“Tung...Tung...” the sound of metal was reverberating. Neal Rathore was bending the metal which he took out from the fire. There were more metal rods burning in the fire. While some metal scraps lay on the floor.

Neal Rathore a middle aged man with a strong and tall body, his face is angular with small unshaven beard.

A young boy around 15-16 walked in, he wore a red t-shirt and black jeans. His face is round and good looking. More importantly his appearance is similar to the man working with the metal. He is Neal Rathore’s son Dheer Rathore.

“Dad I want to study more, I want to go to the city for it” the boy said loudly. He was worried that his father would not be able to hear because of the loud metal sound.

Neal stopped his work as he heard his son. He was quiet for 2 minutes then asked “are you sure?”

“Yes” replied Dheer strongly.

“Okay, do what you like” replied his father without looking up. “Your uncle is in the city, you can go to college from there.”

Dheer did not believe what he was hearing. It was so easy, he thought it would take some time to convince his father and mother; however his father agreed so easily.

“Thanks dad” he said and ran out. He was so happy. Dheer had just completed his secondary education. Now for his two year intermediate he wanted to go to city to study.

“Why did you agree? You could have told him you want his help” his wife asked with wrinkled brow.

“I don’t want him to regret in future that he was not able to do what he wanted. As a father I want to do what I can for my son.”

“But, what about money?”

“I will think of a way” replied Neal smiling at his wife.

**********

Dheer was swimming in the pond. Whenever he felt happy or sad he will come to this pond which is near the village and swims or spends his time looking at the water. Aftersometime he came out and lay on the grass looking at stars.

Another favourite thing of his is looking at the stars and passing clouds. He lifted his hand up at sky and shouted “I am going to the city, hahaha.”

He is so happy because he did not think his father would readily agree. It is still little surprising for him. Then he slowly remembered his father’s and grandfather’s stories. They always held pride being blacksmiths and weapon smiths.

Yes a weapon smiths his grandfather would say, they have declined from weapon craftsman to weapon smith. His grandfather would tell him about the family history that they came from a long line of weapon craftsman family who worked for emperors and kings. They made very fine swords, bow and arrows, sabers and other weapons.

They were always praised for their work. Then the times changed and slowly they declined. After that guns became more powerful. Well some of the members did work in making of guns, but they are no more. Even his grandfather did not know if they are still alive.

Suddenly he saw a star falling from sky. “Wow a shooting star. It is said that when you wish something at this time it will become true” he thought closing his eyes.

After a few seconds he felt hotness in air and looked up but everything was fine and beautiful. He lay back on the grass for few more minutes and got up to return home.

As he was walking he saw something shining, curiosity flared up so he walked towards it and saw a small star under a tree. A thin chain was on top it, it felt like a star pendent.

“Is it a star or locket?” he wondered. As he touched the chain, it was cool and strong light enveloped him, the light emitted from the locket shone brightly all around the area. Then, within few seconds it was gone, the locket looked normal like any other. He looked into the sky for sometime then back at the locket.

“What is this?” he thought, after examining it for sometime he grabbed it and went home.