihan¡¯s heart pounded. The Council of 9. ¡°They won¡¯t attack in the open,¡± Zara said, voice low and sharp. ¡°They¡¯ll wait until we¡¯re isolated.¡± Asha nodded. ¡°Then let¡¯s not give them the chance.¡± She took off, leading them deeper into the maze of Mumbai¡¯s forgotten streets. Vihan followed, his mind racing. They didn¡¯t know who these watchers were yet¡ªbut he had a sinking feeling that this was only the beginning. The shadows moved behind them. The hunt had begun. Chapter 12: The Hunter and the Hunted The streets of Mumbai blurred past as Vihan, Zara, and Asha moved swiftly through the maze of abandoned alleys and forgotten passageways. The weight of the Bhagavad Gita pressed against Vihan¡¯s back, a constant reminder that they were carrying something people were willing to kill for. The city was alive, but in this part of town, there were no crowded markets, no flashing billboards, no late-night street vendors. Here, silence was an omen. Vihan could feel it¡ªthe eyes watching them, the figures moving just beyond his line of sight. Whoever they were, they weren¡¯t amateurs. Zara, leading the group, suddenly stopped at a crossroads between two alleys. Without turning, she muttered, ¡°We¡¯ve got four on our tail.¡± Vihan swallowed hard. ¡°Four that we can see.¡± Asha scanned the rooftops. ¡°More could be hiding.¡± Zara smirked. ¡°Good. I was hoping for a challenge.¡± Vihan shot her a look. ¡°You think this is a joke?¡± Zara rolled her shoulders, adjusting the grip on her knife. ¡°No. I just know that if we run, we die.¡± Asha exhaled. ¡°We¡¯re close to the safe house. If we make it there, we can regroup.¡± Vihan nodded, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the Council¡¯s agents weren¡¯t just tracking them. They were herding them. The realization came too late. A loud thunk echoed through the alley as something embedded itself in the brick wall inches from Zara¡¯s head. A black, needle-like dart. Poisoned. ¡°Move!¡± Zara shouted. The silence shattered. From the rooftops and alleyway corners, figures in dark tactical gear emerged like shadows materializing from the night itself. No insignia, no spoken words¡ªjust silent, deadly precision. Vihan barely had time to react before the first attacker lunged at him.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The Fight in the Alley Zara moved first. Her knife flashed in the dim light as she twisted around, parrying the first strike from an incoming assassin. A single, clean cut across the enemy¡¯s wrist sent their weapon clattering to the ground. Asha, though not a fighter like Zara, wasn¡¯t defenseless. She grabbed a loose pipe from the ground and swung it at the nearest attacker, catching them off guard. Vihan¡¯s instincts screamed at him to run, but there was nowhere to go. One of the assassins lunged at him, aiming for his bag¡ªthe Bhagavad Gita. They don¡¯t want to kill me, Vihan realized. They want the book. Adrenaline surged through his veins. He ducked, narrowly avoiding a blade that would have cut across his shoulder. Without thinking, he slammed his elbow into the attacker¡¯s ribs, throwing them off balance. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough for him to slip past. ¡°We have to get out of here!¡± he shouted. Zara was already on it. She feinted a strike to the left before twisting in the opposite direction, slashing her knife across an attacker¡¯s thigh. ¡°Asha! Take Vihan and go¡ªI¡¯ll hold them off!¡± Asha hesitated. ¡°Zara¡ª¡± ¡°GO!¡± Asha grabbed Vihan¡¯s wrist and pulled him toward the end of the alley. They sprinted, weaving through narrow streets, their lungs burning with exertion. Behind them, the sounds of battle echoed¡ªgrunts, the clash of metal, the dull thud of bodies hitting the ground. Vihan¡¯s heart pounded. If Zara didn¡¯t make it out¡ª No. She had to. They turned a corner, and suddenly, Asha yanked him backward, pressing him against the cold metal of a shipping container. ¡°Stay quiet,¡± she whispered. Vihan barely had time to catch his breath before he saw them. More figures emerging from the darkness, moving methodically. They were trapped. The Shadow Who Knew His Name One of the figures stepped forward. Unlike the others, he wasn¡¯t dressed in tactical gear. He wore a dark overcoat, his posture relaxed, almost casual. Vihan¡¯s stomach twisted. There was something familiar about him. ¡°Vihan,¡± the man said. Asha tensed beside him. ¡°They know who you are.¡± The man smiled. ¡°Of course we do.¡± Vihan swallowed hard. ¡°Who are you?¡± The man tilted his head. ¡°Someone who has been watching you for a long time.¡± His gaze flicked to the bag on Vihan¡¯s back. ¡°And someone who is very interested in what you¡¯re carrying.¡± Vihan¡¯s mind raced. He knew the Council of 9 had agents everywhere, but this man wasn¡¯t just a foot soldier. He was someone important. Someone who knew things. Asha¡¯s grip tightened on Vihan¡¯s arm. ¡°We have to run.¡± The man chuckled. ¡°Where would you go?¡± He took a slow step forward. ¡°We don¡¯t want to hurt you, Vihan. We only want the book. Hand it over, and this all ends.¡± Vihan felt his breath hitch. The Bhagavad Gita had been entrusted to him¡ªfirst by his mother, then by fate itself. And now, the people who had hunted it for centuries were standing right in front of him. Demanding it. Vihan¡¯s hands curled into fists. ¡°No.¡± The man sighed. ¡°I was hoping you¡¯d say that.¡± He nodded toward his men. And all hell broke loose. Chapter 13: The Edge of the Blade The moment the man nodded, everything erupted into chaos. Asha yanked Vihan backward just as the first attacker lunged. A gloved hand swiped at his backpack, fingers grazing the strap before missing their mark. The Bhagavad Gita was the only thing they wanted¡ªbut Vihan wasn¡¯t about to hand it over. ¡°Run!¡± Asha hissed, pushing him toward the narrowest part of the alley. Vihan¡¯s legs moved before his brain caught up. He ducked as another figure tried to grab him, their grip just barely missing his collar. He twisted past a rusted metal cart, slipping through a gap in the wall that only someone as small and quick as he was could fit through. Asha was right behind him¡ªuntil she wasn¡¯t. Vihan spun around just in time to see two men grab her by the arms. She fought hard, kicking and thrashing, but they were stronger. One of them slammed her against the wall, pinning her in place. ¡°Asha!¡± The man in the overcoat¡ªthe one who knew Vihan¡¯s name¡ªstepped forward, brushing the dust off his sleeve like this was just another routine job. ¡°I warned you,¡± he said, his voice maddeningly calm. ¡°Give me the book.¡± Vihan¡¯s mind raced. He couldn¡¯t fight them¡ªnot like Zara could. And speaking of Zara¡­ where was she? Had she escaped? Was she even alive? His heartbeat pounded in his ears. Think, think, think! Then he did the only thing he could. He ran. The Chase Through the City Vihan¡¯s feet barely touched the ground as he sprinted through the narrow alleyways, his pulse hammering with adrenaline. Behind him, he heard shouting, boots hitting pavement. They were coming for him.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. He knew these streets. He had spent his childhood navigating Mumbai¡¯s hidden pathways, slipping through markets, ducking between stalls. He had outrun shopkeepers, police, and gangsters¡ªbut never something like this. This wasn¡¯t just about running. This was about survival. The city was a blur. He weaved through neon-lit streets, past the old, rusted taxis, through a collapsing marketplace where the smell of frying oil and damp earth filled his lungs. He cut through an abandoned train yard, his breath ragged, his chest burning. Still, the footsteps behind him didn¡¯t fade. They were faster. Stronger. And they weren¡¯t getting tired. The Rooftop Standoff Vihan¡¯s lungs screamed for air as he reached the end of the street¡ªonly to find himself at a dead end. A crumbling old building, its fire escape halfway collapsed, stood in front of him. It was either climb or surrender. He didn¡¯t think. He jumped. His hands caught the lowest rung of the rusted ladder, and he hauled himself up with everything he had left. His muscles ached, his fingers burned, but he climbed higher, higher¡ªuntil he reached the rooftop. Mumbai stretched before him in all its chaotic, neon-lit glory. The ocean glimmered in the distance, reflecting the city¡¯s endless lights. But he had no time to take it in. The moment his feet hit the rooftop, the first attacker followed. A man in black tactical gear pulled himself onto the roof, his movements swift, practiced. Behind him, another followed. Then another. Vihan backed away, his heart racing. There was nowhere left to run. The leader¡ªthe man in the overcoat¡ªappeared last, stepping onto the rooftop with the casual ease of someone who knew he had already won. Vihan swallowed hard. He was outnumbered. Outmatched. And then¡ª A shadow moved behind the leader. A blur of motion. The flash of a knife. A choked gasp. The man in the overcoat staggered forward, eyes wide, blood blooming on his shoulder. Behind him stood Zara. Alive. And grinning like the devil. ¡°Miss me?¡± she asked. Vihan let out a breathless laugh. ¡°You have no idea.¡± Zara wiped her blade on her sleeve. ¡°We should probably go now.¡± The rooftop wasn¡¯t an option anymore. They had to find another way down¡ªfast. But as they turned to run, the leader¡ªwounded, but not down¡ªspoke. ¡°You can run all you want,¡± he rasped, pressing a hand to his bleeding shoulder. ¡°But in the end, Vihan, you can¡¯t escape what¡¯s coming.¡± Vihan hesitated. ¡°What do you mean?¡± The man smiled through the pain. ¡°You¡¯re already part of the prophecy. You were always meant to be.¡± The words sent a chill down Vihan¡¯s spine. Before he could respond, Zara grabbed his wrist. ¡°No time for cryptic villains. Move!¡± And they ran. Again. Because whether they liked it or not, the prophecy had already begun. Chapter 14: Echoes of Fate The wind howled against the rooftops as Vihan and Zara sprinted across the crumbling buildings, leaping over rusted pipes and loose bricks. Below them, the city stretched on, oblivious to the battle unfolding in the shadows. Vihan¡¯s breath came in ragged bursts, his heart hammering against his ribs. The leader¡¯s words still echoed in his mind¡ªYou were always meant to be. His foot slipped on the slick concrete, but Zara yanked him upright before he could fall. ¡°Focus, genius!¡± she snapped. ¡°We¡¯re not dying on some rooftop tonight!¡± Vihan clenched his jaw and pushed forward. They had to keep moving. The Council¡¯s agents wouldn¡¯t stay down for long, and Asha was still in their hands. As they reached the edge of the building, Zara skidded to a stop. ¡°We need to get down¡ªfast.¡± Vihan followed her gaze. A rusted service ladder ran down the side of the building, leading into a narrow alleyway below. He hesitated. ¡°That thing looks older than time itself.¡± ¡°Would you rather jump?¡± Zara deadpanned. Vihan sighed. ¡°Point taken.¡± One by one, they climbed down, their movements swift but careful. The moment their feet hit the ground, Zara pulled him into the shadows, pressing him against the cold brick wall. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Footsteps. Close. A black car idled near the alley¡¯s entrance, its tinted windows reflecting the dim glow of the streetlights. Zara exhaled through her nose. ¡°They¡¯re searching for us.¡± Vihan swallowed hard. ¡°And Asha.¡± A muscle tensed in Zara¡¯s jaw. ¡°We¡¯ll get her back.¡± Vihan¡¯s fingers curled around the pendant hidden beneath his shirt. His mother had told him to protect the book, but right now, protecting Asha mattered just as much. ¡°Come on,¡± Zara whispered. ¡°We need to disappear.¡± Thirty minutes later, they arrived at an old, abandoned textile factory on the outskirts of the city. The building was falling apart¡ªrusted beams, shattered windows, a lingering scent of damp cloth and oil. Vihan followed Zara inside, stepping over broken crates and torn fabric. ¡°And this is¡­ safe?¡± Zara smirked. ¡°Trust me.¡± In the center of the factory, hidden beneath layers of discarded material, was a trapdoor. Zara lifted it effortlessly, revealing a staircase leading underground. Vihan stared. ¡°How many hideouts do you have?¡± ¡°Enough,¡± she said, motioning for him to follow. The underground space was small but functional. Old chairs, a flickering lightbulb, a table cluttered with maps and electronic equipment. Vihan dropped onto a chair, running a hand through his hair. ¡°So, what now?¡± Zara sat across from him, her eyes sharp. ¡°We need to get Asha back before they move her somewhere we can¡¯t reach.¡± Vihan nodded. ¡°And we need answers. That guy¡ªhe knew my name. He knew about the prophecy.¡± Zara leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. ¡°And you think it¡¯s a coincidence your mom disappeared protecting that book?¡± Vihan¡¯s stomach twisted. ¡°No.¡± Silence settled between them. Then Zara exhaled. ¡°We¡¯re gonna need help.¡± Vihan frowned. ¡°From who?¡± Zara pulled out her phone, scrolling through her contacts. ¡°Someone who hates the Council almost as much as we do.¡± She tapped a name and sent a message. Seconds later, a single reply came through. Vihan looked at her. ¡°Who is it?¡± Zara smirked. ¡°An old friend.¡± Chapter 15: A Deal with Ghosts The underground hideout was suffocating in its silence. The dim yellow light buzzed above them, casting long shadows against the cracked concrete walls. Vihan drummed his fingers against the wooden table, his mind still spinning. Zara had made the call. Now, they waited. ¡°Who exactly is this friend of yours?¡± Vihan finally asked. Zara leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. ¡°Someone who knows things. Someone who has survived longer than most in this game.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t answer my question.¡± Zara smirked. ¡°That¡¯s because I don¡¯t like answering questions.¡± Before Vihan could push further, a faint thud echoed from above. Footsteps. A deliberate rhythm, measured and precise. Vihan¡¯s muscles tensed. Zara, however, remained completely relaxed. The trapdoor creaked open, and a figure descended the steps with a confidence that spoke of experience¡ªsomeone used to walking into dangerous places and leaving unscathed. A woman. She was tall, draped in a long black coat, her dark hair streaked with silver strands that caught the dim light. Her face was sharp, her eyes calculating. But what struck Vihan most was the aura she carried¡ªlike she had seen too much, survived too much. Zara grinned. ¡°Vihan, meet Isha.¡± The woman¡ªIsha¡ªstudied him for a moment before speaking. ¡°So, you¡¯re the boy everyone¡¯s hunting.¡± Vihan swallowed. ¡°Apparently.¡± Isha stepped forward, pulling a chair and sitting down across from him. ¡°You¡¯re carrying the Bhagavad Gita,¡± she stated, not a question. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Vihan hesitated before nodding. ¡°Yeah.¡± She exhaled, shaking her head. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d see it again.¡± Vihan¡¯s pulse quickened. ¡°You¡¯ve seen it before?¡± Isha¡¯s gaze flickered to Zara. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell him?¡± Zara shrugged. ¡°I figured it¡¯d be more fun this way.¡± Isha sighed. ¡°Of course you did.¡± She turned back to Vihan. ¡°I knew your mother.¡± Everything in Vihan¡¯s mind screeched to a halt. ¡°You what?¡± Isha¡¯s expression softened. ¡°She and I worked together a long time ago. Before the Council of 9 was what it is now. Before all of this.¡± Vihan¡¯s throat felt dry. ¡°Then you know what happened to her?¡± Isha hesitated. ¡°I know what she was fighting for. And I know that she knew she wasn¡¯t going to make it.¡± Vihan¡¯s chest tightened. ¡°So she really is¡ª¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Isha cut in. ¡°No one ever found her. No body. No proof.¡± She leaned forward. ¡°But I do know one thing¡ªif she left that book for you, then she believed you were the only one who could protect it.¡± Vihan¡¯s hands clenched into fists. ¡°But why? What¡¯s in this book that the Council wants so badly?¡± Isha¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. ¡°The last unaltered prophecy of Kalki.¡± Vihan blinked. ¡°I already know that. The prophecy says Kalki will return to bring balance.¡± Isha tilted her head. ¡°Does it?¡± Zara¡¯s smirk disappeared. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Isha exhaled, pulling a folded piece of paper from inside her coat. She unfolded it carefully and placed it on the table. The ink was faded, the edges frayed. Vihan leaned in, his heart pounding as he read the words written in Sanskrit. "??? ???? ?????? ?????, ???? ???? ????????? ??? ????? ????????, ????? ?????? ????????? ? ???????, ? ?????, ? ?????, ????? ??????? ?????? ? ????????, ?? ??????? ?????????" When the final age crumbles, when kings become tyrants, and the earth is drowned in poison¡­ There will be no fragrance, no peace, no salvation¡ªonly fire. Kalki shall not come as a savior. He shall come as a reckoning. Kalki shall not bring peace. He shall bring destruction. Vihan¡¯s stomach dropped. The prophecy wasn¡¯t about salvation. It was about annihilation. Zara let out a low whistle. ¡°Well¡­ that¡¯s not what I learned in school.¡± Vihan shook his head, struggling to process. ¡°Why would my mother protect this?¡± Isha¡¯s gaze was unreadable. ¡°Because someone wants to change it.¡± The room fell into a heavy silence. Then Isha leaned back. ¡°You want to save your friend?¡± Vihan¡¯s head snapped up. ¡°Yes.¡± Isha nodded. ¡°Then listen carefully, boy. Because the only way you¡¯re getting her back¡ª¡± She tapped the book. ¡°¡ªis by walking straight into the lion¡¯s den.¡± Chapter 16: Into the Lion鈥檚 Den Vihan¡¯s hands clenched around the frayed edges of the Bhagavad Gita, his mind reeling from the revelation. Kalki shall not come as a savior. He shall come as a reckoning. His entire life, he had believed that the prophecy of Kalki was about restoring balance¡ªabout a divine force meant to save the world from ruin. But the words in front of him, ancient and unaltered, told a different story. A story of destruction. Asha had been taken. The Council of 9 had her. And now, the only way to get her back was to step into the very trap they had set. Isha leaned forward, her piercing gaze fixed on him. ¡°You understand what¡¯s at stake now?¡± Vihan exhaled sharply. ¡°Yeah.¡± Isha tapped the table. ¡°Good. Because if we do this wrong, we won¡¯t be getting her back. And you won¡¯t be walking out alive.¡± Zara smirked. ¡°I like her. She¡¯s very motivating.¡± Vihan ignored her. ¡°Where is Asha?¡± The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Isha slid a small tablet across the table. A grainy satellite image appeared on the screen¡ªa fortress-like building near the docks, surrounded by high walls and surveillance towers. The logo of a pharmaceutical corporation was stamped in the corner. Vihan frowned. ¡°This is a lab.¡± Isha nodded. ¡°One of many that the Council controls. Officially, it¡¯s a research facility. Unofficially, it¡¯s a place where they take people they don¡¯t want the world to know about.¡± Zara leaned closer, studying the map. ¡°And you¡¯re sure she¡¯s there?¡± Isha sighed. ¡°I know how the Council operates. If they have her, that¡¯s where they¡¯ll be keeping her.¡± Vihan¡¯s stomach twisted. ¡°Why take her alive?¡± Isha hesitated before answering. ¡°Because they think she knows something about the book. And if she doesn¡¯t, they¡¯ll make sure she does.¡± Vihan¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°We need to get her out. Fast.¡± Zara grinned. ¡°Now you¡¯re talking.¡± Isha pulled out a small USB drive and slid it across the table. ¡°This is a backdoor into their security system. It won¡¯t shut everything down, but it¡¯ll buy you a few minutes before the alarms trigger.¡± Vihan picked it up, feeling the cold weight of it in his palm. ¡°And you¡¯re just giving this to us?¡± Isha smiled faintly. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I have my own reasons for wanting to see the Council bleed.¡± Zara clapped her hands together. ¡°Alright, then. Break into a heavily fortified black-site lab with minimal time, no backup, and enemies who want us dead. Sounds fun.¡± Vihan shot her a look. ¡°I hate you sometimes.¡± Zara winked. ¡°That¡¯s how I know I¡¯m doing my job right.¡± Isha stood. ¡°We move at dawn.¡± Vihan¡¯s grip tightened around the book. This wasn¡¯t just about Asha anymore. This was about the truth. And the truth was far more dangerous than he had ever imagined. Chapter 17: The Infiltration The city was still cloaked in darkness when Vihan, Zara, and Isha approached the outskirts of the docks. The air was thick with the scent of salt and diesel, the distant hum of cargo ships cutting through the silence. Vihan¡¯s heart pounded as he crouched behind a stack of rusted shipping containers, his eyes locked onto their target¡ªa towering, concrete facility surrounded by floodlights and barbed wire fences. This was it. This was where the Council of 9 was keeping Asha. ¡°This place is a fortress,¡± Vihan whispered, his breath forming thin clouds in the cold air. Zara, crouched beside him, smirked. ¡°Good thing I like breaking into fortresses.¡± Isha knelt next to them, pulling out a small tablet. The glow from the screen illuminated her sharp features. ¡°The external security system runs on a closed network. That USB drive I gave you will let you access it once you¡¯re inside, but you¡¯ll only have about ten minutes before they lock you out.¡± Vihan nodded, his grip tightening around the drive in his pocket. ¡°That¡¯s all I need.¡± Isha glanced up at the watchtower, where two guards patrolled lazily, their rifles slung over their shoulders. ¡°We need a distraction to get you in. Zara?¡± Zara grinned. ¡°Thought you¡¯d never ask.¡± She pulled a small, metallic sphere from her jacket and pressed a button. The device beeped twice before she rolled it toward a pile of oil drums near the far end of the facility. Three seconds later, an explosion ripped through the night. Flames roared upward as metal debris scattered across the dock. The alarm blared instantly, red lights flashing as guards scrambled toward the source of the blast. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. ¡°Go!¡± Isha hissed. Vihan didn¡¯t hesitate. He sprinted across the open yard, his footsteps silent against the cold pavement. Zara was right behind him, moving with practiced ease as they reached the base of the facility¡¯s outer wall. Vihan pulled a small, collapsible grappling hook from his bag. He flung it upward, catching the edge of the wall before testing its hold. ¡°You first,¡± he whispered. Zara gave him a mock salute before scaling the rope with ease. Vihan followed, his muscles straining as he pulled himself over the top. They landed silently on the other side. No turning back now. --- The interior of the building was sterile¡ªcold metal walls, flickering fluorescent lights, the faint hum of security cameras tracking every movement. Vihan pulled out the USB drive and located a wall-mounted access panel. He slid the drive into the port, his fingers moving swiftly over the touchscreen. Lines of code flashed across the display. *Security Override: Processing¡­ 23%* Footsteps echoed down the hallway. Zara pulled out her knife, pressing her back against the wall. ¡°Hurry up, genius.¡± Vihan¡¯s pulse quickened as the progress bar inched forward. *Security Override: 78%* The footsteps grew louder. A shadow appeared at the corner of the hallway. Zara moved before the guard even had a chance to react. She grabbed him, twisting his arm behind his back before slamming his head against the metal wall. He slumped to the floor, unconscious. Vihan glanced at her. ¡°Remind me never to make you angry.¡± Zara winked. ¡°Smart man.¡± *Security Override: 100% ¨C Temporary Lockdown Initiated* The screen flashed green. The cameras powered down. The electronic locks disengaged. Vihan pulled out his tablet and quickly accessed the facility¡¯s schematics. ¡°Asha¡¯s being held two levels down in a high-security wing.¡± Zara adjusted her grip on her knife. ¡°Then let¡¯s go get her.¡± They moved swiftly through the empty corridors, ducking into the shadows whenever patrols passed. The facility was eerily quiet¡ªtoo quiet. Vihan¡¯s gut told him something was wrong. And then, as they rounded the final corner, he saw why. Asha wasn¡¯t in a cell. She was standing in the middle of the corridor, completely unharmed. And she was waiting for them. Vihan skidded to a stop. ¡°Asha?¡± She turned slowly, her expression unreadable. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have come.¡± Zara tensed beside him. ¡°This feels like a trap.¡± Vihan¡¯s chest tightened. ¡°Asha¡­ what¡¯s going on?¡± A shadow moved behind her. Then another. And another. Figures in dark suits stepped into view¡ªsilent, waiting, watching. And in the center of them stood the man from the rooftop. The one who had known Vihan¡¯s name. He smiled. ¡°Welcome, Vihan.¡± Chapter 18: The Council鈥檚 Gambit Vihan¡¯s breath hitched as the man from the rooftop stepped forward, his polished black shoes clicking against the sterile floor. The Council¡¯s agents flanked him in eerie silence, their eyes cold and calculating. Asha stood among them, unharmed, her expression unreadable. ¡°You¡¯ve made quite the effort to get here,¡± the man said smoothly. ¡°But I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t be leaving the way you came.¡± Vihan¡¯s fingers twitched toward his bag, where the Bhagavad Gita lay hidden. ¡°Let her go.¡± The man chuckled. ¡°Let her go? Vihan, she was never a prisoner.¡± Vihan¡¯s stomach twisted. ¡°What?¡± Asha finally spoke, her voice soft but steady. ¡°They didn¡¯t capture me, Vihan. I came willingly.¡± The world seemed to tilt for a moment. Zara¡¯s grip tightened around her knife. ¡°Tell me she¡¯s lying.¡± Vihan shook his head. ¡°No. No, that doesn¡¯t make sense. Asha, they attacked us. They tried to kill us.¡± Asha exhaled. ¡°They were never trying to kill us. They were trying to stop us from making a mistake.¡± Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. The man smiled approvingly. ¡°Smart girl.¡± Vihan clenched his fists. ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡± Asha took a slow step forward. ¡°The book, Vihan. It¡¯s not what we think it is.¡± Vihan took an involuntary step back. ¡°We saw the prophecy. Kalki isn¡¯t coming to save the world¡ªhe¡¯s coming to burn it down.¡± The man nodded. ¡°And that¡¯s exactly why we¡¯ve spent decades ensuring that prophecy never comes to pass.¡± Zara scoffed. ¡°Oh, I get it now. You¡¯re the good guys, rewriting history to keep everyone safe?¡± The man didn¡¯t seem fazed. ¡°The truth is often more complicated than morality allows.¡± Vihan¡¯s mind raced. He had spent his entire life searching for answers, believing the Council of 9 was a shadowy force controlling the world for their own gain. But now, standing here, hearing this¡­ He wasn¡¯t sure what to believe anymore. Asha turned to him, her eyes pleading. ¡°Vihan, if we let this book out into the world, it will destroy everything.¡± Vihan swallowed. ¡°Then why did my mother protect it?¡± The man¡¯s smile faded slightly. ¡°Because she didn¡¯t have all the pieces.¡± A door behind him slid open with a mechanical hiss. A single monitor flickered to life inside the dimly lit room beyond. And then¡ªVihan¡¯s heart nearly stopped. A grainy video feed played. A woman. Bound to a chair. Blood at the edges of her lips. Her face was older, more worn than the last time he had seen her¡ªbut there was no mistaking it. His mother. Alive. Vihan¡¯s world shattered. ¡°She spent years running,¡± the man said quietly. ¡°And now, she has the truth.¡± Vihan barely heard him. His mother. After all these years. His hands trembled. The book, the prophecy, the Council¡ªnone of it mattered anymore. Only one thought burned in his mind. He was getting her back. No matter the cost. Chapter 19: The Truth She Died For Vihan¡¯s breath caught in his throat. The grainy video looped on the screen, his mother¡¯s figure bound to a chair, her face pale and bruised, but unmistakably alive. His pulse roared in his ears. She wasn¡¯t gone. She had never been gone. Zara¡¯s voice was the first to cut through the suffocating silence. ¡°Is this real?¡± The man in the suit¡ªthe Council¡¯s puppet master¡ªfolded his hands behind his back. ¡°It¡¯s as real as the book you¡¯re carrying.¡± Vihan barely registered his words. His vision blurred, every muscle in his body locked in place as he stared at the screen. ¡°Asha¡­¡± His voice cracked. ¡°Did you know?¡± Asha swallowed hard. ¡°I suspected. But I didn¡¯t know until now.¡± Vihan turned sharply to the man. ¡°Where is she?¡± The man exhaled slowly, as if speaking to a stubborn child. ¡°She¡¯s safe. And she will remain safe¡ªif you make the right choice.¡± Vihan¡¯s fingers curled into fists. ¡°And what exactly is the ¡®right choice¡¯?¡± The man gestured toward the bag slung over Vihan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You already know.¡± Vihan¡¯s grip tightened. ¡°The book.¡± The man nodded. ¡°Hand it over. Give up this ridiculous pursuit of truth, and she lives.¡± The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Vihan¡¯s heart pounded. Every part of him screamed that this was a trick. That the Council never made clean deals. That the second he handed them the Bhagavad Gita, his mother¡¯s fate would be sealed. But she was alive. That changed everything. Zara took a slow step forward, her voice low. ¡°Vihan. Think. If your mother had the book and never gave it up, why would you?¡± Vihan¡¯s mind was a hurricane of emotion. His mother had died¡ªno, she had survived¡ªprotecting the Bhagavad Gita. If she had believed it was worth that sacrifice, could he really betray her now? But if she was still alive, he could save her. The man¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts. ¡°Your mother carried that book across continents. She hid it, ran from us, fought to protect it. And for what? A prophecy that spells the end of the world?¡± He shook his head. ¡°She made the wrong choice, Vihan. You don¡¯t have to.¡± Vihan¡¯s breath was shallow. His fingers twitched toward the bag¡¯s zipper. And then¡ª The screen flickered. Static crackled across the image. Zara turned sharply. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± The man¡¯s expression darkened as he gestured for one of his agents to check the monitor. Then the screen stabilized, and the grainy video resumed. Only this time¡ª His mother moved. Her head lifted slightly, her eyes locking onto the camera. And then, she spoke. ¡°Vihan¡­ don¡¯t trust them.¡± Vihan¡¯s body went cold. The man¡¯s face twisted into a scowl. ¡°Shut it down.¡± But before his agents could react, his mother¡¯s voice came through again, louder, stronger. ¡°Run.¡± The screen cut to black. For a split second, the world stood still. Then Vihan moved. Before the Council¡¯s agents could react, he ripped the Bhagavad Gita from his bag and swung it like a weapon, slamming it into the closest guard¡¯s face. Zara was already a step ahead, flipping a knife from her belt and driving it into another attacker¡¯s leg. Asha hesitated for only a moment before she grabbed a chair and smashed it against the control panel, plunging the room into darkness. The man in the suit¡¯s voice rang out through the chaos. ¡°Stop them!¡± Vihan grabbed Asha¡¯s wrist. ¡°We have to go¡ªnow!¡± Zara was already at the door, taking down another agent with a swift elbow to the throat. ¡°You finally made a good decision, genius. Let¡¯s move!¡± The alarms blared. Red lights flooded the corridor as the facility locked down. But Vihan didn¡¯t care. His mother was alive. And he was going to get her back. Chapter 20: The Escape Plan The facility was a maze of sterile hallways and flashing red alarms, but Vihan had no time to think. His mother¡¯s voice still echoed in his mind¡ªDon¡¯t trust them. Run. And that was exactly what he planned to do. Zara led the way, her blade still slick with blood as she took down another guard with a sharp elbow to the ribs. Asha stayed close to Vihan, her breathing heavy, her face pale with shock. The man in the suit¡ªwhoever he was¡ªwas still behind them, barking orders, but they had seconds at best before more reinforcements arrived. Vihan¡¯s heart pounded. His mind was screaming, calculating. They had entered through the rooftop, but that was no longer an option. The only way out now was through the lower levels¡ªtoward the loading docks. ¡°Where¡¯s the exit?¡± Asha asked between breaths. Vihan¡¯s eyes darted to a wall-mounted terminal. He yanked his tablet from his bag and plugged it in, fingers flying over the screen. A map of the facility flickered to life. ¡°There!¡± He pointed to a service elevator at the far end of the corridor. ¡°It leads straight to the docks.¡± Zara wiped her blade against her sleeve. ¡°Then let¡¯s move before more of your fan club shows up.¡± Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. They sprinted down the hallway, but before they reached the elevator, a metal shutter slammed down in front of them, sealing the exit. ¡°Shit,¡± Vihan muttered. A cold voice echoed behind them. ¡°You didn¡¯t think it would be that easy, did you?¡± Vihan spun around. The man in the suit stood at the far end of the hall, his hands clasped behind his back. Six heavily armed guards flanked him, their rifles raised. A slow, deliberate smile spread across his face. ¡°You have something that doesn¡¯t belong to you, Vihan.¡± Vihan swallowed hard, his grip tightening around the book. ¡°Funny, I was about to say the same thing about my mother.¡± The man tilted his head. ¡°She was a fool. And if you keep running, you¡¯ll end up just like her.¡± Zara¡¯s voice was low. ¡°Vihan, if you don¡¯t have a plan, I really hope you start improvising.¡± Vihan¡¯s mind raced. Then he saw it¡ªthe emergency sprinkler system mounted above the guards. His fingers brushed over his tablet, accessing the facility¡¯s controls. The man took a slow step forward. ¡°Give me the book, and I¡¯ll let you live.¡± Vihan smiled. ¡°Yeah¡­ I don¡¯t think so.¡± He pressed a button. The fire suppression system roared to life. A massive spray of liquid nitrogen burst from the ceiling, engulfing the hallway in a freezing mist. The guards shouted as ice formed on their weapons, their movements sluggish. The man in the suit stumbled back, cursing as frost crackled along his sleeves. Zara whooped. ¡°Now that¡¯s improvising!¡± Vihan grabbed Asha¡¯s wrist. ¡°Come on!¡± They pivoted, running toward a ventilation shaft along the side wall. Zara kicked in the grate, motioning for them to crawl through. One by one, they disappeared into the darkness¡ªleaving the man in the suit frozen in place, his furious voice echoing behind them. This wasn¡¯t over. Not by a long shot. Chapter 21: The Unfinished Message The ventilation shaft was tight, the cold metal pressing against Vihan¡¯s back as he crawled forward. The scent of dust and rust filled the narrow space, mixing with the faint sting of liquid nitrogen still lingering in the air. Behind him, Asha¡¯s breathing was quick, controlled. Zara was the last one in, pulling the grate back into place before whispering, ¡°If I die crawling through this, I¡¯m haunting you both.¡± Vihan ignored her. His thoughts were still spinning. His mother was alive. And she had warned him. "Don¡¯t trust them." Asha had switched sides¡ªor so she claimed. And the Council had wanted the Bhagavad Gita not just to keep it hidden, but to rewrite it. But none of that mattered right now. Right now, they had to get out. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Vihan checked his tablet. The vents led toward a secondary exit near the docks. If they were lucky, they could slip out before the entire facility went on full lockdown. ¡°Keep moving,¡± he whispered. Zara muttered something about hating small spaces, but they pressed forward. Minutes passed, stretching into what felt like hours. Then, finally, they reached another grate. Through it, Vihan could see an empty corridor. He twisted the screws loose, careful not to make noise, and dropped down onto the cold floor. Asha followed. Then Zara. They barely had time to breathe before the emergency speakers crackled to life. A distorted voice filled the corridor. "*Vihan.*" His blood ran cold. The others froze. The voice wasn¡¯t the man in the suit. It wasn¡¯t a Council agent. It was her. His mother. ¡°Vihan,¡± her voice repeated, laced with static. ¡°If you¡¯re hearing this¡­ then you¡¯re close.¡± Asha sucked in a sharp breath. Zara¡¯s grip tightened on her knife. The voice continued, weaker this time. ¡°They don¡¯t want the book¡­ They want¡­ the¡ª¡± The transmission cut out. Silence. Then, a slow click echoed from the far end of the hall. The sound of a gun being cocked. Vihan turned¡ª And found himself face to face with the man in the suit. Surrounded. Again. Only this time, there was no vent to escape through. And the Council was done playing games. Chapter 22: The Price of Truth The man in the suit stood at the far end of the hall, his polished black shoes clicking against the floor as he stepped forward. The Council¡¯s guards flanked him, their rifles raised, red lasers cutting through the dim light. Vihan¡¯s heart pounded. The recording¡ªhis mother¡¯s voice¡ªwas still ringing in his ears. "They don¡¯t want the book¡­ They want¡­ the¡ª" The what? What had she been trying to say? The man sighed as he adjusted the cuffs of his pristine jacket. ¡°You¡¯re persistent. I¡¯ll give you that.¡± Zara shifted her stance, her knife hidden beneath the folds of her jacket. ¡°You¡¯re really committed to the whole ¡®evil mastermind¡¯ aesthetic, huh?¡± The man smirked. ¡°Zara. Always the rebel.¡± His eyes flicked to Asha. ¡°And you, Asha¡­ I expected better.¡± Asha¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°I expected the truth.¡± The man exhaled sharply. ¡°The truth?¡± His gaze snapped back to Vihan. ¡°You think you want the truth, boy? You have no idea what¡¯s at stake.¡± Vihan forced himself to breathe. ¡°Then tell me.¡± If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. The man¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Alright, then. Since you seem so determined to throw your life away¡­ let me show you.¡± He motioned to one of his men, who stepped forward with a small, metallic device in his hands¡ªa sleek, black cube no bigger than a fist. Vihan frowned. ¡°What is that?¡± The man tilted his head. ¡°This is what your mother spent years trying to protect. Not the book.¡± His lips curled into a slow smile. ¡°This.¡± Zara tensed. ¡°You¡¯re bluffing.¡± The man chuckled. ¡°Am I?¡± He pressed a button on the cube. The air seemed to bend around it, waves of energy rippling outward like invisible currents. Then¡ª A holographic projection flickered to life in the space between them. And Vihan¡¯s entire world stopped. Because standing there, in the hazy blue light of the projection, was his mother. Not a recording. Not a message. A live feed. She was in a dimly lit room, her wrists bound, her breathing shallow but steady. She wasn¡¯t looking at the camera¡ªshe was looking at him. The man in the suit stepped aside, allowing the projection to remain between them. ¡°See? She¡¯s alive.¡± He clasped his hands behind his back. ¡°And she will stay alive¡ªif you do exactly as I say.¡± Vihan¡¯s fingers twitched at his sides. His mother. Alive. ¡°Where is she?¡± he demanded, his voice raw. The man shook his head. ¡°That¡¯s not the question you should be asking.¡± Vihan¡¯s pulse roared in his ears. ¡°Then what should I be asking?¡± The man smiled. ¡°Why do you think we need you?¡± Vihan froze. Something inside him twisted. ¡°What?¡± The man¡¯s voice was calm. Controlled. ¡°You think you¡¯ve been hunting the truth, Vihan. But the truth has been hunting you.¡± Vihan¡¯s breath caught. The Council didn¡¯t just want the Bhagavad Gita. They wanted him. And he had no idea why. Chapter 23: The Chosen One Vihan¡¯s pulse thundered in his ears. His mother¡¯s image flickered in the hologram, her expression unreadable, her breath shallow. "Why do you think we need you?" The man in the suit¡¯s words coiled around him like a snake, suffocating, squeezing. This wasn¡¯t just about the Bhagavad Gita. It never had been. This was about him. Zara shifted beside him, her grip tightening on her knife. ¡°Whatever game you¡¯re playing, I suggest you start explaining real fast before I carve that smug look off your face.¡± The man chuckled. ¡°Ah, Zara. Always so violent.¡± He turned his gaze back to Vihan. ¡°But this isn¡¯t about her. Or Asha. Or even your mother.¡± He took a slow step forward. ¡°This is about you, Vihan.¡± Vihan clenched his fists. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± The man¡¯s eyes gleamed. ¡°Don¡¯t you?¡± The hologram flickered again, the signal distorting. His mother seemed to struggle against unseen restraints, her lips parting as if to speak. Stolen novel; please report. Then, for the briefest moment, her voice crackled through the static. "You have to¡ª" The feed cut to black. Vihan¡¯s breath hitched. ¡°What did you do?!¡± The man shrugged. ¡°Nothing. The signal isn¡¯t perfect¡ªyet.¡± He studied Vihan carefully. ¡°But that¡¯s why we need you.¡± Zara stepped between them, her body tense. ¡°Yeah, see, that¡¯s not an answer.¡± The man exhaled. ¡°Alright.¡± He clasped his hands behind his back, as if addressing a student rather than a threat. ¡°Tell me, Vihan¡­ do you know why your mother was running?¡± Vihan gritted his teeth. ¡°Because of you.¡± The man shook his head. ¡°No. Because of what¡¯s inside you.¡± The room went silent. Vihan¡¯s stomach twisted. ¡°What?¡± The man¡¯s voice was smooth. Patient. ¡°Your mother wasn¡¯t just protecting the book, Vihan. She was protecting you.¡± Vihan¡¯s breathing grew shallow. ¡°That doesn¡¯t make any sense.¡± The man tilted his head. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it?¡± He stepped closer. ¡°Have you ever wondered why you¡¯ve always been drawn to the prophecy? Why the visions started when you were a child?¡± A chill ran down Vihan¡¯s spine. No. No, this was a trick. The Council manipulated people. They twisted the truth to serve their own ends. But the memories clawed at the back of his mind¡ªthe visions, the voices, the pull toward the temple, the way the Bhagavad Gita had called to him. His whole life, he had felt like he was searching for something. What if¡­ what if he was? The man¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°The prophecy doesn¡¯t just speak of Kalki¡¯s return, Vihan.¡± He leaned in. ¡°It chooses him.¡± Vihan¡¯s body locked up. Zara stiffened. ¡°Okay, nope. We¡¯re done here.¡± She grabbed Vihan¡¯s arm. ¡°We¡¯re leaving.¡± But Vihan couldn¡¯t move. His mind was spiraling, the world tilting beneath his feet. The visions. The pull to the temple. His mother¡¯s desperate protection. The Council hadn¡¯t been searching for Kalki. They had been searching for him. And now, they had found him.