Chapter 17: The Path To Hastinapur

The journey back to New Varanasi had been filled with unease, but now, standing at the threshold of their next challenge, Rihan and Maya felt the weight of fate pulling them forward. The revelation from Professor Kelly had shaken them both—Hastinapur, the very heart of Rihan's past life, would be the stage for their final confrontation with Andhakasura.

The ancient city, once the epicenter of the Mahabharata's great war, now lay in ruins, a shadow of its former glory. The history that coursed through its veins seemed to resonate with Rihan, reminding him that the past was never truly gone.

As they prepared to leave New Varanasi, Rihan glanced at Maya, who was unusually quiet. He knew the revelations had affected her as well, though she tried to hide it. The knowledge that she might be the reincarnation of Vrushali weighed on him. He had chosen not to tell her yet, not until the time was right. But that secret gnawed at him, especially now that they were heading into the unknown.

They boarded a transport that would take them close to the ruins of Hastinapur. The journey through the skies was silent, the landscape below a mix of futuristic cities and vast stretches of untouched wilderness. The contrast between the old world and the new was stark, and it made Rihan wonder what kind of world would emerge after their final battle with Andhakasura.

As the transport descended, the ruins of Hastinapur came into view. Crumbled palaces, broken statues, and remnants of ancient temples dotted the landscape. But there was also something else—an unsettling aura that hung over the place like a dark cloud. It was as if the very air was charged with malevolent energy.

The transport landed, and Rihan and Maya disembarked, their senses heightened. The silence was oppressive, broken only by the distant howl of the wind.

"This place feels… wrong," Maya whispered, her hand instinctively reaching for the weapon she carried.

Rihan nodded, gripping *Vijayadanusu* tightly. "It's the presence of Andhakasura. The closer we get, the stronger his influence will be."

They began their trek through the ruins, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of movement. The landscape was desolate, but every now and then, Rihan could swear he saw shadows flickering at the edges of his vision.

As they ventured deeper into the ruins, the oppressive energy grew stronger. The cracked earth beneath their feet seemed to pulse with dark energy, and the remnants of old battlefields whispered of the violence that had once taken place here.

"Rihan," Maya said, her voice tense. "Do you think we're ready for this? Andhakasura isn't just any enemy… he's ancient, powerful…"

Rihan paused, looking at her. He understood her fear—he felt it too. But there was also a part of him that knew this was his destiny. "I don't know if anyone can truly be ready for something like this," he admitted. "But I do know that we've come too far to turn back now. We'll face him together."

Maya nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Together."

As they continued, they came upon a massive stone structure—a dilapidated temple, half-buried in the earth. Its entrance was adorned with carvings of gods and demons locked in eternal combat. It seemed untouched by time, a monument to the battles of the past.

"This is it," Rihan said quietly. "The place where the final crack is located."

They stepped inside the temple, their footsteps echoing in the vast chamber. The air inside was thick with the scent of ancient dust and something darker, more sinister. At the far end of the chamber, a massive stone altar stood, and above it, a swirling vortex of dark energy hovered—a portal to Asuraloka.

Rihan felt the pull of the portal, the malevolent energy that sought to tear the world apart. He knew that beyond that portal lay Andhakasura, waiting for them.

"We'll have to destroy that portal," Rihan said, gripping his bow. "It's the only way to stop the cracks from spreading."

Maya nodded, but before they could move, a voice echoed through the chamber—a voice filled with malice and ancient power.

"So, you have come, Karna," the voice sneered. "Come to face your fate once more."

Rihan tensed, recognizing the voice. It was Andhakasura, his presence palpable even from beyond the portal.

"You won't win this time," Andhakasura said, his tone dripping with arrogance. "This world will fall, just like you did in your past life."

Rihan's grip on *Vijayadanusu* tightened, and his eyes burned with determination. "I never lost a fight," he declared, his voice steady and resolute. "Not then, and certainly not now."

The portal pulsed, and for a moment, a dark figure seemed to emerge from it—Andhakasura, his form shrouded in shadows. "We shall see, warrior. We shall see."

The figure vanished, and the portal began to crackle with energy, preparing to unleash the horrors of Asuraloka onto the earth.

Rihan and Maya readied themselves. The battle for the fate of the world was about to begin.