The Journey Beyond Bhuloka

by Krutant Iyer

  Vajra fell to his knees, completely depleted of his Siddhi.

  “What power is this!?” he shouted at Murari.

  The unconscious Murari approached the fallen Vajra.

  Vajra looked on, horrified at seeing this face of Murari.

  With another swing of Murari’s sword, the black flames rushed forth and engulfed Vajra’s body, pulling his entire frame into itself as it receded into the sword.

  As soon as the black flames withdrew back into the sword, Murari collapsed on the ground.

  Everyone immediately rushed to his side.

  Drona went down on his knees and put his ear on Murari’s chest. Then he lifted his head and put a finger under Murari’s nose.

  “His breathing is shallow. But he is alive.” Drona declared.

  Everyone heaved a sigh of relief.

  Just then the ground rumbled violently and a loud explosion was heard from within the castle.

  The tremors intensified even as everyone struggled to maintain their balance.

  “Oh no!” Kali whispered. “The eternal fruits.”

  Drona and the rest of the Rakshasas turned to look in the direction of the castle.

  Krupa lifted Murari on his shoulder.

  “We should get away from the field.” He said.

  As they advanced towards the outer-gate, another explosion was heard from within the castle. It was so loud that it resounded through the entirety of the Loka.

  All the Nisacharas darted towards the outer-gate, while the boys followed them closely. But the Rakshasas remained rooted to the spot. They weren’t even facing in the direction of the outer-gate of the capital.

  As they stood gaping at the destruction, a blinding beam of light shot up from within the castle. Before anyone could react, a strong gust of wind blasted from within the castle, knocking everyone down.

  The potent energy released from the explosive wind knocked out many Nisacharas and Rakshasas. The ones who managed to retain their consciousness found it difficult to open their eyes.

  The wave lasted for quite a while before the blinding light ebbed away. Thick smoke rose over the incinerated castle all the way to the roof of the dark underworld.

  “Look!” One of the Nisacharas shouted, pointing towards the roof over the burnt castle.

  While the others were still regaining their balance, Drona, Krupa, and Kali stared at the roof, astounded by the sight.

  The powerful explosion from earlier had left a gaping void in the dome, from which the cloud of black smoke was now coursing out of Narakaloka.

  Tears welled up in Bhrihu’s eyes as he realized what this meant. Everyone remained rooted to their spot, as they gazed at the cloud of smoke tearing through the hole.

  The Asuras returned to the field; as did the inhabitants of the capital city, who had shut themselves in their home.

  As the dark cloud of smoke thinned away, the beaming rays of sun pierced through it and hit the surface of Narakaloka for the first time.

  ✽✽✽

  Ashtaadasha

  Homecoming

  A month had passed since the explosion had collapsed a major chunk of the rocky roof of the capital city of Narakaloka, bringing sunlight to Narakaloka.

  Within the first two weeks, the Nisacharas, with help from Rakshasas and Asuras had built a provisional stairway leading up to the Bhuloka.

  While most of the inhabitants of Narakaloka had already made their way into Bhuloka through the opening, some decided to stay back in the Loka as it had been their home for generations.

  When Kali and the Rakshasas reached Bhuloka, the sparkling stars in the dark sky greeted them, as the moonlight shone upon them quietly. But what really took their breath away was the dazzling light emitted by the fruits in the orchard all around them.

  From what they could gather, the energies from the Dipakaphala and Vanaphala had combined when the eternal fruits burnt within Kirmira’s castle and caused the explosion. The seeds from the combined energies of the two eternal fruits had spread all over this uninhabited island in Bhuloka, giving birth to a new kind of fruit. As the Rakshasas examined the fruits in the orchard closely, they could tell that this new form of eternal fruit was imbued with the powers of both, Vanaphala and Dipakaphala.

  Murari had remained unconscious for two weeks. Krupa refused to budge from his side for the entire duration of his recovery. Ballu, Raaka, and Mitra, along with the pirate crew had recovered earlier and were supporting the rest of the Nisacharas and Asuras in relocating to the island in Bhuloka.

  Drona’s special medicinal herbs had helped speed up Murari’s recovery.

  Murari did not seem to have any recollection of defeating Vajra after he had passed out from being hit by his fiery fireball. When Krupa filled him in on the details of what had come to pass after that, he could only stare in disbelief.

  When Murari and the boys finally made their way into Bhuloka, followed closely by the pirate crew, and Krupa and his Nisacharas, they instantly knew they had arrived back in Tamisra.

  But the potency of the eternal fruits had transformed the landscape from barren desert to a land of lush woods and fertile soil.

  The pirate crew were surprised to find their boat intact by the shore.

  That night a celebratory feast had been set up by the shore of the island.

  Over the past month, the Asuras had become friendlier and comfortable with the Nisacharas and the Rakshasas. There was a sense of bonhomie all around as they sang and danced around the bonfire by the shore of Tamisra.

  Murari sat by the shore, looking at the gentle waves of the dark, blue water. He couldn’t help feeling remorseful for the way things had turned out with Vajra. He had always held Vajra in great esteem. But then when he thought about Vajra’s actions, anguish made way for anger.

  Seeing Murari sitting alone by the shore, Kali and Bhrihu approached him.

  Kali sat beside Murari and brought a fist-sized stele from the folds of her cloak.

  Bhrihu nodded and smiled approvingly, she handed it to Murari.

  “This is for you,” Kali said.

  Murari looked at the piece of dark stone with random lines inscribed on its face.

  “What’s this?” he asked.

  “We have protected it for generations. I believe it’s time to relieve ourselves from the burden of protecting it.”

  “Don’t tell me, this piece of rock is –”

  “This is the first fragment of the map to Devaloka,” Kali revealed.

  Murari’s eyes widened in shock.

  “But, why are you giving it to me? What will I do with it?” Murari asked.

  “After bearing witness to the recent events, I have been reassessing our true purpose. We are Rakshaks, the protectors. But we failed to protect the eternal fruits from Kirmira, and we were helpless against Vajra. On both occasions, we suffered greatly and felt miserable and helpless.

  Due to the play of fate, the eternal fruits managed to take a new form and survive. But I am not sure if we can protect the piece of the map any longer. I would much rather protect the peace and unity of our people.” Kali said.

  Murari stared at the stele in his hand for a while, before securing it inside the same pouch tied to his waist. He looked up and smiled weakly at the two Rakshasas.

  Soon all three of them headed back to join their friends by the bonfire.

  “So, have you decided what you want to do next?” Krupa asked Murari as the two of them tore into the grilled fish cooked by the pirate crew.

  “Yeah. We will be heading back to our village for a short while. I need to check upon my Avva, while my friends meet their families.” Murari responded.

  “What do you intend to do after that?”

  “Rescue my Tata. I can’t even imagine the torture he must be enduring at the hands of Shalva and his warriors.” Murari said.

  “I am not even sure if he is even alive.” He murmured after a while. “But I won’t rest until I find him.”

  “In that ca
se, count me in,” Krupa said.

  “But –” Murari started to protest.

  “Do you recall what I said back in the dungeon? I wish to see your way of life. Also, I think you would need all the help you can get if you have to face Shalva’s warriors,” Krupa said.

  “Thank you, Krupa-Garu.” Murari said.

  The old Nisachara smiled warmly.

  “By the way, have they decided who’s going to be the new King?” Murari asked.

  “Not a King.” Krupa smiled. “We have a new Queen.”

  Murari raised his eyebrows as he smiled, agreeing with their choice. He turned his gaze towards Kali, sitting atop a boulder, animatedly narrating a story to the children.

  Next morning, all the Asuras, Nisacharas, and Rakshasas had come to the shore to see them off.

  It had been agreed between Murari and Krupa that he would return to Tamisra after ensuring everything was alright in his village.

  Kali had offered him an eternal fruit as a gift, but Murari refused to accept it.

  As their ship sailed away from the shore, the boys and the pirates waved goodbye to their friends. Their journey had only just begun.

  ✽✽✽

  Acknowledgement

  lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu

  Let the entire world be happy

  To Avva, Tata (Paternal), Ammamma, Tata (Maternal), Dadi, Babaji, Nani, and Nanaji.

  This book, and all the ones to follow could never have been possible without the blessings of our Grandparents. They regaled us with captivating stories when we were kids. For me, they would always remain the original, enchanting storytellers.

  To my loving Amma and Papa!

  When we were kids, my mother used to take me and my sister to Vadodara and Mithapur, our Nani’s place, for summer vacations. More than reaching the destination, I used to look forward to the train journey. My parents would buy a bunch of comics for me. I would lose no time in climbing to the upper berth of the train and plunge into the world of wonderful stories. The sacrifices they made for me and my sister and the values they instilled in us, have shaped me and my approach to life. Thank you Amma and Papa! You are my ultimate role models. I would consider myself lucky if I turn out half as good a human being as the two of you.

  To my loving Mummy and Papaji!

  The term ‘in-laws’ sounds very impersonal. I have never looked at my wife’s parents as my ‘in-laws’. They have always been and will always be, Mummy and Papaji to me. I dedicate this book to them with a special feeling of gratitude and love.

  I still remember the day I had told Mummy about working on this book. Over the course of writing the book, her unconditional love and words of encouragement became the fuel on which my imagination ran.

  Papaji’s heart holds love and care in abundance. His words of encouragement gave me the courage to persevere. I am truly blessed to have the love, blessings, guidance and wisdom of not one, but two sets of parents.

  To my dearest wife, Sarishti!

  You are the sole reason for this book to have seen the light of the day. I salute your unwavering faith in me, even as the story was still being crafted. The sparkle in your eyes while listening to my over-enthused narration even after a gruelling day at work, is what kept me going. You brought out the author in me. Your confidence in me is the sole reason I was able to complete my first novel.

  As Lokas started taking shape in my mind, you indulgently wore a new hat everyday to keep me going. From being my best friend and a loving wife, to being my soundboard, critic, and my editor.

  More than a dedication, this book is the gift I had promised for our anniversary. I know it’s a little late, but I know you aren’t complaining.

  All I want you to know is – The story you and me are living every moment, inspires me to write a new one every day.

  To the most important members of my family!

  Even though they are the youngest in the family, my sister Maitrayee, and my sister-in-law Pragya, are both wise beyond their years. The bond we share is unbeatable! Their faith in me keeps me going.

  I consider myself fortunate to receive incessant positive reinforcement and blessings from my Peddamma, Chinamma, Peddappa, Atta, Mama, Mausis (in law), and Mama (in law).

  My special gratitude and love to all my cousins and friends.

  What a wonderful experience it has been to write this story! The feeling of finishing the first book was akin to returning home from a vacation. I cannot wait to go back and write more.

  List of Key Terminologies

  Ajitah – A title bestowed on the strongest warrior of Balaloka

  Akrman – A command to attack

  Amba – A motherly figure

  Angathari – A Kalari technique to gain mastery over your weapons

  Angavastram – A long, rectangular piece of cloth, meant to cover the

  Ashwagandha Herb – A rare herb that is known to awaken an individual’s Siddhi

  Astra – Weapons forged from the volcanic metals, imbued with Siddhi

  Astrin Sajjibhu – A command for archers to prepare their arrows

  Asuras – Indigenous inhabitants of Narakaloka

  Attika – Sister

  Atman – An individual’s soul

  Avva – Grandmother

  Balaka – A Boy

  Ballista – A device capable of launching spears

  Devaloka – A mysterious Loka

  Dipakaphala – An eternal fruit that grows in Narakaloka

  Dvaitavana – The mysterious jungle-island in middle of the ocean.

  Ekadvipa – A small island in Bhuloka. The boys receive their weapons on this island

  Gada – A blunt mace

  Garu – A term of respect, used with names and titles

  Indriya – Enhanced senses

  Isitv – A kind of Siddhi. Power to become, create, and control an element of nature

  Jvala – Fire

  Jvala-bhittika – Wall of fire

  Jyeshta – Elder brother

  Kalari – Martial arts and fighting style

  Kamyaka Jungle – The jungle of eternal fruits in Narakaloka

  Loka – Universe

  Lokapa – Protector of all Lokas

  Madira – An inebriating drink

  Mandi – The islet market/Bazaar

  Manava – Inhabitants of Bhuloka

  Mantra – Utterances or syllables imbued with extraordinary powers

  Meipayattu – Hand-to-hand combat technique of Kalari

  Mukhya – Head of village and clan. Title accorded to Veerabhadra as the founding father of Sadhuvamsha

  Nandaka – Murari’s sword

  Nisacharas – A clan of warriors from Narakaloka, easily distinguished by the fangs protruding from their mouth

  Paramshakti Vruksha – A divine tree of Siddhi

  Parashu – A battle-axe

  Pesani – A pebble infused with the elements of nature and Siddhi

  Prastara – An orchard within Kirmira’s castle in Narakaloka that’s protected by beasts

  Rakshasas – A clan of protectors from Narakaloka, easily distinguished by the horns protruding from their head

  Ranajira – Arena of warriors

  Sadhuvamsha – The clan founded by Veerabhadra, Murari’s grandfather

  Sarpa – A monstrous snake

  Seer – A highly revered being who holds the power to transcend time, and traverse the boundaries between Lokas

  Siddhi – Extraordinary powers

  Siddha – An individual who has awakened the powers of Siddhi

  Siddhari – A form of addressing people who have gained mastery over Siddhi

  Vanaphala – A rare, eternal fruit that grows in Narakaloka

  Varman – A metal armour

  Vastiv – A kind of Siddhi

  Vivarta – A kind of Siddhi. Ability to transform into a hybrid-beast form

  Tamisra – The desert island at the end of Bhuloka

  Tata – Grandfather

  Yo
dhin Mahotsav – An annual fighting festival organised by the King of Balaloka

  Map of Bhuloka