Sitara

By Abhishek Bakshi

Fire festival!
A bloody hell where fire endeavours every life around. The same word used by the bandits for their victory over the kingdom!
Aditya and Rooh, who once lived peacefully in a village called Sitara, became a part of that festival and lost everything but now, they have joined hands to fight for what they have lost with some of their new friends.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abhishek Bakshi
• Release date: Jul 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005949969

Book preview

SITARA

A JOURNEY OF TWO YOUNG WARRIORS

A million stars hang in the sky yet only one shines bright in my eye and if you ask me its who and why, I would say it’s a promise of mine until I die

Prologue

Session was nearing to end. The central garden of Sitara, under a clear sky was busting with students from all over the village. Some of them were old adults, some young teenagers and every age group in between; all waiting in an utter silence for their final lecture. Only a few moments were left before they were all together like this and finally their teacher, master Asahi walked slowly among them, gazing upon each student, heading towards the stage.

All of you have grown so much said Asahi in a prideful voice After this very day, I wouldn’t have much to teach you all, but I know your life will! So always remember to learn from the experiences you’re all going to get ahead. Because, above all, life is the greatest teacher there is

You are not retiring from our questions, sir shouted Guddu from behind And don’t be sad because we all know where your home is

Wow! I can’t believe who is saying that Rooh turned and replied with a mocking tone Since when do you have any questions?

Raja, who was sitting next to Guddu, yelled He wouldn’t need them and…

….. And neither would you Rooh completed his sentence. Crackles filled the arena. Raja, Guddu and all the other students along with Asahi laughed until it all became silent again.

Okay now, I want to know if you got any questions left for me Asahi took a deep breath.

Come on! Ask him a question, miss perfect! Raja shouted again, glaring at Rooh.

Aww… Thank you! Rooh arrogantly mocked again But after watching our performances, I believe I should step aside and give you the honour, sir and once again all the faces bloomed with smiles.

Are the five spirits real? Guddu raised his hand.

Yes, they are! Asahi answered right away I know it’s hard to believe for those who have never saw them, but don’t forget that we’re blessed by the spirit of the forest! The reason why our village has never been attacked by any wild animal, despite being inside the forest is because of the blessings we carry as the children of Sitara, and that makes them real

Aditya was sitting silently in the front, listening to him with wide opened keen eyes and after a while, he stood up What must a warrior remember in the battlefield?

No matter what happens, a warrior must not falter at what he believes Asahi walked near him A warrior must never show his pain to anyone

Asahi’s eyes slowly moved to the sky and stayed still for a while A warrior must keep his secrets to himself

Everyone along with Asahi, started looking above, at the clear sky, realising that the little time they had together was almost over. Hearts started to throb apprehensively as sun went almost above their heads, telling them that the sound of gong they loved so much was soon going to end their journey together.

Taking those eyes down to earth, Asahi continued And one of the most important things a warrior must remember is; humanity prevails honour

And the final bell rang.

Sitara

Aditya’s tired eyes started to unfold, feeling uneasy. His hand stretched to his left finding his mother who had been sleeping next to him. As his sleepy arm couldn’t find its way to his mother, he woke up in haste and looked around. Numbness of his drowsy mind faded slowly and voices started to prevail in his ears, a faint pungent smoke chocked his voice and sweat that drenched his chest on that cold night of winter, told him that something was wrong.

He could see the colour of the hazy window, burning red, as he descended the stairs in panic. The door was wide opened and things were all over the place. He rushed out of the house calling for his mother and found her lying down on the streets at a distance. She was drenched in blood and crawling towards the house with a half-broken body. Watching his mother like this, Aditya rushed towards her, traumatised.

Mom! What happened? Aditya screamed, helping her to stand on her feet.

Fire festival….. her eyes oozed with tears of horror.

Fire…. Festival?

Aditya! My son, go away! Leave now! she denied his help We don’t have time… leave now!

No…! Mom tell me what happened! Who did this to you? ….. What is happening?

Rahim! she took a deep breath in pain Aditya! Take the secret path to the other side of the forest, and run, some of the villagers have already left. You will find them in the way or certainly at the end of it

Aditya remembered Rahim’s face, he was a fierce swordsman and the leader of a group of bandits who called themselves ‘warriors of the tribe’. He was one of the most important men of Mahmood, the king of Zohar who had been expanding his territory by attacking nearby villages, capturing their land and rule over their people. Aditya’s father had died protecting their village ‘Sitara’ from Rahim and his men, the last time they attacked, about a year ago.

Sitara had been sitting in between a special direction connecting the east and the west kingdoms, other than the main route. Hence, tactically an important village for both the kingdoms to acquire. Many of the proud warriors of Sitara had lost their lives protecting their land from outside interference since a decade, but the count of warriors remained the same. If one warrior died, a villager took his place. Which made Sitara one of the hardest villages to conquer even with an entire army and thus, was well known as a land of warriors.

But after Mahmood turned out to be victorious in the battle with the east king Dara, he had acquired their kingdom and became the king of both directions. After which Rahim acquired more forces and arms under him and became much powerful than before.

Their celebration was called ‘The fire festival’ where they burned everything to the point where nothing remained. In that ravaging night, Rahim came along with his troops for destruction of Sitara at once, attacking the village by surprise in the middle of night. He had killed almost every warrior and put the village on fire. Aditya could only see his mother covered in blood, people’s scream from everywhere and red flames devouring the village from every direction.

"No! I am