Ravi Patel & the Secret of the Himalayas

Prologue

You may already know me. Ravi Patel, the finder of the Golden Ganesha and the Underwater Temple. If that doesn’t ring a bell, then I’ll ring it. I was born in Varanasi, the ancient land of Hinduism. It is such a beautiful place. The colours, the beautifully carved temples, the melodious prayers to various gods, and the scenic view of the Ganga, will never let me forget this place. I left to Kolkata to study at the Calcutta University of archaeology. I joined the Archaeological Survey of India. I researched all around India, from artistic Gujarat to clouded Arunachal Pradesh & from snowy Ladakh to coastal Tamil Nadu. 

As I delved deeper into the world of archaeology, my thirst for adventure and discovery grew stronger. I longed to uncover the secrets of ancient civilizations and unlock the mysteries of the past. And so, I set my sights on Nepal, the land of snow, a region shrouded in myth and legend. It was a breathtaking place, metaphorically and literally. It has stunning views of snow-capped mountains. But the freezing temperatures here make it hard to breathe and get hypothermia easily. But I was determined to push on, driven by the promise of untold knowledge.

Chapter 1 – The Arrival

As soon as I stepped out of my flight, I was greeted by the cold winds and snow. My eyes feasted on scenery I’ve never seen before. Steep mountains dominated as far as I could see. I walked out of the airport & went to my bed & breakfast. I tried to sleep, but I couldn’t for some reason. I shuck of the feeling & decided to read an article that I found on the table. I read about various things like Nepalese mythology, history and geography. But the thing that caught my eyes was an article about an ancient object called “The Heart of the Mountains” that could give its wielders the immense strength, enough to move the mightiest mountains, at the cost of a part of their soul. Its creators realised its dangerousness if it falls in the wrong hands. So, they hid it somewhere in the mountains, never to be found again. As I was going to sleep, I couldn’t help myself to feel as if someone was spying at me. Next up, the Himalayas.

Chapter 2 – The Beginning

I woke up, ready to go on an adventure. I got ready, ate breakfast & rode for the Himalayas on my jeep. I rode my jeep on the steep and winding roads on the sides of the mountains. Barren stone on one side and a deep valley on the other. After an hour or so, I stopped and took a break on a sightseeing point. As I gazed out at the breathtaking view before me, my heart swelled with a sense of awe and wonder. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the snow-capped peaks that loomed in the distance. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and wildflowers. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting the peace and tranquillity of the moment wash over myself. You felt a sense of connection to the natural world around you, as if you were a part of something much larger and more profound than yourself. I couldn’t stay here forever, since I came here for a bigger reason, to find and uncover the myths and mysteries of the Himalayas. I got back on my jeep and continued on my journey. As I was driving, a spotted the avalanche coming down the mountain. I hit the accelerator & drove as fast as I could, but it caught up and pushed me and my jeep off the road at light speeds and into the valley.

Chapter 3 – Chukhung

I suddenly woke up, confused as to where in the world am I. Last thing I know, I was falling in a valley after being hit by an avalanche. Next thing you know it, I’m inside a wooden house. I couldn’t see that well, probably because my head hurt so bad it felt as if I stuck it in a pit of cactuses. Then a woman entered the house, carried me somewhere in the house and stuck me in a hole and closed it. I called for help, but she requested me to be quiet, for my own good. I listened to her, because she most likely saved me from turning into a frozen pancake. Suddenly I heard a knock and a door opening. I heard a hoarse voice demanding “tribute to the alpha of Chukhung”, then a bunch of steps, scuffling and more steps. Then I heard a slam. The lid was removed by the same woman. She asked me to lay low for some time. I asked what is happening and was hit back with a plank on my face. I heard the same voice questioning what she was doing. I heard her trying to give an excuse, and then a shove. I was then met by a bearded man wearing a black outfit. I thought it was over, but then she hit him with a pan & told me to get out. Suddenly, bullets were being fired everywhere, she quickly took me to the kitchen and signalled me to follow her. I again obliged, as if I had a choice. She whistled and then a sleigh of huskies arrived. We got on the sleigh and rode away from the town. As soon as I thought we were safe, I saw a bunch of people wearing black outfits, similar to that guy back at the house, riding sleek black snowmobiles heading towards us. I told her and sped up. She shouted at me to take control & took out a slingshot. While I was riding the sleigh, which I was failing miserably, she was shooting at the people in black. They were catching up, and we had to do something. She took back control skilfully navigated the valley while dodging the bullets. We ticked them by hiding in a cave. I saw them zoom pass us. After some time, we blew a sigh of relief. I again asked her what was happening. She told me to sit down because it will take a long time.

Chapter 4 – The Back-story

The woman's name was Tenzin. She explained that the area we were in was called Chukhung, and that it was controlled by a ruthless gang known as the "Himalayan Hawks". They were searching for something called “The Heart of the Mountains”.  They conquered everything they say & demanded tribute from the local villagers, and if they refused, they would be attacked and their homes destroyed. They had been here even before she was born. She explained that she had a tough childhood. Her father was taken away from her when she was four. Her mother worked all the time at a store a few blocks away from her house. She studied till eight, after which she had to drop out because her mother couldn’t afford it. She started working at the same store where her mother worked. Her mother suddenly disappeared when she was twenty-four. Tenzin's life changed drastically after her mother's disappearance. She was left alone and had to fend for herself. The manager of the store felt pity on her and gave her a promotion as well as a ten percent raise, since that’s all he could do. She lived her life like this till now. I felt bad for her & I tried to comfort her. I then shared my back-story and told her that I read it in a magazine in my bed & breakfast. She then told that she overheard a conversation between two soldiers of the gang saying that they approximated the location of the heart. We knew that they were up to no good and so, we left on our journey to stop them once in for all.

Chapter 5 – The Infiltration

We found one of the Himalayan Hawk’s outposts & decided to sneak in. She passed me a branch, just in case. We went through the back & knocked out two patrolling guards. We hid them, wore their uniforms & took their place as patrol guards. As I was imagining their reaction when they’d wake up, someone called out to the entire out post to assemble. After assembling, he announced that they were going to leave at dawn to find the Heart of the Mountains. Everyone cheered in union. After around half an hour, our shift was over and then had to practice our shooting drills. Tenzin never knew how to use a gun, but luckily you’re smart Ravi knew how to use one since I used to go for shooting classes. She practiced for an hour or so with various firearms I had experience with, such as pistols, SMGs & shotguns, complaining about the recoil, especially with the shotgun, and talking about her preference for slingshots. Then, those who had finished their shift, which included the people who we disguised as, were called to take rest for the big day. We went to our separate tents and got our stressful sleep. The next day I was woken up by the other soldiers who were sleeping in my tent. They told me to get onto the jeep since they told that we were leaving, & after I did so, we left for the Heart of the Mountain.

Chapter 6 – The Mountain

We stopped in the middle of god-knows-where. It was so windy that I thought I would fly away if I jumped and so foggy that I couldn’t see the rock in front of my foot before I stubbed my foot to it. After a minute of pain and snow, Tenzin found me. She told that we reached the mountain where the Heart was said to be hidden in. We were handed goggles so as to not be blinded by the blizzard. Explains why it was so windy and foggy. A familiar man wearing a blue suit with an icy blue holster and scabbard shouted attention & everyone lined up in attention, including me and Tenzin. He said, “I am Blizzard, the leader of the very mercenaries you serve. These are your last days of being a soldier of a rebel leader and tomorrow you shall be the soldiers of the ruler of the world. In that mountain lies the Heart of a Mountain, a mystical object that can fulfil its wielders greatest desires. We, together, shall enter the mountain and claim what’s ours.” Everyone cheered in joy. Tenzin and I were scared as to what he would do once he gets his hands on the Heart. A soldier discouraged him and said it was too dangerous. Blizzard said he doesn’t need anyone to teach him what’s right or wrong, then pulled out his firearm and shot him. And there went the soldier, frozen in shock, literally. Blizzard went on to pull out his sword and slash him. Now I was frozen in shock too, metaphorically. A single shot or slash at me and I’d be in winter wonderland, except it wouldn’t be so wonderful. We had no idea. He was neither so cold-hearted nor so deadly, and both of those together form a lethal mixture. He then ordered us to follow him into the mountain. And so we started walking across the frozen lake, barely clinging onto our lives. At last we reached the destination, a tunnel in the middle of unsuspecting mountain made of stone. He then told us that whoever would find and bring the Heart of the Mountain would become his left-hand-man. Those three specific words sent all the soldiers into frenzy into the tunnel. We were shocked at their loyalty to Blizzard, who then looked straight at us. I, again, was frozen in shock. He asked what we were doing here instead of going to find the Heart. Tenzin with her quick thinking said he didn’t order us to get the heart. He gave a smirk and appreciated her obedience. He told us to be careful, since he couldn’t lose an obedient soldier and that the tunnel leads to a labyrinth, filled with traps, and then ordered us to get the Heart. Tenzin nodded and then ran into the labyrinth, dragging me along. Here we are in the labyrinth of the Mountains.

Chapter 7 – The Labyrinth

Dang, it’s dark in here. The only reason we are able to see is because of the flashlights we had. It has been a while since we entered the labyrinth. I’m surprised I’m even talking to you. I & Tenzin are having hard time breathing. We survived multiple traps, like poisonous darts shooters, stalactite and stalagmite traps and what not. We don’t even know which way we came from. All I know is that we were completely lost. As I speak, the sound of my laboured breathing echoes through the dark and silent labyrinth. The air is thick with the scent of must and decay, and the only light comes from the faint glow of our flashlights. Tenzin & I have been wandering through this maze for what seems like an eternity, unsure of which way is up or down. As we were walking down, I stepped on a button that probably sent gigantic axes swinging at us. We barely dodged it but it sent my firearm flying. As I bent down to pick it, I felt a drop fall above me. As I touched it & looked up, I realised what was going to happen. I immediately ran towards Tenzin & shouted at her to run. Water then started pouring from the roof. We ran as fast as we could, dodging even more traps while escaping a wave of water. At the end of the corridor, I saw a door closing. We ran even faster. We managed to escape the flood before the door closed. I saw three people running towards us before the door slammed shut.

Chapter 8 – The Heart of the Mountain

We blew a sigh of relief. I felt bad for those people. As I caught my breath and regained my composure, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief that Tenzin & I have made it through yet another harrowing experience in this labyrinth. But as I look around, I realize that we were still completely lost, with only one way to go, that is forward. As we walked down the corridor, Tenzin activated another trap that activated something. As we were trying to find out what it activated, a log hit & sent me flying through the wall. My chest hurt a lot. Tenzin helped me up & hit me on the back. I winced. I was about to shout at her in rage but then she shut me up & told that I dislocated my rib & she fixed it. I was still in pain but got up & started walking with her support. We were walking for a while until we found what we came for. The Heart of the Mountain was right in front of us. It was a glowing blue orb levitating on a golden pedestal with intricate carvings on it. As I touched it, I felt a surge of power rush through me. I immediately felt better. The room was desolate, having nothing but dust, webs and cracks in it, with a spiralling staircase in a wall. I picked up a sword that I found lying on the floor & went up the staircase, feeling a sense of accomplishment & bravery. I gave the Heart to Tenzin, believing that she’d take better care of it than I would. After what felt like an eternity of going up stairs, I finally saw light. After leaving the stairwell, I came face to face with a wall with a bunch of intricate carvings on it & with a bunch of materials lying in front of it with another pedestal in the middle. Tenzin said that it was riddle, written in Nepalese saying-“I am not alive, but I grow. I don't have lungs, but I need air. I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. I don't move, but I can cause pain. I am found in the mountains, but also in the sea. No one ever feeds me, but I feed millions. What am I?” We were confused as to what it is. Suddenly she shouted that it is salt. I asked how. She said salt is found in mountains in the form of salt deposits, and it is also found in the sea as saltwater. It does not require air to grow, but it needs dryness to prevent moisture from causing it to dissolve. Salt does not have a mouth to consume water, but it can dissolve in water and cause pain if ingested in large quantities. Salt is not alive, but it is essential for human and animal life as it is needed for various bodily functions. Salt is not consumed by anyone, but it is used to season food and preserve it. There was even a cup of salt in the room. She took it & placed it on the pedestal, causing a secret doorway to open. We went through it and found ourselves face to face with Blizzard.

Chapter 9 – Blizzard

As I was face to face with Blizzard, he demanded the Heart. I denied his order and said why he didn’t deserve it. He laughingly said he misunderstood Tenzin’s determination to stop him with obedience. He said he was spying on me since I had landed in Nepal & had faced off against other opponents, who were obviously stronger than me. He said he wasn’t going down without a fight, and so I was going to give him one. I started shooting at him with my GLOCK. He dodged all my attacks like it was nothing. After I ran out of bullets, I charged forward with my sword raised high, but Blizzard was quick to respond. He parried my attack, sending me flying back. I got back up & hid behind a rock as he was shooting me with his pistol. He then shattered the now-frozen rock with his blade. I dodged & parried multiple of his attacks.  Blizzard attacked me with a swift swipe of his ice sword, but I was ready for him. I parried the blow with my own blade, sending me & a shower of sparks flying through the air. I ran towards him with my almost-broken-sword ready to give its final blow. I slashed him, with a streak of red trailing from my sword, & fell down. Once I got up, I saw Blizzard on the ground too, but he never got up. I told Tenzin to give me the Heart. She did so, while helping me up. I put the Heart on the ground & gave it a blow with my sword. Both the Heart & the sword shattered, leaving a golden ball with, guess what, more carvings. I blew a sigh of relief that all of this was finally over. I took one last look at Blizzard & collapsed.

Chapter 10 – The End, or is it?

I suddenly woke up in a vehicle, wondering what had happened once I fainted. Tenzin, who was driving the vehicle, explained that she carried me to the jeep after my battle with Blizzard and had been driving to the nearest town using Google maps. I asked her how she was using it, since you need internet to use it. She told that she was using my phone as a hotspot since she didn’t want to use her mobile data, which seriously enraged me. We argued for a while, until we reached a town. She took me to a hospital to treat me. After a check up, the doctor said I only had few bruises, and would cost thousand rupees. I was shocked at the price of the check up. He blamed it on inflation, which I didn’t know was true or false since I couldn’t think properly. Me & Tenzin got back on the jeep & drove to my bed & breakfast. She thanked me for freeing her, her & various other towns from the wrath of Blizzard. I then thanked her for saving me from the avalanche & for giving me such a wonderful adventure which had multiple lethal moments. We laughed & then parted our ways. I then had probably the best sleep of my life. I never expected a trip to Nepal, to turn out this way. I got hit by an avalanche, infiltrated a mercenary group, survived a labyrinth full of traps & also went sword to sword against its icy leader. I mean, sure, I did almost die god-knows-how-many-times, but I did have the time of my life. I then left to New Delhi the next day.

Epilogue

After I reached New Delhi, I gave the ball to my friend, who also worked at the Indian Association of Archaeology, who was an expert in languages & translations. After a while of examining, he told it was written in ancient Egyptian. I guess my journey isn’t over yet. I went as a tourist to Nepal, came back a warrior & saviour, & yet I am being led to another country. Great. Just great. Now I understand why the heroes in those fairy tales & movies & stuff have a hard time trying not to give up in the middle of their journey, & I am tired at the beginning of mine. Next up, Egypt, I guess.

The End