Chapter 3: A Friendship Forged

In the following days, Vihaan and Krishna's paths crossed again and again. It wasn't so much a spreading wildfire of news as it was the natural curiosity of children. Drawn to Krishna's playful energy and infectious laughter, Vihaan found himself among the gaggle of kids who followed the young cowherd on his daily escapades.

Vihaan was no ordinary child, but he didn't flaunt it. He let the other children see him as one of their own, a boy eager to learn the ways of Gokul, to swim in the Yamuna, and to play games under the vast sky.

Yet, beneath the surface, their connection deepened. Vihaan, armed with knowledge from the future, recognized the divine spark in Krishna. The way he spoke, the way he moved, the very air around him seemed to crackle with an unseen energy.

Krishna, in turn, was drawn to Vihaan's quiet intelligence and thoughtful questions. He found himself sharing stories not just of his pranks, but of the ancient wisdom passed down through generations, the truths of dharma and karma, the interconnectedness of all beings.

One afternoon, as they rested in the shade of a banyan tree, Krishna turned to Vihaan with a playful glint in his eyes. "Do you know why you're here, Vihaan?"

Vihaan shrugged, a touch of uncertainty in his voice. "Reborn, you mean?"

Krishna nodded. "I see glimpses of it in your eyes, the wisdom of another time. It's a rare gift."

Vihaan didn't deny it. "I lived a different life, in a far-off land. I studied your stories, Krishna. The Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita... they were my guides."

A thoughtful silence settled between them. Then, Krishna spoke, his voice barely a whisper. "You were brought here for a reason, Vihaan. We have a long journey ahead, and you are a part of it."

Vihaan felt a shiver run down his spine. He had always known this wasn't a mere coincidence, but hearing it confirmed by Krishna himself sent a thrill of excitement through him.

"I am ready," Vihaan declared, his voice firm.

Krishna smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "I know you are, my friend. And I am ready for you."

Their friendship was forged in those simple words, a bond that transcended time and circumstance. Together, they faced the challenges of their world, their destinies intertwined, their paths leading towards an epic saga that would shape the course of history.