A few years ago...
In the heart of a vast forest stood a spiritual Gurukul—with huts made of bamboo and grass, small ponds here and there with blooming lotus flowers. On one side was an Akhada (wrestling ground), on the other, a field for sword fighting. On one side, a flower garden, and on another, a large area for yoga education. The echoes of Vedic mantras resounded everywhere.
In a special hut built over the water sat Acharya Vishrajan, the foremost Guru of this Gurukul. He was around 60 years of age, but his eyes held a flame of knowledge and brilliance.
Clouds were thundering, and a light rain was falling. In the Gurukul, Agni was practicing swordplay. Lightning was crackling in the sky, and winds were blowing fiercely. In the Gurukul's Akhada, Agni was practicing his swordsmanship. His focus was solely on the strikes of his sword. Each of his strikes had the power to end an enemy.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from somewhere. Neer, in his playful mood, was chasing a rabbit. Suddenly, his foot slipped, and he collided with Agni. Both fell down together. As if raindrops had started falling from the clouds, they both kept looking at each other. Time seemed to stand still. Neer and Agni saw some hazy images, something indistinct. They kept looking at each other for a while.
Just then, the students from Neer's Gurukul came up behind him and said, "Are you okay, Neer?"
Agni pushed Neer away and said, "Agni... Who are you? You are not visible. We were practicing swordsmanship. Swordsmanship practice is going on here. You have disrupted our practice. Now leave this place immediately, otherwise..."
Neer said in a playful tone, "Oh dear, you're not hurt, are you, Kshatriya prince? We had no idea you were practicing swordsmanship. We thought some arrogant person was showing off his pride. Anyway, uncle, our rabbit came running towards you and we collided with you. By the way, sir, what is your name? Would you kindly tell us?"
Agni, angrily, controlling his anger, said, "My name is Agniveer. And you have disrupted our practice. Now leave here quickly, otherwise..."
Neer said, "Hey, wait a moment! Before leaving, cool your anger, Prince Agni. Just like your name, you are burning like fire. Just pay a little attention to our rabbit. Come, my dear rabbit, come with me, or someone's anger will really burn you."
Laughing, Neer walked away from there, but Agni just kept watching him. After going a little distance, Neer turned back and smiled at Agni. But there was no expression on Agni's face. He just kept looking at him, as if there was some confusion in his mind. His eyes seemed to want an answer to some question. But he was just a child then, he couldn't understand anything. He just focused on his practice.
And amidst all this, the two kept having minor clashes. They couldn't understand anything. But Guru Vrisha knew everything.
Amidst all this, in their Gurukul, along with upbringing, they were taught yoga, scriptural knowledge, Vedas, Upanishads, and the Kshatriya dharma. Now, all that remained was to receive the education of bravery according to the Kshatriya dharma...
Ten years had passed since they gained this knowledge in the Gurukul. Now, along with Neer and Agni, all the disciples of the Gurukul had entered their youth. They were all student are young now...
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: The Classes
The Yoga Class Scene
During yoga instruction, all the disciples were seated in meditation. Just then, a boy—Neer—secretly mimics Guru Niranjan, and some disciples burst out laughing.
Agni, another disciple, a calm and disciplined boy, glares at him...
Agni (With sharp eyes): "Such childishness is not appropriate during yoga time."
Neer (Smiling): "Oh, you just stay quiet, Agni! Have some fun sometimes. You just keep talking about rules and discipline, one day you'll become just like Gurudev!"
Agni remains silent... there is only focus in his eyes.
Just then, Guru Niranjan says in a stern voice: "There should be peace in yoga, not noise! Everyone, go to your class!"
All Students: "Pranam, Acharya!"
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Scriptural Knowledge Class
Acharya Manu enters the class. "Tell me, who can answer my question?"
Neer says something again secretly... and Gopal immediately complains about him:
Gopal: "Acharya, it was Neer who was mimicking you!"
Acharya Manu: "Stand up, Neer!"
Neer stands up, laughing.
Acharya Manu asks the question: "If an innocent Brahmin appears to be a traitor, what should the king do?"
Neer: "If the Brahmin is innocent, then he should be secretly given exile. The king's job is not to take revenge, but to protect. Even if he is guilty, God will decide his punishment."
The Acharya shakes his head and says: "Your answer was emotional... Now, Agni, you answer."
Agni: "The king should distinguish between the innocent and the guilty, and if the Brahmin is proven guilty, then he should be punished according to the Dharmashastras—not based on his Varna (caste)."
The Acharya is pleased. But he punishes Neer: "Neer, your conduct during the lesson was improper—you are assigned the task of cleaning the entire library today. Agni, you keep an eye on him. If there is any negligence, inform me."
Agni: "As you command, Acharya..."