DEVIKA:-THE RISE OF A WARRIOR

In the vast tapestry of Indian history, hidden among the tales of kings, emperors, and dynasties, lies a story shrouded in mystery and obscured by time. It's a story of valor, betrayal, and an ancient deity reborn in the modern world. Joyraj Sarmah's upcoming novel, "DEVIKA: The Rise of a Warrior," promises to unravel this epic saga that traverses eras and civilizations.

The narrative begins with Devika, the Warrior Goddess, an enigmatic figure who defied the boundaries of time, facing betrayal, capture, and torture by those she held closest to her heart. Her exploits include challenging the mightiest tyrants, from the British colonial armies to the formidable Mughals. Yet, her destiny took her on a path marked by tragedy and obscurity.

Devika's tale of greatness slipped into the forgotten annals of history, leaving behind only fragments of her existence. Her legacy lay dormant until discovered by the intrepid archaeologist Yashwant Basu. His life's work was dedicated to safeguarding this secret, but when bio-terrorist Mahakaal closed in, Yashwant made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the enigmatic box containing Devika's essence.

Fast forward to 2023, and we meet Avantika, Yashwant's 25-year-old daughter, now a head researcher in the same archaeological department as her father. Avantika's curiosity is piqued when she stumbles upon her father's notes about Devika. Little does she know that her father had concealed the box's location, and perhaps, she possesses more knowledge than she realizes.

Avantika embarks on a journey to the Thar Desert in search of the Pandora's Box, all the while unaware that Mahakaal's paramilitary team, Trinity, is hot on her trail. A dramatic showdown unfolds in the desert, as Avantika and her partner, Ravi, are pushed to the brink. Avantika's confrontation with Mahakaal is reminiscent of a modern-day Lara Croft, filled with action and suspense.

As Avantika faces imminent defeat, Mahakaal shoots her and leaves her wounded. He detonates explosives, leaving Avantika seemingly on the brink of death. In a twist of fate, she and Ravi manage to escape and, with an RPG launcher, bring down Mahakaal's escaping chopper.

Amidst the chaos, the box containing Devika's essence tumbles from Mahakaal's grasp. Avantika's touch initiates a profound transformation as Devika's essence merges with her soul, bestowing her with god-like strength and power.

Avantika's journey continues as she grapples with her newfound abilities and responsibilities, unaware that she is now the vessel for Devika's essence. She dons the locket, transforming into Devika, and vows to protect her city with her enhanced powers, despite their limitations.

However, her emergence as a modern-day hero does not go unnoticed. The police label Devika an outlaw vigilante, while Mahakaal recognizes her as the resurgence of the Warrior Goddess, posing a significant threat to his sinister plans.

Amidst these conflicts, Devika's story takes an unexpected turn when Avantika is visited by Devika's astral form. Devika reveals the greater purpose of these powers, urging Avantika to rid the world of evil and seek justice for her past betrayal by Mahakaal, a sinister resurrection of her former lover, Yahangir.

The plot thickens as the case of the vigilante Devika falls into the hands of CBI Officer Rohit Vaidya. Rohit, intrigued by the case, coins the term "A Wonder Woman wannabe" to describe Devika and sets out to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic figure.

Avantika's newfound powers and responsibilities lead to a showdown with the police, while Mahakaal plots his return. The narrative unfolds with thrilling encounters, action-packed sequences, and a complex web of alliances and rivalries.

As the story progresses, Avantika becomes a messiah-like figure for her city, while Rohit becomes increasingly entwined in the mystery surrounding Devika. Unbeknownst to him, Devika is none other than his childhood friend, Avantika.

Their paths cross during an investigation when Rohit stumbles upon a photograph in a museum that resembles Devika from ancient times. Intrigued, Rohit delves into ancient histories, unearthing a tale of an ancient goddess betrayed by her own people. He seeks Avantika's expertise in history and archaeology, inadvertently setting the stage for their alliance.

Avantika tries to mislead Rohit, but he persists, drawn by her knowledge and expertise. Their alliance becomes a critical element in unraveling the mystery behind Devika's resurgence.

With Avantika's powers growing, so does the peril that surrounds her. Trinity, a group of Mahakaal's henchmen, stalks her, delivering cryptic warnings. Avantika takes action to protect herself and unravels the resurgence of an ancient cult that worships Devika.

When Trinity closes in, Avantika's determination and modern weaponry prove invaluable. However, she is captured, setting the stage for a dramatic rescue mission led by Rohit, Manan, a police officer and tribal loyalist, and the tribe itself.

The climax of the story is a culmination of action, suspense, and revelations. Avantika confronts Mahakaal, setting off a final battle. With the locket in hand, she unlocks her true potential as Devika, an unstoppable force.

The truth behind Mahakaal's identity is revealed, adding depth to the conflict. Their epic battle takes center stage as Devika battles the resurrected Yahangir. However, Mahakaal, refusing to accept defeat, unleashes a final, devastating move, threatening to bury them all.

With the help of her allies, including Rohit and the tribe, Devika escapes the collapsing camp. Months later, Avantika is seen in a museum once more, the tribe reappears, and Rohit keeps a watchful eye over her.

As the story hints at future developments, a mysterious figure warns Avantika that Trinity lives, ensuring that Devika's battles are far from over.

Joyraj Sarmah's upcoming novel, "DEVIKA: The Rise of a Warrior," promises an enthralling journey through history, mythology, and modern-day adventure. It weaves a captivating narrative filled with action, suspense, and the resurgence of an ancient deity in the form of a modern-day hero. Stay tuned for a gripping tale that will transport you to a world where legends come to life.