The Secrets of the Elements

Zarna rolled down the window as Tej stopped the car. It was pouring; thunder and lightning made the atmosphere eerie than it already was.

Advika rubbed her palms peeping out of the window.

An ancient, ruined temple was visible from the car. "Nobody in plain sight," said Ray as he looked around. Maya removed a small device which looked more like a cell phone. "Seriously, Maya," said Advika and nodded her head. "Wait," said Ray as he turned to look at the device. "Is this a..."

"Yes, this device can detect ghosts," said Maya with a smile.

"Might I ask, from where did you get this device?" questioned Advika. "She works in the supernatural studies department, Adu," remarked Zarna. "I bet you stole it," said Ray and winked. Maya giggled and punched him playfully.

"So, Maya," said Tej removing the seat belt. "Does your device detect any ghosts here, nearby? What's the range it works?"

"It can detect energies, negative energies up to a range of a few meters," revealed Maya and pressed a black button on the device.

"Negative," said Maya as a green light flashed on the small screen of the device. "After me," said Tej and stepped out of the car wearing his overcoat. The others followed.

"Doesn't it looks like the Khajuraho?" questioned Ray as he shielded his eyes from the rain. "Yes," nodded Zarna and pursed her thin lips.

Advika wore her spectacles and tied her hair into a ponytail. "Maya, I suggest you tie your hair," she said, looking at Maya who had left her shoulder-length curly hair open. Maya quickly took the bow on her wrist and struggled to tie her hair into a bun.

Tej locked the car, and they took a few steps towards the temple. "Any of you girls carrying a hairpin?" quizzed Ray flashing a bright smile. "Yes," replied Maya. "But why?"

"We have to break in the temple and library both," said Tej firmly.

"I can't believe we're doing this," whispered Advika and removed her phone from her jeans pocket.

temple, looking around, making sure no one

Maya handed him her hairpin and looked at him. She was doubtful of Ray being able to open the lock

times, and with a low sound, the lock opened. Maya was amazed. Zarna

they slowly pushed open the door and entered the temple closing the door behind them. Advika could feel her heart pound. Zarna held Advika's arm.

their cell phones and switched on the flashlights

the stairs which led to the entrance porch of the

said Tej and sped towards the porch for

were inside the temple and had

spacious with a few diyas lit

step towards the hall

went inside, examining the walls of the temple. It comprised of different rocks

this,"

symbols inscribed on the wall caught

wondered Zarna and glanced at Advika

I feel, it has to do something with the secrets of the elements or this temple

and removed their hand instantly. "Ouch,"

shone;

looked at each other,

hand. "Why would

this again," said Advika as kept her hand on

blunt knife held against their