At Night – The Experiment Begins
In the dim kitchen, Skand lit a small fire. - A pot simmered gently. - Herbs were carefully crushed. - Ash was mixed into boiling water. - Steam rose, carrying an aroma like no one had ever smelled.
Using knowledge from his past life, Skand created something no one in this era had ever imagined:
Perfume.Pure. Potent. Enchanting.
Skand (thinking):"Based on everything I've observed, this is 264 BCE… the reign of Emperor Ashoka.""That means… in just a few years, I'll witness the bloodshed of the Kalinga War—one that will change India forever.""And now… I have this strange gift. When I touch something, I feel its truth—its power, its weakness.""Maybe it's a curse... or maybe, it's the very weapon I need."
[Next Day – The First Trade]
In the bustling market of Pataliputra, Skand approached a well-known trader: Som — fat, cunning, and rich.But Skand didn't yet know the kind of man he was dealing with.
He laid down ten small clay bottles on the table.
Skand:"This is a rare fragrance. Natural, handmade. I can give it to you for just 15 paans a bottle."
Som sniffed the perfume. His eyes closed. A sly grin formed on his face.
Som (thinking):"This is gold in a bottle. I can sell it for 30 paans each."
Som (aloud):"I'll take them."
Skand sold all ten bottles and walked away with 150 paans —his first trade, his first profit: 50 paans earned.
[The Twist – Day Two]
The next day, Skand returned.
Skand:"Today, the price is 25 paans per bottle."(thinking): "He bought everything yesterday without hesitation. That means I underpriced it."
Som (frowning):"What? Yesterday it was 15!"
Som (thinking):"So he figured out the value... still, I make 30 paans per bottle. It's worth it."
(Putting on a fake smile)Som:"Fine. I'll take them."
But Som wasn't finished.
Som:"Where did you learn to make this? Tell me the recipe. I'll pay you handsomely."
Skand:"Apologies. This is my family's only source of income. I can't share the formula."
Som (leaning in, voice sharper):"So now your family stands in my way?"
Skand (unshaken):"I don't like your tone."
Som (coldly):"When small people block the path of the powerful, they get crushed."
Skand:"If this is a threat, we're done here."
Som (mocking):"Do you even know who I am? You won't find another trader like me in all of Pataliputra!"
Skand (calmly):"Then I'll find someone who doesn't try to intimidate me."
Som (furious):"You'll regret this! No one dares defy me!"
[Crisis Strikes]
The next morning, Skand was writing down notes—refining his formula, sketching out ideas—when suddenly—
BANG! BANG! BANG!The door shook under heavy fists.
Outside stood a royal guard, and beside him—Som, with a smug grin.
Guard (reading aloud):"This man is accused of fraud and deception. The merchant claims you tricked him into paying for faulty goods."
Som stepped forward, leaned close, and whispered so only Skand could hear:
Som (with poison in his tone):"You made the mistake of angering me. Now you'll pay.""Apologize. Hand over the formula. Or watch your whole family rot behind bars."
[Cliffhanger]
Skand's face turned cold.The faint smile he'd worn was gone.Only fire remained in his eyes.
He stared into Som's soul and thought:
"I didn't think you'd stoop this low...""Now watch how far I drag you down with me."
[To Be Continued...]