Once upon a time a warrior

Words We Longed For

Present

The old man sighed, his gaze distant. "I've been here for a long time," he murmured. "I need to go to Delhi soon."

Pravin raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Why Delhi? What's there for you?"

The old man chuckled softly. "I promised my wife that I would take her ashes to the Taj Mahal. Scatter them there, in the monument of love."

Pravin's eyes widened. "You can't do that. It's against the law. If you get caught, there will be serious consequences."

"I know," the old man replied, his voice carrying the weight of the years. "But some promises are meant to be kept, no matter the cost." He looked at Pravin. "But that's not the focus here. Let's get back to the story."

Pravin hesitated but then nodded, allowing the old man to continue.

Flashback

Guru Kailash led Vikrama and Avneet up the winding mountain path, intending to teach them the ancient techniques that only a few could master. The crisp morning air should have invigorated them, but both were distracted. Vikrama's mind swirled with images of Avneet, while Avneet found her thoughts drifting to Pravin. She could still hear the words he had spoken the night before.

*Yesterday, after talking with Vikrama, I saw Pravin and spoke with him,* Avneet recalled, the memory vivid in her mind.

That night, under the moonlit sky, Pravin had approached her, his face serious yet kind. "I heard you and Vikrama are going to the mountain tomorrow," he said.

"Yes," she replied, her voice laced with guilt. "That's why I feel so uneasy. You should be the one going, not me. Why did you let me go instead? Was it because I saved your brother, or was it to help me?"

Pravin's eyes softened. "I gave you this opportunity because I don't want an archer like you to miss it," he replied simply, his tone sincere.

Avneet had felt a wave of emotion wash over her. His words were not just a mere excuse but a genuine sentiment. Her guilt slowly faded, replaced by a growing admiration for him.

"But there's one more thing," Pravin continued, his voice breaking her thoughts.

"What is it?" Avneet asked, her heart pounding slightly.

"Since childhood," Pravin started, hesitating as if choosing his words carefully, "I've never left Vikrama alone. Now, he's going without me. I know it's just for a few hours, but... could you please look after him? Make sure he's safe."

Avneet felt a tug at her heart at his concern for his brother. "Don't worry, Pravin," she said earnestly. "I'll take care of him. I promise to protect him if any danger arises."

Pravin's tense expression softened into a grateful smile. "Thank you," he murmured, feeling a sense of relief.

The next morning on the mountain, Guru Kailash's voice was stern as it echoed through the air. "Concentrate, kids. Don't let anything else occupy your mind right now."

But concentration was the last thing on their minds. Vikrama glanced at Avneet, his gaze lingering as he wondered what thoughts occupied her mind. Avneet, in turn, sneaked glances at him, trying to gauge his distraction. Both were caught in a whirlwind of emotions, unable to focus on their training.

Guru Kailash observed them with a knowing look. "Ah, I see what's happening here," he muttered under his breath. Raising his voice, he said, "You two won't find focus if you keep staring at each other like that. Just remember, love and duty don't always walk hand in hand."

Despite the distractions, they both managed to learn the techniques, albeit not as effectively as Guru Kailash had hoped. He watched them, a small smile playing on his lips. *So, they are in love,* he mused to himself. Vikrama blushed under his gaze, his feelings evident. Avneet, however, looked slightly confused, caught between her growing feelings for Pravin and the expectations placed upon her.