Chapter 1: The Awakening

Anuj had always been an average guy—a white-collar worker living a straightforward life in 2024. Like many others, he had his share of dreams and frustration.

Nothing about him was particularly remarkable. He spent his days in front of a computer, crunching numbers and fantasizing about winning the lottery or stumbling upon a million-dollar idea.

His real escape was in movies and games, where he could immerse himself in these worlds far more exciting than his own. One movie, in particular, had left a lasting impression on him—Brahmastra. The tale of mystical powers, ancient secrets, and the clash of titans had captivated him, though it was just fiction.

When Anuj woke up one morning to find himself reborn in the 1960s, everything changed. He had no idea how it had happened, but there he was, a child once more, living in a different time. The world seemed oddly familiar. At first, Anuj had been convinced it was all a bad dream.

As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Anuj resigned himself to his new life. His memories of the future were still intact, and with them, a sense of urgency. He wanted to be rich and powerful, not like his previous life, just to be a cog in the machine.

For years, he lived as any other boy in his small town. He went to school, played with friends, and tried to figure out how he could leverage his knowledge of the future. He fantasized about becoming rich, using his foresight to make smart investments, or inventing something ahead of its time.

But without the technology and resources of the future, all his ideas seemed impractical. So, he kept his head down, waiting for the right moment to act and to become rich.

Anuj's life was, until the age of ten, unremarkable. Born to Dhananjay and Priya, respected persons in their own right, he lived a life filled with discipline and knowledge. Yet, he was untouched by the true nature of his heritage. His father, Dhananjay, was a master of the Dhanush Astra, a bow with unerring accuracy.

His mother, Priya, wielded the Naga Astra, giving her the agility and venomous precision of a mythical serpent. They had raised Anuj with care, instilling in him the values of courage, honor, and respect for the heritage and culture of their society.

The day started like any other. Anuj woke up, went through his morning routine, and headed outside to play. As he wandered through the fields, a strange sensation washed over him. It was subtle, just a slight tingling in his chest, like a flicker of warmth that seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.

Confused, Anuj tried to shake it off, but the feeling persisted. By the time he returned home, the sensation had become too much to ignore. Without a word, he approached his father, Dhananjay, who was sitting in the courtyard.

"Papa, I… I feel weird," Anuj said, unsure of how to describe what was happening. Dhananjay looked up, concern flashing in his eyes. "What do you mean, Anuj? What's wrong?"

Anuj hesitated, then tried to explain the strange warmth he felt in his chest. It seemed to pulse with a life of its own. His father listened intently, his expression growing more serious with every word. "Come with me," Dhananjay said, his voice calm but firm.

He led Anuj to a quiet room inside their home and closed the door behind them. "What you're feeling, Anuj, is the awakening of your astra,"

Dhananjay said, his tone grave. "It's something I hoped would happen, though I didn't expect it so soon."

Anuj blinked in surprise. "My astra? You mean like in the serials…?" He still couldn't believe his ears—he was going to be a mythical warrior like Arjun, Karna. So cool. His eyes blinked in wonder.

Dhananjay frowned, not understanding the reference. "This is no story, Anuj. The astras are real, and they are powerful beyond measure. They are not toys or simple tools—they are ancient, mystical ornaments that bestow extraordinary abilities upon their bearers."

Anuj: "Papa, what exactly is an astra? You keep talking about them, but I'm still confused. Are they weapons or something else?"

Dhananjay: (smiling slightly) "Anuj, an astra is much more than just a weapon. It's an ancient, mystical force, deeply tied to the essence of the universe itself. Imagine an object or energy that can connect with a warrior's soul, granting them extraordinary abilities."

Anuj: "So, they're like superpowers?"

Dhananjay: "In a way, yes. But unlike the powers you might see in stories, astras are rooted in ancient wisdom and mythology. They draw from the natural elements, mythological creatures, legendary weapons, or even powers beyond our understanding."

Anuj felt a chill run down his spine. He had always assumed that astra was just a work of fiction. Now he realized he was living in that very world. This wasn't just some strange coincidence—he was in the real world living and eating.

Seeing confusion in his son's eyes, Dhananjay began to explain. "There are different types of astras, each with its own powers and characteristics. The one that has awakened within you will reveal itself in time. You must understand that this is only the beginning."

"The path of a warrior is not an easy one," Dhananjay continued, "and the power of the astra comes with great responsibility."

Seeing the confusion and fear in Anuj's eyes, Dhananjay softened his tone. "Let me explain a bit more about these astras. They are divided into four main types, each with unique powers and abilities."

Anuj nodded, listening carefully. "The first type is the Elemental Type Astra," Dhananjay continued. "These astras are tied to the elements—fire, water, earth, air, and so on. A warrior chosen by an elemental astra can control these forces, shaping them to their will."

"At first, they might only be able to manipulate the element in small ways," Dhananjay said, "but as they grow more powerful, they can summon and command these elements with devastating effect. Imagine being able to create a firestorm with a single gesture or summon a flood to sweep away entire cities."

"The second type," Dhananjay began, "is the Animal Type Astra. These astras are connected to mythological animals—beasts of legend with extraordinary powers. When an animal astra chooses its bearer, it grants abilities that reflect the nature of that mythological animal."

Anuj's mind raced as he tried to absorb all this information. He remembered the characters from the movie, the way they wielded their astras with such power and grace. But this wasn't a movie—this was his life now.

"The third type is the Weapon Type Astra," Dhananjay said. "These astras manifest as legendary weapons—bows, swords, spears, and more. A weapon astra grants its bearer unparalleled skill in combat, allowing them to wield their weapon with deadly precision."

"They consist of skills that make them more deadly than ordinary astras," he added. "The Dhanush Astra, for example, manifests as a bow that never misses its mark. In the hands of a skilled warrior, it can strike down enemies from great distances with unerring accuracy."

"And finally," Dhananjay concluded, "there is the Abnormal Type Astra. These are the most unpredictable of all. They don't fit neatly into any category and can grant abilities that defy explanation—mind control, shape-shifting, even the power to manipulate time and space." Anything is possible but they are not awakened generally and if awakened their full potential can't be bought out

"These astras are rare, and their true potential is often unknown until they are fully awakened," Dhananjay said. He went on to describe the three tiers of astra mastery. "The first tier is where every warrior begins. Here, you learn to harness the basic powers of your astra."

"It is only at the end of this stage that you can manifest the spirit of your astra, as the great warriors of old did," he explained. Anuj listened intently, his mind racing with the possibilities. He could hardly believe that he might soon be able to command such incredible powers.

"But he also understood the gravity of the situation," Dhananjay continued. "This was not a game or a mere story—it was real, and it would change his life forever."

"The second tier," Dhananjay said, "is where the bond between you and your astra deepens. You gain control over its powers, unlock latent abilities, and gain some resistance to the Brahmastra, the ultimate weapon."

"But remember, Anuj," he added, "with this power comes great responsibility."

Finally, Dhananjay spoke of the third tier, the stuff of legends. "In the third tier, you and your astra become one. It is always with you. You and the astra are one."

Now he was finally able to connect the dots. He was in the story of the movie Brahmastra but much before the start of the story. He remembered the story of Brahmastra all too well, including the fate of those who crossed paths with Dev, the antagonist destined to rise to power.

The thought of his parents meeting such a fate haunted him, but he was just a child—what could he possibly do? Anuj felt a heavy weight settle on his shoulders. He had spent so much time dreaming about getting rich, using his knowledge of the future to his advantage.

But now he was faced with a reality far more daunting than he had ever imagined. The power of the astras was real, and it was now his responsibility. But there was one more thing Anuj needed to know—something that had been gnawing at the back of his mind ever since his father started talking about astras.

"What about the Brahmastra, Papa?" Anuj asked quietly. "Is it real too?" Dhananjay's expression darkened. "Yes, Anuj, the Brahmastra is real. It is the most powerful of all the astras—the ultimate weapon. It has the power to destroy the entire world, to reduce everything to ashes with a single wave of its power."

"But it is also the most dangerous," he continued, "for its power is nearly impossible to control. Only those who have mastered their astra to the third tier can even hope to wield it, and even then, the risk is great. The Brahmastra must only be used in the most critical of circumstances."

"For its misuse could bring about the end of all things," Dhananjay warned. Anuj swallowed hard, the enormity of what his father was saying sinking in. He remembered the story from the movie, the way the Brahmastra had been used in the final battle, nearly bringing the world to ruin.

But this wasn't just a story anymore—this was his reality. Dhananjay placed a reassuring hand on his son's shoulder. "I know this is a lot to take in, Anuj, but you must understand that you have been awakened. The power of the astra is not something to be taken lightly."

"But it can also be a force for good," he added. "You have the potential to do great things, to protect those you love, and to make a difference in the world. But you must be careful, for the path ahead is fraught with danger."

Anuj nodded slowly, still trying to process everything his father had told him. He had always been a laid-back kind of guy, content to go with the flow and take life as it came. But now, it seemed that life had other plans for him—plans that involved powers and responsibilities far beyond what he had ever imagined.

Despite his fear and uncertainty, Anuj couldn't shake the feeling that this was going to be a tough road and that he was meant to play a role in the events to come. He didn't know how or why, but he knew that he couldn't turn away from it now. And he would not, for who would turn away from the power that is in the myths?

He doesn't want Brahmastra, but some other Astras will work; he doesn't want to be protaginist, as it corrupts people. There is a saying that a villain is just a former hero that wants revenge from society.

And he doesn't want to be in such a tragic tale. He just wants to protect everyone he desires, resist Dev until he is sealed, and then live the life of a man without care of anything in the world.

He yearns for such power as every boy does, and he wants it. Also, his parents would certainly fight Dev in the future, and he, being their son, couldn't stop them. He had to be strong, strong enough to protect himself and his parents. He needed the power to do so—the power of astras.