INDIANA JONE JUNIOR

There weren't always dragons in the valley

1910, India – Enslaved by the East Indian Company

“There weren’t always d...” A kid is reading slowly and laboriously.

“D – R – A – G – O – N – S,” says the characters by the kid. To get that term, he is reading the alphabets within three times.

His eyes expanded, and a smile spread across corner of his mouth. “Hmm... Dragons,” he said.

“There weren’t always dragons in the V...” He stared at the word, bewildered, and attempted to comprehend it.

“V- A- L - L - E – Y,” says the characters by the kid. To get that term, he is reading the alphabets within three times.

He abruptly stopped repeating himself and began bouncing up and down in joy. “Valley,”

“There weren’t always dragons in the Valley,” Kid looked down, “by Gaya....” The kid paused a moment.

The kid, who is thirteen years old and has dusky complexion, a round face, and circular black eyes, is also half-naked and wearing blue cotton shorts. He stands at about three feet tall. His hair is short, and his voice is hushed.

A man gave a strike to the back of that kid’s head. “There weren’t always dragons in the valley, by Gayathri Bharadwaj.” Man snatched the book from that kid's grip with his left hand.

The child scratches his head with his right hand, looked around, widened his eyes, and grinned. "Uncle Steve, Good afternoon!" he said

Steve is a strong forty-year-old man with white complexion, a circular face, and chocolate-colored eyes. He was dressed in a blue jacket with a white waistcoat, black trouser, and double-welt box calf lace boots. He is six feet tall and has a lengthy body. His curly hair is apparent at the brim of the cowboy hat he is wearing.

“How many times, have I told you not to touch that book,” Steve fumed.

"I'm interested in reading it." Slowly, the child responded.

"Are you serious, you want to read it?" Steve burst out laughing. "You can't even read the titles of the books." Steve took a seat in the brown wooden chair and crossed his legs on the brown wooden table.

“I am learning to read.” The kid smiled and replied.

“How old are you?” With his right hand, Steve took off his cowboy hat.

“Thirteen.” The kid eyes were staring the Steve’s hat.

“It is not your fault. Teena, my wife is unnecessarily teaching education to you.” Steve placed that hat on the table.

The kid lowered his head.

Steve drew his eyes closed. "Your name is Nani, right?" Steve asks, a little hazily.

“Yes, Uncle Steve.” The kid responded by folding his hands.

"George, inform his father," Steve said to a man standing nearby.

George is a sturdy thirty five-year-old man with white complexion, an oval face, and blue eyes. He was dressed in a black jacket with a white waistcoat, black slacks, and kangaroo congress boots. He stands five feet tall and is a medium-sized man. He has really fine hair. He walks with a limp due to a physical impediment in one of his legs.

George gestured and went inside the excavation place. “Ramulu... Hey! Ramulu...”

Ramulu stopped excavation walked quickly towards George and folded his two hands. “Dora (Sir).”

“Your son Nani bought your carriage. Go and fetch it.”

“Ok, Dora (sir).”

Ramulu is a thirty-year-old man with black complexion, a round face, and brown eyes. He is also half-naked and wears a dhoti as a bottom garment. He stands five feet tall and is a medium-sized man. He maintains his hair wavy and walks around barefoot.

Ramulu approached Steve and observed him scolding his son. "Nani, how many times have I told you not to bother Sir?"

“Father...!” Nani rushed up to his father and smiled as he hugged him. "Sure, dad, I won't do it again."

"Mom sent food," Nani replied, looking at his father (Ramulu).

"Ok," Ramulu said with a smile. "Leave it there and return home."

"Bye father, Bye Uncle Steve," Nani said, putting the food in a bamboo box and the water in a copper jug aside.

He then dashed towards the cave's entrance.

Ramulu turned towards Steve. "Dora (Sir), please accept my apologies for my son's monkey behavior," Ramulu remarked with a Namaste to Steve.

“Don't mention that Ramulu, There is a reason why I scolded him.”

“What is it, Dora?” Ramulu asked curiously.

"He is thirteen years old, academically challenged, and unable to read book titles.

“Morning, 'Nani isn't doing well in school, could you advise him to study harder?' Teena (Steve's wife) told me.

That is why I chastised him." Steve set the book next to the cowboy hat on the table.

"Dora, thank you and madam for educating the children of my tribe," Ramulu exclaimed excitedly.

“Don’t mention that, we are family too. You are the one who has always stood by us and treated us as if we were family." Steve's eyes welled up with tears.. “What is special today?”

“Naatukodi pulusu (Chicken soup)” Ramulu smiled while scratching his head with his left hand.

“Oh! Great, Can I join you today?” Steve asked Ramulu.

Ramulu replied, “Sure Dora.”

"Get down to business." Today, Gayathri madam and Peter sir are paying a visit to this location. At the very least, we're hoping to finish the job today."

“Dora! Who is Peter?" Ramulu inquired enquiringly.

"Peter is one of the East India Company's most powerful and prominent money lords. In the workplace, his words are Verdict. We are quite lucky that he is paying us a visit today."Steve responded enthusiastically.

Ramulu made a swaying motion with his head. "Oh!"

George limped over to Steve with a stumbling gait. "Steve, you should go down to the dig site and look around."

George, Steve, and Ramulu hurriedly arrived to the excavation site. The labour moved a side and saw a medium sized wooden box there.

“Finally, I wish our hard work had paid off.” Steve locked his gaze on George and Ramulu.

"Vehicles are approaching," the individual who was initially guarding the cave entrance with a gun stated as he hurried toward Steve.

Guards are in their thirties, some are strong, while others are frail. Some have oval faces, while others have round faces. They were also dressed in a black jacket with a white waistcoat, black trouser, and formal boots. They stand at a median height of five feet. They don their hats and hold Arisaka type 38 rifles in their hands. They number around fifteen.

“Oh good news, I am about to inform Gayathri madam. For god's sake, she is here.”

(Vehicles approached)

At the cave's back entrance was approached by a group of five Franklin model roadster silver vehicles. While Gayathri and Peter were in the centre one and the rest had four guards each.

Gayathri and Peter exited the vehicle, surrounded by armed guards.

Steve went to receive Gayathri and Peter.

Steve said, “Madam good news.”

Gayathri smiled at Steve and made a happy gesture. “Good Job”

“Thanks, madam.” Steve gestured back.

Gayathri is in her forties, has a round face with a peach undertone, and wears white frames over her black eyes. She also wore a blue sari with a white top and red bangles, as well as black footwear. She stands five feet tall and is a medium-sized woman. Her hair is curly.

Peter is forty eight years old, with white complexion, an oval face, and an oval physique with brown eyes. He also donned the emperor boots and a blue blazer with a brown waistcoat and black trouser. He stands five feet tall and is a medium-sized man. He has really fine hair.

"Peter, this is Steve, the operation's commander." Steve was introduced to Peter through Gayathri.

“Steve, He is peter, the chairman of the mind stone exports.” While entering the cave, Gayathri introduced Peter to Steve. Peter gave Steve a sidelong glance.

"I know, madam, we've been hearing a lot about Peter sir. To many, his comments constitute a verdict." Steve remarked.

"Good day, Sir. It's great to meet you." Steve extended his hand to shake Peter's hand. Peter locked his gaze on Steve from top to bottom and insisted to give hands.

Steve was offended. Steve, on the other hand, did not show it on his face. Steve smiled and took a step back in response.

“So, this is the cave, you did not find initially? What is it?” Peter asked Gayathri.

"Well, Peter, its Borra Caves, which are in Araku Valley," Gayathri said. For years, I've been looking for this location in this Valley. We couldn't find any.

"Fortunately, Ramulu, a cowherd, lost his cow while feeding. He was looking for his cow when he came across this location.

This location has two entrances: one in the front and one in the back. At the front end, there is a 'Shivaling,' who is supposed to be one of the creators. And this is by way of the back door."

Peter took a peek at the book that was on the table. "Is this the book you authored, then?" Gayathri was questioned by Peter. "What's the big deal?"

Gayathri said with a deep breath. "Peter, according to Hinduism, there are fourteen dimensions separated into three classes called "Triloka" in a single cosmos,"

“It is thought that various humans and animals live there according on their Karma.

" Gods, Demons, Nagas, Yakshas, Demi-Gods, and many more are the species of remaining dimensions.

“There is a book called, ‘Garuda Purana’ written by the Great scholar Veda Vyasa between 4 to 5 CE.

"According to that text, a demon named Bala aka Balaasura conquered the thirteen dimensions and governed entire races of gods, devils, humans, and many others for a period of time as his primitive empire on Earth."

"Do you mean gods?" Peter asked with a surprise.

Gayathri answered softly, "Yeah, including Gods."

"How can a devil do it?” Peter questioned.

"Well, the Gods are thirteen-dimensional administrative staff." The Creator is the one who resides at the apex of these thirteen dimensions which is fourteenth dimension."

"Is there a Creator as well?" Peter's eyes widened as he was surprised.

"There are three," Gayathri says, "Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva."

“So, there is a difference between Creators and Gods in Hinduism.” Peter inquired Gayathri.

"True, there is: Creators - they create, preserve, and destroy - an unlimited number of universes when the time comes.

"The Gods, on the other hand, were the administrative staff who oversaw the Dharma in all of its dimensions.

"Creators will accomplish their work if things are out of God's power, such as if Dharma was misdirected."

“Phew...Whatever” Peter says as he nods his head.

"Gods felt ashamed and regretful after Bala grabbed control over thirteen dimensions.

"The defeated Gods desire to reclaim their domain." So, searched for Bala's vulnerability and use it to defeat him.

"Bala was a formidable fighter. In combat, no deity can beat him. He had a flaw: he was ‘a man of the word.'

“So, Gods took the form of ‘Brahmin’ as disguise betrayed and took a word from Bala that, ‘they want him to be offering to the Creator.’

"Without insisting, Bala accepted that he was ready to give his life to the Creator.”

"Gods, too, deceive." Peter burst out laughing.

"God's works are immeasurable. They act in accordance with the Dharma.

"Because of Bala's decision and commitment to his words, the Creator bestowed upon him the gift that 'Every portion of his body will become a priceless element.' And whoever uses and controls that element will have my (Creators') blessings without a doubt.'

“The living species of those thirteen dimensions rushed to earth in order to take his body into their dimensions. So, that their dimensions had unique and valuable elements and also the blessings of Creator.”

"To gain those priceless minerals, Gods, Demigods, Demons, Yakshas, Nagas, and all the great creatures of the thirteen dimensions fought one other."

“In the midst of their struggle, the body was ripped apart.

"Those individuals took the body parts and embarked on a voyage into their dimension.

“While journeying with parts in hands, the parts were scattered and transformed into precious elements, which dropped to the ground and became mines of that element in every dimension.

"As a result, each piece became a distinct valuable element that dropped to the ground, mountains, oceans, sky, space, and a variety of other places." Said Gayathri about the book: ‘There weren’t always dragons in the Valley.”

"Where did you gather this information to your book?" Peter questioned Gayathri.

"As I said, the story was an adoption from the book of 'Garuda Purana' written by great scholar in Hinduism, 'Veda Vyasa''.

“How does this benefit us?” Peter asked Gayathri.

"Well, The Demon Bala is Dragon King," Gayathri explained.

Peter lit up the cigar and motioned to Ramulu with his two fingers.

Ramulu dashed over to Peter and took a squatting position with his hands folded.

"What are you looking black, bend here so that I can keep my foot on you," Peter said as he sat in the chair.

Ramulu knelt there soon.

Steve glared at Gayathri, his fist clenched behind his back in rage.

Both of them looked at one other, puzzled by his unusual behavior.

"I've finished reading your book. The fact that the king is a dragon king is not mentioned anywhere. "How am I supposed to believe your story?" Peter kept his foot on the Ramulu's back while neatly releasing smoke.

Gayathri made a wavy motion with her head toward Steve.

"George, fetch that package," Steve said.

The Tribal workers there bought a box and placed it next to the hat on the table, folding their hands and removing the cloth that was wrapped over their heads.

Steve was instructed by Gayathri to open the box.

With the claw hammer, Steve carefully opened the package.

"Move aside," Peter commanded Ramulu as he booted him with his boots.

Standing up, Peter noticed a clump of palm leaves wrapped in a cloth.

"What is this?" Peter inquired, perplexed.

Gayathri bought a tiny iron toolbox, two gloves, and a magnifying lens. She put on her gloves and carefully separated the palm leaves from the cloth.

There are eight palm leaves and eight drawings on the cloth.

Gayathri claimed she looked at the writings on eight palm leaves and the eight illustrations on the fabric very carefully. "These are khand Maharishi’s Sanskrit writings."

"The meaning of these texts is that,

'Bala the demon king did penance for the creator for almost a thousand years,

Lord Brahma, one of the creators, appeared to him and granted him a boon,

‘Bala praised and requested the creator Brahma, ‘He wants to rule the thirteen dimensions.’

‘Pleased Brahma granted, ‘You will have a dragon and its army so that that army will bring the thirteen dimensions down and you will become the first king of dragons as well as the king of those dimensions,

‘Bala is the first known dragon king of Hinduism.

'With the help of Dragon and its army, he conquered all the dimensions and governed them for a period of time."

“Wow, congratulations. Finally, you did it. I am impressed with your work Gayathri.” Peter praised Gayathri.

“Thanks peter,” Gayathri said, smiling.

Everyone there in the cave applauded for some time.

“No matter what you say, I still have doubts about how a demon can defeat God with dragons?” Peter asked Gayathri.

"I'm in the same boat as you.

"So, a few years back, I visited ‘Maa Mundeswari temple’ in kalmur, I saw some carvings on the pillars.

"There was only one carving that drew my attention."

"What exactly was it?" Gayathri was questioned by Peter.

"The carving, which has different body parts, appears to be human, but has diverse components.

“So, I got curious about that carving, asked the main priest in the temple. He gave me some unbelievable answers.”

“What did he say?” Peter inquired Gayathri in curious.

“That carving was Bala’s.”

“I asked the Priest, ‘Why does a temple have demon carving?’

"The priest said, 'Winning the gods is difficult for a mortal being. Either he must be eternal or something must exist to protect him against immortal beings.

'he Creator bestowed upon him the ability to transform his body parts into powerful elements. As a result, no weapon will be able to damage him.

‘He won with that boon and ruled them.

‘The reason why his carving is in the temple is his commitment to Dharma.’

"I went to libraries, priests, temples, and other places to verify the priests' claims.

"Finally, my study revealed that in Araku Valley, a clue to Bala's confirmation will be found.

"I created a team with Steve, a college classmate, and we came here looking for a clue about Bala in this valley. We were unable to locate any.

"This Valley is home to several tribes. There is a tribe called Dhimsa, led by Ramulu, backed us up and urged us to discover whatever we wanted.

"Fortunately, the tribe's chief discovered this cave while milking his cow. And told us about this cave, which we've been excavating for the past two years in the hopes of finding a clue." Gayathri addressed Peter.

“Who is the chief of the Dhimsa tribe?” Peter asked Gayathri.

“The one, who carried your legs so far...” Gayathri answered quietly, her gaze falling on Ramulu.

“Oh! I am so sorry, Ramulu.” Peter apologized to Ramulu.

Ramulu said, “Don’t mention that Dora.”

"What was Bala's appearance like in that temple?" Peter asked Gayathri.

Gayathri showed the fabric to Peter. “The same carving was carved in that temple.”

Peter was surprised, when he saw Bala's drawing. "So, what you're saying is that there's a dragon king in India who impressed the Creator and earned the thirteen dimensions by taking a boon from him. Am I correct?"

"It is," Gayathri made a motion with her head.

"This story appears to be intriguing, and the evidence of palm leaves, fabric, and a temple was helpful in appreciating your research.

"Perhaps this narrative will inspire you to write another book. It is not beneficial to us " Peter said to Gayathri.

“Who said, it does not befit us?” Gayathri questioned Peter.

“What is the benefit of this crazy appreciable story?” Peter asked Gayathri.

“The first part which touches the ground produced a precious element, which controls the remaining scattered pieces of that part.” Gayathri paused for a moment.

“How many were produced from his body?” Peter asked Gayathri.

“Well, on earth, it is said Twelve.”

“What are they?” Peter questioned Gayathri.

Gayathri replied, “They are: Vajra, Mukthi-Mani, Padma-Raagam, Marakatha-Mani, Indra-Neelam, Vyduryam, Pushpa-Raagam, Karketanam, Pulakam, Rudhiram, Spatikam, Pravalam.”

“Where are they now?” Peter asked with Surprise.

“I did not complete the full story.” Gayathri stared at Peter.

“Ok carry on.” Peter replied.

“We don’t know where those twelve elements were. But, with those twelve elements, we can control: Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, Thunder, Ice, Force, Time, Scent, Shadow, Light, and Moon.”

“What are those?” Peter questioned Gayathri.

“The Twelve elements of Nature,” Gayathri replied to Peter.

Peter broadened his eyes bigger and asked, “How can you say that?”

“It is not easy to bring down gods and other living beings unless he has an enormous power.”

“What do you think that is?” Peter asked Gayathri.

Gayathri said, “The Creator Brahma instilled an infinite power into those elements which are protecting him from danger. Those elements are guarding him as soldiers.

“With the help of the dragon and its army and the power of elements in his body made him to defeat gods.

“His body is the ultimate source of enormous power. After Bala’s dismissal, his body is transformed into many elements. Some of them are on this earth....”

“I did not understand,” Peter replied to Gayathri.

Guards, slaves, George, Steve, and everyone else in the cave are all paying attention to what she's saying.

"If we can uncover the first piece of every portion that was hiding in the shape of a rare element on this planet, we can have great power: the power to dominate, the power to defeat, the power to govern," Gayathri said, her brows furrowed.

“Tremendous.” Peter applauded with widening eyes.

“Thank you,” Gayathri with a smile.

“Name your price,” Peter asked.

Gayathri asked, “Independence.”

“What? Do you want Independence for India?” Peter smiled, “do you think, is it possible?”

Gayathri staring at Peter, “I did not ask for Indian Independence.”

Peter looks curiously, “Then?”

Gayathri said, “My independence.”

Peter brows came together, “What does that mean?”

A profound pain in her eyes, “I want to live my life happily. I do not want any slavery or orders from the Company.”

Peter looked around and said. “Ok granted. But, two conditions.”

Perplexed Gayathri asked, “What are those?”

Peter released smoke from his mouth. “First: You must lead this operation.”

A grin formed on Gayathri face. “Sure. What is second?”

“Who else knows about this?” Peter questioned Gayathri.

“None, my team and the tribal people were in this place.” Gayathri replied softly.

Peter looked at Gayathri and said. “Well, my second condition: Eliminate them all.”

Gayathri was surprised by Peter's words. “But, Peter there is twenty families that depend on them.”

Peter narrowed his eyes and Said. “I want history to write about me that I discovered this cave and I don’t want any news spreads about dragon king.”

“You are so cruel, Peter,” Gayathri replied with disappointment.

“One must be cruel Gayathri. Otherwise, the people will swallow you.” Peter winked his right eye.

“I want this man to be eliminated too.” Peter pointed his finger toward Steve.

Peter walked towards Steve and whispered in his ears. “Loosen that fist, you bastard.”

Gayathri was shocked and saw Steve.

“Why?” Gayathri questioned perplexedly.

“That’s because, he supports that race.” Peter glared at Steve.

“I don’t want any low race to be strong.” Peter with reddening face.

“Sorry Peter, I don’t accept your offer. Steve is on my team. I don’t want to lose any of my team.”

Peter paused for a moment and said. “In that case exclude him and eliminate those slaves. And I want him to eliminate that tribe.”

“Don’t accept his offer, Gayathri.” Steve requested.

Gayathri maintained a silence.

“What are you thinking? Just look at them, they are your people and you guys are Indians. Don’t give a thought Gayathri.” Steve pointed fingers toward those tribal people.

Gayathri is maintaining silence.

“What are you thinking Gayathri?” Steve is asking Gayathri.

“Independence or Slavery, What do you choose Steve?” Steve was questioned by Gayathri.

Steve took a breath and stopped.

“Steve, I thought, you never disobeyed my orders. If you disobeyed my orders, your life will also be in danger. Just eliminate them.” Gayathri Said to Steve.

“But... “Steve is trying to say.

“Don’t talk, it is an order.” Gayathri said to Steve.

Steve was taken aback and grabbed a gun. Ramulu was the target of the gun. However, his hands were shivering and he was on the verge of crying. Ramulu was one of the twenty slaves gathered by his squad.

“Dad, Mom sent me to know ‘How was the taste of Naatukodi pulusu.’ Nani arrived at the location after a leisurely stroll.

“Who is he?” Peter asked.

“My son, Dora,” Ramulu replied.

“Eliminate him too...” Peter ordered Gayathri.

Steve shocked. “He is just a Kid.”

“Do what I say, you bastard!” Steve was screamed at by Peter.

“But...” Steve is attempting to communicate.

Gayathri commanded, "Stop it, Steve, and do what he says."

Ramulu knelt at Peter's feet, begging for help. "Please, sir, save him. He was our only child."

Peter did not responded to Ramulu's request.

Ramulu kept approaching toward Steve on his knees. "Please, Dora, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please, please. Please don't harm my son."

Steve lowered his brows. Steve's tear drops dropped on Ramulu's spine after a moment of stillness from his side.

Ramulu felt the droplets and gave Steve a mournful expression.

Peter snatched the gun from Steve's grip and fired a shot at Nani. "Why are you wasting my time when it's so simple?"

Nani screamed "dad..." and collapsed to the ground, his final breath directed at Steve and his father.

Ramulu cried uncontrollably as he ran towards his son.

Steve's squad armed themselves and shot all twenty slaves there, including Ramulu.

Ramulu sank gently as he stared at Steve. His palms brushed against the cave's stone floor, and he exhaled his final breath.

To the reverberation of Gun sounds, the birds outside the cave fluttered away.

Steve collapsed to his knees, tears streaming down his face.

“Well done Gayathri. You impressed me. I will arrange all the funds and team for you. Just lead this operation. Don’t disappoint me.” Gayathri received a warm smile from Peter.

Peter took a step closer to Steve. “Affection, Affection with that useless scrap?

“Hey! Being our man, you bastard, are you crying for tissues? You should be ashamed of yourself.

"Just look at Gayathri. She is very reliable. Despite the fact that they were from her region, she performed her duty. Learn from her.”

Gayathri caught peter gaze. “I am incredibly proud of you.”

Gayathri smiled.

“Clean this mess,” Peter ordered the Gayathri crew.

"You said, Gayathri, 'you don't know where those twelve elements are.' How did you track them down?" Peter had smoked his Cigar to the end.

Gayathri made a gesture with her index finger. "There's just one way to discover that."

“What is that?” The team were taking out those dead bodies from there.

“We only need one person.” Gayathri said politely. “So, that he can do whatever we want.”

“One person, where is he?” Peter inquired enquiringly.

"I have no idea where he is; we must find him at all costs." Gayathri sighed.

“Who is he?” Peter was curious.

“The one who loves exploration; the one who loves to take risks - 'Jones’”

"All right, go get him; my crew will be there in a week." Gayathri receives a handshake with Peter.