Thus far…
Amara had become highly skilled in the art of sword fighting. She was shocked when she met Yathiran, who resembled her teacher, Arunachalam. After secretly sending a letter to her teachers, she returned to her Kayal.
And then…
Seeing her with joy, her friends welcomed her with smiles.
"Oh, seems like it was a wonderful trip!" Vanathi teased with a laugh.
"Yeah, it was a super journey with my cute Kayal," Amara replied, happily.
"Really? Such joy?" Shanthi laughed as she asked.
"Joy? It was sheer bliss. Why didn't you tell me about a place like that?" Amara raised her eyebrows in surprise.
"What?! We… did we really leave out any place in this paradise?" Chitrani asked, puzzled.
"How would I know the name of the place? But truly, that place was amazing. It gave such peace to my heart," Amara replied, visibly delighted.
"Alright, Amara, come, let's head to our room. You still have much to learn," said Roopa.
"Yes, and you need to be up early for that, got it? Come on," Kannagi said.
"Okay then, let's go… come on, everyone," Amara said with a smile, and they all headed back to their enchanted palace.
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At College
In the Principal's Office
"Excuse me, sir!" Jennifer called.
"Yes, come in," the Principal replied, as Jennifer and Arunachalam entered.
"Yes, tell me, what's the matter?" the Principal asked.
"Sir! Our Meera is apparently still in paradise and safe as well," Jennifer said with a smile.
"Really? No issues with her, then?" the Principal, Brahman, asked with concern.
"No, sir. She herself sent a message that she's fine, so we feel more at ease now. We thought it best to inform you as well," Arunachalam said with a smile.
"It's great to hear such good news. As long as she's happy, that's all that matters. Alright, go on now, it's time for your classes," the Principal said.
"Okay, sir," they replied with a smile and left, but the Principal's face clouded over as they exited.
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The Next Day
In Paradise
"Amara! Just like that. Try to control yourself. You can do it," Shanthi encouraged her.
Amara tried to focus on her thoughts in meditation, struggling to control them. Within a few days, she had made progress and learned to control her mind.
"Well done, Amara. From today, we'll start teaching you mantras," Vanathi said with joy.
"Yay… sounds fun…" Amara cheered excitedly.
"But… it's not here," Kannagi added, making Amara frown.
"Where else?" Amara asked, puzzled.
"Come, we'll show you," Roopa said, as they all joined hands, closed their eyes, and, except for Amara, murmured a mantra. A light appeared around them and transported them to a new place.
When Amara opened her eyes, she found herself in front of a vast cave.
"Wow, what a huge cave?!" Amara gasped, her eyes wide.
"Don't be so dramatic. This is where we're going to train," Chitrani said.
"Here?" Amara asked, making a face.
"Why the face? What's wrong with this place?" Vanathi raised a brow.
"I mean, this is paradise, and a place like this… here?" Amara said, comparing the beautiful place she visited with Kayal to this cave.
"Why do you say that?" Roopa asked.
"This place looks so dark, creepy, and abandoned. How here?" Amara asked, frowning.
"Amara! This place may look intimidating, but it's the perfect spot for training," Kannagi explained.
"Yes, and once you go inside, you'll be surprised," Chitrani added.
"Surprised?" Amara asked, puzzled.
"Come, Amara. You'll see for yourself," Vanathi took her hand and led her inside, the others following closely behind.
As they entered, Amara stood in shock.
Right in front of her was a beautiful waterfall, sparkling as it cascaded down. Majestic mountains surrounded them, lush and green, with patches of moss and ferns. Cool air brushed against them, and the mist from the waterfalls glistened around them.
"Wow! It's stunning!" Amara said, mesmerized.
"Now you understand why we said that?" Shanthi asked, patting Amara's shoulder.
"Yes, I get it now. I shouldn't judge anything just by its appearance," Amara replied with a smile.
"Alright, come, Amara. We don't have much time," Shanthi said.
"Yes, let's go," Amara smiled as Vanathi held her hand and led her forward.
"Are we going near the waterfall? Where's the path?" Amara asked loudly, her voice echoing in the quiet cave.
"Amara… shh…" all five of them hushed her, putting their fingers to their lips.
"Why the 'shh' here?" Amara asked, annoyed.
"Amara! Don't you know to speak softly during the day? There could be anyone here. Didn't you also notice how loud the echo was?" Roopa asked, slightly irritated.
"Oh really? Who would even be here on top of the waterfall?" Amara said, looking up, but then froze in shock—she saw someone standing there.
"Oh my! You're right, someone is standing there. Who is that?" Amara asked, stunned.
"What?! Who?" The others, shocked, looked where Amara pointed and saw the figure too.
"Who is that?" Vanathi asked in confusion.
"Everyone, quickly hide behind that mountain," Vanathi instructed, and they all did as she said. Amara was the only one unsure why they were hiding.
"What are you doing?" Amara whispered, tugging at Shanthi's hand.
"Amara! Don't speak," Shanthi replied, watching the figure intensely.
"Who is that? Why and how did they come here?" she asked the others in confusion.
"Why? Has no one come here before?" Amara asked curiously.
"No. This is a secret cave that only we visit," Chitrani explained.
"Really? Then why all the secrecy?" Amara kept asking.
Annoyed, Vanathi, still focused on the figure, turned to Amara, "Amara! Can you be quiet for a moment? How many questions will you ask? You'll get answers to everything soon. But right now, don't ask anything and stay quiet. I can't focus on anything because of you."
This reaction from Vanathi caught Amara off guard. She had never seen her angry before. At a loss for words, her eyes filled with tears, and she fell silent, hanging her head.
The figure by the waterfall soon disappeared, leaving all six of them confused.
"Who could it have been? What were they searching for, and why did they come here?" Vanathi asked, frowning.
Shanthi, putting a comforting hand on Vanathi's shoulder, said, "Let go of those thoughts, Vanathi. We'll soon find out who it was. We can do it, come on."
Hearing this, Vanathi's face finally broke into a small smile, and they began to walk again. Amara, still silent, walked along without causing any trouble.
As they slowly approached the waterfall, they saw that a clear pool had formed nearby, with stepping stones allowing them to walk closer. As they each carefully stepped on the rocks, Amara slipped on one of them.
"Ahh…" she cried, and Roopa grabbed her.
"Amara! Are you alright?" Roopa asked, concerned.
"Mm," Amara nodded, closing and opening her eyes.
Suddenly, a 'screech' sounded, drawing everyone's attention. The rock Amara had slipped on was slowly shifting.
"What's happening here?" they all wondered in shock, staring at the unexpected sight.
As the rock moved, something dazzlingly golden was revealed underneath.
"What's this?" they whispered, looking closely. It appeared to be an arrow.
"A golden arrow? But… how is it here?" Kannagi asked, puzzled.
"Yes… and not only that, but why did the rock shift only when Amara stepped on it?" Shanthi asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Then… what's the connection between this golden arrow and Amara?" Chitrani wondered aloud.
"I don't know. Let's try to take it in hand and find out,"
said Roopa, as she put her hand into the water to retrieve it. But no matter how she tried, it remained out of her reach.
"What kind of magic is this? We can clearly see the arrow in front of us, but it slips away from my hands as if it isn't there!"
Roopa said in bewilderment.
Everyone was shocked by Roopa's statement.
"What?! How is this possible?"
Vanathi asked in astonishment.
((Who was the figure on top of the mountain? Why did the rock shift when Amara touched it? What is the mystery behind this?))
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(Dear readers, please share your feedback and support! See you in the next chapter! Tata! 👋)