The next day, golden rays filtered through the leaves of a neem tree as Armaan walked toward the old training grounds on the outskirts of the village. The air here was different—charged with memories of clashes, oaths, and sweat. Stone dummies stood half-broken in the distance, and the ground still bore scars from elemental strikes used by Rakshaks long gone.
There, leaning against a wooden post, stood Farmaan—his back straight, arms folded, a silent sentinel awaiting his arrival. Dressed in his usual faded kurta and dhoti, the man looked every bit like a wise elder from a forgotten story... until you sensed the sleeping volcano of prana beneath that calm exterior.
Armaan reached and gave him a respectful nod.
"How are you doing lately?" Farmaan asked without turning his head.
Armaan smirked lightly. "Better now that I'm here, gramps."
Farmaan gave a rare chuckle before the mood shifted. His gaze turned to the distant mountains. "I didn't call you here for pleasantries."
He motioned Armaan to sit beside a small table near the training ring. Laid out were old maps, a sealed scroll, and several prana-sensing crystals—each flickering nervously.
"Something's wrong in northwest Bengal," he said gravely. "Near an ancient place called Kalambhaar Cave."
He explained that the cave had started radiating anomalous prana a month ago—dense, primal, and cruel. The Rakshak Council had already dispatched Astra Rakshaks to inspect it.
"They didn't return."
Those who did crawl back refused to speak. Their prana was shattered, and they quit the force altogether. One retired the moment he reached HQ. One tried to take his own life.
Armaan leaned forward, brows furrowed. "What did they face?"
Farmaan unfolded a sealed scroll and pointed to a symbol etched in blood-red ink:
Three claw marks inside a ring of fire.
"A Daitya's mark," he said. "These things are different, Armaan. Older than Danawas. Older than humans. When a Daitya stirs... it isn't a battle. It's an extinction call."
Farmaan's voice deepened with authority as he unrolled another scroll, marked with a glowing seal of the Rakshak Council.
"A new investigation squad has been assembled. A full-scale recon mission."
Armaan's posture straightened. He could feel it coming.
"It'll be led by a Divya Rakshak this time," Farmaan continued, locking eyes with him.
"And… you've been chosen to be part of it, Armaan."
Armaan blinked. "Me…?"
"Yes."
Farmaan paused dramatically, then said,
"The squad will be commanded by none other than the 6th Divya Rakshak of India—Advika."
Thud!
Armaan's chair violently tipped backwards as he tumbled to the ground, his limbs flailing. Dust swirled around him as he groaned.
Farmaan's brow twitched. "...What was that reaction?"
Armaan sat up, brushing his sleeves. His face flushed.
"Uh... okay, so... It's a long story, but... remember when I went gift shopping for Ms. Sen with Alya?"
Farmaan nodded slowly.
"There was this Danawa at the metro station. I fought it using my Velsh Dragon form. I almost had it… but then out of nowhere—bam—this gorgeous woman appears, slices the Danawa in a blink, heals me, calls me handsome, and then just walks off like it's a Tuesday."
Farmaan raised an eyebrow. "So she saved your life... and bruised your ego?"
Armaan sighed and muttered, "...I guess."
Farmaan chuckled under his breath, then gave him a serious look.
"Well, that 'gorgeous woman' is your squad leader now. And you're heading north with her tomorrow morning. Get your gear, Armaan. This is no longer about saving lives. This is about stopping a cataclysm."
Armaan gulped.
"What are the chances she forgot the whole handsome thing...?"
Farmaan smirked. "Zero."
"What do you mean by zero, gramps?" Armaan asked in a creepy tone.
Farmaan sighed, shaking his head. "Listen, Armaan, Advika is a very kind girl—cheerful, powerful, and not someone you want to mess with. But if she gets impressed by someone, she remembers them. I think you're in trouble, kid."
Armaan blinked, his smile faltering for a moment. "Trouble? What do you mean? What kind of trouble are you talking about, old man?"
Farmaan looked at him with a knowing glance. "You'll find out soon enough. Just... don't mess it up."
Armaan nodded slowly, trying to keep his confidence intact, though something about Farmaan's words left him feeling like he was walking into something far bigger than he had anticipated. As they continued talking, the weight of what lay ahead began to settle on him.
Armaan nodded, absorbing the weight of Farmaan's words. "Well, it's still 10 days left until the mission, huh?" he murmured to himself. He had no idea what he was about to face in the Kalambhaar Cave, but Farmaan's serious tone told him this was unlike anything he had encountered before.
Farmaan leaned back, the seriousness in his eyes not lost on Armaan. "From tomorrow, no school. You'll come here to live for the next ten days. We'll train hard—every single day. Dautya is something I've never faced, and if you're going to make it through, you need to train to your teeth. Understand?"
Armaan straightened, determination flaring in his chest. "I get it. But... what about my family?"
Farmaan chuckled, teasing Armaan. "That's your problem, kid. How you handle that is up to you," he said, giving Armaan a mischievous grin.
Armaan, still processing the situation, just nodded. "Fine, I'll figure it out. But I won't be coming to school from tomorrow, so I'll let Alya and the others know."
"Good. Now, get ready for a whole new level of training," Farmaan said, his expression turning serious. "This isn't just about strength; it's about survival. The Kalambhaar Cave won't be kind to anyone, not even seasoned Rakshaks."
Armaan took a deep breath, realizing the weight of the upcoming mission. As he left Farmaan's house and walked back home, his mind was filled with preparations. The next few days would be crucial, and there was no room for failure.
Armaan sat on his bed, the phone in his hand as he dialed the conference call. It only took a few seconds before the familiar voices of his friends came through the line.
"Hey guys," Armaan started, trying to sound as casual as possible, though he was sure his tone came off a little serious. "I won't be coming to school for the next few days. I've got an important mission to take care of with a group of rakshaks."
There was a pause on the other end before Samar's voice cut through the silence. "What do you mean, bro? Explain everything..."
Armaan took a deep breath and leaned back on his bed, running his fingers through his hair as he gathered his thoughts. "Actually, in northwest Bengal, there's a cave called Kalambhaar Cave," he began. "And lately, a lot of rakshaks have been going there, but none of them are coming back. The ones who do return... they're traumatized, and a lot of them end up retiring immediately."
Alya's voice came next, her concern evident. "Wait, what? Why are they all dying? What's happening at the cave?"
Armaan continued, explaining everything Gramps had told him. "So this time, a new group of rakshaks has been assembled, led by a Divya Rakshak. And I'm included in that group. The leader is Advika. So, Gramps wants to train me to my peak until September 17th, to prepare me for the battle ahead."
Alya went silent for a moment, and then her voice broke in, a bit stunned. "Wait... Advika? That woman who saved us that day and called you handsome?"
Armaan nodded, though she couldn't see him. "Yeah, that's the one."
"Why is she chosen to lead? Why not someone else?" Alya asked, a hint of unease in her voice.
Armaan sighed softly, thinking for a moment before answering. "Well, you see, Advika is one of the strongest rakshaks in our country. I guess that's why she's been chosen to lead this mission. She's been through a lot and she's incredibly powerful."
There was another pause, and then Alya's voice softened with worry. "Okay... but will you be okay? So many rakshaks have died... that makes me afraid, a little."
Armaan's tone grew reassuring. "I'll be fine, Alya. Gramps is training me hard for this. I'll be at my peak by the time we go. Don't worry about me."
Samar and Roumit's voices chimed in at the same time, both sounding confused. "What? Who is Advika, and what are you guys talking about?" they asked in unison.
Armaan let out a small chuckle at their simultaneous questions. "I'll explain everything when I get back. It's a lot to take in right now, but just know this: I'll be ready for whatever's ahead. You guys take care while I'm gone, okay?"
"Okay than... But don't die out there, okay?" said Samar showing some concern.
"I'll be okay bro... Don't worry."Armaan said but he was feeling a bit uneasy.
The call ended with a mix of reassurance from Armaan and concern from Alya, but he knew they'd all be okay. It was time for him to train.
That evening, as the warm aroma of daal and fried brinjal filled the kitchen, Armaan sat at the dining table with his mother and elder sister, Sohana. The clinking of spoons against plates filled the silence for a few minutes before Armaan cleared his throat.
"Mom... Sis..." he began, carefully placing a piece of roti on his plate, "there's something I need to tell you."
His mother looked up, eyebrows raised with concern. "Hmm? What is it, beta?"
Armaan hesitated, then gave a sheepish smile. "Actually... school has organized this... special inter-school leadership camp. Only a few students have been selected from each class, and I'm one of them. It's in the outskirts—more like a rural program with outdoor activities, seminars, group exercises, that sort of thing."
Sohana narrowed her eyes. "A leadership camp in the middle of school days? That doesn't sound very... school-ish."
Armaan laughed nervously. "It's new. They're testing it. It's under some national program for student growth. And it'll probably last more than 10 days."
His mother blinked, spoon halfway to her mouth. "10 days? That long? Did they even take parents' permission?"
"Of course, Mom," Armaan nodded quickly, "I already signed the permission form with your name yesterday. You were busy, so I didn't want to disturb you."
Sohana shook her head with a teasing smirk. "You've gotten really smooth at lying, haven't you? What's this really about—running away to meet some girl or what?"
Armaan nearly choked on his food. "What?! No! It's nothing like that!"
His mother frowned. "Hmm. Alright. But call every day, okay? And if anything feels off, you come straight back."
"I will," Armaan smiled softly. "Promise."
As the dinner resumed, Armaan looked down at his plate, knowing that this was the last quiet meal he'd have at home for a while. Kalambhaar Cave awaited.
THE NEXT DAY
The village morning was crisp, the wind carrying the scent of wet earth and distant eucalyptus. Birds chirped atop mango trees as Armaan stepped off the dusty path and onto the familiar old training grounds. Waiting at the center, arms crossed, was Farmaan — or as Armaan called him, Gramps — with his usual grin that never quite revealed if you were about to be trained or tortured.
On the first day, Gramps sat on a rock, eyes closed, posture straight. Armaan mimicked the position, sitting opposite him beneath the shade of an old banyan tree. "Still your breath. Feel the world," Farmaan said calmly.
An hour passed. Then two. Then three. Sweat formed on Armaan's brow as he fought the urge to scratch his nose.
"Stop fidgeting like a squirrel, boy!" Farmaan snapped suddenly, eyes still closed.
"I'm trying!" Armaan whispered.
"You're failing."
They both broke into chuckles a moment later. That evening, while sitting by the village pond, Armaan called his mom.
"Mom, you wouldn't believe how long I had to sit still today," he whined.
His mom laughed softly, "So they finally found a way to shut you up."
The next three days were brutal. Armaan was up before dawn, barefoot on wet grass, sprinting through the village trails with weights tied to his back and arms.
"Push harder!" Gramps shouted as Armaan punched through dummies crafted from bamboo and mud.
At noon, he'd sit under the sun, focusing on letting prana flow from the ground, through his body, into his lungs.
"Think of your prana like water," Farmaan said. "If it's wild, it floods and ruins everything. If you control the flow... it nourishes the land."
One afternoon, after training, Gramps smacked him lightly on the head. "You were zoning out again."
"I was imagining eating momos," Armaan muttered.
"I'll feed you my sandal if you don't concentrate."
On the fifth morning, Armaan was handed a new training blade — heavier than before.
"Swordplay is not a dance. It's war," Gramps declared, raising his own blade.
For four days, the clang of steel echoed across the training grounds. Gramps was ruthless — slashing, parrying, correcting Armaan's posture again and again.
"Keep your stance low!"
"Don't flinch when you parry!"
On the 8th day, Armaan finally landed a light strike on Farmaan's shoulder.
"I got you!" Armaan said, panting.
"You brushed me," Gramps said, grinning, "and you're acting like you beat me in the finals."
On the 9th day, back beneath the banyan tree, Armaan sat quietly, his breathing deeper and more controlled than ever before.
His prana now moved like a slow, steady river. He felt connected — not just to the earth beneath him, but to the storm ahead.
Even Farmaan silently nodded in approval, though he never said a word.
For the first time in ten days, Armaan slept in. Gramps even made him herbal tea.
"Big day tomorrow," Farmaan said, sitting beside him on the porch. "I can't fight your battles, but I'll make sure you're ready for them."
That evening, as the orange sun dipped beyond the fields, Armaan's phone buzzed. It was a video call from Samar, Roumit, and Alya.
Samar grinned, "Yo warrior, we came to give our commander a pep talk."
Roumit raised an imaginary mic. "How does it feel to be the chosen one?"
Armaan laughed, "Shut up. I miss you idiots."
Alya smiled softly. "Just... be safe, okay?"
"I will," Armaan replied, eyes lingering on her for a moment. "I promise."
As the call ended, he looked up at the stars.
Tomorrow, Kalambhaar Cave awaited.
September 17th – The Journey to Kalambhaar Begins
The sun peeked through grey clouds as Armaan stepped onto the platform of the bustling railway station, bag slung over his shoulder, wearing a dark hoodie and black cargo pants to blend in with the crowd. His breath misted slightly in the morning air as the train's horn howled in the distance.
Then, from across the platform, a loud, energetic voice pierced through the chatter:
"Heyyyy… Armaan's here!!"
Advika was practically hopping in place, waving both hands above her head like a kid seeing a celebrity. Dressed in a long yellow jacket over a white tee and jeans, her gleaming smile and unruly hair gave her the energy of a storm contained in a human.
Armaan blinked. "You're… really happy to see me," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
"You bet! I was afraid you'd chicken out," she beamed, jogging up to him. "But I should've known better. Gramps doesn't train weaklings!"
He laughed awkwardly. "Yeah, well… you kinda shouted my name across the station."
Advika leaned in with a wink. "So? Gotta let the world know a hero's here."
Just then, Armaan noticed three other girls standing a few meters away near a pillar, all dressed casually. One wore a sleeveless black top with denim jeans, another sported a kurti and joggers, while the third had on a brown hoodie and cargo pants. Each had a unique aura — confident, disciplined, but relaxed.
But where were the other Rakshaks? He glanced around.
"Uh, Advika, where's the rest of the team?" he asked.
She smiled, "Oh, the boys were sent ahead yesterday. They're checking on the nearby villages to warn them and gather info. Right now, we're the second team — cover group."
"Wait… so I'm the only guy?" Armaan blinked.
"Yup," Advika said, as if it were the most normal thing. "Surrounded by powerful ladies. Lucky you."
He gave her a half-smile, trying not to look too awkward.
Meanwhile, behind them, the three other women were whispering among themselves:
"Is that Armaan? He's way cuter than I imagined."
"He doesn't even look nervous. Confident types are dangerous."
"I get why Advika was so excited. If he's half as strong as he looks, this mission just got way more fun."
Advika turned slightly and playfully glared at them. "Oi! You three planning to flirt or fight?"
They laughed. "Just observing the new recruit, leader!"
Advika turned to Armaan and smirked, "Welcome to the squad, handsome. Try not to get overwhelmed."
Armaan sighed. Gramps didn't warn me about this kind of danger.
Advika clapped her hands dramatically, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Alright, alright! Enough gawking, ladies. Let's officially introduce our charming hero to the squad."
She stepped beside Armaan and placed a hand on his shoulder like she was announcing the arrival of royalty.
"This," she said proudly, "is Armaan. You all already know his name, clearly— "and his face too," she added under her breath with a chuckle— "but let me make it official. He's Gramps' personal prodigy, and now, one of us."
Then she gestured to the three girls one by one:
First, the girl in the black sleeveless top and jeans stepped forward. Her short, spiky hair and the way she carried herself made it clear she was the no-nonsense type.
"This is Reet."
"Yo," Reet said casually, sizing Armaan up. "Don't slow us down, okay?" But the slight smirk at the corner of her lips betrayed the tease.
Next came the girl in the brown hoodie and combat pants — sharp eyes, toned arms, and a faint scar near her eyebrow.
"That's Tara. Quiet but deadly."
Tara simply nodded. "Nice to have you with us, Armaan." Her voice was calm, but it had a weight to it.
Finally, the girl in the teal kurti and joggers walked up, wearing a warm smile and dangling earrings. She had a more graceful aura compared to the other two.
"And this is Manvi."
"Pleasure to meet you," Manvi said softly. "I've heard a lot about you from Advika. She really likes to talk."
"Manvi!" Advika playfully whacked her shoulder, making the others laugh.
Armaan, a bit overwhelmed but maintaining his cool, gave a small bow of respect.
"Nice to meet you all. I'll do my best not to disappoint."
Reet crossed her arms, raising a brow. "Huh. Polite and confident. That's rare."
Advika grinned. "Told you he's something else."
As the train pulled into the station with a long metallic screech, Advika turned to the team.
"Alright, warriors. Time to move. Kalambhaar awaits."
And just like that, the squad boarded the train — a new team formed, a terrifying cave waiting, and the start of a deadly arc unfolding.
The train had just left the station, rumbling past fields and towns as it began its six-hour journey. Armaan sat near the window, his duffle bag tucked beneath his seat. On his left was Advika—vibrant as ever—and on the opposite seat sat Reet, Tara, and Manvi, occasionally chatting and sneaking glances at him.
Trying to create some mental space amidst the chaos, Armaan pulled out his AirPods, slipped them into his ears, and leaned against the window. He tapped on his phone and played "Lose Yourself" by Eminem—his go-to track when he needed focus and fire.
But of course, peace was never an option—not when Advika was around.
She tilted her head toward him with a playful smirk.
"Heyyy... what're you listening to, hmm?"
Before he could answer, she leaned in closer and swiftly plucked one of the AirPods from his ear.
"Seriously?" Armaan muttered, raising a brow.
Advika didn't even flinch. She popped the AirPod into her own ear. Her face lit up the moment the beat dropped.
"OHHH, it's this song? Yo! This goes hard!"
She started lightly tapping her knee to the rhythm, vibing like she had just discovered gold.
The other three girls looked over with amusement.
Tara grinned. "She's always like this with music."
Manvi giggled. "Not gonna lie though, good taste."
Reet added with a smirk, "Didn't think a tough guy like him would listen to something so fiery."
Armaan sighed dramatically, leaning back.
"Six hours. I'm not surviving this."
Advika nudged him with her elbow, still sharing the song.
"C'mon, don't be so grumpy. You've faced Danawas and shaitaans and stuff. This is just girl power."
Armaan glanced at her and muttered under his breath with a tired smile:
"Exactly why I'm scared."
Advika burst out laughing.
And so the journey continued—with music-sharing, teasing, and the slow realization that Armaan was in for more than just a dangerous mission… he was also trapped with them.
After what felt like the longest 6 hours of his life—surrounded by teasing, music-sharing, and barely surviving the chaos of four energetic girls—Armaan finally stepped off the train. A jeep was waiting at the small rural station, which took them through dense forests and bumpy roads until they reached a shaded clearing near the Kalambhaar Cave.
A small squad of Astra Rakshaks was already there—men and women, looking disciplined and armed, standing near the boundary of the forest with tension in the air.
As soon as they saw Advika, they straightened up and greeted in unison,
"Good afternoon, leader!"
Armaan blinked, glancing sideways at Advika with a half-squinted expression.
"This much respect?" he murmured under his breath, barely hiding his surprise.
Advika chuckled at his expression, as if she'd been waiting for that reaction.
She turned to the waiting team.
"Did you all finish informing the nearby villages about evacuation protocols?"
One of the senior Rakshaks nodded.
"Yes, ma'am. All done. The villagers were cooperative but scared."
"Good work, guys," she smiled.
Then she turned back and called out:
"Alright then. Reet, Tara, Manvi… Armaan—let's suit up."
With a wave of her hand, her casual outfit shimmered into her Rakshak uniform—sleek black with silver trimmings and her crest glowing on the chest.
The other three followed, transforming in bright pulses of Prana light.
And finally—Armaan. With a deep breath, he allowed his Prana to surge, and in a burst of energy, his Astra Rakshak uniform materialized on him. The deep V-cut collar of his suit revealed the chiselled lines of his chest and collarbone, his aura radiating calm intensity.
There was a second of stunned silence.
Reet blinked.
Tara coughed.
Manvi turned her face slightly, clearly flustered.
Reet whispered to Tara, "Why isn't that uniform illegal?"
Tara muttered, "No fair… he was supposed to be powerful, not hot."
Manvi, trying to stay composed, glanced away and said under her breath, "Focus. We're on a mission… not a K-drama."
Advika noticed their reactions and couldn't help but smirk, nudging Armaan lightly.
"See? Told you you'd be popular."
Armaan sighed, brushing his hair back.
"This mission is getting more dangerous by the minute."
And with that, the team turned toward the cave—their real trial waiting in the shadows ahead.
As the five of them moved through the dense overgrowth, the entrance to Kalambhaar Cave finally came into view.
It was massive—blackened stone twisted unnaturally, as if scarred by some ancient calamity. Dark mist lightly spilled from its mouth, and the very ground around it pulsed with a low, eerie hum.
The moment they stepped closer, a wave of sinister Prana hit them like a wall.
Advika froze mid-step. Her eyes widened as she felt the sheer density of it—like something ancient was watching, breathing just beyond that darkness.
Reet and Tara immediately stepped back, hands on their weapons, their bodies tensing.
Manvi's breath hitched, sweat appearing on her forehead.
All three of them were visibly shaken.
But then—
They noticed Armaan.
He wasn't flinching.
He wasn't even fazed.
He was standing calmly beside the cave wall, one hand gently placed on the surface of a jagged black stone.
"What is this strange Prana?" Armaan murmured, genuinely curious.
"It feels… unnatural. Like it's alive but... hollow."
The other four looked at him like he was from another planet.
Advika blinked, stunned.
"Wait—you're not feeling anything? This Prana is terrifying, it's like it's clawing into our cores—"
Armaan tilted his head, still inspecting the stone.
"It just feels... heavy. But not threatening. Like I've been around worse."
He said it so casually, so naturally, it sent a visible chill down Manvi's spine.
Reet whispered, "Is he human?"
Tara added, "I don't know… but I suddenly feel a lot safer standing behind him."
Advika took a step forward, watching him closely.
"Armaan… You've felt something stronger than this?" she asked, both impressed and a little unnerved.
Armaan slowly looked back at her with a faint smile.
"Gramps trained me for ten days straight with his full strength... and trust me, that old man doesn't believe in holding back."
The group stayed silent for a beat as they processed this.
Then Advika smirked.
"Alright then, monster-boy… lead the way."
And with that, the five of them stepped into the cave, the shadows swallowing them whole as the true heart of Kalambhaar waited within.