Chapter 21 - An old Friend

Rohan arrives at the small town recommended by the AI, he is greeted by a quaint scene straight out of a postcard. The streets are lined with charming old buildings, their facades adorned with colorful flowers and ivy climbing up the walls. Rohan parks his bike and takes a stroll through the town, soaking in the atmosphere of rustic charm and simplicity. Curious to explore further, Rohan decides to wander down a narrow alleyway, where he discovers a hidden gem—a bustling marketplace brimming with activity. Vendors hawk their wares, offering everything from fresh produce and handmade crafts to local delicacies and street food.

Entering the book stall, Rohan is greeted by the cozy ambiance of shelves lined with books of all genres and sizes. The owner, a kindly older gentleman, looks up from his desk as Rohan approaches.

Rohan: "Hello there! I was wondering if you could help me. I'm looking for someone named Tina. She's known to be around these parts."

The owner peers at Rohan over the rim of his glasses, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

Owner: "Ah, Tina, you say? Yes, I believe I know who you're referring to. She's the author and regular around here. What brings you in search of her?"

Rohan, intrigued by the prospect of Tina's whereabouts, decides to share a bit more about the book and his interest in discovering its origins.

Rohan: "Actually, I stumbled upon this old book in my attic, Tina is the author of the book I found, but as the book is incomplete just wanted to meet her to complete the story."

The owner scratches his chin thoughtfully.

Owner: "Tina is a bit of a local legend around here. She's known for her captivating storytelling and her reclusive nature. Not many people have had the chance to meet her in person."

With the address in hand, Rohan wastes no time in his quest to find Tina. As he navigates the winding streets of the small town, Rohan's anticipation grows with each step. He imagines the stories Tina might have to tell, the secrets she might hold within the pages of her books.

Finally, he arrives at the address provided by the owner. Standing before Tina's home, Rohan takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what lies ahead. With a sense of excitement and apprehension, he approaches the door and raises his hand to knock.

Rohan is momentarily taken aback as the door swings open to reveal a young girl standing before him. Her eyes widen in surprise at the unexpected visitor.

Rohan: "Um, hello there. Is Tina home by any chance?"

The girl blinks, studying Rohan with curiosity.

"Ah! Tina is me. Tell me what brings you here ?"

Rohan takes a moment to gather his thoughts before responding.

Rohan: "Oh, I see! My apologies for the confusion. It's a pleasure to meet you, Tina. I'm Rohan. You know, Tina, when I heard your name, I imagined you to be... well, a bit older."

Tina: "Hey, Rohan, if you don't mind me asking, what exactly brings you here?"

Rohan, deciding to share more about the book that led him to Tina's doorstep, reveals its intriguing title.

Rohan: "Actually, Tina, the book I found is titled 'The Fall & Rise of the Celestial Realm,' and it's written by you.

Sensing a shift in Tina's demeanor, Rohan waits expectantly as she pauses and turns back to him.

Tina: "Wait... did you say 'The Fall & Rise of the Celestial Realm'?"

Rohan nods, curious about Tina's reaction.

Rohan: "Yes, that's right. Why? Do you know about the book?"

Rohan's surprise deepens as Tina reveals this unexpected turn of events. He listens intently, trying to understand the significance of her words.

Rohan: "Wait, you mean to say... all the volumes of 'The Fall & Rise of the Celestial Realm' have been taken back from the market and destroyed?"

Tina nodded solemnly, her gaze fixed on a distant point as if lost in memory. "Yes, I had to. The consequences of its existence were too great, too dangerous to comprehend."

" Can you please tell me the other half of the story." pleaded Rohan. But Tina denied immediately without any second thought.

Rohan's heart sank as Tina's denial hung heavy in the air, shattering his hopes of uncovering the missing pieces of the story.

"But Tina, I don't understand," Rohan pressed, his voice tinged with desperation. "I've come all this way to hear the rest of the tale. Please, you must tell me."

"I think you should leave, now!, It's about to rain, and you mustn't be caught in the storm." urged Tina as she turned to move towards her room. 

Frustration bubbled within Rohan as he stood at the threshold, his emotions roiling like the storm clouds gathering overhead. "Why can't I ever get the full story? Why does everything feel so incomplete?"

"I didn't even have a complete team in the office, all because of that buffoon Avyaan!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the room with unrestrained anger.

Tina's step faltered as Avyaan's name pierced the air, a palpable tension settling over the room like a heavy fog.

Tina's gaze shifted towards Rohan, her expression a mix of curiosity and determination. With a steady voice, she addressed him directly, her tone firm yet measured.

"What did you say? repeat that name once again?" her eyes searching his face for any hint of hesitation. He replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "The name is Avyaan."

"Avyaan," she repeated, testing the name on her tongue as if trying to unravel its secrets. The pitter-patter of raindrops against the windowpane gradually intensified, transforming into a steady downpour that drowned out all other sounds.

Tina's gaze flicked towards the window, her eyes widening in surprise at the sudden deluge. "It's raining heavily outside," she observed, her voice barely audible above the roar of the storm.

As the rain drummed against the windowpanes, Rohan's curiosity about Avyaan lingered in the air like a silent question. With a thoughtful expression, he turned to Tina, his voice soft yet inquisitive.

"Tina, do you happen to know Avyaan?" he asked, his words punctuated by the rhythmic patter of raindrops outside.

Tina holds Rohan's hand and closed her eyes, a sense of calm settled over the room, the steady rhythm of the rain outside serving as a soothing backdrop to their shared moment. As Tina closed her eyes, a wave of dizziness washed over her, followed by a profound sense of clarity. In the darkness behind her eyelids, images began to flicker like fragments of a forgotten dream.

She saw Rohan, not as he was now, but as he had been in lifetimes past.

As Tina delved deeper into the recesses of memory, the visions became more vivid, more visceral. She saw Rohan not as he was in this lifetime, but as he had been in ages past, his features illuminated by the flickering light of a distant era.

And then, amidst the tapestry of time, she witnessed the incident, the event that had forever changed the course of their lives. It was a scene from centuries ago, a moment frozen in time yet burning bright in Tina's mind. 

Tina opened her eyes, her vision blurred by tears of remembrance, she felt an overwhelming surge of emotion wash over her. Without a word, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Rohan in a tight embrace, seeking solace in the comfort of his presence.

Feeling Rohan's confusion, Tina gently pulled back from the embrace, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of apology and understanding.

"Rohan, I'm sorry," she began, her voice soft yet filled with conviction. "I know that must have been unexpected, but there's something I need to tell you."

" Don't you remember me? It's me your friend. " questioned Tina.

Tina noticed the lingering confusion in Rohan's expression, a furrow forming between his brows as he struggled to make sense of the situation. "Rohan, I understand that this might all seem a bit overwhelming," Tina began, her voice soft and comforting. "But I want you to know that you can trust me.

Tina held Rohan's hand, a sense of determination filled her heart, driving her to share the visions that had flooded her mind. With a deep breath, she closed her eyes, allowing the memories of their past lives to wash over her like a tidal wave.

Rohan watched in silence as Tina's expression softened, her features bathed in the ethereal glow of recollection. In that moment, he sensed a shift in the air, a tangible connection forming between them as Tina delved deeper into the recesses of memory.

And then, like scenes from a long-forgotten dream, the visions began to unfold before Rohan's eyes. He saw himself as he had been in ages past, his features illuminated by the flickering light of another era.

And then, amidst the tapestry of memory, he saw something that took his breath away. It was the storybook he had read, "The Fall & Rise of Celestial Realm," its pages filled with the tales of adventure and triumph that had captivated his imagination.

But as he looked closer, he realized with a start that the story was not just a work of fiction—it was a reflection of his own life, his own journey through the ages. Each character, each event, mirrored his experiences in a way that sent shivers down his spine.

Rohan delved deeper into the visions of their past lives, he felt a profound sense of connection to the storybook he had read, "The Fall & Rise of Celestial Realm." It was as if the pages of the book had come to life before his very eyes, revealing hidden truths and untold secrets that had eluded him in his previous readings.

With each passing vision, Rohan saw glimpses of the story that he had missed from the book.

He found himself standing in the midst of a vast dungeon, its walls pulsating with a thousand bolts of lightning that illuminated the darkness with their crackling energy.

Rohan felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized where he was—the Dungeon of Thousand Lightnings, a place of unimaginable danger and despair. In his previous readings of "The Fall & Rise of Celestial Realm," this scene had been glossed over, its significance lost amidst the grandeur of the story.

Each bolt of lightning that lashed out from the surrounding darkness struck him with a force that reverberated through his entire being.

With each passing moment, Rohan's body endured the onslaught of the relentless storm, his muscles strained and his senses overwhelmed by the relentless barrage of energy. Three days passed in a blur of agony and despair, each strike from the lightning tearing at the very fabric of his being. And then, as the final bolt of lightning struck with a deafening crack, Rohan's body could endure no more. With a cry of pain, he crumpled to the ground, his strength spent and his spirit broken by the relentless assault. As Rohan grappled with the overwhelming flood of memories and visions, tears began to well up in his eyes in the present moment. 

Rohan lay on the ground, weakened and exhausted from the relentless assault of the storm, another bolt of lightning struck dangerously close to him. With a blinding flash of light and a deafening crack, the lightning struck the pocket of Rohan once again, sending sparks flying in all directions. With a burst of light, a sword flew out, its blade gleaming with an otherworldly radiance. Rohan watched in astonishment as the sword began to swirl around him, forming a protective barrier against the relentless onslaught of the storm. With each strike of lightning, the sword moved with fluid grace, deflecting the bolts with effortless precision.

Rohan's vision continued to unfold within the Dungeon of Thousand Lightnings, he watched in awe as the sword, which had been protecting him, began to exhibit a new and extraordinary power. With a shimmering glow, the sword coiled around him like a protective serpent, its blade encircling him in a radiant aura.

Rohan felt a surge of energy coursing through him as the sword transferred its power to him, infusing him with strength and resilience beyond anything he had ever known. It was as if the sword recognized him as its true master, bestowing upon him its ancient magic and wisdom. He found himself transported to a realm of cosmic conflict—a battleground where celestial beings are fighting with him.

In the heart of the battlefield, amidst the clash of celestial beings and dark forces, Rohan saw himself standing face to face with Nakh, the king of Heaven. The air crackled with tension as their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.

With a heavy heart and a sense of duty weighing upon him, Rohan raised his sword, his hand trembling with the weight of his decision. In that moment, he knew that he had no choice but to confront Nakh, to challenge the king of Heaven in a battle that would decide the fate of the celestial realm.

With a swift motion, Rohan lunged forward, his sword flashing with divine fury as it struck Nakh with a fatal blow. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as the blade pierced Nakh's defenses, his expression a mixture of shock and resignation.

Rohan's vision of celestial conflict reached its climax, a sudden, searing pain tore through his chest, causing him to gasp in agony. In that moment, he felt as though a sword had passed through his very heart, mirroring the fatal blow he had witnessed in the vision.

The pain was so intense, so visceral, that it transcended the boundaries of the vision and became all too real. Rohan's breath caught in his throat as he clutched at his chest, his mind reeling from the shock of the sensation.

Through tear-blurred eyes, Rohan looked around wildly, searching for any sign of Avyaan, the one responsible for the pain he now felt. But there was no one there, no one but him and Tina, who watched him with concern etched upon her face. Rohan struggled to catch his breath, his mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. 

Rohan grappled with the intense pain coursing through his chest, Tina sprang into action, her concern overriding any sense of hesitation. With swift movements, she rushed to Rohan's side, her hands reaching out to steady him.

"Rohan, are you okay?" Tina's voice was filled with worry as she gently guided him to sit down, her eyes searching his face for any sign of relief from his suffering.

Rohan's pain gradually subsided, tears continued to stream down his cheeks unabated, a silent testament to the intensity of his emotions. Despite the physical agony beginning to ebb, the weight of the vision and the pain he had experienced lingered, leaving him feeling raw and vulnerable. Tina watched him with empathy, her own eyes moist with unshed tears as she witnessed his suffering. Gently, she reached out and brushed a tear from his cheek, her touch a comforting reassurance of her presence.

Rohan gradually regained his composure, the intensity of his pain giving way to a sense of calm, he turned to Tina with a determined look in his eyes. With a deep breath, he steadied himself, ready to confront the lingering questions that weighed heavily on his mind.

"Tina," Rohan began, his voice steady despite the lingering traces of emotion. "I need to know about Avyaan. What happened to him and where is he?

Tina tells him that, after Avyaan struck Rohan with his sword. He sees the bite mark he left on Rohan and remembers everything he had forgotten cause of the medicine. 

Unable to withstand the death of his beloved Avyaan made his second brother as king of the Heaven and departed towards the mountain to live in seclusion until he dies. Later he left his body and took a rebirth into mortal realm after 100 years. 

"He couldn't withstand seeing me dying?" Rohan repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Tina nodded in acknowledgment of Rohan's sentiments, a gentle smile graced her lips, a silent reassurance of her unwavering support. With a brief squeeze of Rohan's shoulder, she turned and made her way inside to prepare a comforting drink for him.

Inside, Tina moved with quiet efficiency, her thoughts still lingering on the weight of their conversation. She filled a kettle with water and set it to boil, the rhythmic sound of bubbling water a soothing backdrop to her thoughts.

With the drink in hand, Tina made her way back outside to where Rohan waited.

she approached, she offered him the cup with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting the depths of her concern and compassion.

"Here you go, Rohan," Tina said softly. "A warm drink to help soothe your spirits.

Rohan accepted the cup from Tina's hands and took a soothing sip of the warm drink, he felt a sense of calm wash over him, emboldening him to broach the subject of their previous friends.

"Tina," Rohan began, his voice soft but resolute. "I can't help but wonder about Nitesh, Harry, and Monica—our friends from our previous lives. Do you think they're out there somewhere, caught up in all of this?"

Rohan listened to Tina's words, a pang of guilt washed over him at the reminder of his past actions. He recalled the tumultuous events that had nearly led to the destruction of the celestial realm, and the role he had unwittingly played in that cataclysmic upheaval.

Rohan absorbed Tina's revelation about Nitesh, Harry, and Monica staying in the celestial realm for its reconstruction, a wave of mixed emotions swept over him. Memories of their friendship flickered in his mind like distant stars, their companionship a cherished part of his past.

"Nitesh, Harry, and Monica..." Rohan murmured, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "They stayed behind to help rebuild the celestial realm? That sounds like something they would do."

Rohan's thoughts turned to Tina's presence in the mortal realm and the mystery surrounding her prolonged stay, he couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity.

"Tina," Rohan began, his voice gentle yet filled with curiosity. "I've always wondered about your journey to the mortal realm and the reasons behind your prolonged stay here. Could you tell me more about it?"

"Rohan," she began, her voice steady yet tinged with gravity. "A century ago, when the celestial realm was still in the midst of reconstruction, a dark shadow loomed over the mortal realm. Demons, long banished to the depths of the underworld, began to stir and rise once more, their malevolent presence threatening to plunge both realms into chaos."

"The demons' emergence posed a dire threat to both realms," Tina continued, her voice echoing with a sense of urgency. "Their insatiable hunger for power and destruction knew no bounds, and it soon became clear that they would stop at nothing to achieve their sinister goals." Tina revealed the unsettling truth about the weakening of Avyaan's spell, Rohan felt a chill run down his spine. The implications of the spell's diminishing power were dire, threatening to unleash the demons upon the mortal realm once more.

"Tina," he began, his voice filled with awe at her sacrifice. "You've been here in the mortal realm all this time, using your power to strengthen Avyaan's spell and keep the demons at bay?"

Tina nodded solemnly, her eyes reflecting the weight of her responsibility. "Yes, Rohan," she confirmed. "It hasn't been easy, but I knew that it was necessary to protect both realms from the threat of the demons. 

Tina's expression darkened with concern as she spoke of the demons' impending escape from the weakened spell. "Rohan," she said urgently, "the situation is dire. With the spell's power diminishing, the demons are on the brink of breaking free into the mortal realm. If we don't act swiftly, they could unleash untold devastation upon us. We need to find a way to reinforce the spell, to contain the demons and prevent them from wreaking havoc."