The Secrets of the Elements

"If at all," said Indra as he paced across the small room. He and Dai Ma were at a place far away from the city. They often came here to discuss the book and plan their next move.

"Indra," said Dai Ma as she peeped out of the window of the cottage. "Daksh is your son. His mother died protecting the book, will he ever go against us? How can he join our enemies? Why will he?"

"I've kept him away from all this, the academy, the book, everything, because I wanted to protect him. But he took it otherwise," said Indra and stood near the window. He could see the stars twinkling in the night sky. It reminded him of his wife, Tara.

"Tara always wanted Daksh to take this ahead," said Dai Ma leaning on the stick she used for support. "It was her last wish. She wanted Daksh to be crowned as-"

"She didn't know what she was asking for," said Indra and closed his eyes. He could picture her holding little Daksh in her hands. "I've always tried my best to give everything to Daksh," he said. "You are a great father, Indra," said Dai Ma.

~~~~~~~

Advika tossed the noodles in the pan as Ray shaped the Manchurian. "I must say, you're as good as Ray," said Swarna and kept the ice cream to set in the freezer. Advika smiled and looked at Ray; he winked. "Mom," said Tej as he entered the kitchen, His eyes fell on Advika who was busy making the noddles. The thought of Advika working in his kitchen with his mom made him happy. "Yes, son," said Swarna. "Do you want anything?"

Ray looked at Tej and teasingly smiled at him. "Ah... I was wondering if..."

"We've set the dining table, aunty," said Zarna entering the kitchen. "Great, Tej," she said and motioned him to bring the food to the table. He nodded. "I'll take the Manchurian," said Ray heading towards the hall.

Tej helped Advika transfer the noodles into a container. "Are you alright?" she asked. "Yes, absolutely, why?" he asked perplexed. "You're acting, somewhat... weird," said Advika.

did she notice

he lied. "Don't start stressing over things, that is my job," said Advika and smiled. "You don't need to

~~~~~~

held Rutuja's hand and squeezed it slightly. "Leave my hand," she commanded, trying to free her hand from his tight grasp. "Don't you think

my business," he said.

she said and freed her hand from his grip.

come here this instant, said a voice in his head. He at

~~~~~

in the centre of a ruined castle. He looked

musty, it had the smell of

toe caught a rock, he stumbled, catching himself against a slimy wall. He could see Azazel resting on the throne; his eyes

a husky voice, his eyes still closed.

said Daksh,

began. "Was killed by

fought back his tears and clenched his fists. He took a deep breath in and closed his eyes

Daksh. Daksh opened his eyes and looked at Azazel. That was the first time he had