THE CURSE OF MANTHRIK: PART-1

Once there was a village called Korvangi which was said to be a singular little village settled between rolling hills and greenery. Here, people live in harmony, their hearts overflow with joy and contentment.

In Korvangi, the community is tight-knit, with neighbors always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether it's tending to the crops in the communal garden or organizing a festive village fair, everyone pitches in with enthusiasm.

Once, Korvangi enjoyed a fine reputation across neighboring villages for its generosity and kindness toward both locals and visitors alike. However, times changed, inspiring a shift in attitudes among some villagers.

Sadly, what was once a beacon of hospitality now seems to have become a graveyard for the hopes of those within its borders.

Numerous reports began to circulate, claiming that a curse had befallen the village of Korvangi.

It was said that villagers were meeting untimely deaths, and a dark belief emerged that anyone who left the village to seek refuge elsewhere would only bring disaster upon their new community, carrying the curse with them until their eventual demise.

For years, folks whispered about the village, hushing their voices when its name came up. Neighboring villages steered clear, fear etched in their eyes. A curse, they said, hung heavy over the place, a shadow no one dared to confront.

But what puzzled outsiders most was this: despite the curse, life thrived within the village.

{MEANWHILE IN THE PRESENT TIME}

The village head of Rudra Kota was mighty curious about the curse that supposedly hung over the neighboring village.

He wanted to know more about the village, to confirm whether it was really cursed or just a rumor. So, he decided to gather some information and investigate the matter for himself.

The head of the nearest village decided to dispatch his most trusted scout, a wiry young man named Damodar, to investigate the unsettling quiet that had befallen their neighboring village, Korvangi.

Damodar was known for his sharp wit and keen eye, qualities that made him the ideal candidate for such a mysterious task.

Damodar Born and raised in the heart of the village, Damodar had always been known for his exceptional wit and quick thinking.

From a young age, he displayed a remarkable ability to solve problems that left others scratching their heads. Whether it was devising innovative farming techniques to increase crop yield or mediating disputes between fellow villagers, Damodar's astuteness was unmatched.

The village leader chose him to solve a hidden mystery in their village for a special reason.

Damodar started on his brave journey to unravel the mystery covering the village. With determination, he carefully bundled together some freshly made rotis, wrapping them snugly in a cloth. This provision would sustain him through the trials that lay ahead.

On the other hand, he gripped a stick, a simple but essential tool for both navigation and protection. With each step, he was keenly aware of the dangers lurking in the dense forest.

With a farewell to his familiar surroundings, Damodar started his journey to the unknown wilderness. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, yet fueled by his resolve, he pressed on, ready to confront whatever challenges awaited him.

Damodar reached the outskirts of the village, his footsteps echoing against the empty expanse around him. Not a whisper stirred the air, and the absence of any signs of life unsettled him.