-------------🙏"Namaste"🙏-------------
As first battle completed, Neha raised her hand, signaling the start of the second duel between Kamna and Nikhil. With focused determination, both combatants assumed their positions on the field, their eyes locked in a fierce gaze. The air crackled with energy, charged with the anticipation.
As the battle commenced, Nikhil unleashed a surge of raw power, blood rushed through his veins, he planted his foot on the ground, the muscles tensed violently and with a loud thud, dashed towards Kamna. His strikes were swift and precise, showcasing his agility and strength. Nikhil unleashed blows one by one from sideways making it hard for Kamna. Kamna, quickly adapted to Nikhil's hand-to-hand combat style, but impressed and overwhelmed by Nikhil's fighting prowess, decided to unleash her combo of blades, shifting the fight towards weapon-based combat, leaving no room for hand-to-hand exchanges. The battle between Nikhil and Kamna intensified, as Nikhil summoned his Khavyakta and retrieved his chakrams, catching Neha's attention.
Neha couldn't help but grin. "Fighting with chakrams is quite a feat in itself," she remarked, recognizing the difficulty and skill required to wield those circular blades effectively.
As Nikhil wielded the chakrams, he executed his practiced techniques against Kamna's blades combo. He used discs as they were part of his fists. However, he soon realized that her speed and precision with the blades surpassed his own. Kamna was attacking like she was holding just kunai instead of blades, her relentless onslaught overwhelmed Nikhil, forcing him to take several steps back, searching for a moment to strike back.
Driven by his determination to win, Nikhil charged forward once again, this time initiating the strike first against Kamna. Anticipating his move, Kamna dodged and countered with a precise blow. As she evaded Nikhil's strike and delivered her own, causing him to stagger backwards, doubt began to cloud Nikhil's mind. He doubted his ability to emerge victorious.
Recognizing Nikhil's wavering resolve, Shiven stepped forward, intending to reassure him. However, Anshuman intervened, breaking his silence with a serious tone. "Ah!, so here we are. I must admit, I had high hopes for you, fueled by your supposed determination. But alas, it seems it was all just a fleeting desire to don the mantle of a King. How foolish of me to expect more from someone like you who doesn't have any self-belief. It's quite evident now that you are nothing more than a blind dreamer, lost in your delusions of grandeur. I don't understand, how can you aspire to be a king with such a shallow mindset?"
Kamna, a commoner herself, was taken aback by the mention of Nikhil's desire to become a king. She couldn't fathom how someone from humble origins could dare to dream so grandly.
Meanwhile, Nikhil absorbed every word, feeling each one piercing his heart like needles. Yet, amidst the sting, his mind buzzed with three words: desire, determination, and faith. Suddenly, a surge of realization washed over him, clearing his mind of distractions and doubts. He lowered his gaze, his eyes fixated on the ground, but with a newfound perspective. On the other hand, Shiven couldn't help but admire his teacher's tactic, silently acknowledging, "He truly is an exceptional teacher."
With newfound energy and a heightened sense of clarity, Nikhil altered his fighting style, fully recognizing the advantages of his weapons. Knowing that Kamna's blades were limited in long and medium-range combat, while his chakrams excelled in such scenarios, he decided to exploit this disparity. Commencing the battle, Nikhil swiftly launched a chakram towards Kamna, who agilely dodged the spinning projectile. Capitalizing on her evasion, Nikhil closed the distance with lightning speed, striking a forceful blow from the right. But Kamna, displaying her remarkable agility, squatted to dodge the strike as well, seizing the opportunity, she stopped the motion of strike by left blade making not able to retrieve and attacked at his defenseless right flank.
Unfazed, Nikhil instinctively turned the returning chakram into a makeshift shield by catching it with left hand, successfully blocking Kamna's incoming assault. Realizing that his agility alone would not secure victory, especially in close-quarters combat where he had not fully mastered the art of chakrams. Falling backward, he pondered, "she is calm, resilient, and experienced with her swords. To defeat her, I cannot rely solely on agility. However, failure is not an option. Shiven has already done it. If I don't win, we won't be able to join the elite force. I must take the risk and give everything I've got." He made a calculated decision.
Gathering his resolve, Nikhil visualized the memories of a man utilizing chakrams, drawing inspiration from his techniques. He unleashed a series of chakram throws from a distance, each aimed precisely at Kamna. The relentless onslaught overwhelmed her, as she struggled to counter one after another, unable to gain any ground. Nikhil skillfully mimicked the techniques he had visualized, executing a flawless 360° circular throw, right to left, keeping Kamna at bay. Kamna skillfully evaded the chakram but was caught off guard by a following second chakram approaching from a little left direction. Her alertness, however, never wavered, she dodged the second chakram, fully aware that the only second chakram would eventually return and she kept Nikhil in her line of sight.
Meanwhile seizing the opportunity, Nikhil capitalized on the second chakram's trajectory and closed the distance between him and Kamna without any weapon. Unbeknownst to her, the chakram he had thrown in a circular path gradually made its return, completing half a circle. With lightning-fast reflexes, Nikhil deftly caught the returning chakram in his right hand, momentarily startling Kamna. Reacting swiftly, Kamna hastily blocked Nikhil's strike with her right blade. However, before she could fully regain her composure, the second chakram, of which she was aware, returned. She barely evaded by bowing down, Nikhil seized both chakrams, demonstrating his upper hand.
But Kamna, ever perceptive, quickly retrieved her blade, stepping back, causing Nikhil to lose his balance. Seizing the opportunity, Kamna struck with a straight up kick, propelling Nikhil through the air. Though Nikhil managed to block the kick with his hands, it wasn't enough to keep him grounded. As he soared through the air, Kamna's gaze met the triumphant grin of Ravi, who had been observing the match.
However, at that moment, Kamna realized that Nikhil hadn't resisted the force of her kick. Sharpening her focus, she readied her blade, attentively observing Nikhil in mid air. Looking down upon her from the peak of his trajectory, Nikhil summoned every ounce of strength, exerting immense force into a final chakram throw. Gravity became his ally as he made a round in the air to exert possible strength, he propelled the lethal projectile towards Kamna. Reacting swiftly, Kamna slightly bent his right knee and fused the blade with energy, mustering her full strength to counter the heavy onslaught.
The clash between the powerful chakram and her blade lasted a few seconds, but Kamna valiantly neutralized the formidable attack. As she desperately neutralized, Kamna suddenly found herself surrounded by Nikhil. With another chakram aimed at her. In a swift and decisive move, Nikhil sealed his victory, leaving Kamna defeated, exhausted and acknowledging his skill in the duel.
As Neha proclaimed Nikhil as the winner, a wave of joy surged through his heart. A broad smile formed on his face, and with newfound confidence, he swiftly approached Shiven. With excitement brimming in his eyes, Nikhil raised his hand, offering a fist bump.
Caught off guard by this unexpected gesture, Shiven stood there, his expression seemingly frozen. Uncertain of how to respond, he hesitated for a moment. However, mirroring Nikhil's action, he unsurely raised his hand, Nikhil took the next step, clenching Shiven's fist gently.
In that simple exchange, a subtle shift occurred within Shiven. A flicker of camaraderie and acceptance sparked within him, as if a door to connection had opened. Although his demeanor remained reserved, a glimmer of warmth lingered in his eyes, a testament to the impact of this simple gesture.
As Shiven and Nikhil prepared to take their leave, Neha couldn't help but assertively state, "Next time, it shouldn't be three months. You understand, right?"
Anshuman, feeling slightly defensive, responded, "I'll try my best. Besides, you know you're always welcome to visit the school. It's your father's property after all."
Nikhil's eyes widened with surprise upon realizing that Neha was the daughter of the academy's principal.
Neha, with a hint of forcefulness in her voice, countered Anshuman's suggestion, "You should know that I haven't gone home for months, and now you're asking me to visit the academy?"
Realizing his oversight, Anshuman quickly sought to calm her down. "Okay, okay, I understand. You've been busy. We'll catch up soon."
With that, they bid their farewells, the air filled with a mix of determination, anticipation, and a touch of playful banter.
Nikhil and Shiven approached the meeting stone, Nikhil's adrenaline still pumping from the intense duel. He couldn't contain his excitement and admiration for Shiven's skills. "You were awesome out there, man! That clone technique of yours was the best I've seen. You're truly extraordinary," he exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm.
Shiven, however. "Nah, I don't believe in being extraordinary, I am ordinary. Extraordinariness is fake, like illusion. It is like a temporary show that doesn't last long. However, ordinariness. It's like something that stays with you, as it endures beyond mere moments."
Nikhil nodded, understanding the deeper meaning behind Shiven's words. He realized that being extraordinary is merely a transient feeling, while embracing one's inherent qualities and lasting impact is what truly matters.
As they continued their journey, Shiven's mind wandered to mundane matters. "What should I cook?" he pondered aloud, contemplating his evening meal.
Nikhil, ever the hospitable friend, extended an invitation. "You know you're always welcome at my home. You don't have to worry about cooking. My mom would be happy to have you over."
Shiven, however, declined the offer without hesitation. "Thanks, but I'll pass this time," he replied.
With their farewells exchanged, Shiven and Nikhil headed towards their respective homes. Shiven's thoughts returned to the events of the day, where he was observing Nikhil's fight when Anshuman interrupted him. "Shiven, what do you want to do? What is it that you desire right now?" Anshuman inquired, curiosity lacing his voice.
Shiven snapped back to the present, momentarily lost in his own thoughts. He whispered, almost to himself, "What do I want right now? What I truly want is to cry, to cry for hours. But I can't seem to find a shoulder."
As Shiven's words settled in the air, he felt a familiar emptiness wash over him. Like a hollow vessel, Each breath felt labored, as if the air itself carried the weight of his unshed tears. As he stood there, staring into the void, he realized that his heart had reached its limit. The emptiness he felt was not a void, but rather a vessel overflowing with emotions that he struggled to contain, he suppressed his emotions, pushing them deep within himself. He remembered the words of wisdom of a man, probably his dad. "Listen Shiven, Emotions are the language of the heart, the way it communicates and expresses what words cannot. They are an integral part of what makes us human, connecting us to one another on a deeper level. Through emotions, we can empathize, understand, and support each other..... Cut this crap," the man's voice shifted abruptly, carrying an air of duty and authority. "You may hear from so-called wise individuals and read it in books, but don't be fooled by their romanticized notions. Emotions are merely biochemical reactions in the body, a mechanism for survival and manipulation. They are not an inherent part of who we are, and certainly not something to be revered or given unnecessary attention. Emotions can be wielded as tools to influence others, to convey our desires without uttering a single word. But remember this, especially you my son, the day you allow yourself to be consumed by your emotions, You shall bring about the end of this world in the blink of an eye." As he was recalling his father's words, a surge of mental strength coursing through him, empowering his resolve. "Many people say that crying is not a sign of weakness, that even strong individuals shed tears. But do not be deceived by their comforting words. Crying signifies one thing and one thing only - that you're weak, your vulnerability pushed to its limit. While crying itself may not be inherently bad, but it is essential to acknowledge the truth that it reveals you're weak. And remember, I do not wish to witness you succumbing to the weakness of your emotions, for I expect strength and resilience, particularly in the face of emotional turmoil."
Those words suppressed the emotions inside Shiven. Over time, he had developed this method to disengage from the grip of overwhelming emotions. Like a practiced shield, he would deflect the arrows of sadness, frustration, and despair that threatened to pierce his heart. With a steadfast resolve, he refused to give attention to the weight of those emotions, instead focusing his energy on pushing them aside. It was a self-taught skill, honed through trial and error, as he learned to create a barrier between himself and the turbulent tides of his inner world. Through this practice, he found a semblance of control, an ability to distance himself from the depths of his own emotions. It was a survival mechanism he had developed over time, a way to shield himself from the pain and vulnerability that threatened to consume him.
Pushing aside the lingering emotions, Shiven made his way back to the comfort of his home. It was there that he sought solace and respite from the tumultuous world outside. The familiar sights, sounds, and scents of home offered a sanctuary where he could unwind and recharge. He let out a sigh, releasing the weight of the day, and allowed himself to simply be in the present moment. With a warm cup of tea in hand, he settled himself against the coolness of the wall. His gaze fixed upon the gentle moonlight streaming in through a circular window, casting a soft glow upon the room. Letting the weariness of the day slowly melt away. In the embrace of his home, he found a temporary refuge, a place where he could find peace and rejuvenation before the dawn of a new day.
----: End of the Chapter:----
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