Into The Unknown

A figure materialized before him—a boy, not much older than Arjun, yet his eyes held a depth of knowledge far beyond his age. He extended a hand, strong and steady, and grinned.

"It's good that you woke up. You're quite the sleeper!"

As Arjun's blurred vision cleared, he took in the sight of the boy before him—a tall figure with a lean yet muscular build, seemingly just a few years older than himself. His deep blue eyes shimmered like the vast ocean, holding secrets beyond comprehension. His skin glowed with a bronze undertone, kissed by the sun, while his wavy jet-black hair cascaded down to his shoulders, framing a sharp, angular face. He was, without a doubt, the most handsome man Arjun had ever seen. No—definitely.

The boy helped Arjun to his feet and introduced himself. "Hi, I'm Kisna." His voice carried an effortless calm, a melodic undertone that made people want to listen. Then, without hesitation, he asked, "Who the hell are you, and why couldn't I sense your presence?"

Arjun, still in awe, stammered, "What… what just happened!? What are you talking about? Where am I? And why don't you tell me who you are first!?"

Kisna crossed his arms, his expression unwavering. "I am Kisna, the prince of Dwarka. And you are currently in my state. Now, why don't you answer me?"

Arjun froze. His eyes widened as recognition hit him. Dwarka? He had studied about it in history—an ancient kingdom lost to time, its remnants scattered through history, merging and breaking apart to form new territories, one of which was Delhi, his home.

His confusion twisted into frustration. "Stop messing with me! Dwarka hasn't existed for centuries. Tell me the truth!"

Kisna smirked, amused. "If you're so sure… then why don't you take a look around?"

Arjun, still skeptical, shifted his gaze away from Kisna and finally took in his surroundings. What he saw left him breathless.

The familiar sights of Delhi had vanished. In their place was a world straight out of legend. People moved in elegant, rune-etched carriages pulled by majestic horses—though horses hardly seemed an accurate term. Their coats shimmered like woven moonlight, their manes flowing with an almost ethereal glow. The roads weren't paved with asphalt but were vast stretches of straightened earth, hardened and smoothed over time.

Above him, towering high-rise buildings loomed, yet they weren't made of concrete and steel. Instead, grand stone structures reached for the sky, their walls adorned with intricate carvings and glowing inscriptions. Their architecture was an impossible blend of ancient craftsmanship and futuristic marvels.

In the distance, a marketplace bustled with activity. People walked along the nearby streets wearing long robes embroidered with mystical patterns, the fabric rippling as if enchanted. Others donned sturdy outfits lined with belts holding vials, scrolls, and weapons. The market stalls, shaded by canopies of shimmering fabric, displayed wares that defied all logic—fruit that floated above their baskets, weapons humming with unseen energy, and crystals that refracted light into breathtaking patterns.

And then, the craziest sight of all—

A pet shop stood at the market's edge, and in front of it, Arjun spotted a phoenix, its flaming wings flickering with life. Nearby stood dodo birds—weren't they extinct!?—and then his eyes landed on a majestic creature… a horse.

No, not a horse.

A horse with wings and a horn.

A freaking unicorn.

Arjun's breath hitched. His vision swam, and before he could fully grasp the impossibility of it all, a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him. Darkness swallowed him whole as he collapsed.

When he regained consciousness, he found himself in a grand chamber—one that radiated a sense of timeless majesty. The room's towering walls were adorned with intricate carvings, ancient tapestries whispering forgotten tales of a bygone era. Ornate chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow over the polished marble floor, and the faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air.

Before he could move, a glass of water slowly floated toward him, guided by an unseen force. It settled gently into his hands. Beside him stood Kisna, unchanged—calm, composed, watching him with amusement.

"Drink this," Kisna said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Before you faint again. Seems like it's becoming a habit."

Arjun, still dazed, took the glass and drank. The cool water soothed his parched throat, grounding him just enough to gather his thoughts.

"My name is Arjun," he finally spoke, his voice laced with bewilderment. "I… I don't know what's happening to me." He met Kisna's gaze, searching for answers. "Who are you really? Where am I? And what just happened?"

Kisna regarded him with a knowing smile, as if he had expected these very questions. "Before I explain," he said in a measured tone, "let me introduce myself properly this time."

He placed a hand on his chest. "My name is Kisna, and I am the prince of Dwarka."

Arjun barely had time to react before Kisna continued nonchalantly. "We just jumped through a portal. That's why you fainted. It's a common reaction for first-timers. But I have to admit, I'm puzzled. I couldn't sense your presence earlier, and that's… highly unusual."

Arjun took a deep breath, trying to process everything. "Portal? Presence? What the hell are you talking about!?" He clenched his fists, still half-convinced this was some elaborate dream. He pinched his skin, hoping to wake up.

This isn't real. It can't be real.

Kisna, unbothered by Arjun's disbelief, spoke patiently. "Yes, a portal. You've crossed into a world where magic is real, where ancient myths and modern marvels coexist. This realm has remained hidden from Normals like you for centuries, protected by what we call the Veil."

Arjun's head snapped up. "The Veil? What the hell is that?"

Kisna's expression grew serious. "The Veil is a barrier that separates our world from yours," he explained. "To truly understand, you need to hear a story first. A story of how two worlds were divided, yet continue to exist side by side. And it goes like…"