English · Lover
yesterday
This is the story of Sagar—an orphan with an inquisitive nature who discovers the existence of the mysterious 'Vilom Van' (The Forest of Inversion) hidden somewhere within the dense forests of Assam. He travels to Assam in search of this enigmatic forest.
The story could begin like this:
Sagar’s Quest
Sagar had been an orphan since childhood. He had no family of his own, yet he possessed a quality that set him apart from others—an extraordinary curiosity to discover the unknown.
One day, while exploring old books and mysterious folklore, he stumbled upon a peculiar tale. It spoke of a mysterious place hidden deep within the dense forests of Assam—the Vilom Van.
It was said that this was no ordinary forest. Anyone who entered it would find their world turned upside down; a man would emerge as a woman, and a woman as a man. Most mysterious of all, this transformation was permanent.
At first, Sagar dismissed it as merely an old legend. However, the map and the ancient clues provided in the book were so precise that he began to believe the Vilom Van might actually exist.
Eventually, he packed his bags and set out for the forests of Assam.
After a journey of several days, Sagar reached the region where, according to the map, the Vilom Van lay hidden. Confronted by the vast, dense forest stretching out before him, he felt a twinge of fear for the first time.
Yet, despite his fear, he stepped forward into the forest.
Little did he know that the moment he crossed the threshold of the Vilom Van, his life was destined to change forever.
Sagar’s Journey — The First Clue
Sagar’s journey began in Delhi.
Sagar often frequented an old public library in Delhi in search of rare and ancient books. He had a keen interest in reading about history, folklore, and mysterious places.
One day, while wandering through the oldest section of the library, his eyes fell upon a thick, dust-covered book. Its title was "Van Parv."
Sagar picked up the book carefully. Its pages had yellowed, and the edges were worn with age. He sat at a nearby table and opened it.
The first few pages contained descriptions of ancient forests, sages, and mysterious locations. Sagar flipped through the pages rapidly.
Then, suddenly, his gaze settled on a particular chapter.
The title read: "Vilom Van" (The Inverted Forest).
Sagar’s curiosity was piqued. He began to read.
The book stated that somewhere in an unknown corner of the world lay a forest where the laws of nature differed from those of the ordinary world. This forest was known as Vilom Van. Very few people knew of its existence, and even fewer had managed to reach it.
Sagar read on.
An old account mentioned that Vilom Van was believed to be hidden within the dense forests of Northeast India—specifically in a remote, inaccessible region of Assam.
Sagar pulled the book closer.
But as he turned to the next page, his eyes widened in astonishment.
There, he found mysterious clues and an incomplete map detailing the path to Vilom Van.
A single question arose in Sagar’s mind—
"Does Vilom Van truly exist?"
At that very moment, he resolved to uncover the truth behind this mystery. The quest that had begun in Delhi was now set to take him to those uncharted forests of Assam, where Vilom Van—perhaps—was waiting for him.
Chapter 2 — Preparing for Assam
After reading about Vilom Van, only one thought occupied Sagar’s mind—he simply had to go to Assam.
However, he did not want to undertake such a massive and unfamiliar journey alone. He immediately called his best friend, Rajesh.
“Rajesh, I need to discuss something very important with you. Come over right now.”
A short while later, Rajesh arrived at the library. He noticed the book *Van Parv* lying in front of Sagar and asked, “Did you find it?”
Without saying a word, Sagar opened the book in front of him.
“Look... Vilom Van. According to this book, it exists somewhere in the forests of Assam. I’m going to find it.”
Rajesh gazed at the pages for a few moments. Then, laughing, he said, “Are you chasing after another mysterious story?”
“It’s not just a story,” Sagar said seriously. “Look, it even provides clues about the location. I believe Vilom Van actually exists.”
Rajesh saw the excitement in Sagar’s eyes. He knew that once Sagar set his mind on uncovering a mystery, he wouldn't back down easily.
“Alright,” Rajesh finally said, “if you’re going to Assam, I’ll come along too.”
A smile spread across Sagar’s face.
“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s start preparing today.”
The two decided to make all the necessary preparations for the journey over the next few days. They planned to pack a map, a flashlight, essential clothing, food, first-aid supplies, and other items useful for the forest.
Sagar also packed the *Van Parv* book into his bag.
Little did he know that the clues hidden within the pages of that old book would lead them to a mystery far greater than anything they could have imagined.
The next stop—Assam.
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Chapter 3 — The Capital of Assam
After a long journey spanning several hours, Sagar and Rajesh finally arrived in Guwahati, the capital of Assam.
The journey had been quite exhausting. The two stepped out of the station with their luggage. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Delhi, the atmosphere in Guwahati felt completely different to them; there was greenery all around, distant mountains visible on the horizon, and a distinct humidity in the air.
Rajesh set his bag down and, taking a deep breath, said,
“We finally made it! Now tell me, how far is Vilom Van from here?”
Sagar took the book *Van Parv* out of his bag and began to study the old map drawn inside it closely.
“The real journey is just beginning,” he said. “According to the book, we have to head out of the city. The path through the forest won't be easy.”
Rajesh looked around.
“Then let’s stop somewhere and rest first. We can plan the next steps after that.”
Sagar nodded.
The two set out in search of a place to stay in the city. They had a few clues from the book, but the exact location of Vilom Van remained a mystery.
By evening, Sagar opened the book again to the page containing the incomplete map of Vilom Van.
There was a strange symbol drawn in one corner of the map.
Sagar said softly,
“Rajesh... I think the next clue is hidden right here in Guwahati.”
Rajesh looked at him.
“Then let’s start looking for it tomorrow.”
Neither of them had any idea that this small clue would lead them to the dense forests of Assam, where Vilom Van had remained hidden as a mystery for centuries.
Chapter 4 — The Search Begins in Guwahati
The next morning, Sagar and Rajesh woke up before sunrise. They packed their gear and, taking the book *Van Parv* with them, set out into the streets of Guwahati.
Sagar carried the old map, which contained mysterious clues on how to reach Vilom Van.
“First, we need to understand the meaning of this mark,” Sagar said, studying the map.
Rajesh asked, “But where will we find this mark?”
Sagar turned another page of the book. It stated that anyone seeking Vilom Van must first locate an ancient temple and a river flowing nearby.
The two began asking people in the older parts of Guwahati. Many suggested various places, but no one knew of a place called Vilom Van.
By afternoon, they had wandered through many areas.
Suddenly, an elderly man stopped Sagar.
“What place are you looking for?” he asked.
Sagar immediately closed his book.
“We are looking for an ancient forest. Its name is... Vilom Van.”
The old man’s expression changed.
He remained silent for a few moments, then spoke in a low voice,
“Where did you hear the name Vilom Van?”
Sagar and Rajesh exchanged glances.
Sagar held out the book.
As soon as the old man saw the title *Van Parv*, a look of astonishment appeared in his eyes.
“You still have this book?”
“Yes,” Sagar said. “Do you know about Vilom Van?”
The old man glanced around and then spoke in a hushed tone,
“I don’t know it personally... but my grandfather used to tell a story about it. If you are truly searching for it, you must take an old path leading out of Guwahati.”
Sagar immediately asked, “Which path?”
The old man pointed his finger toward the distant hills. “You will find a broken stone gateway along that path. Your true quest will begin beyond it.”
Sagar looked at the map.
The symbol on the map pointed in that very direction.
Now, he was certain they were on the right path.
Sagar said to Rajesh,
“Let’s go. We’ve found the first clue to the Forest of Inversion.”
The two picked up their bags and set off towards that mysterious path.
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Chapter 5 — Planning the Next Move at the Hotel
After searching all day in Guwahati, Sagar and Rajesh returned to their hotel in the evening. Both were exhausted, yet the clue they had found that day had only heightened their curiosity.
Upon reaching the room, Rajesh set his bag down and sat on the bed.
“Today turned out to be more interesting than expected,” he said. “But we shouldn't head into the forest unprepared.”
Sagar nodded and spread the ‘Van Parva’ book and the old map out on the table.
“Exactly. Tomorrow, we need to search for that old path. Before that, we have to make thorough preparations.”
The two began mapping out their plan on paper.
First, they marked the probable location of the broken stone gateway on the map. Then, they decided to set out early in the morning, purchase necessary supplies along the way, and arrange for suitable transport to leave the city.
Consulting his list, Rajesh said,
“Flashlights, extra batteries, water, dry rations, a first-aid kit, and sturdy shoes—all are essential.”
Sagar closely examined the old pages of the book.
“And I’m keeping this book with me no matter what. It holds many more clues that we need to decipher.”
After a while, they had finalized their plan for the next day.
But before going to sleep, Sagar took one last look at the map.
Near the mark indicating the forest on the map, a short sentence was written—
“The path beyond the gateway is not visible; only the one who seeks it can see it.”
Sagar gazed at the sentence for a few moments.
He could sense that their journey the following day was going to be far more mysterious than ever before.
Chapter 6 — The Forest Entry Permit
The next morning, Sagar and Rajesh woke up early. After breakfast, they set out with their essential documents and the book *Van Parv*.
Their first task was to obtain the necessary permit to enter the forest. Since part of the route described in the book passed through a protected forest area, entering it without authorization was not possible.
Sagar said to Rajesh,
“Let’s get the permit first. Only then will we begin the rest of the journey.”
The two arrived at the relevant forest department office. There, they explained the purpose of their trip and applied for permission to enter the forest.
The official examined their documents and asked,
“Why do you both want to go to that area?”
Sagar replied in a calm voice,
“We want to gather information about the old forest and some historical sites located there.”
The official studied them closely for a moment and then said,
“That area is quite rugged. The weather can also change suddenly at times. It will be essential to follow the rules.”
Sagar immediately replied,
“Yes, we will abide by all the rules.”
After completing a few necessary formalities, they received the permit to enter the forest area the following day.
As soon as they stepped out of the office, Rajesh breathed a sigh of relief.
“One task is done. Now, the real journey begins.”
Sagar carefully tucked the permit into his bag and glanced at the map from *Van Parv*.
“Yes. Now we have both the route and the permission.”
However, neither of them knew yet that the journey commencing after obtaining the permit would gradually lead them to the edge of that mysterious forest, where the secret of *Vilom Van* awaited them.
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Chapter 7 — A Local Guide
After obtaining the permit, Sagar and Rajesh decided not to venture alone into such a dense and unfamiliar forest. They needed a local guide who was well-versed in the terrain and the conditions of the forest.
Rajesh said, "We should take someone experienced along. We have the map, but only someone who has actually been there can show us the real path through the forest."
Sagar nodded in agreement.
The two began making inquiries among the locals. After some searching, they learned of an experienced guide named Biran. For years, he had been guiding travelers and researchers through the forests of Assam.
Sagar and Rajesh went to meet him.
Biran examined their permit and asked, "Which part of the forest do you want to visit?"
Sagar placed the 'Van Parv' map before him.
Upon seeing the map, Biran fell silent for a moment.
"This route..." he said in a low voice, "where did you get this map?"
Sagar replied, "From a very old book."
Biran studied the map closely and then said, "I know many paths in this area. But very few people go in the direction this map indicates."
Rajesh asked, "Will you come with us?"
Biran thought for a while.
"You have the permit, and if you both truly wish to go there, I can take you as far as the edge of the forest."
Sagar breathed a sigh of relief.
"That is exactly what we need."
And so, Biran joined Sagar and Rajesh’s journey as their local guide.
Now, they had the permit, the necessary supplies, the old map, and an experienced guide who knew the forest well.
The next morning, the three of them were set to begin their actual journey towards Vilom Van.
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Chapter 8 — The Edge of the Forest
The next morning, before sunrise, Sagar, Rajesh, and their guide, Biran, set out on their journey.
As the city receded into the distance, the road grew increasingly deserted. After traveling a certain distance by vehicle, they had to cover the rest of the way on foot. Dense greenery surrounded them, and clouds could be seen drifting amidst the distant mountains.
Biran walked in the lead, carrying an old map of the forest and a sturdy staff.
After several hours of trekking, he suddenly stopped.
"The forest begins right here," he said.
Sagar looked ahead.
Before them stood a massive wall of trees. The foliage was so dense that sunlight could barely penetrate the interior. The air was filled with the scent of earth and damp leaves.
Rajesh spoke in a low voice,
"So, this is the forest..."
Sagar took the *Van Parv* out of his bag and began matching the map to the path ahead.
A moment later, his gaze fell upon an old stone. It bore the same strange symbol found on the map in the book.
Excitement lit up Sagar’s eyes.
"Rajesh... we’ve found the right path."
Biran examined the stone closely. A look of sudden seriousness crossed his face.
"I have seen this mark before," he said, "but very few people know the path that lies beyond it."
The three of them stood at the edge of the forest for a while.
Sagar took a deep breath and adjusted his bag.
"Then let’s go."
Biran glanced back one last time and then took his first step into the forest.
Sagar and Rajesh followed him.
Little did they know that, a short distance into the forest, the boundary of the *Vilom Van*—the Forest of Inversion—awaited them.
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