Chapter 2: The Revelation

The following day, Rihan's apartment felt more oppressive than ever. The echoes of his vision haunted him, and the weight of the bowstick, Vijayadanusu, seemed heavier than before. As he waited for Maya to arrive, his mind raced through the implications of his experience. The ancient battlefield, the divine figure—everything felt too real to dismiss.

The doorbell rang, and Rihan quickly answered it. Maya stepped inside, her face a mixture of concern and determination. She had been up all night, researching the artifact and ancient texts, her commitment to understanding what was happening evident in her weary eyes.

"Hey," Maya said, her voice steady. "I'm here. Let's talk."

Rihan led her to the living room, where the bowstick still lay on the table. Maya's gaze immediately went to the artifact, and she took a seat opposite Rihan, ready for whatever he had to say.

"Okay, I've been thinking about what you told me," Maya began. "It's hard to believe, but considering everything we've seen, I'm willing to hear you out. So, what happened last night?"

Rihan took a deep breath. "I told you I had a vision. I wasn't just seeing things; I was there. I saw myself as Karna. The vision was so vivid, so real. I felt every sensation, every emotion of the battlefield. I saw the divine figure—he said I am Karna, reborn."

Maya's eyes widened. "Karna? The great warrior from the Mahabharata? That's… that's a lot to take in."

"I know," Rihan said, frustration evident in his voice. "I've been trying to make sense of it all. The figure said I've been chosen to continue a battle that never truly ended. But I don't understand what that means. Why now? Why me?"

Maya glanced at the bowstick, her expression thoughtful. "The artifact is clearly significant. But if your vision was real, then it might be tied to something much bigger than we can grasp. We need to approach this systematically."

"What do you suggest?" Rihan asked, eager for a direction.

"First, we need to investigate the origins of the bowstick more thoroughly," Maya said. "Find out why it was in that temple and what its purpose might be. There might be texts or legends that could shed light on its significance."

"Agreed," Rihan said. "I've already tried looking into it, but I haven't found much. Maybe we need to consult experts in ancient mythology or historical scholars."

"Also," Maya added, "we should consider reaching out to someone who might have a deeper understanding of mystical or divine phenomena. There could be people who have studied such occurrences or have knowledge of ancient reincarnations."

Rihan nodded, feeling a sense of purpose return. "I'll start by visiting some archives and contacting historians. If there are any specialists in divine relics or reincarnations, we need to find them."

As they discussed their next steps, the apartment's calm atmosphere was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within Rihan. The weight of his past life pressed heavily on him, but with Maya's support, he felt a glimmer of hope.

"I'm glad you're here with me, Maya," Rihan said sincerely. "I don't think I could handle this alone."

Maya smiled, though her expression remained serious. "We'll get through this together. Whatever it is, we'll uncover the truth. And if you really are Karna reborn, then it's our responsibility to find out what that means for you—and for the world."

Rihan looked at the bowstick again, its symbols now glowing more intensely. "Whatever lies ahead, I'm ready to face it. I just hope we can uncover the answers before it's too late."

The two friends set out to unravel the mystery of the bowstick and Rihan's divine past, their quest beginning with research and consultations. As they delved deeper into the enigmatic past, they were unaware of the cosmic forces at play, setting the stage for a journey that would test their courage, resolve, and belief in the power of legends.