DARKER SIDE : The Lost

Chapter 5

Rahul's consciousness gradually returned, and he found himself in an unfamiliar place. Panic surged through him as he screamed, "Where am I?"

A calm voice reassured him, "Don't worry, you are safe."

Frustration and anger overwhelmed Rahul, and he demanded, "I really don't understand what's your problem, why are you stopping me from doing my job?"

The enigmatic stranger sitting nearby, his face now solemn, spoke slowly, "There are many things you need to understand, and I can explain it to you, okay?"

Rahul's astonishment resurfaced as he remembered the strange display of supernatural power. "Oh, wait, you had some kind of superhuman abilities, didn't you? You rose into the air, and now I'm here?"

The stranger nodded and then began to unravel the mysterious tale that had brought them together.

"Listen," he began, "everything is indeed strange, as you've witnessed. So, can you please explain to me what's happening so that I can stop risking my life?"

The stranger leaned forward and asked an unexpected question, "What is your religion?"

Rahul was taken aback by the inquiry. "What does that matter?"

The stranger insisted, "Tell me."

Rahul hesitated before responding, "Well, I am a Hindu."

The stranger's demeanor suddenly shifted, and he declared, "No! You belong to the 'Hinadians'!"

Perplexed, Rahul blurted out, "What? I've never heard of that before."

The stranger leaned back, settling into a narrative posture, and began to unveil a history that transcended time.

"Over 3,000 years ago," the stranger commenced, "your tribe faced a cataclysmic crisis. Invaders known as the 'Ronas' descended upon your people, subjecting them to cruelty and enslavement. Those who dared to resist were mercilessly slaughtered. In their darkest hours, your ancestors cried out for salvation. They beseeched the gods for deliverance, but their prayers fell on deaf ears. No divine intervention came to ease their suffering."

Rahul's brow furrowed as he absorbed the weight of this ancient tragedy.

"In their hour of desperation," the stranger continued, "your people turned to the shadowy realm of demons and devils, seeking solace from the unrelenting torment inflicted by the 'Ronas.' Their collective hope converged upon a notorious demon of that era, 'Hinadiarian,' renowned for his audacious defiance against the very gods themselves. The tribe embarked on an ardent odyssey to summon him, dedicating themselves to grueling acts of penance in a relentless pursuit of his elusive presence. Remarkably, against all odds, their fervent entreaties found favor."

"But how?" Rahul's curiosity burned brightly. "And why would that demon want to help them?"

The stranger leaned forward, eager to explain. "You see, the very essence of both gods and demons derives from their followers—the energy, the prayers, the devotion. It's this unwavering dedication that fuels both the divine and the infernal."

Rahul's eyes widened in comprehension. "So you're saying there are many devil followers in this world?"

The stranger nodded solemnly. "Indeed, it's true. There were many Hinadians across the world, and tragically, the fate that befell your village befell the majority of them."

Intrigued, Rahul pressed on, "What happened to them?"

The stranger motioned for patience. "Allow me to continue the tale."