Oldman looked at Vikram, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and determination. He thought for a moment before asking, "Can I follow you?"
Vikram raised an eyebrow, "Why?"
The old man smiled, "I think my task here is completed, and I don't want to be idle. There's more to explore, more to learn."
Vikram pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, you can come with me."
Together, they walked into a strange space, a portal of sorts that led them to the secret place of Dhantakaranye. As they stepped through, the landscape transformed dramatically. The forest around them was primitive—very primitive. The air was thick with the scent of ancient flora, and the sounds of creatures long extinct echoed through the dense canopy.
The forest before the ice age was a spectacle of untouched wilderness. Towering trees with massive trunks stretched towards the sky, their leaves forming a dense canopy that filtered the sunlight into a soft, dappled glow. Ferns and mosses carpeted the forest floor, interspersed with vibrant flowers that bloomed in hues of red, yellow, and purple. The underbrush was thick with shrubs and vines, creating a labyrinth of green.
Ancient mammals roamed freely—mammoths with their massive tusks, sabre-toothed cats with their fearsome fangs, and giant sloths that moved with a slow, lumbering gait. The air was filled with the calls of birds and the rustling of small creatures scurrying through the undergrowth. It was a world untouched by human hands, a testament to nature's raw and unbridled power.
As they ventured deeper, the landscape began to change. The dense forest gave way to a more open terrain, and they eventually reached a village. It was huge, sprawling across a vast area, with around 10,000 people living there. The villagers were simple people, wearing simple clothes made from natural fibres and animal hides. Their homes were modest, constructed from mud bricks and thatched roofs, but there was a sense of community and harmony that permeated the air.
Vikram turned to the old man, "This looks like a village in the Tamil lands, perhaps 2,000 years ago."
The old man nodded, "Yes, it has the feel of an ancient Tamil village. The people here live in harmony with nature, respecting the land and its resources."
They walked through the village, observing the daily lives of the people. Women were busy grinding grains and preparing meals, while men tended to the fields and livestock. Children played freely, their laughter filling the air. There was a sense of peace and contentment that was palpable.
As they reached the centre of the village, a group of elders approached them. One of them, a wise-looking man with a long beard, spoke to them in a language that sounded both familiar and ancient.
"Greetings, travellers. Welcome to our village. What brings you to our humble abode?"
Vikram stepped forward, "We are on a journey to Dhantakaranye. We seek knowledge and understanding of the ancient ways."
The elder smiled, "Ah, Dhantakaranye. A place of great mystery and wisdom. You are welcome to stay with us and learn from our ways. We have much to share."
The old man looked at Vikram, a sense of excitement in his eyes. "This is a rare opportunity, Vikram. We should stay and learn from these people."
Vikram nodded, "Yes, let's stay. There is much we can learn here."
And so, they settled into the village, immersing themselves in the ancient ways of the Tamil people. They learned about the customs, the traditions, and the deep respect for nature that defined their way of life. It was a journey of discovery, one that would forever change their understanding of the world and its ancient wisdom.