ON THE ROAD
"So… you're really going tomorrow?" Rohan asked.
"Yes," Aayan replied.
"Now you can meet your parents."
"But there is a strong enemy there," Aayan said. "I don't know if I can defeat him."
"Don't worry," Rohan said with confidence. "You're also a Shikshavala now."
"But not as strong as him."
"Never underestimate yourself. Know your abilities."
Aayan lowered his head.
"But I wish you could come with us."
"Really?" Rohan smiled. "Oh… can I come with you?"
"No," Master interrupted. "There is danger for you."
"Don't worry," Rohan said. "We can handle it."
"Oh!" Master sighed.
AT HOME
"Mom! We're back!" Rohan shouted.
"Oh! Go and wash your hands," his mother said warmly. "I'm making dinner. And why are you late today?"
"We just went to meet a friend," Rohan replied.
"Today, I made your favorite dish," she said happily.
"Paneer?" Rohan guessed.
"No, bitter gourd!" she laughed.
"Eww! That's not funny," Rohan complained.
LATE NIGHT — THE PLAN
"So… we are really going tomorrow," Aayan said.
"Yes," Rohan replied. "But how do we convince aunt?"
"We need a good excuse," Master said.
"Think!" Aayan said urgently.
"Idea!" Rohan snapped his fingers. "We'll say we're going on an educational trip with friends."
"But will she give permission?"
"Oh yes. I've tried it twice already," Rohan smiled.
"Alright. It's final," Aayan nodded.
"Pack snacks… and my hoodie," Rohan added.
"Okay."
"Good night."
"Good night."
THE NEXT MORNING
"Good morning, mother," Rohan said.
"Good morning. Are you ready for your trip?"
"Yes. We're leaving in one hour."
"Are you ready?" she asked Aayan.
"Yes."
"Then let's go."
"Okay! Let's go on an adventure!" Rohan laughed.
AT THE PORTAL
"Why are you bringing this weak idiot with you?" Master muttered.
"Hey! I'm not weak, bro!" Rohan protested.
"Stop fighting," Aayan said. "Let's go."
"Alright."
(They step into the portal.)
ANOTHER DIMENSION
"What the hell…" Rohan whispered.
"It's worse than hell," Master said. "Once… this was a beautiful place."
"Okay. Let's move."
"Do you really want to go?" Rohan asked.
"Yes," Aayan replied firmly. "I have to save my father."
"It won't be easy," Master warned. "There are seven stages to the Shikshavala Palace. Every stage has a dangerous enemy."
"But we must go."
"As you wish."
"I'm coming, father," Aayan whispered.
"But we are not ready," Master said.
"What's missing?"
"Weapons."
"Where do we get weapons?"