Chapter 22: The Weight of Brotherhood

Rihan and Maya traveled deeper into the heart of the city, following leads about an unusual man displaying incredible strength and skill. The rumors spoke of someone in his early twenties, a young man who seemed out of place in the modern world. The information had come from a reliable source, and Rihan couldn't shake the feeling that this could be one of the Pandavas they were searching for.After a day of navigating the busy streets and asking discreet questions, they finally arrived ### Chapter 22: A Brother's Regret

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The narrow path through the forest led Rihan and Maya to a remote village, far from the bustling streets of New Varanasi. The air was crisp, and the sounds of nature surrounded them as they approached a humble dwelling. This was where they had been told to find a man who matched the description given by Professor Kelly—someone displaying unusual behavior.

The villagers spoke of a man who came into the city occasionally for work but kept to himself. Rumors swirled around him—his immense strength, his unusual silence, and the sense that he carried a heavy burden.

As they neared the small house, they saw a tall, muscular figure chopping wood with ease. His back was turned to them, but there was an unmistakable aura about him. Maya's heart raced, and Rihan felt a deep, almost painful familiarity.

"Excuse me," Rihan called out, his voice steady despite the emotions churning inside him.

The man paused, turning slowly. His eyes widened as they met Rihan's. There was a moment of silence, thick with unspoken recognition. The axe slipped from his hand and fell to the ground with a dull thud.

"Karna…" the man whispered, his voice trembling. "My brother…"

Rihan stepped forward, his heart heavy. "Bhima?"

Tears welled up in Bhima's eyes as he fell to his knees, overwhelmed by the flood of memories rushing back to him. "I wronged you, Karna. All those years… I fought against you, never knowing… never understanding that you were my eldest brother, my blood."

Maya stood silently beside Rihan, her eyes filled with compassion as she watched Bhima struggle with his guilt and sorrow. She had never seen a man so strong, so broken.

Rihan knelt beside Bhima, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You had no way of knowing. The past is behind us now. What matters is the present—the battle we must face together."

Bhima looked up, tears streaming down his face. "Will you… can you forgive me?"

Rihan nodded. "I forgave you long ago, Bhima. We were all pawns in a larger game. Now, we have a chance to fight together, to protect this world."

As they stood together, the weight of their past seemed to lift, if only slightly. Bhima, still struggling with his emotions, stood tall once more.

Maya then spoke up. "We also heard there's been some strange behavior in the village. A young man, in his late teens or early twenties, has been acting differently. Do you know anything about him?"

Bhima's gaze shifted toward Maya, a hint of a familiar smile playing on his lips. "That young man you heard about... that was me."

Maya blinked, taken aback. "You?"

Bhima nodded slowly. "Yes, I've been keeping to myself, coming to the city for work. The memories of my past life… they've haunted me, even before I fully remembered who I was. I avoided people because I didn't want them to see the burden I carry."

Rihan and Maya exchanged a glance, the pieces of the puzzle finally coming together.

"We found you, Bhima," Rihan said softly. "Now, let's face this battle together."

Bhima nodded, his expression resolute. "I will fight with you, brother. I won't fail you again."

As they prepared to leave, Bhima paused, his face darkening. "But there is something else. When I come to the city, I feel a presence—someone, or something, watching me. I can't shake the feeling that this battle will be even more difficult than the last."

Rihan nodded. "We've sensed it too. The world is changing, and we'll need every ally we can find."

Together, the three of them left the village, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. And as they walked, Rihan couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. With Bhima by his side, they were one step closer to reuniting the legendary warriors and stopping the darkness that threatened the world.