Chapter 7: The Journey of Suresh and Veer

Chapter 7: The Journey of Suresh and Veer

After his marriage to Amba, Vijay ruled Mahishmati with wisdom and strength. A year later, Amba gave birth to a son who inherited the formidable physique of his father. He was named Suresh, meaning the King of Gods. As Suresh grew, Vijay hoped to pass down his knowledge of axe combat, but the boy had different aspirations. Inspired by the tales of Lord Hanuman, which his mother narrated from the Ramayana, Suresh developed a deep admiration for the divine warrior.

When Suresh was three, Amba gave birth to another son, Veer Pratap, who idolized his elder brother. Suresh's adventurous spirit led him to leave Mahishmati at the age of ten in search of Lord Hanuman, whom he wished to take as his guru. Without informing anyone, he embarked on his journey. Unbeknownst to him, little Veer Pratap secretly followed, unwilling to be left behind.

The brothers' journey was arduous. They wandered through forests and villages, enduring hunger and exhaustion. Their clothes were tattered, and they looked like mere beggars. By chance, they arrived in Ayodhya, where a grand feast was being held at Ram Mandir for Princess Bela's birthday. Seeing an opportunity to fill their empty stomachs, they sat with the other guests, but the servants ignored them due to their ragged appearance. This injustice was noticed by Princess Bela and her friend Princess Sumitra of Gandhara. Displeased by the servants' behavior, they personally served food to the brothers.

Just as Suresh was about to eat, a towering sage clad in ascetic robes sat beside him. The man had an angular face, a black beard, and long hair tied in a bun. Despite his sage-like attire, his massive four-meter-tall body radiated the presence of a warrior. Suresh initially ignored him, but as he was about to finish his meal, the sage spoke.

"You do not seem to be from Ayodhya. Are you a spy from an enemy kingdom?"

Suresh was startled by the accusation but quickly denied it. "No! I have come here in search of Lord Hanuman. I wish to become his disciple."

The sage smirked. "That vanar? Why seek him?"

Suresh frowned. "He is not just a vanar. He is the greatest devotee of Lord Ram!"

The sage laughed. "Why do you wish to become his disciple?"

"I want the strength to protect those I care about," Suresh answered firmly.

The sage's expression changed. "Follow me," he said, walking towards the mountains.

Feeling an inexplicable pull, Suresh told Veer to keep up and chased after the sage. They reached a secluded mountain peak where a humble hut stood. Another sage was meditating inside. The towering sage turned and grinned. "You wished to be Lord Hanuman's student, correct?"

"Yes," Suresh answered eagerly.

The sage's form began to shift, his body expanding and transforming. Before Suresh stood the mighty Lord Hanuman himself.

Suresh was speechless. Finally, he stammered, "S-So, does this mean I am your student now?"

Hanuman chuckled. "Yes. Just like that."

Suddenly, a small voice interrupted, "What about me?" Veer asked innocently.

Hanuman and Suresh had completely forgotten about him. They exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to do. Then, the meditating sage opened his eyes and smiled. "You will study under me, my child."

Veer blinked. "Who are you?"

"I am Rishi Vishwamitra."

Thus, Suresh began his training under Hanuman, specializing in mace combat, while Veer trained under Vishwamitra, mastering bow arts.

Years passed, and both brothers became formidable warriors. During this time, their bond with Princess Bela and Princess Sumitra deepened. However, a tragedy struck when Veer was cursed due to a misunderstanding with a visiting sage. The curse prevented him from ever awakening a Siddhi.

Devastated, Veer fell into despair, but Vishwamitra consoled him. "In the future, someone will appear who can free you from this curse. Until then, do not lose hope."

Determined to defy fate, Veer trained tirelessly. Despite lacking a Siddhi, he pushed himself beyond his limits, eventually reaching the Atirathi level through sheer willpower.

Meanwhile, Suresh, having already awakened his Swarna Siddhi – 'Berserker' at the Prana Siddhi stage, had now reached the peak of Atirathi level. When the time came, both brothers participated in their beloveds' Swayamvar. Suresh won the hand of Bela, and Veer won the hand of Sumitra. Their grand wedding was attended by kings and revered sages from across Bharatvarsh.

Before departing, their gurus asked for Guru Dakshina.

Hanuman's request to Suresh – "Protect Ayodhya from harm."

Vishwamitra's request to Veer – "Break through to the Maharathi level."

While Suresh's task seemed straightforward, Veer struggled. No matter how hard he trained, he could not break through to Maharathi level without a Siddhi.

One fateful day, a group of Asuras attacked Ayodhya's Ram Temple. Suresh rushed to confront them, engaging in a battle of immense proportions. As the fight escalated, his Swarna Siddhi – 'Berserker' awakened to its full potential. His body attributes increased tenfold, his energy reserves surged, and his recovery speed amplified. However, his rage also multiplied.

Amidst the raging battle, Suresh struck down the Asura General in a decisive blow. At that moment, the heavens trembled, and a divine proclamation resounded across Bharatvarsh:

"THE ONE WHO WALKS THE PATH OF FURY! THE BERSERK WAR GOD IS BORN!"

With this Akashvani, Suresh had officially ascended to Maharathi level and received the title 'Berserk War God'.

Upon hearing this, Veer was not envious but ashamed. He had yet to fulfill his Guru Dakshina. Filled with guilt, he made a solemn vow: he would not return until he had broken past his limits.

And thus, Veer left for seclusion, beginning a journey of struggle, searching for a way to reach Maharathi level without a Siddhi...

End of Chapter....

Word Count: 960