My smile froze, "Eklavya..."
"Is something wrong, Your Excellency?"
"Eklavya... No, nothing's wrong," I replied, quickly recovering from my momentary surprise. "It's just that your determination and enthusiasm remind me of someone I knew."
While talking I saw his thumb which was still intact which meant he didn't give his thumb to Guru Dronacharya yet.
"Eklavya..." I repeated softly, my mind drifting momentarily to memories from a different time. "You have the spirit of a true learner, eager to embrace the art of archery. It's a noble pursuit."
Eklavya's eyes lit up with a mixture of curiosity and respect. "Thank you, Your Excellency. I promise to practice diligently and make the most of this opportunity."
"I have a proposal for you, would you like to hear it?" I asked, my gaze meeting Eklavya's with a sense of earnestness.
Eklavya's brows furrowed slightly in surprise, but he nodded eagerly. "Of course, Your Excellency. I'm all ears."
"I've been thinking," I began, "about the potential you hold and the passion you've shown for archery. I see a remarkable determination in you, one that reminds me of my own journey to master this art."
Eklavya's eyes held a mixture of curiosity and anticipation as he listened intently.
"I would like to offer you a unique opportunity, Eklavya," I continued. "How would you like to become my disciple?"
Eklavya's eyes widened in astonishment, his heart pounding with a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming joy. "Your Excellency, you mean... you would be my Guru?"
I nodded with a warm smile. "Yes, Eklavya. I believe that your dedication and potential deserve the guidance of a skilled mentor. I would be honoured to take you under my wing and teach you the art of archery."
Eklavya's face lit up with an expression that mirrored a thousand emotions. Gratitude, astonishment, and determination mingled in his eyes. "I... I don't know what to say, Your Excellency. This is a dream come true for me. I accept your offer with all my heart."
I returned Eklavya's smile with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that I had made the right choice. "I'm glad to hear that, Eklavya. Your journey as my disciple will not be easy, but with hard work and dedication, you have the potential to become a skilled archer."
Eklavya nodded fervently, his determination shining through. "I'm ready to give my best, Your Excellency. I'll learn and practice diligently to make you proud."
"I do not doubt that you will," I replied, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Remember, Eklavya, the journey to mastery is a continuous one. It's not just about hitting targets, but also about understanding the essence of the art and cultivating discipline."
"I understand, Your Excellency," Eklavya affirmed, his voice filled with resolve. "I'm committed to learning not just the physical aspects of archery but also the deeper meaning behind it."
"That's the spirit," I said, my pride evident in my tone. "We will begin your training, and I'll guide you every step of the way. But always remember that your dedication and effort are what will truly shape your progress."
As we talked, I noticed the other children gradually dispersing from the training grounds. It seemed that the day's session had come to an end. I turned my attention back to Eklavya.
"We will start your training in earnest from tomorrow," I said. "But for now, I advise you to rest and prepare yourself for the journey ahead."
Eklavya nodded, his gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Your Excellency. I will be ready."
With that, Eklavya turned to take his leave but after some steps, He remembered he had nowhere to go in this big city.
"What happened, Eklavya?" I inquired when I saw him pause and hesitate.
Eklavya turned back to face me, his expression a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. "Your Excellency, I am truly grateful for this opportunity, but I find myself without a place to stay in the city. I come from a tribal village, and I don't have any relatives or acquaintances here."
I understood his predicament, and a solution quickly came to mind. "Eklavya, you won't have to worry about that. You will be staying within the palace grounds as my disciple. I will arrange for your accommodations and ensure that you have everything you need for your training."
Eklavya's eyes widened in surprise, and his expression shifted from uncertainty to sheer gratitude. "Your Excellency, you are too kind. I never imagined that my journey would take such a fortunate turn."
"Consider it a gesture of my faith in your potential," I replied, offering him a reassuring smile. "You have already shown dedication and a genuine love for the art of archery. I believe that with the right guidance, you can achieve great heights."
Eklavya's smile was one of pure joy as he bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Excellency. I will not disappoint you. I will do my best to make the most of this incredible opportunity."
"I have no doubt that you will," I said, my voice filled with confidence. "Rest well for now, Eklavya. Tomorrow, your journey as my disciple begins in earnest."
Eklavya had a hesitant expression like he wanted to say something but was afraid to ask me upfront.
"Eklavya, is there something else on your mind?" I inquired gently, noticing the hesitation in his expression.
Eklavya nodded, his gratitude and uncertainty evident in his gaze. "Your Excellency, I have a request, if it is not too much to ask."
"Of course, Eklavya. You can speak freely," I assured him, encouraging him to share his thoughts.
"I want to see your archery."
Eklavya's request caught me slightly off guard, but I understood his curiosity. He wanted to witness my archery skills firsthand, to learn not just from my words but from observing my actions. It was a reasonable request, one that could also serve as a source of inspiration for him.
"Of course, Eklavya," I replied with a nod. "I'd be happy to demonstrate my archery skills for you. It's important for a student to not only hear about techniques but also see them in practice."
Eklavya's face lit up with gratitude, his eyes shining with anticipation. "Thank you, Your Excellency. I believe that watching you in action will be a valuable learning experience."
"Let's go to the cliff outside the city it would be safe that way."
"Oka-" I put one hand on his shoulder and muttered, "Void Steps"
Eklavya's expression turned from excitement to surprise as he realized that he was no longer standing on the training grounds.
In an instant, we had moved from the bustling city to a serene cliff outside its borders. The wide expanse of open space and the gentle breeze that ruffled our clothes were a stark contrast to the bustling energy of the city.
"Your Excellency, where are we?" Eklavya asked in astonishment, his gaze scanning the surroundings.
"We're at a place where we can practice without any interruptions," I explained. "Now, allow me to demonstrate."
I reached for the bow and arrow I had brought feeling their familiar weight in my hands. With a calm and steady focus, I notched an arrow onto the bowstring, drawing it back smoothly. As I aimed at a distant target, my breathing slowed, and the world seemed to narrow down to the target before me.
The Moon.
Yogic Prana flowed from my heart to my arms followed by arrow itself, imbued with my focus and intention. In a single fluid motion, I released the arrow, watching as it yellow mixed with red streaked across the distance.
"Cruel Sun"
Suddenly arrows transformed into a sun and placed itself next to the moon in a celestial alignment. The brilliance of the sun and the moon side by side painted a vivid image against the backdrop of the sky.
As the sun and moon aligned, a soft, warm light spread across the surroundings, casting an otherworldly glow over the landscape. The spectacle was unlike anything the Eklavya had ever seen, and their expressions held a mix of wonder and reverence.
"Your Excellency, that was... incredible," Eklavya's voice held a note of awe as he spoke. "I've never witnessed such mastery over archery."
I turned to Eklavya with a smile, pleased by his response. "Thank you, Eklavya. Archery, like any art, requires both practice and a connection with the elements. This display was a fusion of both."
With just a mental will Karna made the artificial sun disappear from the sky, allowing the natural light to return to the surroundings. The breeze carried a sense of tranquility as Eklavya continued to watch me, his eyes filled with a mixture of inspiration and determination.
"Your Excellency, seeing your archery in person has ignited a fire within me," Eklavya said earnestly. "I am more determined than ever to learn and grow under your guidance."
"I'm glad to hear that, Eklavya," I replied, my heart swelling with pride for my future disciple. "Remember, mastery is a journey that requires dedication, discipline, and a willingness to embrace challenges. I have no doubt that you have what it takes to excel."
Eklavya nodded with conviction. "I will give my all, Your Excellency. Your teachings and your example will be my guiding lights."
"As long as you approach your training with a humble heart and an open mind, you will surely succeed," I assured him. "Now, let's return to the city. Rest well, Eklavya, for tomorrow marks the beginning of a new chapter in your journey."
Eklavya's eyes reflected a mix of gratitude and determination as he nodded. "Thank you, Your Excellency. I will see you tomorrow, ready to learn and grow."
With that, I guided us back to the training grounds in Champa City, the bustling atmosphere a reminder of the path Eklavya had chosen. As we stood amidst the energy and vitality of the city, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the days ahead.
"Eklavya, remember, a true archer not only masters the art of shooting arrows but also cultivates a deep understanding of oneself and the world around them," I said, imparting a final piece of wisdom. "May your journey be filled with discovery and growth."
Eklavya bowed respectfully, his expression a mix of gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Your Excellency. I will carry your words with me as I strive to become the archer I aspire to be."