MahaVishvam

Chapter 19

Kali and Vijay continue their trek through the strange world, the landscape alternating between dense forests and barren lands. They walk for what feels like hours, their exhaustion growing with each step. Vijay comments on the peculiarity of the world around them, noting the absence of any villages or cities despite their long journey.

Vijay: "This world is really strange. We've been walking for hours and haven't seen a single village or city. Just forest and barren land."

Kali: "Yeah, it's bizarre. But let's keep going. We have to find somewhere soon. I'm starving, and my whole body is aching."

They press on, occasionally trying to communicate with their friends through the walkie-talkie, but the silence on the other end continues. After another three hours of walking, they finally stumble upon a town. The town is unlike anything they've seen before, filled with beautiful trees and charming houses that seem almost magical in their design. They find a hotel and sit down, looking at the menu with a mix of curiosity and confusion.

Kali: "Even the dishes are different here. I can't even pronounce half of these."

As they ponder what to order, Vijay suddenly realizes a crucial problem.

Vijay: "We don't have any money. How are we going to pay for this?"

Kali notices the hotel owner glancing at her, a shy smile on his face. She grins mischievously and leans in towards Vijay.

Kali: "Look at the owner. He's been looking at me this whole time. I can trick him into letting us eat whatever we want."

Vijay, feeling a surge of jealousy, grabs Kali's hand and pulls her out of the hotel before she can put her plan into action. Kali, surprised and shocked by his reaction, stops outside and confronts him.

Kali: "What was that about? Why did you do that?"

Vijay remains silent, his expression cold and conflicted. Just as he seems ready to say something, the walkie-talkie crackles to life with static. They hear Deva's voice, which is faint and unclear at first. Kali quickly grabs the walkie-talkie from her bag, desperately calling out their friends' names.

Kali: "Deva, Arjun, Ram, Krish! Can you hear me?"

The static gradually clears, and Deva's voice comes through more clearly, giving them the address of a hideout where they can meet. The urgency in his voice is palpable, and Kali and Vijay exchange a relieved but serious look.

Deva: (faintly) "We're in a hideout. The address is... meet us here."

Kali listens intently, scribbling down the address on a piece of paper. She turns to Vijay, her earlier frustration forgotten in the relief of finally making contact.

Kali: "We have to go. They're waiting for us."

Vijay nods, the tension between them momentarily set aside as they focus on the task at hand. They quickly make their way towards the hideout, navigating the unfamiliar town with a renewed sense of purpose. 

Kali and Vijay arrive at the address given by Deva, finding a small, dimly lit hideout. As they enter, they see Deva and Krish sitting on the floor, looking battered and bruised. Kali rushes forward and hugs them tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.

Kali: "Deva, Krish! You're safe!"

Deva and Krish, both exhausted and pained, return the hug. Vijay steps closer, concern etched on his face as he takes in their injuries.