Mornings in the Malnad region are always extraordinary. As the first rays of light pierced through the curtain of mist, the world transformed into a magical dream. But for Arjuna, it was a gateway to another dimension entirely.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWYS2QuAjD
As the clock struck six, his eyes snapped open. Still groggy, he stretched and walked to the window, drawing back the curtains. Outside, a thick blanket of fog still lingered for the rest of the world. But to his eyes, a different universe floated within that ordinary mist. It was golden. It was alive. Surrounding the plants was a shimmering halo of multi-colored light, pulsating with energy.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2ewbrJpuW
"Arjuna! Wake up! How long are you going to sleep? You'll be late for school!" His mother’s voice broke his trance.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxavT5PoaQH
"Coming, Amma!"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluI9Bfjmjd
He glanced around his small room. The walls were adorned with his achievements—school competition trophies, certificates from district-level art exhibitions. He had pasted some of his paintings there too: a cascading waterfall in one, the lush green rainforests of the monsoon in another. Yet, no one in the house ever spoke of them. Everyone shared a single, looming worry: "How will he pass Mathematics?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh5ANvCeyb
He finished his bath, put on his school uniform, and shouldered his bag. But tucked inside, alongside his textbooks, was his most prized possession—a small sketchbook and a box of colored pencils.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXmPjxfb6P
The moment he stepped out of the house, the world metamorphosed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggRgyXbRer
Around the Tulasi plant in the courtyard, a golden aura swirled gently like threads of light. The cotton plant near the door, the Indian kino tree by the well, and the massive Banyan tree by the fence—each was immersed in its own golden halo. It was a spectacular vision visible only to Arjuna.
Arjuna! Are you dreaming again? Come on, or Sharma Sir will skin us alive!"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEB5WPaKNj
His childhood friend Kiran shouted from the neighbor's house. Kiran—always practical, always sharp on time, always grounded in reality. They were like opposite poles, yet inseparable friends since childhood.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRtnsm6gt7
"Coming, coming!" Arjuna pulled out his sketchbook and made a quick, fluid sketch of the Tulasi planter—captured as if submerged in a swirl of golden light and colors. In just a few strokes, the scene came alive on paper.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihnyUKWHLU
The path to school was a living exhibition of Malnad’s breathtaking beauty. Dense greenery flanked both sides, dotted with wildflowers. In the distance, the constant roar of a waterfall mingled with the chirping of birds and the rustle of dry leaves. For other children, this was just a daily commute. But for Arjuna, it was a floating tapestry of changing colors.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1evz7lFLuT
"Oh, look Kiran! Look how these dew drops on the leaf look like pearls..." Arjuna stopped, lost in the details. To him alone, a colored aura radiated from the tiny droplets.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4wepz80Oy
"Yeah, yeah, it's nice. But have you forgotten we have Math class today? If we're late, Sharma Sir will make us stand outside," Kiran said, dragging him by the hand.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9emto1R7P
As they walked, Arjuna pulled out his book again, sketching while moving. He stumbled over a stone and nearly fell. Kiran caught him just in time. "How many times do I have to tell you? Don't draw while walking! You’ll break your bones one day!" His voice held more concern than anger.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡonKZcq8yIv
As they passed a bend, they saw a massive rock by the roadside—their childhood playground. Its surface was so smooth it looked like a perfect slide.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwy1ptKG8Z
"Remember?" Kiran laughed. "How much we used to slide on this rock? You always picked a fight to go first."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlxo2JjV1W
"Yeah, and remember the day you slid too fast and almost flew into the ditch below? If I hadn't caught you..." Arjuna chuckled.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwXrsUBgRl
"What! You were the one who pushed me!" Kiran patted his shoulder.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbox23q5qS
For a brief moment, the warmth of that laughter, that memory, and their friendship made everything feel light.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBHRQ1Bgd1
But at school, reality hit hard. Mathematics class—Arjuna’s recurring nightmare, five days a week.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uChvywg4y
"To solve this equation, we must first factor out the common term on both sides..." Sharma Sir explained, writing on the blackboard with white chalk. His voice was monotone, almost hypnotic in its dullness.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14Xo1zcySt
Arjuna looked down at his notebook. The pages, meant for numbers and equations, were overrun with drawings—leaves, flowers, butterflies, and intricate doodles in the margins. In one corner, there was a sketch of the sliding rock; in another, the wildflowers by the road.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEorzB3CtgQ
"Arjun!"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XI2ER4JLg
Sharma Sir’s voice cracked through the classroom like a whip. Everyone turned to look at him. Some with curiosity, others with pity.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVzzZhbwnF
"This is a Mathematics class, not an Art class! Look at this... the whole page is filled with drawings. Will these sketches help you pass the Board exams? Do you have no worry about your future?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjPDLpFbbo
A ripple of giggles ran through the class. Arjuna lowered his head, his face flushing red, his ears burning with shame.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9AaoXZRacu
From the next desk, Kiran looked at him sympathetically. As Sharma Sir turned back to the board, he whispered, "Ignore it. It happens."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyqzjz4Rg9
During the lunch interval, they sat under the school's old mango tree. Arjuna showed Kiran his latest sketch—the morning path, but with a special touch: a subtle hint of golden light around the plants, like sunbeams, yet distinct.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEKznTUsYG
"Wow, this is really good," Kiran praised genuinely. "But... try to give some time for studying too, Arjuna. I know you have talent. But exams are important, right? If you fail, how will I feel?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlH6tj5UnV
Just then, the art teacher, Vaidehi Madam, walked by. She was Arjuna’s only true supporter in the school.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslbRfhzXSA
"What is it? Another painting?" She peered through her glasses, inspecting the sketch closely. "Arjun, this is beautiful. This use of light... You have a rare talent. You’ve made the glow feel real without using any colors, just lines. Extraordinary."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rQtADALgo
Arjuna smiled, confused. There was praise, yes, but it felt meaningless to the world around him. The silent question hung in the air: "What is the use of this for the Board exams?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJ71tDWdad
The Burden of Reality
When he reached home that evening, his mother was cooking. The aroma of Sambar and tangy tamarind gojju wafted from the kitchen.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvubfg4FYD
"How was school? Did you understand Math any better today?" was her first question. "Hmm, yes Amma," Arjuna answered vaguely, retreating to his room to drop his bag.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPc4DionZok
When his father returned from work, the conversation followed the same script. He was an accountant in a government office—a man of numbers, a man of facts.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYSBRXJRZ3
"Son, the paintings are good. You have talent, we know that." He placed a hand gently on Arjuna’s shoulder. "But this world is tough. You need practical skills for the future. A good job, a steady income—that comes from studying. Art should remain a hobby, not a profession."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUnjklDYJK
There was love in his voice, and concern too. But to Arjuna, those words felt heavy, settling in his chest like stones.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdSPsYAVEe
That night, in the solitude of his room, he stared at the awards on his wall. "First Prize - District Level Art Competition." "Best Artist - Taluk Youth Festival." So many accolades, yet they seemed to mean nothing to anyone else.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpEVXWUrqA
He walked to the window. Outside, bathed in moonlight, the plants in the courtyard stood in silent vigil. And to him alone—they floated in a multi-colored luminescence, even in the dark.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UaFocXWqs
"Why do I see like this?" he wondered. "Is this just my imagination? Or is something truly there? Why can't others see it?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhM3I5GdMf
He went to bed with unanswered questions swirling in his mind.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsiMgBqA4c
The Shadow and The Light
The next evening, on the walk back from school, they strolled leisurely. The day’s tension had melted away, replaced by the warmth of friendship.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FM5OOZvMj
"Arjun, sometimes I feel... I see the world differently," Arjuna said quietly, twirling a leaf in his hand.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZbSMOKUfj
Kiran laughed and patted his back. "That’s why you are a great artist. Your eyes see more than others do. But don’t let that make you helpless, that’s all. To survive in this world, you have to learn certain things."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmTTjR5vwm
They walked on, chatting and laughing. The sun was dipping slowly behind the western hills, spilling gold everywhere—the color of a real sunset. But for Arjuna, there was also that other, spectacular aura...
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHtXWjSF02
But today, something was special. Different.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4JSTbMNfT
Arjuna stopped for a moment. Around a specific plant by the roadside, the aura was denser than usual. It was almost electric, vibrating with life.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZ0dbLTfMQ
"What happened?" Kiran asked, turning back. "Nothing... just nothing," Arjuna shook his head, though his eyes lingered on the plant.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3IrvSOFTc
They moved on. As they reached the bend near their old sliding rock, Kiran suddenly stopped.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3SHKgc3La
"Arjun..." His voice was weak, barely a whisper.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCo8G5NKeo
Arjuna turned around. Kiran was clutching his stomach with both hands, his face drained of color, lips pressed tight in agony.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTojaKRYSWF
"Kiran? What happened?" Arjuna rushed closer, dropping his bag.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcfh2hUHk2N
"I don't know... suddenly... intense pain..." Kiran hunched over, his eyes squeezing shut. Sweat beads broke out on his forehead instantly.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZeG6cmPfd
"Sit down... right here..." Arjuna urged.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUx6msLSALB
But Kiran couldn't stand. His legs gave way, and he collapsed—first to his knees, then fully onto the ground. His body began to convulse in pain.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvXewPDbBw
"Kiran! Kiran!" Arjuna knelt beside him, hands trembling with panic. "What’s wrong? Tell me... What should I do? Is anyone there? Help!"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRzMZv0Y8v
But the road was empty. It was busy during the morning rush and evening return, but at this precise moment, there was not a soul in sight.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL5mdGTM0J
Kiran tried to speak, but no words came out. His lips were turning blue, his breathing erratic and shallow.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNMblHOigr
Arjuna’s mind went blank with terror. He didn't know what to do. The hospital was miles away. By the time they arrived... The thought alone paralyzed him.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeMhvJxcVX
He stood there, helpless... His mind emptied... And then, a trance descended upon him.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5jW6KerG9
The multi-colored aura around the surrounding plants—usually a soft, slow drift—suddenly intensified. It wasn't just color anymore; it became alive. It accelerated, expanded, and blazed brilliantly.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7TywNPlGO
And with it came... The Call.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuTRHERS3Q
It wasn't words. It wasn't sound. It was something inside his mind, in his chest, in the depths of his being—a summon. Soundless, yet unbearably clear. Inevitable. Undeniable.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKF7MtYzWA
A cold shiver ran down Arjuna’s spine. Slowly, almost involuntarily, he turned his head.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDHV11gPAM
The Awakening
By the side of the road, about ten feet away, stood a plant with distinct leaves. They were glowing. Not just from the external aura—they were emitting light from within, pulsing slowly, like a beating heart. With every beat, the light grew more intense.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqICdbS9f1
The Call grew stronger. It resonated in his mind.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvrtZH6aAP
Arjuna stood up slowly. He was deep in the trance now.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAxI037gE6
His pupils dilated, his body went still. His breathing slowed. He walked—no, he seemed to float—towards the plant. Every step was a fluid, calculated motion.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopIlkd9Jvs
On the ground, Kiran was losing consciousness. His breathing was fading, foam gathering at the corners of his mouth. But Arjuna heard nothing, saw nothing. In his world, there was only the plant, the light, and The Call.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOsTHICn1p
He reached the plant. Slowly, he extended his right hand. His fingers brushed the first leaf.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6QU6rGaKI
The moment he touched it, a surge of energy shot through him. Neither hot nor cold—but alive. Pure, intense life force. It rushed from his fingertips, up his arm, into his chest, flooding his entire body.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpT0Sxm1qPz
The trance deepened. His hands—moving on their own accord—plucked the leaves. One, two, three, four, five. Exactly five leaves. He didn't know how he knew, but he was certain. Exactly five. Not one less, not one more.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdcn0iJyjU
He knelt on the ground, his movements graceful, almost ritualistic. Placing the five leaves between his palms, he crushed them.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVvsd1XZUD
Green sap oozed between his fingers. It looked like ordinary plant sap—thick and fragrant. But within it... there were tiny sparkles of golden light, shimmering, twinkling, alive.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sjeoSEnKh
He turned back to Kiran. His friend’s face was now ashen grey, the shadow of death creeping over him.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPA0AuVNWgC
Still in the trance, Arjuna lifted Kiran’s head and gently tilted it back. Holding the head with one hand, he used the other to pry open his mouth slightly.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGYrARyMgE
And then, from his green-stained palm, he let the glowing, multi-colored sap drip into Kiran’s mouth.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlZQCv6Wqi
One drop. Two. Three.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mGistqjQh
The drops touched Kiran’s lips and slid in. Each drop was filled with specks of light, almost moving with a will of its own.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPhe3OcJB9
Four. Five. Six.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJ2FnSBOpO
Arjuna’s eyes were glazed over... he was still far away in the daze...
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwbZooZha3
And then, after the ninth drop, he stopped. It was enough. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew. It was enough.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbL14yXUzF
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCs7VBU8e4
and then Add to home screen.