Reincarnation. What is reincarnation? It is not as complicated as it seems to be. The basic definition would be to be born again. This might be it, isn’t it? But it isn’t. People find this topic to be a philosophical interest. But according to Hinduism, a soul (or atman) after the death of the host or the biological body (jaivik shareer) begins a new life in a new biological body that could not be, specifically a human body. It would depend on the action and deeds which will decide the form of incarnation. You could be anything, from germ in your hand to anything as big as the whale itself, or you could attain a spiritual form which has further divisions. And, according to Buddhists it is ‘Samsara’ which is a continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth. While there many religions which do deny the theory of reincarnation. But there were people, who were encountered with the memories of their past lives. You know, it is complicated. We can’t tell for sure if we, ourselves are reincarnated or not just because we aren’t able to remember the deeds we did.

PROLOGUE :-

There are some people calling out for him, they need help, what can he do, what can they do. They look different but they are humans, they don’t look similar to us, it feels like we are looking at the past. A history, a historic period. He sees people mourning over dead, pools of blood and many dead bodies lying in front of his eyes. Himself wielding weaponries, trying his best to help the helpless. But how do they know him? That might not be his name but, why it feels like they are related to him somehow? Is it his bonds of past or it is nothing, just some nightmare. These are the question our protagonist is facing himself now. These are dreams that our protagonist sees. This is what happen to him regularly. Visions, hallucination, or nightmare, it is usual for him to go through these. As if he loses his body and wander off to someplace nobody knows. There are many questions, to be answered, aren’t there? Let’s see how this story unfolds. Expect the unexpected. Chapter: 1 A sight of destiny Reincarnation is the process where a being or creature is born again with its memories of its last birth. • At the Battlefield. “Are you alright?” the shiver was clearly heard in the voice. It trembled with fear, yet it inquired, about the state of my well-being. My heart swelled with gratitude. This question provided a semblance of comfort, between the lifeless bodies that were once my own, a family. The land was now covered with their flesh and blood-ponds were formed, the air around us tainted crimson hue, as the motes of blood were drifted in this warmed up gale. This haunting sight is imprinted in my mind for the very end of my life. I can never forget, or rather, I refuse to allow myself to forget, the sacrifices, the battle, and the loss. But now if I do stop here, will this end up as we wanted? As we hoped? He still stands. Who should be at his knees. How could I possibly surrender, I cannot allow myself to falter, to give it all up at this very place. After knowing every sacrifice will be in vain. Throughout the course of this journey, I encountered several individuals who entrusted me with their life & were more than happy to willingly risk their life to aid. However, the pathetic state I’m in would never satisfy them. The loss of countless friends, allies & loved ones… Is this the victory we strived for? We desired? I was deeply emerged in myself, questioning, and attempting to find a logical answer that would be the reason for me to stand up and fight for the cause once again. However, in this vulnerable state, I could easily be attacked. And alas! it did happen, I was targeted with an arrow, that was piercing apart the mist of crimson blood, adding to the chaos that surround me. Helplessly immobilized, is this the end for me, my journey, & the adventure. Would I meet my demise today, or a miracle somehow could save me altering my fate. How disheartening! to witness the very person who had encouraged every soul in this battlefield to fight, is facing his death upfront, by taking the arrow onto his head. Yet, between this grim situation, a sense of bitter irony overcame me. I laughed, however the resentment tinged over the laugh. With closed eyes, I embraced my uncontrollable fate, refusing to meet death with shame in my eyes for having surrendered. I accepted what came to me. As the arrow was about to pierce my head and shatter my skull splattering the blood over others around me, it was at that spec of moment, Mahi, completely covered by the mist, made her dusky skin completely brown. She was sweating. Her face shows the determination she carried. Her ebony braided hairs took up even a darker shade of black. She interfered and changed the trajectory of the arrow, by redirecting it to the ground with precise and swift actions, she deflected the blood thirsty weapon. She was, who asked the question. She averted the harm and further consequences which would have made a drastic change in the occurrence. As it seems, her intervention saved me, it proved that my bonds and lives which I was entrusted with, were not as helpless or ever forsaken, however yet I should walk ahead to the glory. I was never on my knees. Her intervention became the spark, reigniting the fire within myself. At this moment, this very moment I can only think about whom I lost and what I gained. And what is left for me to walk ahead. This path I choose to walk will determine what awaits. Engulfed by these thoughts and immobilized. Foes have a certain target, there comes a slash of a sword to my neck. Aiming to sever my head, making his master a victor. I refuse, I cannot allow myself to fall in demise, in this terrain. My spirit remains unyielding, as now I know what the true victory is. I can see them. I can now sense them. I feel what they desire. It is the freedom. Every death and sacrificed soul, wants freedom. If I could any how preserve their dream I will win. Protecting myself is not what it means to win, preserving my life will not make us victorious. But in the triumph of the cause, we fight for. Suddenly, a mace wielding, colossal figure appears, from the swirling mist of this crimson hue. With every step he would imprint his footstep, carving out the crimson mud. Even the land shivered when moved. Yet he smashed the swordsman head into shreds, with a swing of his mace, when played by him that makes the sound of ocean waves crashing to the shore. The raged warrior chuckled, as he displayed his loyalty and care towards my existence. Mocking me with his words “is that all you’ve got?” With a glare, I took a deep glance to his eyes where I could sense the respect, and profound concern towards my well-being. He analyzed me for a moment and spoke up again with a calm and determined voice “if it’s not, shall we?” It made me to believe, he has the same fire as I did. He made me speak “let’s move ahead, Vishdhar.” Mahi stood with us, looking at both of us with amazement, and added “We located him.” I was exhausted, no lifeforce, no energy, even my eyes saw everything fading, my hands were trembling unable to hold onto the grip of my sword, and I was losing my consciousness. The grief I suffered… is undeniably cruel, and now there was nothing I could have done. However, seeing them both, has burnt up a fire. Without their involvement to this tragedy, I would have collapsed to the crimson mud on my chest, facing the ground, over the pool of my own blood. I started to mourn over those I lost. Huh! What a crybaby. How can I accept this pitiful behavior of myself. And wanted to cry more and more until my eyes fell out their socket. However, it wasn’t the right time and not even the utmost correct place. I was back to my senses but still I shivered. My materialistic body chose to be afraid of the haunting sight. I accept, I feared. I was afraid of losing more of my people. And yet, the flames and thunder within me made me a merciless monster thirsting for blood. I gripped my sword began slashing my foes, any aura that does felt amiss, any soul that strived to spill my blood. With ‘Maya’ I gained over the course, I unleashed devastating attacks, that destroyed them and blasted them off the land. With tears rolling out my eyes, I walked towards the destiny. Clearing the path to march forward to the glory. After the excruciating pain we have endured, there was no going back. I can’t show my back what was yet to come. Walking over the corpses, with boulders of grief weighing heavily on my shoulders, making it harder for me to move forward. However, it was my fate, my destiny, I cannot escape this truth, nor can I ever run away. It is the very purpose of my existence. From every fiber of my being, I genuinely believe that there is no other way. Facing it head on was the only path to conquer the agony. I still remember the gust of dust that covered the battlefield, it was scorching, as life turned into dust, and still the warzone faces blasts and flames giving out enough heat to turn this breeze into the scorching gust. The wizards held their state and tried their best protecting us from it. Yet I could feel the sweltering wind. How I could have blamed anyone else but myself, I played a centric role in creating the mess we were in. If only I have remained oblivious as ever, this would never have taken place in the first place. It would never have happened. No deaths, no losses, no pain. “It’s not it.” A voice resonated breaking my thoughts, it was Drishti. “You must stop thinking, as if you were unaware of our circumstances. If you hadn’t interfered, we would have been long gone by now.” It was telepathy. This emphasized my action I took were crucial to our survival. And yet I longed for my previous life, where I could simply sit and play video games. Resting my head on my mother’s lap. However, how could my fate authorize me to think in such a manner? Which made me look like a scum. I shook my head. I was furious yet I was weeping. I was glad yet I cried. I felt overwhelmed. However, it must end here, on this blood-soaked battlefield. We started moving where Mahi located him, she was leading the path. I slashed every aura, every being, who seem my enemy. With Vishdhar by my side, I held myself together and charged towards the victory. I sensed presence, this was it, the movement we had all been waiting for. It was right in front of us. I stood face to face with him. His aura felt as dark as it could be, his body appeared strong and muscular, his entirety was black. Even his eyes, they felt like a void, that were trying to draw me in. His black armor shined, with a sword in his hand ready to quarrel at any given second, he spoke “So, you finally made it. I died waiting for you, can’t you see, my beloved.” With a smile on his face. I was the sole hope for everyone here, who tried to protect my existence, my life, who entrusted their lives to me, who were depended. As I was the weapon, yes me! I cannot deny the fact that I was the only and only one who is capable assassinating him. He was formidable warrior and strategist himself. I cannot defend his action, but as here offense is the best defense. Every memory floods back, a gush of echoing voices, laughter and mourns. The sight and sensations, births, and deaths. As if I was reliving the grand adventure form the very beginning. Standing in front of me drawing his sword out, his deep voice broke me from the mirage I cultivated “Before we proceed, let me ask you something.” And his question was, “Who are you? Akshar or……. Aksh.”

Dream! What exactly is it? The idea of dream states, it is a series of images, emotions, sensations, and most of the time what you have experienced I your life. Dreams mostly occur during some stages of your sleep. But sometimes not only the experience but what is yet to come. • At Heaven. “Aksh!” this name echoed in my conscience, shaking it entirely. “Aksh, Aksh! Are you awake?” but this was not that, deep and immensely terrifying voice. It was soothing. It was clearly my mother’s voice. I’m back. Perhaps, dawn was breaking? Indeed, it was the case. Mom slid the curtains, covering the beams of light coming through the window. The light flashed directly onto my face, with closed eyes, I struggled to open them. The flare felt saffron casting a calming glow. Gradually, I let my eyes open. It felt bloomed, the warmth of the rising sunshine was embracing me, bringing me sense of peace, after that gloomy dream. “Where am I?” the first question that strikes my head. “It seemed I am on my bed. I returned to the reality I guess.” It was the conclusion. Sitting by me side, presence of my mother provided me a sense of solace. Resting my head in her lap, finding peace and comfort. She began to pat my forehead gently and started stroking my head, her fingers reaching the depth of my being. I felt fulfilled, I felt re-energized, her love was pure. The affectionate hands, perhaps only for a moment, made me forget everything I witnessed. But for no reason at all, and unaware of my action, I started weeping silently, my eyes welled up tears without any warning. By the end of the moment, there were plenty of question were in my young and tiny head. “Where were we? What was that place? Why was I there? Why was I accompanied by Mati and Nayan? Most importantly why we had different names? Though the names have somewhat resemblance yet…. As I was drowned in the ocean of thoughts, my concerned mother couldn’t help herself but inquired for the cause of my distress. However, there was nothing to serve her as an answer. With a simple nod of my head, signaled her not to worry about it and gave her a smile. In that moment, her embrace felt like paradise. “Should I tell her about it?” I asked myself. My cellphone began to ring by then. With a questionable face at me, she said “let me know what troubles you? Why you act like this? If anything is wrong, please let your mother know. We will help you.” “It was nothing mom!” With a firm smile I spoke. “Just another haunting nightmare.” The answer neither fulfilled her nor she was relaxed, yet she left the room. My cell was still ringing. Who could it be at this hour of the sunrise. It’s Mati. I wonder if she had the same dream as I did. However, things I faced in the past few months, there is a possibility that might be the case. I answered the call. “Hello!” I spoke. And then I hear her bursting and she did. Without any greetings, she started interrogating me “How are you? Are you injured? I saw you deliberately trying for something what was that? You were hurt, I saw that too.” And with a changed tone she said “and, you know what I looked so fabulous in that outfit didn’t I? You must have seen me. As I was the one who saved your butt in there. But I don’t know why, but something felt off, and you were also not talking. As you are so talkative here.” And again, with a concerned tone “Well Aksh, who was that man, who called you by two names?” My cell slipped out my hands, I picked it up and started wondering about it. And here I was struggling to cope up what was going on with me, and now this. Two individuals having similar dreams, not just similar, the same. It couldn’t possibly get any worse. “You there?” She asked. Her voice brought me back to the conversation. “Well, first of all I’m not talkative, you are!” I spoke up. “Secondly, I never thought you looked good in that outfit. Thirdly I’m alright, there is nothing to be worrying about. And I don’t know who that man was. And even about the struggle, I... don’t… know.” “Why are you so irritated it was supposed to be fun” she added. And here she gets a call. Remember, when I said, ‘it couldn’t possibly get any worse,’ I couldn’t be more wrong. The call was Nayan, of all people. And what he addresses first is about the nightmare. “Hey guys. Everyone’s good?” Nayan, adding up “Nobody’s hurt, are you?” “Gladly, no” I replied. “What about you?” “Same here dude. Fine and fighting!” he said. “Guys, we should investigate about it.” Showing his concerns. “We should talk about this to our parents. Surely, they might know something about it.” “I suggest, not right now.” “Let’s not make them worry for now.” I raised. “Don’t you think we might investigate a bit about it.” Adding a point. “Listen to me Aksh. We don’t have any clue what is going on. And we don’t even know how and where to begin our search. We only have a book which we cannot read. And I don’t think that is enough.” With a raised voice, Nayan stated. “Why don’t we meet the librarian, as we found it in there, she might know something about the book.” Said Mati. “You mean we have to deal with her again.” Nayan sounded annoyed. “What’s the problem in meeting her again. Is there something we should know? Hmm?” Mati teased Nayan. “I don’t know what you are talking about.” Nayan murmured. “Hey Aksh, didn’t you noticed, yesterday, how passionately he was looking at her when she was scolding him.” Said Mati, with a giggle. “I’m going to smack your head off, you weasel.” Nayan with a rage. “I can talk to her if you want!” Mati, with a consistent noise of giggles. “Cut him some slack Mati, would you?” I intervened. “However, for now we should be meeting at the library.” I suggested. “Sure, why not. I live half a mile away, you idiot. And you know there is no public transport to your locality. And I don’t want to drive today.” Said Nayan. “Isn’t it the lamest excuse. Please be more rational Nayan. Stop being childish right now.” I requested. “He doesn’t want to come. As he will meet her there.” Mati teased him once again. “I’ll pick you up. Does that sound good enough.” I asked. “Hmm, Sure.” With a disappointment, said Nayan. “Hey Nayan, don’t you think I looked fabulous in that white outfit” Asked Mati. “Shut up, Mati” He muttered. And added “But I sure did look amazing in that crimson and dark blue outfit. And even handling that mace was so cool. Wouldn’t you agree Aksh.” “Oh please. Not you too Nayan.” And now I was disappointed. “What I did look cool.” Nayan grumbled. “Let us get ready. Meet us at the library in an hour Mati.” I told them. “Sure” Mati. “I’m almost done.” Said Nayan. By this we hung up the call. The book, only thing we know about that book is, its title, ‘Alpviram’ (in Hindi it means a comma), and we found it in an old library which is frequently visited by Mati. Yesterday, Nayan and I, visited Mati’s home, only to find out that she wasn’t there. Her mother informed us of something we couldn’t believe. Mati went to a library. A bank of books and Mati-Unbelievable! This library was located near countryside of ‘Jaya.’ (An imaginary city). Being an athlete, and full of mischievous schemes, it was a little hard to swallow the fact that she is willingly spending her time silently, sitting in one place, reading a book. It was an old public library, which once use to be the castle of a king who used to rule Jaya. As we reached there. Our wannabe hero, Nayan went in screaming “Hey Mati. Yoo-hoo, we are here to pick you up.” Oh boy! We were in trouble. A beautiful girl, with short grey hairs, wearing glasses, around 5 feet tall came rushing towards Nayan and grabbed his hand and took him to the Rule board and made him read what was written there. “Are you blind?” Librarian “I’m sorry, Miss?” Nayan “Chitra” Librarian, adding on “We follow a set of rules here. You can’t barge in here. Where is your identity card. Have you ever been to a library?” She was furious. Unwantedly, Nayan must now apply for a library card for the good. And about me I just got myself a weekly pass. We went in and found our energetic girl reading or I must say struggling to read a book which felt off. It was yellowish, making it look ancient. Maybe the looks deceive but the language was more unusual than any. After trying for sometimes we finally found something we would be able to read in the book. It was in Sanskrit “Swapnah saakaarah bhavet. Tvam ch pravishisyasi. Andhkaram jitva kadapi na smarpanam kuru.” Which had a simple meaning to it that is “The dream may become reality. And you shall enter. Defeat the darkness and never surrender.” Until we had the dream last night. It could be mere coincidence but…… It is summer, the sun is at its rage, scorching heatwaves are mercilessly suck the lifeforce form the surroundings. People are not willing to leave their house seeking refuge from the chastising heat. And we live in a dusty and dry area, the white golden sight gave a sense of uneasiness. After few minutes I picked up Nayan, this guy is nearly 7 feet. Has a well-built physique. With brown hairs and striking hazel eyes. “I’ll drive.” Nayan. “Sure.” Me “What’s on your mind Aksh? What is it you want to do? I don’t think it’s a game for you. Is it?” His concern was obvious. He added on “I know there is something you are hiding Aksh.” “What made you think that?” I asked him. “Well, I’m not sure, but yesterday it felt as if you know what you were doing.” Nayan. “Don’t you think that’s far-fetched. For starters we went there for the first time and it’s a fact.” I defended myself. “You can say whatever you want, but I saw you making faces upon seeing that book.” Nayan. “Because it evoked an irritative sense.” I answered. “However, I still feel you are hiding something. Not just for several days but from the day we met.” Nayan. “There is nothing I can possibly hide from you.” I consoled him. Nayan parked. Mati was waiting. We went in, we were welcomed but with glaring eyes of the librarian. We sat and Mati went to find the book as she was familiar with the sorting system of the books here. Suddenly, my eyes caught up another book on a nearby shelve. I went and took that book out. And it made my head turn. I felt dizzy, losing my senses. And the last thing I remember was falling myself to the ground.