Prologue1

"Is it really something you enjoy discussing at your age?" The old man's surprise was evident in his raised eyebrows as he engaged in a conversation with the young boy who had recently moved into the neighborhood. He had always believed that the younger generation lacked interest in such profound discussions. Yet, either his lifetime of experience had been mistaken, or this young boy was a remarkable exception.

"Does it seem strange, Kaka? Shouldn't I strive to acquire at least this much knowledge?" The young boy, Krishna, responded with a smile. For the past two hours, Krishna had passionately delved into conversations about dharma and history, captivating the old man's attention. At the tender age of 16, Krishna possessed incredible potential and had been sent to study in the vibrant city of Delhi, leaving behind his humble village.

Back in his village, Krishna was revered as a prodigy, a beacon of hope for the entire community. Recognizing his exceptional abilities, the village schools eagerly facilitated his journey toward a prosperous future. Despite the limited resources available, they managed to arrange for Krishna's education in Delhi.

Grateful for the opportunities bestowed upon him, Krishna acknowledged that it wasn't a lavish lifestyle, but he cherished everything he had. Because he had spent most of his life there and what they did for him, he couldn't help but long for the familiarity of his village. The stark contrast between the stories he had heard about the city and the reality he experienced left him pondering. Times had changed, and the nation itself was undergoing a transformative identity crisis. Was it still India, Bharat, or Aryavartha? The definitive answer seemed elusive. Amidst these uncertain conversations, Ramu Kaka and Krishna discovered a shared optimistic outlook, surprising each other with their mutual positivity.

Upon arriving in the city, Krishna secured a modest rented house to call his own. Such accommodations were becoming increasingly scarce, emphasizing the vast disparity between his current living situation and the simplicity of village life he had grown accustomed to. With the acquisition of his unique identification number (UID) and an internet subscription, Krishna embraced the realization of his official presence in the city. As he stepped into his new abode, a familiar voice reached his ears for the first time — Ramu Kaka, a spirited seventy-year-old who introduced himself as Krishna's neighbor. 

Once an esteemed member of the city's official forces, Ramu Kaka was a retired city official with a sturdy build and a bushy mustache. He had a prosperous family with two sons. However, as time passed, circumstances had changed. After the passing of his wife, the relationships within his family deteriorated, and Ramu Kaka divided their inherited properties among them. With his pension savings, he purchased a new house in the neighborhood just a year ago. Yet, living alone and engulfed in sadness, each day felt like an eternity. However, the arrival of this young, talkative, and humorous boy changed everything.

In Ramu Kaka's eyes, Krishna, despite his perceived frailty, was now like his very own grandchild. It had been only two weeks since Krishna had joined the neighborhood, yet they had already were like a family.

Mostly, Krishna would visit Ramu Kaka's house, and together they would prepare meals and engage in heartfelt conversations on a myriad of topics. The grandfather and grandson-like bond between them grew stronger with each passing day, creating a sense of warmth and belonging in Krishna's new surroundings. Many stories Ramu Kaka shared contradicted the cautionary tales Krishna had heard from his fellow villagers, who warned him about the coldness of city dwellers. Ramu Kaka was a living testament to the kindness and warmth that still existed amidst the urban landscape. Despite his modest attire, made of simple cotton instead of luxurious silk, Ramu Kaka had an infectious spirit that captivated Krishna's perception. 

Several more days passed by and before he knew it was time for him to go to his new school, Krishna was ready and excited. As the bus approached their destination, Krishna bid a cheerful farewell to Ramu Kaka. "I'll see you in the evening, Kaka," he exclaimed with a radiant smile. However, just as Krishna boarded the bus and it departed on its predetermined course, he felt an inexplicable sensation, And what unfolded in front of his eyes what not something he had expected at all.

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Far away from Delhi in the heart of Kushawati another young boy was sitting on the wall of the fourth floor, his hands were decorated with beads of Tulsi and Rudrakshas while on his neck there was a necklace with a crystal-like stone, his body was tan in color and his curly hair was reaching in length till his neck, he was not too muscular rather feminine from his looks but that was just it. Sitting on the fourth floor with his legs towards the side where stood absolutely nothing, he was reading something on his tablet.

"Vishnu come down, the demon is coming", suddenly a voice shouted, 

"Wha- D.. D- Demon?", the tab almost slipped from his hands which he caught and but in doing so he found himself now hanging from the top, he would have fallen down and most likely died if his rudrakshas weren't stuck in the screw dug in the wall, "Well - I guess I just have bad luck", Uckk he tried his best and then jumped back to the fourth floor, "hmph, I guess I didn't die today- that's good. I am alive, wow. It's great. I am alive.", he kept talking to himself, 

"Not till long, you won't be", a voice suddenly interrupted his conversation with himself. 

'I really have bad luck, did I kick a cat by mistake? If so forgive me oh cat queen and take this bad luck away, also this demon'.

"M-mm - Maya, Hi! didn't know you were coming- what b- brought u here? you should have just said that you needed me- haha no need to feel-", his fast spoken words came to a halt as he tilted his head 'Tsk, such a moron' he cussed himself as he jumped back in defense. 

Maya really was a dangerous existence, probably the only person who scared him, The entirety of their school remembered Vishnu's words "If I had to I would even go and fight the asuras of ancient times, Not even death scares me". But Maya, she apparently was an existence several times more dangerous than death according to him.

"Vishnu stop or I swear to god-", she said as he kept running around Apparently he was trying to ignore her words, "Vishnu!!", she shouted. He suddenly stopped, his smile vanished for a second, his eyes looked serious, his face looking more profound he took a step, "I am sorry-" "But you will never catch me", he rushed the second set of words as ran towards the stairs as fast as he could eventually jumping and escaping several steps from time to time until he eventually reached the parking lot under the ground floor. 

But his smile became neutral after taking a few steps, something felt different, He was no longer running but rather walking at a pace slower than usual. "Vishnu...", a cold voice echoed through the empty hall, as he stopped.

"Devesh!", it was a tone different than how he usually spoke, these two even though when did not take any action against each other the atmosphere just felt dense even without it. In addition to his usual presence, Vishnu carried a sharp aura that made others realize doesn't matter what you do he will always remain victorious but at the same time, Devesh felt like someone no one could afford to go up against.

"I heard you are about to move out", Devesh said with a calm tone, "And what if I am", Vishnu replied, for some reason both of these people just gave out a feeling of anonymity towards each other, and Maya didn't like seeing these two in front of each other as she had finally come down in the parking area as well. 

"I just came to give you this", Devesh threw something towards him, which Vishnu picked up. "A Letter?", he looked at Devesh with a ridiculous face, "It's not what you think, read it when you are ready. I don't think the girl would love the contents, I would tear it down if I was you without even reading it though.", Devesh said as he turned around and started walking.

'Well, that is exactly why you are dumb', Vishnu kept these thoughts to himself as he turned around. "From - Aiedrow, Mauryan Corporation Ltd; For- Vishnu Arya", The letterhead had a name mentioned Vishnu was slightly familiar with. "Of course, he would want to tear it up, If it's from him I doubt it's something good.", Vishnu opened the letterhead, it was a certificate-like page, 

"Dear Vishnu Arya,

I pen this missive to extend a most esteemed invitation to you, as the distinguished owner of Mauryan Corp Ltd., to participate in an extraordinary endeavor. We are embarking upon the establishment of a prestigious institution that shall serve as a beacon for the elite minds of our great nation. It is with great pleasure that I inform you that you have been handpicked to be part of the inaugural batch.

In the preceding month, I had the privilege of meeting with the esteemed Education Minister and several luminaries from across the continent. Our collective vision has led to the creation of this remarkable institution, dedicated to nurturing and harnessing the exceptional intellects that grace our land. The genesis of this initiative was inspired by our unwavering commitment to fostering the growth and potential of brilliant young minds such as yours.

Your extraordinary academic accomplishments and outstanding achievements in various spheres have not gone unnoticed by our discerning team. We have closely followed your journey and the contributions you have made to your respective fields. It is evident that you possess a fellow mind akin to mine, constantly striving for the betterment of our world.

The commencement of the first batch is scheduled for next week, and we earnestly implore your esteemed presence. This unique opportunity shall pave the way for you to unlock even greater heights of excellence. The prospects that await you within our institution are unparalleled, offering a platform where exceptional minds converge, collaborate, and push the boundaries of knowledge.

I eagerly await your prompt response, as your participation in this pioneering venture is of utmost importance to us. May the fates align and guide you toward embracing this transformative journey. I eagerly anticipate the pleasure of welcoming you to our esteemed institution, where the brightest minds unite in a symphony of intellect and innovation.

Yours sincerely,

Aiedrow 

Owner, Mauryan Corp Ltd." 

the contents of the letter gave a strange feeling he couldn't describe. The letter was a single page but just when he was about to throw it he noticed something written in the bottom corner "PTO" it said, written with a pencil probably. 'still have not changed, that bastard', Vishnu sighed, PTO meant Please Turn Over. He doubted for it to be something interesting or new but regardless he turned it around.

"She is coming! the girl who trampled over us both. We confirmed it last week only.", this filled Vishnu's eyes with an unfamiliar feeling - it reminded him of the first time in his life when he ranked third in any competition, and this girl was the one who had ranked first in the whole country, and now it was a chance to get revenge.

'Well, everything else can wait, he turned around as he faced Maya.

Did she know this already? there was a sad smile on his face, as he looked at Maya. She wanted to ask, 'Are you going to leave? will you abandon me?', but this was a question she already knew the answer to. 

"I am sorry", Vishnu said, "Beat me up if you want to, I most likely deserve it.", he said as he walked towards her. Maya's lips quivered as she tried to speak, but words eluded her. She shook her head slowly, her teary eyes mirroring her heartache, her eyes almost filled with tears, as she looked at him for one last time. "You are cruel till the end.", she said running towards the stairs again. 

The parking lot, once a realm shared only by Maya and Vishnu, lay beneath the building, dimly lit, with the faint hum of distant engines echoing through the concrete walls. Standing there at this very moment, It didn't matter how hard she tried, she still couldn't figure out when she fell for this idiot. She used to talk about her prince charming having all these great qualities, and he was a fool, who couldn't even see how much she liked him till the end. Why? It just didn't make any sense, and now this fool was about to leave, what should she do she couldn't think of anything.

The most beautiful girl of AVM High, also rendered 'The Bullying Demon' by Vishnu arya stood near the balcony as tears flowed from her eyes. If it was not for what he had said she was nothing like a bully or a demon, her beautiful face was comparable to the the best beauties of the country, even when she never put any kind of makeup on. Her hands were nothing like someone who could hurt someone, and her atheletic feminine build just made her look incomparable to anyone in Kushinara, even in whole Magadha. 

She hated the fact that Vishnu couldn't see that most of what she said was just so he could see how much she liked him, even when it was wrapped in anger it was fraustrating why he just couldn't see how much she cared for him. Why couldn't he see how hard it was for her to even do as much she did for him. 

Everyone thought of them as a couple and she didn't even hate it, in the beginning she had shouted at others but after some time it was just normal for them, even when they were not dating, he still made her feel special. 'Why would he do that if hejust had to abandon me', the silence as she cried, broke she didn't hold back anymore, tears flowed constantly from her eyes, unaware that there was someone looking at her crying.

'This is one of the reasons why I hate you Vishnu Arya', Devesh said as he walked towards the next room in the darkness, this was where his spot was. and there was something lying on his table. 

A letter with the text - "From - Aiedrow, Mauryan Corporation Ltd; For- Devesh Kshatriya".