Veer ~ Rise Of The Sisodia's [#YourStoryIndia]

Chapter 7

Haridwar

Haider's eyelids fluttered open, and he was instantly overwhelmed by the searing pain coursing through his body. It felt as though every cell within him had weathered a relentless storm, enduring an eternity of torment before being painfully reassembled into a broken vessel.

A familiar voice reached his ears, offering comfort amidst the pain. "You'll recover soon," it reassured.

Struggling to sit up, Haider managed to utter, "Veer..."

Veer, the steadfast companion who had been at his side throughout this ordeal, gently pressed him back onto the makeshift bed. "Stay on your back."

The effort to speak left Haider breathless as he inquired, "How long... have I..."

"Almost a full day," Veer replied his unwavering presence a source of strength.

Veer and his loyal men remained in the village, determined to stay until Haider regained his strength. In the aftermath of the brutal battle, the villagers diligently worked to repair their homes, clear the wreckage, and restore the village temple. They were careful to erase any traces of Osman, the ruthless king's henchman, and his marauding soldiers. It remained a mystery where Osman had disappeared.

With his voice barely more than a whisper, Haider asked, "Is the temple safe?" The memory of the brutal confrontation with Osman and his men still haunted him. Despite his weakened state, his mind remained keen. The local medicine man had done an admirable job tending to his injuries.

Veer chose not to address the temple's safety and instead spoke with unwavering determination. "Don't do this again."

"Veer..."

"I know what you were trying to do," Veer interrupted. "You don't need to prove anything. Don't do this again."

"But that Turk... the temple idols..."

"We will create new idols," Veer declared with conviction.

Haider fell into a thoughtful silence, contemplating Veer's words.

Veer continued, his voice unwavering. "Our faith is our strength, but the Turks have exploited it, turning our faith into our weakness. They know we will go to any lengths to protect our idols, even sacrificing our lives. They use it as a means to pressure us, to break our resolve, and defeat us."

Haider tried to interject, but Veer pressed on. "Listen to me, Haider. Our faith is a deeply personal connection. The Divine exists everywhere: in the stars, the skies, the trees, the rivers, the wind, and within each of us. Our faith is what infuses God Himself into an idol. If we all perish, our faith dies with us. If our faith dies, who will worship the idols? Remember, new idols can always be created and sanctified. But if our faith perishes, it's all over. And our faith resides only in our beating hearts. So, when choosing between saving an idol or ourselves, I will always choose us."

Haider turned away, a lone tear trickling down his cheek. "You... don't understand."

Veer remained silent, allowing Haider to express his emotions.

Tears welled up in Haider's eyes as he confided, "I feel... guilty... I had to do something... I had to fight..."

"You have no reason to feel guilty," Veer reassured him. "You have no connection to the Turks or the atrocities they commit."

Haider turned back to face Veer, the weight of his emotions evident in his gaze.

Veer's voice quivered slightly as he let his emotions show. "You are not one of them. You are one of us."