Bloody crown đź‘‘
This is the story of a boy named Aatish, who dreams of restoring peace to a world torn apart by war a decade ago.
In the aftermath, compassion vanished. People turned on one another with ruthless abandon, forgetting what it meant to be human.
While hatred festered, children died of hunger. Aatish cannot ignore this any longer — he must try to change it.
But can one boy spark a revolution of the heart? Will he survive the darkness to lead others toward the light?
We begin this epic tale: Raktim Taj.
Aatish had no one left in the world except his brother, Agastya — and even that felt like a lie. Agastya had left him at the orphanage when Aatish was just five years old, and in the six years since, hadn't sent a single word.
It was Somnath Ji — known to the children as Dadaji — who raised him. Stern but kind, Dadaji rarely smiled or touched a child's head, but somehow, every child felt loved.
Aatish never asked for more.
Among the many children in the orphanage, it was Shital who stood closest to him. They shared stories beneath the neem tree, whispered jokes in the kitchen line. She looked at him as if he were more than just a boy with a dream. But Aatish had no room in his heart for love — not now, not while the world was still bleeding.
Outside the orphanage walls, the world had turned savage. Only Aatish and Dadaji knew the truth. The others still believed paradise waited beyond the gate.
One day, Dadaji called Aatish into his room.
Aatish: Dadaji, did you call me?
Dadaji: Aatish, you came so quickly. I thought it would take you a while to get here.
Aatish: Dadaji, if you call me, how could I ever be late?
Dadaji: Beta Aatish, you're such a good boy. You take such good care of me.
Aatish: Dadaji, it's nothing. Compared to how much you care for me, what I do is very little. But why did you call me?
Dadaji: Aatish, I have a task for you. Will you do it?
Aatish (smiling): Dadaji, have I ever refused to do anything for you? Not once. And I won't refuse today either. Just tell me what the task is.
Dadaji (placing a hand on Aatish's shoulder with a warm smile): Beta Aatish, you're such a diligent boy. It's not a difficult task—you simply need to deliver a message to Sarpanch Harishankar Ji of Shikhapur.
Aatish: That's all? I'll do it right away! You know I've never messed up a task.
Dadaji (laughs): Beta, come now—lying is a bad habit. You've ruined plenty of tasks before!
Aatish (puffing his cheeks playfully): Dadaji, Shital already makes fun of me... and now even you've started!
Dadaji (suddenly looking serious): Beta, forgive me. That was never my intention.
Aatish (laughing): Dadaji, I was joking! You really don't understand jokes, do you?
Just then, Shital entered the ashram and headed into the kitchen. As she moved through the hallway, she overheard the conversation between Aatish and Dadaji coming from Dadaji's room. Curious, she walked over and began knocking on the door.
Aatish opened it.
Aatish: Shital, did you just get back from the market?
Shital: What do you think? I'm standing right here, aren't I?
(She walks into the room without waiting for a reply.)
By the way, what were Dadaji and his favorite grandson talking about? Come on, tell me too.
Aatish: Nothing special. Dadaji just asked me to deliver a message to Sarpanch Ji. I got the task, obviously—because Dadaji is most fond of me in this whole orphanage.
Shital (glaring at Dadaji): Dadaji, seriously? I'm right here, and yet you gave the job to this idiot? I guarantee you—he's going to lose that message.
Aatish (angrily): What did you just say? I'll deal with you when I get back.
(Turning to Dadaji)
Don't listen to her, Dadaji. I won't lose the message—I promise.
Shital: Dadaji, there's still time. If you hand the task over to me now, you might save yourself the regret later.
Aatish: Shital, why don't you ever trust me?
Shital: I don't trust you because you always mess up the work!
Dadaji (laughing): You two will never change. Now enough with the arguing, Aatish. Go complete this task quickly—and in return, I'll cook a food of your choice right here in the orphanage today.
Aatish (grinning with excitement): Dadaji, that's perfect! Now I'll make sure to finish this task as fast as I can.
Shital (teasingly): Look how excited he gets just at the mention of food! Anyway, forget that—I'm coming with you.
Aatish: No, you're not coming with me today. I'm going to prove I can do a job properly on my own.
Shital: Fine—but if you mess this up, then from today onward, no one's going to trust you with anything.
Aatish: Challenge accepted. I promise—I'll do this job right.
Dadaji (smiling, then growing serious): Aatish seems very enthusiastic today...
(pauses)
But this worries me. The road to Shikhapur passes through a dangerous forest where man-eating animals still roam.
Shital (suddenly worried): Dadaji, why are you sending Aatish alone through such a dangerous path? Where is Ramu Uncle? Couldn't you have asked him instead?
Dadaji: I didn't want to send Aatish alone—or you either, Shital. But Ramu Uncle won't be coming for the next four or five days—his wife is ill. And with my age and health, I can't travel that far anymore.
Aatish (confidently): Dadaji, there's no need to worry about me. And why are you both acting like I'm a child?
As for wild animals—I'm not afraid of them at all.
A boy who's lived with a lion since childhood wouldn't hesitate to face the dangers of a forest.
Dadaji (walking up to Aatish and gently tapping his head with a playful punch):
Beta Aatish, you should never underestimate your opponent—not to the point where you put yourself in danger.
There are creatures in those forests that could kill you in an instant, and you wouldn't even realize it.
So don't go alone. Take Shiba—the lion—with you. He'll protect you.
Aatish (rubbing his head and speaking with a humble tone):
Dadaji, I understand. Please forgive me. I shouldn't have taken my opponent lightly.
I'll take Shiba with me... but I haven't seen him since this morning.
(Turning to Shital)
Shital, have you seen him anywhere?
Shital:
I haven't seen him either. Maybe he's off playing somewhere again.
Lately, he's developed the annoying habit of wandering outside the village.
Aatish (smiling teasingly):
Maybe he's fallen in love with a lioness—and now he's spending all his time roaming around with her.
Shital (rolling her eyes):
You're always making jokes! Just go already—or you'll end up coming home late and crying in the forest from fear.
Aatish:
What do you take me for—someone like you, always crying over everything? I'm leaving now.
Shital (softening):
Yes, yes, you're grown up now.
Just be careful, okay? Come back soon. And don't go wandering off for no reason.
Aatish (grinning as he heads out):
Why are you always trying to act like my mother?
It's okay—I'll take care of myself.
And while I'm gone, look after Dadaji... and if Shiba comes back, make sure he gets something to eat.
Aatish (to himself as he walks): Shital always treats me like a child... Okay, fine—I admit I mess things up a lot. But still... In all this fuss, I completely forgot—I haven't eaten anything since morning. I'm starving.
Let's grab some fruit from Sunita Ji's stall. I'll eat on the way.
(Aatish walks toward the fruit stand. Sunita Ji sees him approaching and calls out with a smile.)
Sunita Ji: Oh, Aatish beta! What brings you here today? Shital usually comes by to collect fruit for the orphanage.
Aatish (grinning and gesturing with his hands): Aunty, I'm not here to pick up fruit for the orphanage today. Shital probably came by earlier this morning. I just need three apples for myself.
Sunita Ji: Only three? What will you do with just that? Take four or five instead.
Aatish: Aunty, I don't have enough money for four or five apples—just give me three.
Sunita Ji (gently): Beta, it's not about money. Take as many as you like. There's no need to pay. Dadaji does so much for the children at the orphanage—I'm happy to help in any way I can. And since Shital always gets fruit from my stall, I won't charge you today.
Aatish: aunty, you're really very kind. But please—at least take the money for three apples.
Sunita Ji (laughing softly): Alright, alright. Forget it. Just go.
(Aatish smiles, takes the apples, and continues on his way. Soon, he reaches the edge of a dense forest. The trees stand tall and close, their canopies darkening the path ahead. Unfamiliar animal cries echo through the trees—eerie, sharp, and wild.)
Narrator: Strange sounds filled the air—low growls, high-pitched calls, the flutter of unseen wings. Aatish tightened his grip on the apples, alert now. He had entered the forest.
Aatish (thinking to himself as he walks deeper into the forest):
Maybe coming here alone wasn't such a great idea.
I told Dadaji and Shital so confidently that I'm not afraid of the jungle or its animals...
But now? Now I can feel the fear creeping in.
Still, there's no turning back.
If I back down today, Shital will never let me forget it—she'll tease me for the rest of my life.
Come on, Aatish. Pull yourself together.
Let's finish this job and prove yourself.
Aatish (muttering to himself as he walks through the dense forest):
By the way... what kind of animals even live in here?
Dadaji said this forest is full of dangerous creatures...
And of all days, Ramu Uncle's wife had to fall sick today.
And Shiba? That lion has completely lost his mind—always wandering outside the village to play.
Great. Just great. Today couldn't get any worse.
But what can I do now? I've taken this responsibility, and I have to see it through.
Still, why is this message so urgent? What's in it that Dadaji is so desperate for Harishankar Ji to know?
Ah, forget it... First things first—I need to figure out how to get out of this forest alive.
Suddenly, Aatish heard a sharp rustle—the sound of something falling into the bushes nearby.
His heart skipped a beat. Every muscle in his body tensed.
For a moment, he thought about running. But then he clenched his fists, forcing himself to breathe.
Come on, Aatish... don't panic. It's probably nothing.
Gathering what courage he could, he slowly stepped toward the thick bushes. His hands trembled as he pushed the branches aside, each crackling leaf echoing like thunder in his ears.
And then—
Surprise, surprise... nothing deadly at all.
It was just a baby monkey, lying there on the ground, squeaking softly.
Aatish (letting out a shaky laugh):
Little friend... you scared me half to death.
Fell from up there, huh? You're not hurt, are you?
(He gently picked up the tiny monkey and stroked its fur. Then, remembering the apples in his bag, he smiled.)
Aatish: Here... have this.
(He pulled out the small cloth bag—inside were the three apples he had bought, two untouched. He held one out toward the monkey.)
But before Aatish could offer the apple, the little rascal snatched the entire bag right out of his hands and scrambled up the nearest tree with astonishing speed!
Aatish (shouting in shock):
Hey! Wait! That's not just apples—
(His stomach dropped as realization struck: the urgent message for Harishankar Ji was inside that bag.)
Aatish (groaning in frustration as he looks up at the monkey swinging away):
Ahaaa... this was the only thing left to happen!
Shital was right—I really can't handle a simple job without messing it up.
Now what? How am I supposed to take that bag back from a monkey in its own territory?
At this rate, I'll still be looking for it by nightfall...
(He pauses, clenches his fists, and exhales hard.)
No, Aatish... you can't quit. That bag has Dadaji's urgent message. Whatever it takes—you have to get it back.
Run, Aatish. You deserve this mess, so fix it.
(He breaks into a sprint, chasing the monkey as it leaps from branch to branch, leading him deeper into the jungle. The canopy above thickens, dimming the light. Strange cries echo all around.)
Don't lose track... don't lose your way...
(Thinking fast, Aatish picks up a sharp-edged stone and begins scratching an 'X' on the trunks of trees as he runs.)
Narrator:
With each mark, the forest seemed to grow wilder, darker. And the monkey, clutching that precious bag, disappeared deeper into the shadows—dragging Aatish into the unknown.
Aatish (panting heavily as he runs):
This monkey... it's driving me crazy!
It's pulling me deeper and deeper into the forest—and it's way too fast for me.
How am I supposed to catch it? And worse, what if I run into a wild animal out here?
This forest is full of danger... one wrong step and—
(He stumbles but quickly regains balance, glaring at the monkey swinging ahead.)
Aatish (shouting in frustration):
Hey! Stop already! How far are you planning to take me, huh?
Narrator:
While Aatish chased the monkey deeper into the jungle, far away, the scene shifted to the outskirts of Shikhapur village.
A lone guard stood at the border post, leaning lazily against the wooden doorframe of his hut—until the ground beneath his feet began to tremble.
At first, it was faint. A soft vibration, like the distant roll of thunder.
Then it grew stronger. The earth quivered. Dust rose in the air.
Guard (alarmed, stepping out):
What in the world... why is the ground shaking?
(He looked toward the horizon—and froze.)
Sweat beaded on his forehead, sliding down his temple. His throat tightened, his hands trembled uncontrollably as his eyes widened in pure fear.
Guard (whispering in terror):
No... it can't be... What is Bhairav doing here?
(And then, through the settling haze of dust, the sight emerged—terrifying, unstoppable. A massive convoy of warhorses thundered toward Shikhapur, hooves pounding like drums of doom.
On every saddle, a soldier gripped a gleaming sword, their armor catching the sunlight. And at the very front, towering above them all, rode Bhairav—his dark eyes blazing like fire, his presence alone enough to strike terror into hearts.)
The guard didn't waste a second. Heart pounding, he spun on his heels and bolted toward the village to warn Harishankar.
Narrator: And honestly? That was the only sensible thing to do—because what he had just witnessed was death riding in broad daylight.
We're talking about Bhairav—one of the eight superpowers of this world. His dominion stretches across thirty-eight villages, including Shikhapur... and Vijaynagar, the very village Aatish calls home.
Some may say Bhairav is the weakest of the eight kings—but make no mistake, weak is a relative term. Even at his "weakest," he commands legions, instills fear, and holds the fate of thirty-eight villages in his iron grip.
Why is he considered weak? Because his reign is young. He claimed the throne only a few years ago.
Yet even so, with thirty-eight villages under his banner, Bhairav remains a force to dread—a wolf circling in a world full of hungry predators, kings whose eyes are always watching... waiting for him to slip.
Narrator:
And then... we come to Bhairav.
Mounted on a towering black stallion, his armor glinting under the pale sun, he stared ahead with eyes that burned like molten steel.
Turning slightly, he spoke to his commander, Shanay, his voice calm yet laced with venom.
Bhairav:
Peace... such a fragile thing, isn't it?
It shatters so beautifully.
Don't you agree, Shanay?
(Shanay tightened his grip on the reins and urged his horse closer. His tone was firm, almost pleading.)
Shanay:
Bhairav... do you really want to do this?
Think again.
Bhairav (with a cold smile):
And what is there to think about?
Shanay (gritting his teeth):
You know exactly what I mean.
Bhairav (his gaze hardening):
Don't start this again, Shanay. I will not turn back now.
Prepare the men for battle.
I'll show these people what it means to defy my command.
(He leaned forward slightly, voice dropping to a deadly whisper.)
Shanay- You never listen to me, bhairav. And every time you regret it later.
(Shanay hesitated for a heartbeat, then silently raised his arm and signaled the soldiers forward.
In an instant, the ground shook under a storm of hooves. Clouds of dust rose like a brown curtain as row after row of armored horsemen surged toward Shikhapur, swords flashing like silver fire in the sun.
The thunder of their charge spread across the plains until the entire village trembled with the sound of death drawing near.)
Narrator: While chaos brewed at the border of Shikhapur, deep inside the jungle, Aatish was still locked in his own battle—chasing that wretched monkey.
His lungs burned, sweat dripped down his forehead, and his legs felt like lead. Finally, he staggered to a halt, leaning against a tree, gasping for air.
Aatish (muttering, exhausted): This monkey... it's drained every ounce of strength I have. If this goes on, I'll never reach Shikhapur on time. What do I do now?
(He slid down the tree trunk, trying to calm his pounding heart. That's when it came—a deep, earth-shaking roar, echoing through the forest.)
A lion's roar. And then another, lower but equally powerful—the roar of a lioness.
A chill shot down Aatish's spine. For a moment, his instincts screamed run. His fingers curled tight around the rough bark behind him.
But then... something about that sound. It wasn't just terrifying—it was familiar.
(His fear wrestled with hope. Could it be... him?)
Aatish (whispering to himself): Shiba...?
(With trembling steps, he followed the sound through the dense brush. Each roar grew louder, until suddenly, the trees parted—and there he was.)
Shiba.
The majestic lion stood like a golden flame amidst the greenery, muscles rippling, mane tossing in the breeze. His amber eyes caught the light as they locked on Aatish. For a moment, time froze.
Then the recognition hit. Shiba's ears perked, and he broke into a bounding stride, tail lashing with joy.
Aatish's heart surged with relief and happiness as the great beast closed the distance.
Narrator: In a world filled with danger, Aatish had just found his greatest ally.
Aatish (laughing as he calls out loudly):
Hey, you crazy lion! What were you doing here?
Do you know I've been looking for you since morning?
(Pauses for a moment, teasing with a sly smile)
Wait a second... don't tell me you've been busy falling in love, just like I thought?
Oh yes, I told Shital earlier—
"Shiba isn't as innocent as he looks!"
(Aatish laughs out loud and runs his hand through Shiba's thick mane.)
Narrator:
Shiba listened to his words silently. Slowly, he lowered his massive head, as if saying—
"Forgive me, my friend."
In his eyes, there was a softness, a warmth that made this mighty jungle lion seem like the most loyal companion a man could have.
Aatish (nervously laughing, speaking to Shiba): Shiba, please... keep your girlfriend away from me. I don't need her love—at all.
(Shiba flicked his amber eyes toward the lioness, a silent command passing between them. The lioness hesitated, then turned and disappeared into the trees at his signal.)
Aatish (exhaling in relief): Good that you told her—otherwise, I'd have ended up as her dinner tonight!
(He ran a hand through his hair, then suddenly smacked his forehead.)
Oh no... because of all this drama, I completely forgot something important. That monkey! I still have to catch that little troublemaker.
(He glanced around at the endless sea of trees, his voice dropping in frustration.)
Where am I supposed to find that squirt in a jungle this big?
(Turning back to Shiba with a hopeful grin.)
Shiba... will you help me?
Narrator: Shiba understood instantly—because this lion wasn't just strong, he was clever. With a slow nod and a flick of his tail, he gestured for Aatish to follow.
Without hesitation, Aatish fell in step behind him. He knew one thing for certain—Shiba's nose was sharper than any hunter's eye. If anyone could track that monkey, it was him.
Aatish (panting, struggling to keep up):
Shiba... where are you taking me? The jungle's getting thicker and darker.
I don't have skin like yours, so find a better path before you tear me apart on these thorns!
(Shiba glanced back over his shoulder, his amber eyes sharp, and gave a low growl as if to say, "Just trust me.")
Narrator:
Shiba had locked onto something—he could smell the monkey's scent, faint but clear. His pace quickened.
Aatish gritted his teeth and pushed forward, running harder to keep up with the lion's powerful strides.
For a while, the forest echoed with the rhythm of their chase—then, suddenly, Shiba froze.
His muscles stiffened, tail flicking nervously. His nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply.
This scent... this wasn't the monkey. It was something else. Something unfamiliar.
And it was moving toward them—fast.
Aatish (heart pounding):
Shiba... what is it? Why did you stop?
(The lion didn't answer—just lowered his head and began to move slowly, each step silent, calculated. Aatish's breath hitched as the air grew heavier.)
Narrator:
Then, from the dense undergrowth ahead, came a sound that made Aatish's blood run cold—
A deep, savage growl... followed by a violent crash, like something huge tearing through the bushes.
And then another sound—the desperate, piercing scream of a monkey.
Narrator: While danger crept deeper into the jungle, chaos had already erupted in Shikhapur.
Bhairav had entered the village with his army. The thundering hooves had fallen silent now, but fear echoed louder than ever. The people of Shikhapur trembled at the sight of him—his towering frame, his cold, merciless eyes.
Bhairav and Shanay dismounted their horses. With a flick of his hand, Bhairav gave a command, his voice calm yet absolute:
Bhairav: Station the troops at both gates. No one leaves.
(The soldiers obeyed instantly, splitting into two deadly columns, their swords flashing like silver under the sun.)
Narrator: Across the square, near the old temple steps, a young boy sat begging. Dust clung to his clothes, his eyes dull with hunger—until movement caught his attention.
A guard came sprinting past, his face pale, his breath ragged, fear dripping from every step as he raced toward Harishankar Ji's house.
Boy (muttering to himself): What's wrong with him? He looks terrified... Something big must have happened.
(Before the boy could think further, his gaze shifted toward the clang of metal—the sound of armor and steel. He froze as he saw them: a column of Bhairav's soldiers, marching toward the village's far gate, massive swords glinting in their hands like instruments of death.)