MahaVishvam

Chapter 18

Kali and Vijay stand together, discussing their plan for finding their friends once they enter the parallel world. The atmosphere is filled with both excitement and nerves as they prepare for the critical moment.

Kali: "We need to remember the landmarks and the path we took last time. The forest was thick, but there were some distinctive rocks and trees that could guide us back. And if we split up, remember to keep the walkie-talkie on at all times."

Vijay: "Absolutely. We'll stick together as much as possible, but if we do get separated, we'll meet back at Krish's house. That's our base."

Vikram, accompanied by his team, approaches them, holding a tiny buzzer. He hands it to Vijay with a serious expression.

Vikram: "This is for emergencies. If you're in a situation where you can't get out or need immediate help, press this button. It will signal me, and I'll do everything I can to assist from here. Remember, I'll be monitoring everything, making sure the machine is stable and functioning properly."

Vikram hugs both of them, a brief but heartfelt gesture of support and encouragement.

Vikram: "Good luck. We'll be here, watching and waiting. Bring everyone back safely."

As Vikram returns to his team to finalize the setup, Vijay turns to Kali. He gently holds her cheeks, looking into her eyes with a reassuring smile.

Vijay: "Kali, no need to be nervous. We've been through a lot already, and this is just another step. We'll find our friends, and we'll bring them back. I promise."

Kali nods, gripping Vijay's hand tightly. She feels a surge of determination, bolstered by Vijay's confidence and Vikram's unwavering support. She checks the white device, which is glowing blue—a sign that the path is open. She also carries a handbag filled with essential items, including the mysterious ball given to her by Prabha.

Suddenly, a thin, transparent blue wall appears before them, shimmering with an ethereal glow. This is the gateway to Krish's world.

Kali: "This is it. Let's do this."

Vijay squeezes her hand, and together, they step forward into the wall. As they pass through, the screen briefly flickers with light, indicating their transition. They emerge on the other side, finding themselves once again in the unfamiliar yet familiar terrain of the parallel world.

Kali and Vijay step into the parallel world, the atmosphere immediately shifting as they adjust to their new surroundings. The air is cool, and the forest is dense, with an otherworldly feel that heightens their senses. Kali quickly pulls out the walkie-talkie, her voice filled with urgency.

Kali: "Ram? Krish? Arjun? Deva? Can anyone hear me? We're back, and we're looking for you!"

There is no response, only static crackling through the device. Kali tries several more times, each attempt growing more desperate, but still nothing. Vijay, standing beside her, places a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Vijay: "They might be out of range or hiding somewhere without reception. Let's head to the hideout first and see if we can find any clues."

They move quickly through the forest, navigating the familiar path to the hideout where they had previously found Ram and Krish. The journey is tense, with each sound in the forest setting their nerves on edge. When they arrive, they find the place empty and undisturbed.

Kali: "Nothing here... Where could they have gone?"

Vijay: "They might have had to move again. Let's check Krish's house next; maybe there's something there that can give us a lead."

Determined, they set off towards Krish's home. As they approach, a feeling of dread settles over them. The smell of smoke hits them first, followed by the sight of the burned remains of the house. The once sturdy structure is now a charred ruin, with smoke still rising from the smoldering wreckage.

Kali: "Oh no. What happened here?"

They stand in shock, surveying the devastation. The house, which had been a safe place and a symbol of hope, is now destroyed. Kali steps forward cautiously, sifting through the debris, hoping to find any sign of their friends or a clue to what happened.

Vijay: "This doesn't look recent... but why would they burn it down? Were they trying to destroy something, or is this a message from RR?"

They search through the ruins, careful not to disturb anything important. As they move deeper into the wreckage, they come across signs of a struggle: overturned furniture, scattered belongings, and footprints leading away from the house.

Kali: "These footprints... they might still be nearby. We need to follow them."

Vijay: "Agreed. But we need to be cautious. If RR's men did this, they might still be around."

Kali and Vijay have been searching tirelessly for their friends, walking through the dense forest and unfamiliar terrain for nearly five hours. Exhausted, they find a small clearing and decide to take a short break. Vijay takes out a bottle of water, handing it to Kali before taking a sip himself. Kali, sitting down, stretches her legs and rubs her aching calves.

Kali: "I can't believe we still haven't found them. I hope they're okay."

Vijay nods, looking thoughtful. He watches Kali for a moment, seeing the determination and worry etched on her face. Despite the situation, she smiles, trying to stay positive.

Vijay: "It's strange, isn't it? We've only known each other for a short time, but it feels like we're all deeply connected. Like there's some kind of magic or... an unknown bond tying us together."

Kali looks at him, her smile widening into a gentle giggle.

Kali: "Maybe it's something from a past life. You know, we're all meant to be together on this journey, helping each other out. It's kind of comforting to think that our bond goes beyond just this lifetime."

Vijay chuckles, the tension easing slightly in the shared moment of levity.

Vijay: "Yeah, it does feel like that sometimes. We were meant to meet and face these challenges together. It's crazy, but... also kind of beautiful."

They sit in silence for a moment, the weight of their mission still pressing down on them, but the shared understanding and support give them strength. Vijay looks around the clearing, scanning the area for any signs or clues that they might have missed.

Vijay: "We can't give up. They're out there somewhere, and we need to find them. But for now, let's take a few more minutes to rest. We need to keep our strength up."

Kali nods, taking another sip of water and leaning back to rest against a tree. She looks up at the canopy of leaves above them, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and resolve. They both know the risks, but the bond they share and the promise they've made to their friends drive them forward.

Kali: "You're right. Just a few more minutes. Then we keep going. We won't stop until we find them and bring them back."