Chapter 15: Echoes Of The Past - 2

Rihan sat cross-legged in the dimly lit chamber of Dr. Ravi's research center. The ancient tome lay open before him, its pages filled with cryptic symbols and instructions that promised to unlock the memories buried deep within his soul. The room was silent, save for the rhythmic hum of the city outside, a constant reminder of the world he had returned to.

Maya sat nearby, her eyes fixed on Rihan, a mixture of concern and hope in her gaze. She had seen him face powerful gods, survive impossible challenges, and uncover the truth of his past. Yet this—diving into the depths of his own mind—felt like the most daunting task yet.

Dr. Ravi stood nearby, his presence a steadying force. Though he couldn't see in the conventional sense, his awareness of the energy in the room was palpable. He guided Rihan through the ritual with calm, measured words.

"You must focus on your breath," Dr. Ravi instructed. "Feel it flow in and out, like the tides of an ancient sea. Let it carry you deeper into yourself, past the layers of your current life."

Rihan closed his eyes, following the instructions. His breath became his anchor, a constant amidst the swirling thoughts in his mind. Slowly, the world around him began to fade away. The sounds of the city, the feel of the floor beneath him, even the presence of Maya and Dr. Ravi—all of it dissolved into the background.

He found himself descending into a vast, dark expanse. It was like floating in a void, weightless and untethered. But as he sank deeper, flashes of light began to pierce the darkness. At first, they were brief and indistinct, like memories just out of reach. But with each breath, the flashes grew clearer.

A battlefield—he saw it again, but this time, it was not just a vision. It was real. The clashing of steel, the cries of warriors, the smell of blood-soaked earth. He was there, standing amidst the chaos, the weight of the *Vijayadanusu* bow in his hands. He felt the power of Parshuram's teachings coursing through him, guiding his every move.

But then the scene shifted.

He was in a different place now—a quiet, serene village. The sounds of war were gone, replaced by the gentle murmur of a river flowing nearby. Rihan saw himself walking through the village, greeted by warm smiles and respectful bows. And then, he saw them—two women, their faces clear as day. Vrushali and Supriya. His wives.

The memories flooded in—moments of peace, of love, of shared laughter and quiet conversations. But alongside them came the pain—the loss, the separation, the burden of duty that had pulled him away from them time and time again.

Rihan's heart ached as he relived those moments. He saw himself leaving the village, promising to return, but knowing deep down that he might never see them again. He felt the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him, the knowledge that his path was one of sacrifice.

"Rihan, can you hear me?"

Dr. Ravi's voice echoed in the void, distant but grounding. Rihan focused on it, pulling himself back from the depths of the memories.

"Yes," Rihan whispered, his voice strained. "I'm here."

"Good," Dr. Ravi said. "You've unlocked some of the memories. But remember, these are just pieces of the whole. Don't lose yourself in them."

Rihan nodded, though the pain of the memories lingered. He felt the pull of the past, the desire to stay in those moments of peace. But he knew he couldn't. There was too much at stake.

With a deep breath, he began to ascend, pulling himself back to the present. The memories faded, though they remained imprinted on his soul, clearer now than they had ever been.

When Rihan opened his eyes, he was back in the chamber. The dim light of the room was a stark contrast to the vividness of the memories he had just experienced. He felt drained, both physically and emotionally, but also more complete than he had been in a long time.

Maya was at his side in an instant, her hand on his shoulder. "Rihan? Are you alright?"

Rihan nodded slowly. "I… I remember them. Vrushali and Supriya. They were my wives. I loved them… and I left them behind."

Maya's eyes softened with understanding, though he noticed a flicker of something else—perhaps jealousy—briefly cross her face. But she quickly masked it, focusing on him.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly.

Rihan shook his head, looking at her more closely now. As he did, a realization hit him with a force that almost took his breath away. The way Maya looked at him, the concern in her eyes, the way her presence brought him comfort—it was all too familiar. She wasn't just anyone; she was *Vrushali*. His heart pounded with the recognition, but he knew he couldn't tell her. Not now. Not when everything was so uncertain.

"It's not your fault," Rihan said gently. "It was my path… my destiny. But knowing that doesn't make it any easier."

Dr. Ravi approached, his presence as calm as ever. "You've taken an important step, Rihan. The past is part of you, but it doesn't define you. What matters now is how you move forward."

Rihan met his gaze, feeling the weight of those words. He knew Dr. Ravi was right. The memories were painful, but they were also a source of strength. They reminded him of who he was—not just Karna, the warrior, but the man who had loved, lost, and continued to fight.

"We need to stop Andhakasura," Rihan said, his voice steady with newfound resolve. "For the sake of this world—and for those who came before."

Maya squeezed his shoulder, offering silent support. "We will. Together."

As they left the chamber, Rihan felt a sense of clarity. The past was no longer a shadow lurking at the edges of his mind. It was part of him, and with it, he would forge his path forward. The battle ahead would be fierce, but with Maya by his side and the strength of his past fueling him, Rihan knew he was ready.

Yet, as they stepped out into the bustling streets of New Varanasi, he couldn't help but glance at Maya. She had no idea of the connection they once shared. And for now, he would keep it that way. There were battles to fight, and he couldn't afford to let the past complicate the present.

But deep down, he promised himself—when the time was right, he would tell her the truth.