Parth's POV
It's the day after my 15th birthday.
Honestly, it doesn't feel all that special.
I've always been different from other kids my age. Sure, I like playing games and studying, but there's something else that sets me apart—my deep fascination with the rich and beautiful history of Sanatan Hindu Dharma.
Since childhood, it's been a ritual for me to spend weekends at my grandma's house.
She's the reason I developed such a strong love for these ancient stories. I could listen to them for hours, and even now, I still do.
Sometimes, I feel like I was born in the wrong era.
My so-called "friends" call me backdated and a crazy nerd.
But honestly, I don't care.
I have my best friend—Shree Krishna—with me.
And I truly believe He listens to all my endless blabbering.
Among all the stories Grandma told me, Mahabharata fascinated me the most.
Eventually, she got tired of telling me the same story over and over—but I never got tired of listening.
Arjun has always been my favorite character.
But I admire Karna too.
It would be amazing to have an elder brother like him—such a brave, noble warrior...
My thoughts paused as I reached my destination.
I got off the train.
For the first time, my mother had allowed me to travel alone, now that I was "old enough."
Excited to see my beloved grandma, I crossed the road toward the cab stand on the other side of the highway.
And then—
I heard shouting.
"Stop!"
"Watch out, kid!"
"Oh no!"
Voices overlapped in panic.
That's when I realized why everyone was screaming.
A bright light—
A speeding vehicle—
I froze.
The light was blinding. I accepted my fate right then and there.
And then… darkness.
Complete, absolute darkness.
Like I was floating in a void.
> 'Is this… the afterlife?'
I'd never minded being alone. But this sudden emptiness—it scared me.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I closed them, hoping this was just a nightmare.
But it wasn't.
Like I always did as a child when I was scared, I spoke to Shree Krishna in my mind.
So I whispered into the void:
> "Shree Krishna… You're my best friend, right? Did You leave me too?
Are You still listening to me?
I'm… dead, aren't I?"
Suddenly, I heard laughter.
A clear, ringing laugh from somewhere unknown.
Strangely, it didn't scare me.
It felt… divine.
Then came a voice. The words left me stunned.
> "Why would I leave you, sakha?
Whoever calls me with love, from the depths of their heart—I always respond."
>"..."
> "I know you're surprised. But listen carefully, sakha.
From now on, you have an important task.
By my blessings, you have the power to change fate—destiny itself.
You must reconcile the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
You must ensure that no woman is ever disrespected again.
You must set an example of dharma—righteousness—for the world to follow.
The path will be hard. You will face enemies and challenges.
But you must find your own way through them. I will guide you when you need me most.
For this journey, you need a new identity.
The moment my voice fades, open your eyes.
Your first step is to find out who you are now.
May your journey be successful, sakha."
I was… speechless.
Did the Lord of the Universe really just talk to me!?
I had so many questions. But I decided to follow His instructions first.
I opened my eyes slowly.
It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the brightness.
And then I saw it clearly.
> "Where… am I?!"