Chapter 7: The Sword Light Ascends
In the sky, two long swords clashed.
A thunderous boom shook the windows, startling the birds outside. Sparks flew, illuminating the courtyard in flashes of silver and gold.
This was a battle of sword intent.
The air shimmered with invisible currents, the clash of power making even the bravest servants cower in fear.
Before long, Kabir's sword began to wail, its blade trembling, and finally it crashed to the ground.
A wailing sound echoed, like the wind through an abandoned haveli. His sword shattered, pieces dissolving into mist.
"It's over. Now you can die."
My gaze sharpened, and a powerful sword intent almost became tangible.
I felt an ancient force surge through me, each breath crackling with energy. Even the old portraits seemed to bow their heads in respect.
Kabir was terrified and threatened, "You're just a lowly servant. Do you dare kill me? If you kill me, Raja Saheb won't let you or your family go—"
His voice trembled, the fear naked in his eyes. For the first time, he seemed smaller, just a frightened boy clutching at old threats.
Before he could finish, I squeezed out a single word through gritted teeth.
"Maaro!"
The word rang out, sharp and final. It felt as if the whole universe paused to listen.
A sword light shot into the sky.
It blazed like a streak of lightning, brighter than anything I’d ever seen. The very ground seemed to tremble.
Everyone inside and outside the Singh bungalow turned to look.
A crowd gathered in the lane, murmurs rising like a wave. Even the cows in the by-lane stopped chewing their cud, their eyes wide in amazement. People leaned over balconies, cell phones out, recording the sky—WhatsApp would buzz with these videos by evening.
Meera murmured, "Are you the reincarnation of an ancient rishi?"
Her voice was awed, full of reverence and a touch of fear. In that moment, I felt the weight of all the legends I’d ever heard from my own Dadi.
A Suparish specialising in the 'talwar' letter could only produce a sword light ten feet long. Even a Vidwan couldn't unleash such power.
This sword light reached the clouds, its brilliance painting the sky in fiery hues. The neighbours in their balconies gasped, some crossing themselves, others whispering mantras.
Kabir was so frightened he collapsed to the ground.
His knees gave way, his body trembling like a leaf in the monsoon wind.
A ten-thousand-foot sword light hung in the sky, as if a god had descended.
People craned their necks, some prostrating themselves out of instinct, others simply struck silent by awe. It was as if all the old stories had come to life.
Before such power, he didn't even have the courage to resist or run.
His mouth opened and closed, but no words came. Only fear, raw and consuming.
"Don't kill me..."
Kabir was shaking in terror.
His hands joined together in a desperate namaste, tears streaming down his cheeks.
Before he could finish, the long sword slashed down.
Boom!
A thunderclap echoed, shaking the bungalow to its foundation. The sword light vanished, leaving only a stunned silence. Meera stepped forward, eyes shining, and placed a single marigold in my hand—a silent gesture of trust and gratitude.
Somewhere in the crowd, a pair of sharp eyes watched me. And as the last echo faded, I knew—this was just the beginning.