Gukesh ran his hands through his hair, frustration on his face.
"I get what you're saying—that I should act for myself, ignore revenge. But… honestly, it all just sounds complicated. I wish life were as clear as a chessboard.
There, every piece has only a few choices. Here, I can't see the moves ahead.
"Krishna smiled, kindness in his eyes. "Sometimes, wisdom gets lost when it's dressed in too many words.
Let's make it simple."He leaned forward. "When you play chess, do you let your last mistake ruin the next game?
"Gukesh shook his head. "I try not to.
But it's not easy.
""Exactly."
Krishna tapped the table gently. "People are like that. Sometimes we act out of frustration—Magnus, the fans, even you or me.
If you answer anger with anger, soon the whole world is playing a game they'll never win.
Too many people spend life playing a game of taking turns at hurting, rather than moving forward.
"Gukesh frowned, still thinking.
"And if I ignore it, they'll just think I'm weak.
"Krishna laughed softly. "Answering every shout with another shout only makes you hoarse! Remember—on the board, when your opponent makes a wild move, do you mirror it, or do you keep to your plan?
""I keep my plan… or I try to," Gukesh said, chuckling despite himself."Do the same off the board.
Choose your action like you'd choose a move: calmly, after looking at the whole board—not just reacting to their last attack.
A wise player does not play for revenge, but for the right move at the right time.
In the Gita, it's called 'Karmanye vadhikaraste'—you have a right to your actions, never to the fruits alone.
"Gukesh blinked, something falling into place for him.
"So, what should I do now? Face him again? Ignore the fans?"Krishna shook his head.
"You don't need to ignore anyone. Just remember—be the person you want to be, not the person they're trying to create. Respect yourself first.
As for Magnus: one day, you'll both sit across the board again.
When that moment comes, let your focus be on the game, not his anger or the world's noise.
"He added, with a smile, "True warriors are not those who never feel, but those who choose not to be ruled by what they feel.
"Gukesh looked out the window, a soft smile rising. "Makes more sense now… Maybe that's the wisdom in playing the long game, in chess and life.
"Krishna simply nodded.
"And Gukesh… even the greatest masters sometimes lose their way, or their temper.
What matters is how quickly we find our balance again."
"Alright, no riddles this time.
Let me make it simple for you, Gukesh.
""First, ignore the noise—whether it's fans demanding revenge or opponents showing anger.
You don't have to react to every emotion around you. Breathe. Let things cool down. Like any good chess player, wait and watch for a moment before making your next move.
""Second, respect yourself. If you want to answer, do so with dignity—not anger or drama. You can say, 'I understand emotions run high, but I'm here to play my best.
' You don't have to fight, but you shouldn't shrink either. Stand your ground, but stay true to what you believe.
""Third, focus on your goal. Remember why you play chess—to challenge yourself, to grow, to enjoy the game. Not for revenge, not to please fans, not to get swept into drama.
When you sit at the board next time, play with a clear mind, not for anyone but yourself.
""Last, learn from every experience—good and bad. If someone loses their temper, respond with patience. If you feel stressed, remember—take it one move at a time.
You are not just a world champion; you're a person on a journey.
The Mahabharata teaches: Inaction out of confusion helps no one; wise action brings peace.
"He finished gently:
"In short, don't carry others' anger, don't chase revenge, don't lose yourself in the crowd. Stay light, play your game, trust your heart—and the respect you seek will follow, naturally.
"Gukesh listened, some tension fading.
"Thanks. That's clear. One move at a time—I can do that.
"Krishna smiled, "That's all anyone—champion or beginner—can do."
After a long, honest talk, Gukesh felt a rare clarity settling over him.
He leaned back, sighing out the tension that had gripped him for days.
"You really helped me. No one's been able to explain things like that before," he admitted.
"By the way… what's your name?
"Krishna smiled, almost apologetic for not introducing himself earlier.
"My name is Krishna," he said simply.
A surprised grin spread on Gukesh's face. "That's a powerful name to live up to.
"he extended his hand, friendly and open.
"Let's stay connected, Krishna.
Here—my number. Let's be friends.
"Krishna took his number, saving it with a quiet sense of destiny.
"I'd like that. Friendship is always a good move.
"They parted with a comfortable handshake. Krishna stepped out of the café into the sunlight, the air lighter around him.
He walked down the street, stopped briefly at the grocer's, bought one kilo of rice as his mother had asked, and made his way home—heart full, the world a little bit brighter, and a new story just beginning.
Krishna stepped through the front door, shoes dusty, carrying the bag of rice from the market.
The evening air in the house smelled of cumin and warmth.His mother peeked out from the kitchen.
"You took your time, Krishna.
Did you get the rice?"Krishna smiled and held up the bag.
"Mission accomplished, Ma.
"She took the rice, shaking her head with a gentle scold.
"You boys. Always wandering, but at least you don't forget the important things.
"He laughed. "That's how heroes work, right?
Errands by day, legends by night.
"She rolled her eyes, shooing him gently.
"Go wash up, and don't ruin your uniform for tomorrow.
"Krishna slipped into his room, grateful for the normalcy.
He sank onto the bed, stretching—and that's when it happened.
A soft chime echoed in his mind.
The familiar system overlay floated before his eyes, glowing with new energy:
"Congratulations!
You have unlocked 'Divine Healing.
' Karmic points will be consumed according to the level of healing performed.
Choose wisely and compassionately.
Krishna choose to see more details.
System Skill Unlocked: Healing
[Skill: Divine Healing]
Consume karmic points to heal others (or yourself).
100 karmic points: Full body healing, cures all internal/external injuries and chronic conditions.
50 karmic points: Limb regeneration (restore lost arms, legs, fingers, etc.)
20 karmic points: Basic healing (removes pain, heals scars, accelerates recovery from wounds, treats minor or moderate illnesses/injuries).
Krishna sat up, heart racing. "Healing… Can I really—?"
Monday morning dawned clear and bright.
Krishna, still thinking about his new "Divine Healing" skill, dressed in his crisp uniform and hurried through breakfast.
His mother called after him.
"Don't forget your lunch!"Krishna grinned.
"I won't, Ma! See you later.
The morning sunlight spilled through the school gate, but Krishna hardly noticed any of it.
His mind replayed a single memory on loop: Radha, breathless and close, the electric warmth of her lips pressed softly to his.
Stepping onto the path to his classroom, he spotted her across the courtyard.
For a second, the world shrank—just Krishna and Radha beneath the rustling neem tree.
She paused, clutching her bag a little too tightly, eyes flickering to meet his before darting away.
A deep flush colored her cheeks.Krishna felt his own nerves jangle.
He started forward, stopped, started again. A nearby friend called his name, but it sounded far away.
Radha, gathering her courage, turned toward him, lips quirking nervously. "Morning…" she whispered, voice barely above the hush of the breeze.
Krishna hesitated, then grinned—just a little crooked, just for her.
"Hi," he replied, shy as he'd ever been.
Neither of them mentioned the kiss, but the air between them hummed with the memory.
"Yesterday—" she began.Krishna's heart skipped. "Yeah…""I mean, I… um…" Radha's hands fidgeted with her bracelet.
"Hope you got home alright."He nodded. "I did.
Best Sunday I've ever had."That made her laugh—a quick, embarrassed sound
. "It was… nice."For a moment, neither spoke. Their friends drifted nearby, but Krishna and Radha lingered a few steps apart, sharing a secret only they understood.
When Radha finally walked toward her class, she glanced over her shoulder, cheeks still bright. Krishna watched her go, a soft smile spreading on his face.
Both of them slip in the classroom.
The benches filled up fast, but Krishna made sure to take the seat right beside her.
There was a jolt of sweetness in the air, and both struggled to keep straight faces.
The math teacher entered, launching into equations and theories.
Krishna tried to focus on the blackboard, but every scribble looked like Radha's name.
His mind wandered to the vivid memory of their stolen kiss—the softness, the laughter, her hand in his.
Unable to resist, Krishna slyly slid his own hand beneath the desk and gently cupped Radha's, hidden from sight.
Her whole body tensed for a second, but she didn't pull away.
In fact, her hand trembled, then squeezed his fingers back—an unspoken "I remember too."Radha's face turned beet red, but a tiny smile played on her lips.
In her mind: "This boy… my husband, acting so mischievous. Was he always like this? When did he learn such boldness?
To be continue.