The Secret of the Vilom Forest

Chapter 19 — The Sound of Anklets
Sagar and Shanti crossed the boundary of Vilom Forest together.
As soon as Sagar took his first step inside, the atmosphere around them suddenly changed. The air fell completely still. The mist swirling between the trees appeared to grow denser.
Just then—
*Chhan... chhan... chhan...*
The faint sound of anklets was heard from somewhere nearby.
Sagar stopped immediately.
“Shanti... did you hear that too?”
Shanti nodded.
“Yes. The sound of anklets.”
They both looked around, but there was no one in sight.
Then, the same sound was heard from a little further away—
*Chhan... chhan... chhan...*
This time, the sound was coming from deeper within the forest.
Sagar said softly,
“There’s no one here but us.”
Shanti held his hand.
“It is said that in Vilom Forest, one often hears sounds that have no visible source.”
Sagar switched on his torch and shone the beam in the direction of the sound.
There was nothing there.
Only dense trees, mist, and dry leaves scattered on the ground.
Then, suddenly, the sound of anklets came from behind them—
*Chhan... chhan... chhan...*
They both turned around simultaneously.
There was no one there either.
Sagar said in a low voice,
“Shanti... it seems Vilom Forest has sensed our arrival.”
Shanti gripped his hand even tighter.
“Then we must be careful.”
They both began to move forward in the direction of the sound.
But they did not know whose anklets were chiming in the depths of the forest, or why they were being beckoned closer.
Chapter 20 — The King of Vilom Forest
The sound of the anklets gradually faded away. Just then, a deep, resonant voice echoed through the thick fog—
“Sagar and Shanti... welcome.”
Both of them stopped abruptly.
Sagar looked around.
“Who is it?”
A tall figure emerged from the fog, slowly approaching them. He was dressed in royal attire and held an ancient scepter in his hand. His face bore a mysterious smile alongside an air of solemnity.
He came to a halt before them.
“I am Rupsundar,” he said, “the King of this realm of Vilom Forest.”
Shanti asked in surprise,
“How do you know our names?”
Rupsundar smiled.
“The very sound of anyone stepping into Vilom Forest reaches this kingdom. We had already received news of your arrival.”
Sagar asked cautiously,
“Why have you summoned us here?”
Rupsundar rested his scepter on the ground.
“Because the two of you have not come here merely to wander. You have come to uncover the secret of Vilom Forest.”
Sagar glanced at the book titled ‘Van Parv’.
“So, is what is written in this book true?”
Rupsundar replied,
“Vilom Forest is far more mysterious than anything written in that book.”
Shanti kept holding Sagar’s hand.
Rupsundar looked at them both intently and said,
“You two have entered this forest together. Now, the rules of this kingdom are about to be revealed to you.”
Sagar said in a firm voice,
“We are ready to know the truth.”
Rupsundar smiled.
“Then come with me. The gateway to the true secret of Vilom Forest is about to open before you.”
Chapter 21 — The Kingdom of Shringar
Rupsundar raised his royal staff and signaled Sagar and Shanti to follow him.
The three of them made their way through the dense forest until they reached a broad stone path. As they advanced, the character of the forest began to change; colorful flowers bloomed amidst the trees, and the sweet melody of music drifted in from the distance.
A short while later, a magnificent city came into view.
Rupsundar said,
“Sagar and Shanti, welcome to the Kingdom of Shringar.”
The city gates were adorned with flowers and lamps. The people of the kingdom stood on either side, and traditional music played to welcome them.
Shanti looked around in amazement.
“Such a vast kingdom in the middle of the forest... we hadn't even imagined this.”
Rupsundar smiled.
“There are many kingdoms within Vilom Van. Each kingdom has its own rules, its own culture, and its own secrets.”
Sagar asked,
“And what about the Kingdom of Shringar?”
Rupsundar replied,
“This is the first kingdom in Vilom Van where travelers from the outside world are welcomed. Visitors must first understand the rules of this kingdom before they can proceed further.”
Just then, a shower of flowers began to fall from the direction of the palace.
The people of the kingdom spoke in unison—
“Welcome to the Kingdom of Shringar!”
Sagar and Shanti exchanged glances.
They realized that their journey through Vilom Van was no longer merely an exploration of a forest.
They had stepped into a mysterious world about which the outside world knew almost nothing.
Chapter 22 — Princess Sundara
Sagar and Shanti were still being welcomed at the palace of the Kingdom of Shringar when the main gates suddenly swung open.
Amidst the strains of music, a young woman stepped out gracefully. She was dressed in royal attire, and her demeanor exuded both confidence and poise.
Looking towards her, Rupsundar said,
“Sagar, Shanti, meet her. This is my daughter, Sundara, the Princess of the Kingdom of Shringar.”
Welcoming them both, Sundara said,
“Welcome to the Kingdom of Shringar. It is a rare occurrence for anyone from the outside world to arrive here in Vilom Van.”
Sagar replied politely,
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess.”
Shanti also greeted her.
For a moment, Sundara’s gaze fell upon the book titled *Van Parv*.
“Is this the book whose clues you followed to reach this place?”
Sagar was startled.
“You know about it?”
With a faint smile, Sundara said,
“There are secrets within Vilom Van that remain unknown to those coming from the outside world.”
Then, in a serious tone, she added,
“If you truly wish to uncover the mystery of Vilom Van, you must understand a crucial rule of the Kingdom of Shringar before proceeding further.”
Sagar and Shanti looked at her attentively.
Sundara began leading them into the palace.
The next chapter of their journey was about to unfold inside the royal palace.
Chapter 23 — The Royal Banquet
After welcoming them to the Kingdom of Shringar, Princess Sundara invited Sagar and Shanti to the royal palace's grand dining hall.
The dining hall was adorned with lamps and flowers. A long table was set in the center, laden with the kingdom's traditional dishes.
Rupsundar said,
“It is our age-old tradition to welcome guests to our kingdom with a royal banquet.”
Sagar and Shanti took their seats, and Princess Sundara joined them.
Looking around, Sagar remarked,
“I never imagined that such a magnificent kingdom could exist within the Vilom Forest.”
Sundara smiled.
“This is merely a glimpse of the Kingdom of Shringar. There are many other mysterious places within the Vilom Forest.”
During the banquet, Rupsundar asked Sagar about his journey. Sagar recounted the entire story—starting his quest in Delhi, finding the book *Van Parv*, traveling to Assam, and finally reaching the forest.
The King listened attentively.
After the banquet concluded, he said,
“Sagar, your journey is no ordinary one. You have now reached the very heart of the mystery you set out to unravel.”
Sagar asked,
“Will you reveal the full secret of the Vilom Forest to me?”
Rupsundar smiled.
“When the time is right. For now, you must understand this kingdom.”
Sagar glanced at Shanti; both realized that their journey still had a long way to go.
The royal banquet had ended, but the secrets of the Vilom Forest were now slowly beginning to unfold before them.
Chapter 24 — The First Change
After the royal banquet concluded, Sagar and Shanti were taken to the palace guest chambers to rest.
A short while later, Sagar felt a strange change occurring in his body. When he looked at his hands, he saw that his skin had become far softer than before.
Astonished, he began to touch his arm.
“Shanti... something is changing in my body.”
Shanti observed him closely. Apart from the hair on his head, all the other body hair had gradually vanished. His skin had also become unusually smooth and soft.
Sagar grew alarmed.
“Is this the same 'Vilom' effect you told me about?”
Shanti held his hand.
“Perhaps... but we don't know for sure yet.”
Just then, Princess Sundara’s voice came from outside the room.
“Do not be afraid. This is only the beginning.”
Sagar looked toward the door.
Sundara entered and spoke in a serious tone,
“After entering the Vilom Forest, the effects manifest at different speeds in each person. The change that has begun in your body is the first sign of the forest's power.”
Sagar asked anxiously,
“Can it be stopped?”
Sundara remained silent for a moment before saying,
“That depends on what the Vilom Forest has ordained for you.”
Sagar looked at Shanti.
Shanti gripped his hand even tighter.
“Whatever happens,” she said, “we are in this together.”
Sagar took a deep breath.
He now realized that the power of the Vilom Forest was truly taking effect on him.
Chapter 25 — The Kingdom of Roopvati
The next morning, Sagar and Shanti resumed their journey beyond the Kingdom of Shringar. Princess Sundara came to see them off at the kingdom's border.
Roopsundar said,
“Now you must proceed to the next kingdom within Vilom Van—the Kingdom of Roopvati.”
Sagar asked, “Does that place also hold secrets related to Vilom Van?”
Sundara replied,
“Every kingdom has its own unique influence. What you experienced in the Kingdom of Shringar was merely the beginning. Ahead, you will need to understand the changes taking place within yourselves.”
The three of them moved forward. After a while, the atmosphere of the forest began to shift once more. Bright, radiant flowers appeared on the trees, and beautiful patterns adorned the stones lining the path.
Shortly after, a massive gateway came into view.
Inscribed upon it were the words—
“Welcome to the Kingdom of Roopvati.”
As the gates opened, a breathtakingly beautiful city revealed itself to Sagar and Shanti. Towering buildings, pathways lined with colorful flowers, and a magnificent royal palace visible in the distance made the kingdom seem like something out of a dream.
Shanti remarked in amazement,
“This place is unlike even the Kingdom of Shringar.”
Sagar, looking around, said,
“It seems as though every kingdom within Vilom Van is a world unto itself.”
Just then, a group of soldiers approached them from the direction of the palace.
A regal young woman accompanied them. Upon seeing the pair, she said,
“Welcome to the Kingdom of Roopvati. We had already received word of your arrival.”
Sagar glanced at Shanti.
He was beginning to realize that their journey through Vilom Van was becoming increasingly mysterious with each new kingdom they encountered.
Chapter 26 — Princess Rupa
Princess Rupa stood before the royal palace of the Kingdom of Roopvati, waiting to welcome Sagar and Shanti.
Rupa’s presence was striking at first glance. Her face was serene and radiated confidence. There was a unique sparkle in her eyes, as if she harbored many of the mysterious kingdom's secrets within her.
Her long, elegantly styled hair further enhanced her regal bearing. She wore a beautiful, traditional royal outfit adorned with intricate embroidery.
Yet, what truly distinguished her was not her physical beauty, but her demeanor and self-assurance. She appeared to be an intelligent and resolute princess who fully understood the responsibilities of her realm.
Smiling, Rupa said,
“Sagar and Shanti, welcome to the Kingdom of Roopvati.”
Sagar offered a respectful greeting.
Shanti observed Rupa closely and remarked,
“You are just as impressive as your kingdom.”
Rupa smiled faintly.
“Every kingdom has its own identity. But remember—in the Vilom Forest, what meets the eye is not necessarily the true secret.”
Hearing this, Sagar was reminded of the purpose of his journey.
He began to feel that Princess Rupa was not merely the ruler of this kingdom, but also privy to a profound secret concerning the Vilom Forest.
Chapter 27 — The Illusion of Beauty
As soon as he entered the kingdom of Roopvati, Sagar sensed that its atmosphere was vastly different from that of the other kingdoms.
Glowing flowers surrounding the palace, serene streams, and melodious tunes drifting through the air held a strange, captivating allure. It felt as though the entire kingdom was enveloped in a spell of enchantment.
Princess Rupa led Sagar and Shanti into a vast chamber within the palace and said,
“This kingdom is known as the Realm of the Illusion of Beauty. Here, things are not always what they seem.”
Sagar asked,
“Does this illusion affect people's minds as well?”
Rupa replied gravely,
“Yes. Anyone who loses control over their mind can become ensnared by this illusion. It becomes difficult for them to distinguish between reality and delusion.”
Shanti grasped Sagar’s hand.
“Then we must keep our trust in each other.”
Rupa smiled and said,
“That is the first test of this kingdom. Only those who can discern the truth hidden beneath outward beauty may proceed.”
Suddenly, the mirrors adorning the walls began to glow. Within them, various different reflections of Sagar and Shanti appeared.
Looking at the mirrors, Sagar said,
“These are not our true forms.”
Rupa nodded.
“Precisely. Now, the question remains: can the two of you break free from this illusion?”
Sagar and Shanti exchanged glances.
The next trial of the Vilom Forest lay before them.