Sunday, 14 January 2024

Echoes of Surajvan: A Tale of Two Lions


Surajvan, a jewel nestled between emerald mountains and a life-giving river, pulsed with the rhythm of nature. The highway, carved through the mountain's flank, connected two bustling towns, yet Surajvan remained untouched, a symphony of rustling leaves and chattering creatures. In summer, cool river whispers danced with the mountain breeze, weaving through wild blossoms and painting the valley with organic fragrance. Rains transformed the land into a tapestry of cascading waterfalls, enriching the river's embrace. Autumn painted the hillsides with fiery hues of red, orange, and gold, crisp air nipping at exposed skin. Winter, though harsh for some, was a playground for snow-loving souls. Spring, a rebirth, unfurled emerald leaves and painted the valleys with a riot of wildflowers.

Surajvan, a haven for flora and fauna, echoed with the songs of countless birds. Elephants trumpeted, bears lumbered, monkeys chattered, and wolves howled in the symphony of the wild. A single lion family reigned over this verdant kingdom. But today, excitement crackled in the air. The lioness queen had given birth to two magnificent cubs, their names whispered on the wind: Sheru, named for his fearless spirit, and Leo, a ball of playful fluff. Inseparable, their days were filled with playful hunts, boisterous games, and the lullaby of their mother's purrs. Yet, a shadow lurked, unseen but ominous.

One fateful evening, while playing hide-and-seek, the thrill of adventure lured Leo towards the forbidden road. A screech of tires, a blur of metal, and Leo vanished, leaving only echo and despair. The heart of Surajvan ached for its missing prince. Days bled into weeks, the lioness mourning at the roadside, and Sheru, once playful, hardening with grief and rage.

Meanwhile, Leo found himself in a cold, metallic cave – a car garage. Hunger gnawed at him, fear chilled his bones, and the harsh crack of a whip became his
new lullaby. He was traded to a bustling circus, a world of glitter and terror. Forced through gruelling training, Leo learned to jump through rings, walk tightropes, and face his greatest fear – fire. His performances through a pair of ring of fires met with thunderous applause demanding the act to be repeated again.

Years passed, moulding Leo into a handsome yet haunted performer. Every roar was a plea for his lost home. Then, one fateful day, a raging flood swept through the land, and the circus animals escaped. Guided by the scent of his homeland, Leo found himself at the edge of Surajvan.

Sheru, now king, ruled with the darkness of his grief. His reign was a storm of fear and violence, a reflection of the fire burning within him. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. The flood carried Sheru too, depositing him near the circus grounds. Mistaking Sheru for Leo, the ringmaster shot him with a tranquilizer. When Sheru awoke, he was caged, surrounded by unfamiliar creatures. Hunger gnawed at him, but rage ignited in his eyes.

The ringmaster entered the cage, expecting his tamed Leo. Seeing the fire in Sheru's eyes, he made a fatal mistake. He tried electrified whip to calm down. Sheru's rage erupted, his claws finding their target. He escaped, disappearing into the wilderness.

Two lions, scarred by their ordeals, walked towards Surajvan, drawn by an invisible thread of love and brotherhood. Their reunion was a symphony of tears, purrs, and joyful roars. The forest resonated with their renewed bond, healing the wounds of separation. Together, they vowed to restore Surajvan to its former glory, a haven for all creatures.

Sheru, tempered by his suffering, learned to rule with empathy. Leo, empowered by his resilience, taught the animals to overcome fear and face challenges with courage.

The effect of their togetherness was evident soon when a fire erupted from the summer heat. Sheru led a disciplined exodus towards the river while Leo showed the means and ways to remain safe while negotiating a fire hazard.

Their reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and the joyful echo of two brothers reunited. Their story became a legend, a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and the magic of a forest whispering with a thousand tales.

वहां कौन है तेरा : एक विवेचना !

    वहाँ   कौन   है   तेरा ,  मुसाफ़िर ,  जायेगा   कहाँ दम   लेले   घड़ी   भर ,  ये   छैयां ,  पायेगा   कहाँ वहां   कौन   है   तेरा  ... बीत  ...