The morning after the festival, Vrindavan glowed with soft warmth and lingering music. Petals still clung to the courtyards. Children reenacted Krishna's dances. Cows wandered lazily through temple gates.
But for Aryan, peace didn't last long.
Because by noon, a rider came—dust on his cloak, urgency in his breath, and a sealed scroll bearing the crest of a lion and bow.
The royal seal of Hastinapur.
---
The Scroll
Aryan's father, Nandan, received the messenger with respect. Krishna, as always, seemed entirely unsurprised.
Aryan stood quietly beside Krishna as the scroll was opened and read aloud:
> To the honorable Nandan and family,
By decree of Maharaja Dhritarashtra, we request your son, Aryan, to appear in Hastinapur within the next month. A rare astrological chart linked to his soul has reached our sages, indicating divine potential. He is to be evaluated by the royal seers for inclusion in the upcoming counsel of noble youth.
> The future of the realm must include those blessed by fate.
> — Signed, Rajguru Kripacharya
Nandan frowned. "Is this a blessing or a burden?"
Aryan remained still. But the System had already reacted.
> New Main Quest Unlocked:
"Step into the Eye of the Storm"
Objective: Travel to Hastinapur and face karmic convergence.
Warning: Political, emotional, and spiritual danger ahead.
Reward: Access to Advanced Karma Branches (Warrior | Strategist | Healer | Diplomat)
---
After the Messenger Left
Aryan walked with Krishna along the banks of the Yamuna. The air buzzed—not with insects—but with tension.
"They're watching you now," Krishna said quietly. "Not just the heavens. The kingdoms."
Aryan nodded. "Why now?"
Krishna smiled. "Because fate doesn't knock. It simply opens the door. You're being called to the board, Aryan. The great game is beginning."
Aryan looked down at the river, watching lotus petals drift away.
"So what am I? A player?"
Krishna's tone changed. "You are not a piece. You are not even the player."
"You, Aryan… are the move no one expects."
---
Back in the Village
The moment word spread of the summons, everything shifted.
Radhika looked worried. "Will you come back?"
"I have to," Aryan promised. "But I have to go first."
Devika, standing nearby sharpening her blade, said flatly, "You'll need allies. I'm coming too."
Aryan blinked. "You don't have to—"
"I'm not asking."
> System Update:
Devika has joined the journey to Hastinapur.
Bond Strengthened: +1 (Now Level 5 – Fierce Loyalty)
New Title: Companion of the Flame
Later that night, Meenakshi appeared beside his bed in spirit form.
"You're stepping into a city built on pride and secrets," she warned. "Keep your heart clear—or even truth will betray you."
> System Insight Unlocked:
Karmic Field Detection – Passive
Allows sensing of manipulation or deceit in spoken words. Only functions when host remains emotionally centered.
---
The Departure
On the morning of their journey, Aryan stood at the edge of Vrindavan. Krishna placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Many will try to bend you," Krishna said. "Some with love. Some with war. Some with visions of a throne. Remember this—dharma isn't a destination. It's a direction."
Aryan nodded.
Then, with Devika by his side and Meenakshi's unseen presence flowing around him, he took his first steps out of Vrindavan.
> Toward Hastinapur.
Toward fate.
Toward the storm.
---
To be continued in Chapter 9: "The Princes of the Court"