The Agni Sutra: Secrets of the Ancients

part 3 :discovering the secret

Part 3 : The Search Begins

The next day, the trio regrouped after their initial conversation, determined to start their search for the astra.

Dhruv sighed, flipping through the pages of an old Hindu mythology book. “We’re getting nowhere. All these stories, but no real clues. Maybe this astra doesn’t even exist.”

Tanuj shook his head. “It has to. We just haven’t looked in the right place yet.”

Anshika, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke up. “Actually… I did find something.”

Dhruv looked up, surprised. “Really? What is it?”

Anshika hesitated. “I’m not sure if it’s useful, though. It might not lead to anything.”

Tanuj leaned forward, intrigued. “Tell us what you found.”

Anshika took a deep breath. “There’s a book called Rahasya. It’s supposed to contain hidden knowledge, but there’s a problem.”

Dhruv raised an eyebrow. “A problem?”

Anshika nodded. “The book was housed in Nalanda University… which, as you know, was burned down.”

Dhruv frowned. “So, the book’s gone. That doesn’t help us.”

Anshika shook her head. “Not exactly. According to my research, the fire didn’t destroy the books. At least, not all of them.”

Tanuj sat up straighter. “Wait, what? How’s that possible?”

Dhruv crossed his arms, skeptical. “You’re telling me Nalanda burned down, but the books somehow survived? Anshika, that’s a stretch, even for you.”

Anshika’s voice grew more confident. “I know it sounds crazy, but hear me out. Nalanda was known for its advanced knowledge. It’s said they even had instructions on how to build aircraft. When Bakhityar Khilji burned the university, it wasn’t just random destruction. The British later discovered the value of those books. And before Nalanda was completely lost, they stole many of the manuscripts.”

Dhruv blinked in disbelief. “Stole them? Where did they take them?”

Anshika leaned in. “To Britain. They loaded them onto ships and smuggled them out. Those books are still out there.”

Tanuj’s eyes widened with excitement. “So, our ancient knowledge—everything—is in Britain?”

Anshika nodded. “Yes. If we can track down those books, we might find the answers we’re looking for.”

Tanuj jumped to his feet, grinning. “This is incredible! Anshika, you’ve just given us the key! We’re closer to finding the astra than ever!”

Anshika smiled but remained cautious. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. It’s not going to be easy. If we want to find these books, we have to work together. It’s a long shot, but it’s the best lead we’ve got.”

Dhruv, who had been thinking quietly, suddenly spoke up. “Wait a second. Why do we need to go all the way to Britain?”

Anshika and Tanuj exchanged confused looks. “What do you mean?” they asked.

Dhruv smirked, his eyes gleaming with a new idea. “I have a plan. But I’ll tell you tomorrow. Trust me, you’ll like it.”

To be continued…

Part 4: What Happened in Britain?