December 15, 2021. Goa, Maharashtra, India.
SAMRAT'S POV
I was bewildered by the matter that had shocked Mrs. Simran. She called out to her husband loudly, causing everyone to gather in the library.What is happening?"What's wrong, Simran? Why are you shouting?" Mr. Nishant asked. He is a charming middle-aged man, tall and respectable. He isn't just Pragya's father; he's like a father to me as well."Look at this," she said, showing him the book. He was even more shocked than she was.What is so special about this book?"Mother-in-law, Father-in-law, what's the issue?" I inquired. Mrs. Simran was mute after the incident, but Mr. Nishant explained the book to me. I was overwhelmed with confusion and belief, illusion and reality, love and hate, all at once.Mr. Nishant's words were, "My son, this is 'The Book of the Illusion Door.' Pragya will no longer be with us," he declared. Mrs. Simran collapsed to the ground, crying and sobbing."What do you mean by that?" I demanded frantically. "Are you saying Pragya is inside this book?" I asked, bewildered.Has everyone lost their minds?"Have you gone mad? Such things don't exist. You're overthinking it. Mr. Nishant, do you realize what you're suggesting? You're claiming that my Pragya has been trapped in this book like some fictional character?"Mr. Nishant nodded and leaned on the table to keep from falling. "What are you saying? That can't be true. There has to be a way to free her from this book. She isn't a character," I protested.I knelt down and pleaded with Mrs. Simran, "This is your book. You must know some way to release her," I urged. She merely shook her head and resumed her crying. I felt faint. What is going on?"There is only one way," a voice suddenly interrupted from the door. We all turned to see who it was. It was Malini. "My grandfather is a priest. He will surely know how to resolve such matters," she declared.I grasped her shoulder, seeking her grandfather's whereabouts. "Where is he now? What's his location?" I inquired, unable to hide my impatience. She consented to guide us to her grandfather, and we set off for his residence."Pandi Ji, some people are here to see you," announced Malini. He granted us entry, and we proceeded inside. Mrs. Simran recounted everything to the Pandit. He assured us he would do his utmost to reunite us with her."Don't harbor too much hope. It is a long way to retrieve her from the other world. But I vow on Lord Rama, I will do my best to bring her back," the priest affirmed.After a few minutes of performing rituals over the book's cover and uttering incomprehensible words, he instructed us to return home."It will take some time, so you may go home. Once I am finished, I will send Malini to inform you," he advised.Thus, we all departed for home. Mom, dad, and Abhi returned to their house, but I chose to stay with Pragya's parents. I couldn't bear to leave them alone.
August 27, 221. Qin dynasty.
PRAGYA'S POV
We proceeded to the hall, where an immense crowd had assembled. I was astounded by the rapid gathering of so many people. The announcer then proclaimed loudly,"Lady Pragya, from India, is appointed as the fourth-ranked imperial concubine of His Majesty," followed by the crowd's uproarious cheers and applause. I had never envisioned such an honor. Post-announcement, one of his concubines spoke. She inclined her head and proposed,"If it pleases Your Majesty, I have a suggestion," she said, casting a cunning glance my way.She went on, "In light of the festivities, and considering Lady Pargay demonstrated some war techniques upon her arrival yesterday, I propose that Lady Pragya engage in combat with Wey state's finest warrior, Jing Ke, should it please His Majesty," she declared. I'm uncertain about this woman, but one thing is clear: she bears no fondness for me. Her gaze and words betray as much."Well, Lady Lan, I believe Lady Pragya is unprepared for such a challenge. Moreover, it's already noon, so..." I interrupted the king before he could finish."I will fight," I stated resolutely. The King looked at me, puzzled. "Lady Lan, I accept the challenge against your esteemed warrior," I retorted, meeting her sly gaze.As we made our way to the playing field, the king and I trailed behind the others."I had no idea you were so fond of swordplay," he said with a smirk."Your Honor, there are some things you should know about me," I began.He smiled and nodded, "Please, do tell, My Lady.""I am a twenty-five-year-old woman. I despise being ordered around as if I were a child. I loathe being manipulated. I detest being coerced into a relationship," I recalled his actions from the day before."You've spoken only of your dislikes. What about your likes?" he inquired. I gave him a wry look and replied,"That's not for you to know. I won't be asking you the same. And just so we're clear, I am not 'your lady,' nor will you ever be 'my king,'" I said, quickening my pace.We entered the playing field, a vast expanse of sand. The King observed us from what appeared to be a terrace, speaking out."Jing Ke, show her no mercy. Demonstrate your true prowess," he commanded, his gaze fixed on me.What is this madness? The battle commenced. He charged at me, sword aimed in my direction. I dodged to the side, and the blade missed its mark. Grasping his sword-bearing hand, I applied pressure to his arm, forcing him to relinquish the weapon. A swift kick to his abdomen caused him to double over.Following up with a punch to his chin, I straightened him upright. A targeted kick to his neck threw off his balance. From the terrace, I could see the king's delight. Seizing the warrior's collar, I offered a smile and an apologetic, "Sorry, warrior." Without a moment's hesitation, I delivered a stunning kick to his head, rendering him unconscious. Catching the king's eye, I noted his astonishment. With a smile, I exited the field.