The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 39

Advika woke up with a start as her phone vibrated. "Hello," she said in a sleepish voice. "Are you still sleeping?" Maya almost screamed. "Did you see my message yet? We are leaving in some time."

"Wha-"

Maya had already cut the call before Advika could say anything. She got up and checked her phone.

We will be going to the temple, the forest, and a few other places as these books say so. Will pick you up at 11.

Advika got off the bed and rushed to the bathroom as it was already 10.30 am.

~~~~

"What happened?" asked Zarna as she paced across Maya's bedroom. "She was sleeping!" yelled Maya and threw the phone on her bed.

"Relax," said Zarna. "You know Advika. And it's a weekend."

"We are on a mission!" emphasized Maya and stood in front of one of the mirrors kept in her room. "Why are the other mirrors covered with white cloth?" asked Zarna and stretched her hand to touch it. "No!" Maya almost screamed.

Zarna withdrew her hands at once. "Okay, okay, I won't remove it," she said and sat on the bed. "Oh," she said and reached for her phone in her sling bag.

Maya looked at her and raised her brows. "Ray had asked if we could meet today," she said and unlocked her phone.

"Why?" asked Maya and sat next to her. "Did he want some help? God! Zarna, you didn't tell him about our plan, did you?"

"I'm just saying I have other plans," she said as she typed the message. "Yeah, right. We will tell them, but not now," said Maya and looked at her wristwatch. "I think we should leave."

~~~~

Advika made a small run towards the gate as a black Audi came to a halt outside her building. She quickly got in and removed her bag, panting.

"What's in it?" asked Zarna and swivelled in her seat to take a better look at the black bag Advika just pushed aside. It looked more like a school bag stuffed with a bunch of notebooks.

Maya adjusted the rearview mirror of the car and glanced at Advika. "What with your eyes?"

"Nothing," said Advika and wore her cat-eye spectacles. "Where are we going first?"

Maya and Zarna exchanged a glance. "Adu," began Zarna. "You might not agree with this but, we are going to the same hut we went-"

"Have you guys lost it?" she blurted. "Don't you remember the damage it has done?"

"We're not going unarmed, silly girl," said Maya and motioned Zarna to pick the small pouch lying beside her seat. "This has things that will keep us safe."