The Journey Beyond Bhuloka

by Krutant Iyer

  Everyone stood still as the stranger walked towards the village head, who had fallen to his knees, too shocked to move.

  “You did well, my friend.” The stranger said. “The Nisacharas were wrong in underestimating your strength and courage.”

  He put a reassuring hand on the village head’s shoulder.

  “The village is safe now. You needn’t worry.”

  “Wh – Who are you?” the village head asked, looking bewildered by another stranger’s presence.

  “My name is Vajra. I am a friend.” The new-comer replied as he helped the village head to his feet.

  ✽✽✽

  Chatvaari

  All Aboard!

  The weather was unusually hot as the Sun bore down on them. Vajra seemed undeterred by the heat. He had comfortably perched himself atop a large boulder by the shore of the river. Murari was quieter than usual.

  Murari arched his eyebrows, with his hands resting on his hips, as he took a good look at the giant sitting in front of him. He was abnormally tall in comparison to others, just like his grandmother. Was he her brother? But she hadn’t mentioned anything about having any other relatives.

  Diksha had still not gained consciousness. Every once in a while, her body would shiver incessantly for a few moments, but then she would slip back into a comatose state. The village head had insisted on not moving her from his house before she could recover completely.

  Vajra’s arrival had raised many eyebrows, but the men of the village were more anxious to get back to their boozing and idling, so they did not think much of it. The womenfolk seemed to be satisfied with the fact that the village head trusted the mysterious giant.

  Two days had passed since the Nisacharas had shown up at Vanagochar.

  Murari had refused to leave his grandmother’s side. But when Vajra expressed his desire to talk to him in seclusion, Murari decided to hear what the stranger had to say.

  Initially, Vajra was surprised to find out Diksha had not told Murari anything about his origin. Vajra’s perspective towards the way of life had always been in stark difference to Diksha’s. But he also knew she was only trying to protect him. After all, no good could come out of speaking about a clan that did not exist anymore. It would have only caused the child more pain.

  But things were different now. After the attack from the Nisacharas, Murari had questions that needed to be addressed.

  He believed that hiding the truth from Murari would only prolong the inevitable. Also, he couldn’t afford to keep the truth from Murari. Veerabhadra’s fate depended on it.

  “Don’t you have any questions?” Vajra asked Murari, as he finished recounting the events since his birth.

  “Avva isn’t my grandmother?” Murari asked.

  Vajra looked at Murari’s saddened face.

  “Relations aren’t always blood. Diksha is your Avva if you choose to believe so. After all, isn’t she the one who raised you, and looked after you all these years?” Vajra answered while studying Murari’s expression closely.

  Murari’s expression remained stoic, as his mind processed this sudden revelation.

  His body stiffened as he looked at Vajra.

  “What happened to my Tata?” He asked.

  Vajra’s face was overcome with grief upon hearing Murari’s question.

  “Once we left from here, we went looking for the portal leading to Narakaloka. We travelled many seas, stayed on various islands. While some were inhabited, others were as desolate as a desert. We made sure to stay away from other people of this Loka as much as possible for the fear of making them Shalva’s target due to our presence.”

  “Shalva’s target? But how did he know you were in this Loka?” Murari asked.

  “He didn’t. We came across his warriors when we reached an isolated, misty island in the middle of the ocean. Due to heavy mist surrounding the island we weren’t able to see their ship at first. By the time we hit the shallow waters, it was too late to turn back. We had been spotted. We had no choice but to fight the warriors. They were no match for the two of us. They refused to answer any of our questions. Even though I advised against it, Veera let them live. But I burnt their ship so they couldn’t escape and reveal our whereabouts to Shalva.”

  “What happened then?” Murari asked.

  “Something about the island fascinated Veera and me. We explore it for a while, before returning to the beach after a few days. But by the time we had come back, the warriors had somehow managed to free themselves and had stolen our boat to escape the island.”

  “What? Were they not secured properly?” Murari asked.

  “No ropes or chain can hold a warrior from Balaloka in its clasp for long. Veera knew that, and that’s why he did not look surprised when he did not find them upon returning. But now we were without a boat. Hence, we borrowed the wood from the jungle on the island and made ourselves a makeshift vessel that would hold sturdy against the angry waves of the ocean.” Vajra said.

  “What happened then?” Murari asked, getting a little impatient now.

  “We finally reached Tamisra,” Vajra answered. “The island at the end of the ocean. That’s where we found it. The portal to Narakaloka. After journeying for more than a decade.”

  Murari stared without blinking.

  “But before we could reach the portal, Nishada and his Nisacharas ambushed us. They had somehow anticipated the attack and were lying in wait for us.” Vajra said.

  “What happened then?”

  “Unlike last time, this time we were on foreign land, with nothing to lose. So, we went all out. Nishada and his Nisacharas stood no chance. No sooner had Veera defeated Nishada, Shalva’s warriors showed up on the island. Veera and I had already exhausted our Siddhi battling Nishada and his army of Nisacharas. We somehow managed to keep them at a distance and fend off the attacks for a while.

  But Veera got struck by an arrow in his leg. He did not have the strength to continue fighting. Without using our Siddhi, I knew it would be foolish to take on so many warriors of Balaloka on my own. Their physical prowess was also overwhelming since they were much younger than me and Veera.

  Both of us knew this could very well be our last battle, as there was no way for either of us to get off the island without avoiding a confrontation with Shalva’s warriors.” Vajra said.

  He looked pensive as he replayed the events from the battle in his mind.

  “That’s when Veera made me promise to look after you. I refused to leave his side, but he told me he had already passed on the will of Sadhuvamsha to you.”

  “Will of Sadhuvamsha?” Murari asked. “But I have never met Tata, ever?”

  “Initially, even I wasn’t sure what he meant then, but over time I have come to realise the true meaning behind his words. Even as the strongest warrior of Balaloka, Veera always envisioned Sadhuvamsha as a clan of peace-loving people, living in harmony with others.” Vajra recalled. “This was also why I was inspired to follow Veera. It was his way of life. But the cruel hand dealt by fate led to the destruction of everything he held dear. He lost his daughter, his people, and his land within a single night.”

  Tears welled up in Vajra’s eyes as he recollected the events from that fateful night.

  “Even after losing all his people, Veera did not give up on his dream. He has passed on his will to you, his grandson. He hoped you would succeed, where he had failed. And so, he wanted me to be here to protect you and guide you.”

  Murari could see that Vajra held his Tata in high esteem.

  “Were you able to defeat Shalva’s warriors?” Murari asked.

  “No. Just as we were contemplating our next move, a Nisachara emerged from under the bodies of his comrades and jumped into the portal of Narakaloka before either of us could react. He had somehow managed to camouflage himself under his fallen comrades. Veera feared that he had heard everything and would report your whereabouts to more Nisacharas. He asked me to go in and finish him before he could spread the information. I w
as left with no choice, but to enter the portal.” Vajra said.

  “Does that mean, Tata is –?” Murari couldn’t bring himself to complete the sentence.

  “Unfortunately, I don’t know,” Vajra said. “I entered Narakaloka in an unconscious state. My exhausted mind and body couldn’t adapt to the sudden change in environment. By the time I regained consciousness, I couldn’t tell how much time had passed. It was impossible to tell day from night. Narakaloka is shrouded in darkness. I entered the capital city of Narakaloka under disguise in the hopes of catching the Nisachara. But couldn’t find him even after searching for days.

  One day, when I was roaming in the capital city, I caught wind of a rumour going around in the marketplace. A pack of sniffer-wolves had found your location in Bhuloka and had also discovered the portal that opened directly into this village.

  I heard Kirmira, the new King of Narakaloka was preparing to send a small troop of Nisacharas to kill you.

  I waited for my chance and quietly followed the group of Nisacharas, maintaining enough distance to not be detected. The portal opens on the other side of the hill, through a small opening in its rocky wall at the bottom. When I reached the hut, I found traces of poisonous vapour all around it. I immediately understood it was Diksha’s doing. Which is what led me to the village.”

  As Vajra and Murari conversed by the river shore, Mitra emerged from the village street.

  “Murari!” he shouted from the distance. “Amba is awake. Come fast! She is asking for you.”

  Murari immediately dashed towards the village. Vajra, too, jumped from the boulder and followed Murari.

  Diksha sat leaning against the wall of the village head’s home. Her leg still ached but other than that, she seemed fine.

  Seeing Murari rush in, a smile broke upon Diksha’s face. Murari hugged her tightly.

  “Don’t be so rash, Son. Amba has just regained consciousness.” The village head advised.

  Murari sat down beside his grandmother. Just then, Vajra entered the room.

  Seeing him Diksha was filled with a renewed vigour. Despite her injury, she tried standing up, but the throbbing sensation in her leg made her sit back on the ground. Tears welled up in her eyes, not due to the pain. Vajra sat down beside Diksha, as she clasped her hand firmly around his.

  “Where’s Jyeshta?” she asked.

  Vajra remained silent, but his downcast eyes answered her question.

  “It’s been twelve years since the night you two left. With every passing day, my hope of being reunited with the two of you faded, bit by bit. And now –” Diksha said.

  “Don’t worry, Diksha. There’s a good chance Veera is still alive. Shalva wouldn’t kill him till he gets what he wants from him. I won’t rest till I find Veera.” Vajra promised.

  Diksha realised Murari was sitting by her side. She turned to look at him, but he remained as calm as ever.

  “Murari, I –” she began speaking.

  “Avva, you take proper rest and recover. That’s all that matters to me right now.” Murari said as he tapped her hand reassuringly.

  Diksha smiled. She could see Veerabhadra’s likeness in Murari’s demeanour.

  “What exactly happened there?” Diksha asked Vajra.

  Vajra once again recounted all that had happened since he and Veerabhadra had left twelve years ago.

  “I can’t believe Shalva would stoop so low in pursuing Jyeshta,” Diksha said after listening to Vajra’s story. “What is it that he wants so bad from Jyeshta that he refuses to leave him alone even after massacring all our people?”

  “I don’t know. Veera never spoke about it. And I didn’t force him to.” Vajra said.

  “What now?” Diksha asked. “Shouldn’t we relocate from here? The Nisacharas already know about this village now.”

  “That won’t be necessary,” Vajra said. “I sealed the entrance to this portal after coming out with a Mantra. The Nisacharas won’t be able to use the portal anymore. This place is as safe as any other in Bhuloka.”

  “What’s your plan now?” Diksha asked.

  “I will be heading back to Tamisra to find out what happened after I entered Narakaloka. I am not even sure what condition Veera may be in, or if he is still alive. But I will not rest until I find him.” Vajra said.

  “But going back there would be dangerous. What if you encounter the Nisacharas or Shalva’s warriors? You cannot fight all of them alone.” Diksha started to protest.

  “He won’t be alone Avva,” Murari said. “I am going too.”

  “What? No way! You can’t –”

  “Avva, I have already made up my mind. I cannot sit idly knowing Tata could be in trouble. I don’t know what condition he is in, or if he is even alive. But I need to find him.” Murari said.

  Diksha knew it was impossible to change Murari’s mind once he had decided on something.

  “Don’t worry Diksha. This may be a good idea.” Vajra said. “Murari is of the right age to awaken his Siddhi, as well as begin his training in Kalari.”

  Even though Diksha wasn’t comfortable with the idea of sending Murari away, she resigned to them, knowing she couldn’t do anything about it.

  That night, the villagers lit up a bonfire by the riverbank to celebrate the return of normalcy in their village. The village head knew this was just another excuse for the men to booze more, but he wasn’t complaining. After all, it was necessary to bring back the upbeat spirit in the village that had been missing for the past few days.

  Vajra sat on the large boulder by the riverbank, a little further from where the villagers had lit the bonfire. Murari sat in front of him, leaning against a smaller rock on the ground.

  “Will I become strong like you?” he asked, looking expectantly at Vajra.

  Vajra smiled. He admired the hunger in the little boy’s eyes.

  “That’s what I am here for. I will teach you to harness your strength and energy, but it all depends on your will to learn and endurance to bear the training.”

  “I don’t care how hard the training is,” Murari said. “I will beat all the obstacles to become stronger.”

  Murari determination showed in his expression. He did not wish to be at mercy of others and feel helpless again.

  “Well said. You should rest for now. We shall head out to the sea, early in the morning.” Vajra said.

  Murari sprang to his feet and smiled at Vajra, before dusting his dhoti and dashing off to the village to see Diksha. Vajra could not repress a smile of admiration at the little boy’s strength of will and youthful energy that reminded him of Veera.

  As the night progressed, Vajra silently watched the villagers make merry from atop the boulder. Ballu, followed closely by Raaka and Mitra walked over to where Vajra was sitting.

  “Sir, please take us along with you.” Ballu pleaded with Vajra, bowing his head. Raaka and Mitra stood behind him.

  Vajra was surprised at this unexpected request.

  “I am afraid I cannot do that. This isn’t a fun trip. You would be dead before we reach our destination.” Vajra said.

  Ballu lifted his head to look at Vajra.

  “When the Nisacharas attacked our village, we couldn’t do anything. Now that we have seen the difference in strength between us and them we cannot sit idly and wait for someone else to attack. We need to get strong for the sake of protecting our village and our people.” Ballu said.

  Vajra could see Ballu’s passion in his words.

  He knew competition facilitates growth. Maybe bringing them along would not be such a bad idea. At the very least, it would help drive Murari’s growth as well.

  He looked at all three of them. They certainly looked stronger than an average Manava. With proper training, they could prove to be quite useful in this journey.

  “Alright, you can come.” Vajra finally responded. “But I want to make one thing very clear. This is going to be a dangerous journey. Think carefully before you commit. There’s no way to back out after we leave
here. Meet me here at dawn, if you still wish to come with us.”

  “Thank you, Sir,” Ballu said, as the three boys smiled at each other.

  The men from the village drank and danced until late in the night. Upon tiring, they fell asleep by the riverbank itself. Vajra, too, got down from the boulder and leaned against it, looking at the bright stars in the clear sky. He hadn’t realised what a blessing it was to be able to look up and see the vastness of the sky. His time in Narakaloka had taught him a lot.

  As the sun peered from the horizon, Murari walked out of the village, towards the riverbank. He had already bid goodbye to Diksha, who had insisted on coming to see him off but was dissuaded by Murari from doing so.

  Murari was shocked to see Ballu, Raaka, and Mitra standing by the riverbank.

  “What are you guys doing here?” Murari asked.

  “Hmph – You thought you could get strong and we would just sit around.” Ballu jeered at Murari.

  “You mean, you too are –”

  “Yes. We will train with you too. This way, apart from getting strong, we will also get to travel across the ocean and see new places.” Mitra beamed excitedly.

  “It’s time,” Vajra shouted from near the schooner.

  The village head had been kind enough to present Vajra with the Schooner as a token of appreciation for saving the village from Nisacharas.

  Ballu and Mitra bade goodbye to their families. Raaka’s father had recovered quicker than expected, but still had a bandage wrapped over his shoulder and back to avoid infection. He too had come to the shore to see off Raaka and the boys. He was happy to see his son getting a chance to travel the Bhuloka while obtaining training from Vajra.

  Like the rest of the boys, Murari donned a khaki vest and a clean white dhoti. His feet were secured by sandals, fashioned from the leaves of an old palm tree.

  They waved goodbye to the villagers as their ship slowly drifted away from the shore.

  Murari stood on the ship’s stern and looked at his village one final time as their vessel entered a narrow canal surrounded by mangroves, leading to the estuary that opened into the vast ocean.