Journey to the Next Level: The Forbidden World

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Omi's young and carefree life changes when his uncle lands in a coma. Confused and confined, he heads for an ancient temple, where he meets an old monk, Guruji. Guided by this old soul, through a hidden cave, Omi begins a spiritual odyssey into the realms of mystery, magic, divinity and immortal existence. In an attempt to release his uncle's soul which is stuck somewhere in the post-death levels, he unknowingly ventures into the forbidden world, where his grit and vigour will be challenged to its core.

The classic tale inspired by the great battle of Mahabharata is based on the author's spiritual adventures in the land beyond life. Chapter by chapter, the mysteries of human existence will be revealed to the readers, where each one will select the blissful path for themselves.

Kunal, a postgraduate from Cardiff University is a seasoned master mariner. Born on 12th Sep 1984, he always had an inclination towards writing.

However, it was only in 2014 that he came up with his first poetry collection "Kuch Khwaab Sagar Se." He received national and international recognition for his book which includes felicitation by House of Life in France and Nautical Institute of London. This was followed by his prose poetry titled "Unanswered," which was released in International Film and Literature festival in 2015. He was felicitated at Seafarer Choice Award in 2016 for this work. His next two poetry collections "Main Tula Hoon" and "Sparrow in the Mirror" have also received wide acclamation and appreciation. His works have been translated into multiple languages which include French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and Urdu. So far he has published 12 books in different languages.

Apart from writing, Kunal is a theatre enthusiast and has written a script for short films. His short film "Maaya" was screened in multiple film festivals. Presently, he is working with an International Maritime Academy in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer.

"So, what will happen when we reach to the other side of the bank?" I asked.

"They will be waiting for us, our beloved, who is already dead and will take over from the one who is still alive, which is you, to help us in completing our journey". Grandma hadn't even completed her sentence when I heard the hue and cry.

As I looked down, I saw the men and women drowning in the river. I could see the dead bodies floating and a few were still alive but had sunk deep in the water and were still holding hands. It was a very painful and horrible scene. I could see some people jumping from the bank of the river just like lifeguards trying to save people from drowning.

"They are trying to save their loved ones. But it's of no use as without being handed over by the ones who are alive, dead cannot take over," grandma said.

"But how did I land up here; I was supposed to look for the pond where grandpa had directed me," I asked.

"You can move ahead only when you have fulfilled the assigned jobs of that level. Presently you are at a lower vital level and each task needs to be completed by you to proceed to the next level. Since you are traversing in the lands which are very close to the physical world, you will find it confusing and intermixed. That is because in these lower levels there is a lack of order and discipline. But once you keep moving ahead, everything will start getting organised." Grandma replied.

Soon we were on the other side of the bank and as we touched down, there was a surprise waiting for us. It was my cousin Mohit who had come to receive grandma.

Mohit was my aunt's son who died in a car crash at the tender age of twenty-one. He was the eldest and most cheerful among all our cousins. My grandma felt great pain at his sudden demise and was often seen mourning for him. I never thought I would be able to meet him. Watching him stand in front of me it seemed he had just left the mortal world, in fact, healthier and more handsome. They both hugged each other.

"I will take over from here. Thanks a lot, Omi" Mohit said and took grandma's hand and then started rising up.

Soon they vanished into thin air. As they were rising, grandma blessed me and with that, the ambience changed again, and I found myself standing on a small hill. It was bright and sunny again and I could hear the birds chirping and the cows grazing on the farm. I had now realised that it was the blessings of my ancestors which was helping me proceed ahead in my journey.