Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you know that there’s a war brewing in Otherworld between the devas and the asuras. And standing at the front line of the conflict are the Pandava sisters and their companion (read: wifey), Aiden Acharya. When it comes to Aru and Aiden, things can get a little . . . complicated. Here’s what you need to know about these two before you dive into Aru Shah and the City of Gold.

Who Are They?

Aru Shah is a 14-year-old Indian American girl who just happens to be the reincarnation of Arjuna, one of the five heroic Pandava demigods from the Mahabharata. As such, it’s her destiny to save Otherworld, the home of the Hindu gods, from the wrath of the evil Sleeper.

Aiden Acharya is a 15-year-old Indian American boy who is the reincarnation of Princess Draupadi, who married the five Pandava brothers. Despite not being a Pandava himself, she accompanies Aru and her sisters on their adventures in Otherworld.

What Can They Do?

Aru wields a malleable ball of lightning named Varja, a gift from her spiritual father, Indra. Varja can transform into any number of melee weapons, such as swords and javelins . . . or a dodgeball should an impromptu game be called for.

Aiden is the child of an apsara (a heavenly dancer) and wields two enchanted scimitars in battle. Every once in a while Aru will use Varja to ignite Aiden’s scimitars with lightning in order to give him a fighting edge. And it also looks really cool.

What Have They Been Up To?

Last we saw Aru and Aiden, they were looking for the Kalpavriksha, a mythical tree that can grant wishes. It was possibly their last, best hope in turning the tides of war back in the Pandavas’ favor. We won’t give too much away in case you’re not caught up, but let’s just say it didn’t go exactly as planned. (Does it ever?)

Suffice to say, there was a lot of heartbreak involved. Possibly even a betrayal.  We’re getting emotional just thinking about it.

Are Aru and Aiden . . . You Know . . .?

Why would you even ask that? No way. They’re clearly just friends. Totally platonic. Like brother and sister. Doesn’t matter that they used to be married in a past life. It’s not happening. No matter how much Aru—I mean you may wish on Kalpavriksha.

Ready to see more sparks fly between Aru and Aiden? Be sure to pick up Aru Shah and the City of Gold, on sale now!