Akshara: A Shattered Past, An Uncertain Future

CHAPTER - 1 (BACK IN TIME)

Dwapar Yug

In the dense forests of Magadha, the Nishadhas, a tribal community led by Hiranbhanu, a general in the Magadha army, lived in seclusion. One morning, a group of Nishadhas found a girl by a lake. She wore torn and unusual clothes, her skin marred by scars, and blood flowed from a wound on her knee. Concerned, they brought her to Hiranbhanu, who immediately called for the Ayurvathi - A old woman and community doctor. The girl was treated and placed on complete bed rest.

Days turned into months, and one day, Akshara slowly opened her eyes, only to shut them again as sunlight streamed in through the window. Gathering her strength, she opened them once more, taking in her surroundings. She realized she was in a small, humble hut and tried to sit up, only to wince in pain as her knee throbbed. Just then, the door creaked open, revealing an old woman dressed in unfamiliar attire. Akshara also noticed that she herself was wearing clothes that were strange to her. Confused and anxious, she asked the old woman where she was, but rather than answer, the old woman smiled kindly and inquired about Akshara's story, which she did not wish to share. Instead, Akshara asked who the old woman was and why she had saved her.

The Ayurvathi then explained that the Nishadhas had found her and that their leader, Hiranbhanu, had instructed them to care for her until she was fully recovered. She also told Akshara about their tribal community, further deepening her confusion. Where was she? Which part of the country was she in?

At that moment, Hiranbhanu entered the hut and was pleasantly surprised to see Akshara awake. He greeted her with a warm smile, one that a father might give to his daughter, causing Akshara to blink in surprise—first at his kind expression, and second at his attire, which looked as though it belonged to an entirely different era. The Ayurvathi greeted Hiranbhanu with a bow, which he waved off, and then introduced Akshara to him. Seeking clarity, Akshara asked where she was. They told her she was in Magadha, specifically within the Nishadha tribe. Shocked, Akshara gasped and asked if she was in Dwapar Yug. Both Hiranbhanu and the Ayurvathi, though surprised by her question, nodded.

The realization hit Akshara—she had somehow traveled back in time to another era. Overwhelmed, she blacked out. Hiranbhanu and the Ayurvathi rushed to her side, catching her before she fell, and checked her pulse. Hiranbhanu, deeply worried, felt a strange, fatherly instinct toward this young girl. Ever since the day she was brought to him—injured, in torn clothes—he had felt a growing concern for her. Over the course of the past month, while she lay unconscious, he had unknowingly begun to think of her as his daughter.

Hiranbhanu had always longed for a daughter, but fate had dealt him a cruel blow. His beloved wife had died giving birth to a son, leaving him devastated. Despite the weight of his responsibilities as the leader of the Nishadhas, a general in the Magadha army, and a father to his little boy, Hiranbhanu had never remarried. Many had offered their daughters or sisters to him, but he had refused them all, pledging loyalty to his late wife until his death reunite them in Afterlife.

With these thoughts heavy on his mind, Hiranbhanu left the hut to rest for a while.

Will destiny forge a bond between this broken girl, who has always yearned for a loving and caring father, and this strong man, burdened by responsibilities, who has always craved a daughter of his own?