The wind howled around Sambh as the chariot flew through the thick air, its wheels gliding effortlessly. Sambh leaned forward, eyes scanning the vast expanse before him. Agatha spoke," I didn't expect that it will even try to revive."
Sambh was flying in the thick air riding the chariot along with Ruchi and Agatha nearby him. He looked at the beautiful white clouds hovering around.
"Wow, it's really cool," he muttered with the clearly audible voice as the chariot moved.
The clouds below looked like giant, fluffy pillows floating in a brilliant blue sky. He couldn't help but smile. The chariot flew in the thick air and started to move down slowly.
As the chariot began its descent, the thick air seemed to embrace them, slowing their fall until they hovered just above the ground. Sambh's eyes widened as the view below unfolded, a vibrant city bathed in golden sunlight, its towers reaching toward the city.
"It's so lively" he felt the breeze moving horizontally upon him.
In the heart of this radiant city, a group of children played in a sunlit square. One spirited child dribbled a football near a solitary golden pillar standing in the centre of the open space. With a playful smirk, he zigzagged between friends, his moves accompanied by cheerful shouts.
"Pass me here!" he called, his voice echoing with youthful joy.
Elsewhere, another group of children dashed about with vibrant kites soaring overhead. Their laughter and playful banter wove together in a symphony of joy, making the city feel alive with hope. The infectious energy of their game lent a touch of enchantment to every street and corner.
When the chariot finally settled on the sun-dappled ground, a cluster of wide-eyed children rushed forward, their expressions a mix of curiosity and awe.
"Look, the lady with the chariot!" one child exclaimed, pointing at Ruchi, whose arrival commanded immediate attention. With graceful poise, Ruchi stepped down, her movements fluid and practiced, as though she had performed this ritual many times before.
Elders gathered around her, bowing in respectful acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Sambh dismounted slowly, his eyes absorbing the beauty of the city and the faces around him. Some children, initially enchanted, began to exchange curious glances and hushed whispers.
In a gentle moment, a few children reached out to touch Sambh's simple kasaya—the fabric of his humble robe. He greeted their touch with a warm, patient smile.
"Little children, what do you need from me?" he asked softly. One child hesitantly inquired, "Can you fulfil any wish?"
Sambh's humble voice touched their smile as they moved around him with welcoming sight touching his heart. It was so heart-warming seeing the kids playing with such a bright joy a covered themselves in joy.
Sambh's eyes softened as he leaned down to gently touch a child's face. "I will try my best not to let a smile fade from your face," he promised sincerely. Before he could add more, another child piped up, "Then we need many candies!"
"Everyone comes here."
It was the voice of Agatha which attracted the kids towards them as they hold some candies in their hands. Ruchi was just beside her and she looked towards them with smile as they called the kids near her.
At once, Ruchi interjected with a smile, "Little kids, come here—I have brought too many candies for you all." The children scrambled toward her, their laughter mingling with the clink of candies as they eagerly gathered their treats.
Amid the playful chaos, an elderly man approached Sambh, his face lined with wisdom. In a respectful tone, he asked, "Are you the monk mentioned in the prophecy—that a monk will time travel in this era and free us from the tyranny of the ghosts?"
Sambh paused, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes, then replied, "Sorry, I have no idea about that." He continued looking gloomy lost in his thoughts, "I came here to meet my dad. I only wish to see him once I return from this journey."
" Ehh, it seems that you are at safe place when you are hunted by entire world. this city will surely protect you." He spoke looking back at Ruchi who was lost in kids there.
With a calm smile, he added, "Although we are all time travellers here, none of us have found a way back, nor do we truly wish to. This is our home now." His simple words carried a deep, personal truth, resonating with the quiet hope that filled the gathering.
Just then, a tiny portal shimmered open behind Sambh. A group of soldiers emerged, their uniforms marking them as guardians of the city's order. One soldier stepped forward and asked in a measured tone looking upon his attire.
"Are you a new arrival here? We received a threat when you entered the city."
Before tension could rise, Ruchi quickly moved to Sambh's side and stated firmly, "He came with me, and I brought him here." She passed a badge from the thin air, handing it over with calm authority.
The soldiers exchanged brief, respectful glances and said, "We are sorry, but we must take him to the jury to register his arrival."
Ruchi's smile remained gentle as she replied, "It's all right; you may follow the protocols, but please ensure he is returned to the palace."
After this exchange, she returned to Sambh, assuring him, "Don't worry—since you are here, we will help you to go back in time to meet your dad. After your visit to the jury, return to the palace, and you will find me there."
Nearby, other children whispered in hushed tones, speculating, "Does she live in the palace? What's her rank there?" Their innocent questions mingled with the soft hum of city life. With a tender gesture, Ruchi reached for an amulet near her wrist and handed it to Sambh.
"You can communicate with me using this," she said, her voice warm and promising.
Without lingering further, Ruchi mounted her chariot once more. As it pulled away, leaving a trail of mystery and reassurance, Sambh stood quietly among the people. In that reflective moment, he felt the true weight of his journey—a quest not only to meet his father but also to embrace the enigmatic home that time had woven for them all.