Air brushed softly against the mountain grass, carrying the distant song of birds. On the peak, a boy slept peacefully.
A girl climbed up the slope, calling out, "Big brother… Suraj!"
Meanwhile, Suraj drifted in a dream world where he was the strongest yodha—a warrior unmatched. He was surrounded by countless yodhas.
"So, you all have come to hunt me? The strongest? The Sun himself?" Suraj sneered. "You mere mortals…"
One by one, he defeated them, effortlessly. Only one remained, its face hidden in shadow.
Suraj swung his imaginary sword, defeating the last warrior—and then BAM! A hand smacked his head. His dream battlefield dissolved under the morning sun, and Gita stood grinning, triumphant.
"Brother… wake up! Master Thakur is calling us!"
"What? Master's calling? Something feels wrong… where's my weapon?" Suraj rubbed his head.
BAM! Another smack. "You muscle-head! There's more to life than fighting!"
"Gita, you fool… I was just worried about Master Thakur," Suraj muttered.
"Really?" she said, raising an eyebrow. "Then why did you run away when Master told you to cut some wood?"
"Ah… did you say something?"
BAM! Another smack.
"Let's go, fool! We're late. Master's going to be angry because of you!"
Suraj rubbed his head again. "Fine… let's go then."
The two of them descended the mountain, their steps crunching over the grass. The village seemed quiet, but a faint clack-clack of wood on wood drew them toward a large house.
In the courtyard, a man with a mustache moved with deadly precision, doti and kurta swaying with each strike. Master Thakur, stick in hand, was a calm storm in motion.
Seeing the kids, he stopped and smiled. "Ah… you two are here. Come, take this."
Suraj tilted his head. "What is this?"
Master Thakur handed them a small object. "Something very important. Keep it with you, and go where I tell you. Nothing else for now."
Gita's voice trembled. "But Master… why are you sending us away? Are you abandoning us, like our partners?"
Master gently placed a hand on both their shoulders. "How could I ever do that? I will never leave my two small gems alone."
Suraj frowned. "Then why send us out of the village?"
Master Thakur's expression softened, yet remained serious. "Some things… you kids are not ready to know yet."