The Temple Arc...
Agni and Neer reach the temple. The temple looked like a ruin from the outside, covered in green creepers. But as soon as the two of them approach the temple door,the door opens by itself. The two look at each other.Just then, Agni moves Neer behind him and steps forward himself. Agni in front,Neer behind — both enter the temple. As soon as they enter,the temple door closes by itself and immediately disappears as well. Neer and Agni have just looked at each other when the sound of mantras and enchanting music echoes through the temple. They both see— the temple which looked like a ruin from the outside, was no less than a royal palace inside. Golden idols,one holding a veena, another a bell, another an instrument. A sweet sound was flowing from all the instruments held in the hands of those idols. In front was a water tank,with lotus flowers and green leaves floating in it. In the very center of that tank,a golden bow was placed, its string burning like a flame of fire. Above the bow was a golden statue,radiating a wondrous glow. As they move towards the tank,a voice comes — "Stop!" The two look at each other and glance around. Just then,the golden statue above the bow slowly becomes luminous and begins to transform into a beautiful apsara, like a goddess. Her hair was black,waving like a serpent; lips red; her eyes filled with enchantment where kohl should be. A voice so sweet that anyone would be mesmerized,and a form so captivating that it was difficult to control one's mind.
Gandharva Apsara: "Stop, princes."
Neer: "Pranam, Devi. Who are you?"
Gandharva Apsara: "I am the guardian of this bow." "I am one of those divine beings from heaven,proficient in the sweet arts of music and dance. My voice is such that it touches the heart, and seeing my dance, everyone becomes spellbound. I am the one who spreads joy, love, and beauty, but a secret is also hidden in my identity. The moment my voice is heard, time stops, and the heartbeat of music awakens in every heart. I am the heartbeat of music from the Gandharva realm. I am the queen of music of the Gandharva realm."
Neer: "I see. But we have come to obtain this bow, Devi."
Gandharva Apsara: "I know, Prince Neeravrah. I know your purpose and I know both of you as well."
Neer: "Astounding! Then, Devi, can we obtain it? Do we have permission?"
Gandharva Apsara: "Yes, but first I have some questions. The one whose answers I find suitable will be the rightful owner of this bow."
Neer: "Alright, Devi. Please ask your questions."
Gandharva Apsara: "The gods sent me to this temple to protect this bow. I have been its guardian for many centuries. Until today,no one has been able to pass its three stages. Some gave up in the first, some in the third. But you two have managed to come here— is this a sign from the gods or some plan of destiny. But still,you must pass the fourth stage."
Question 1 "One who breaks himself but still connects others,is he strong or weak?"
Neer: "Weak. How can one who breaks himself for others be strong?"
Agni: "Strong. One who breaks himself for others is the strongest of all."
Both look at each other, as if saying with their eyes — how different we are.
Question 2 "Who is the true'Agnikaari' (Fire-wielder/One who acts with fire) — one who burns his enemy or one who burns his own mind?"
Neer: (Looking at Agni) "The Agnikaari is the one who burns the enemy. Otherwise, what is the point of being an Agnikaari?"
Agni: (Smiling slightly) "Devi, the true Agnikaari is the one who first burns his own mind and gains control over it. Victory over oneself is necessary before victory over the enemy."
Question 3 "What is the truth of water— to extinguish the burning or to cut through stone by flowing persistently?"
Neer: "To extinguish is the truth of water. Sometimes, extinguishing the burning is akin to giving life."
Agni: "The truth of water is to flow… to cut through stone by flowing persistently."
Gandharva Apsara: (Smiling) "Only water can know the truth of water.
Question 4 "Dharma and Love— when to save one, you have to break the other, which one will you stand with?"
Neer: (Looking at Agni) "Truth lies in love. What kind of truth is it that breaks love?"
Agni: "Dharma is truth. Even if love breaks, dharma must not be abandoned."
Gandharva Apsara: "Neer, your answer is true… but choosing love over dharma is the justice of a lover, not of a Kshatriya. Still, your answer is not wrong."
Question 5 "Who is the ultimate victor of life— the one who survived, or the one who ended but became a memory?"
Neer: "Survival is the truth of life. If I get a chance to live again at the time of death, I will choose life, not death."
Agni: "To become immortal as a memory is the ultimate truth of life. Accepting the final moment and accepting one's memories is the real victory."
Gandharva Apsara: "Hmm… The truth of life is to accept death. The answers from both of you to all five questions are true, but Agni's answers are the best. There is only one rightful owner of this bow— and that is Agni."
Neer: (Smiling) "Go on, Agni, pick up the bow. It is yours now."
Agni: "As you command, Devi." (Nods towards Neer)
The Apsara dissolves into the air. Steps form in the water tank. Agni descends, picks up the bow, and comes to Neer —
Agni: "Neer, would you like to keep it? It was not my intention to hurt you with my answers."
Neer: (Laughing) "Oh, you won now. The bow is still ours, but you are the rightful owner. I am happy for you, Agni."
Both come out of the temple. Outside, two horses are standing — a gift from the Gandharva Apsara. Both mount them and set out towards the Gurukul.
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As they rode back towards the Gurukul on their gifted horses, a thoughtful silence hung between Agni and Neer. The Gandharva Apsara's questions had revealed the fundamental differences in their philosophies, yet their bond felt stronger than ever.
Agni tightened his grip on the divine bow, his voice unusually soft. "Neer... your answers back there..."
Neer smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Don't worry about it, Agni. We're different. That's what makes us strong together."
But as the Gurukul came into view in the distance, their conversation died in their throats. Something was wrong.
The protective shield around the Gurukul was visibly shattered. The main gates hung broken and splintered. An unnatural silence emanated from the courtyards that should have been bustling with activity.
Agni and Neer exchanged a single, horrified glance and urged their horses into a gallop, one terrifying question screaming in their minds:
"What happened here? Where is everyone?"