The Secrets of the Elements

Chapter 31: The Charm

"The cupboard," she murmured. "There was a woman who pulled me in. She was. . . I could not see

her face, was too scared."

"It's okay, Zarna, just relax," said Tej. "We'll talk about this later."

"And girls," began Ray. "Don't go anywhere alone. We'll continue with the mission once everything is

back to normal. Until then, I declare the mission is on pause mode."

"I'll have to leave," said Tej and adjusted his tie. "Have a meeting."

"I'll leave too," said Ray. "Advika, you coming?" he said in a flat tone.

"Ah," said Advika. "You go ahead. I have to run errands and pick some medicines on the way back

home."

"You mean, Tej's home right?" quizzed Ray.

"Yes," said Advika and nodded her head. "Aunt will be up by now."

"Zarna," Tej turned to look at her. "Take care and don't go looking for the woman now."

Ray kept his hand on Tej's shoulder and looked at Zarna. "Take care, Zarna," he said.

Zarna nodded her head and smiled.

~~~~~~

"This is amazing," said Rutuja and slightly smiled. She walked up to Indra and Dai Ma. "Do you think I

can learn this skill?"

The boys turned to look at her.

"One can learn anything if determined," replied Indra and patted her head smiling.Rutuja swivelled and

observed the children. Some were playing hide and seek, some playing with a ball, while the other

toddlers watched them play sitting on their mother's lap.

"Can they see us?" quizzed Rishi.

Rutuja glanced at him and then at the Antillas. She sat down on the ground and kept a finger in their

way. The Antillas took another route, avoiding any contact with her finger.

"Only the Antillas and other creatures can," answered Indra. "Not the people."

"I don't understand," said Rishi and looked to and fro from Indra to the people and back to Indra.

"That is how the charm works," said Dai Ma as she took the support of the stick to get to her feet. "You,

the one who uses it, the master decides how it works."

"Is it a specific spell?" asked Daksh.

"Yes," replied Dai Ma. "The spell needs to be earned. You have to solve the riddle given in the book

'The Elements'."

"Where do we- The ancient library, second floor," said Rishi. "Is the book there?"

"Can't tell you that, rules," was all Dai Ma said before turning on her heels and strolling to the hut. Indra

followed.

"Something tells me we need to escape again," whispered Rishi. Rutuja glared at him and opened her

mouth to speak.

"Never in my life did I think that I'd agree with you," said Daksh and glanced at Rishi and then at the

sky.

"No. We are not going anywhere," commanded Rutuja and crossed her arms.

"C'mon, Ru," insisted Rishi. "No, absolutely not," said Rutuja and started marching towards the hut but

stopped all of a sudden. She turned and crossed her arms again. "If I find you boys doing anything that

is against the rules you'll be in danger."

~~~~~~

Maya handed a cup of coffee to Advika and pulled a small stool. "Thanks," whispered Advika and

leaned on the bar of the balcony firmly holding the cup.

It was awkward for Advika to be alone with Maya as she was her least favourite person in the group.

Maya felt the same.

"Ahem, hmm," Maya cleared her throat. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

Advika glanced at her and then at Zarna, who was fast asleep.

"Yes," she said and turned to face Maya. "I know this might be wrong, but we can't let those three win."

"Never thought I'd agree with you," said Maya and crossed her legs.

"So, what do we do?" asked Advika and sipped the coffee.

"I think we'll go to the library and that hut whenever we can," said Maya and got to her feet rubbing her

palms. She leaned on the bar putting her weight on it.

"Okay," said Advika. "We'll decide a time and. . ."

Maya shot her a questioning look.

"I was thinking. . . we should probably go to the temple too," she added.

"Now who's breaking rules," said Maya. "Anyway, I agree. We will."

~~~~~

The dungeon was slightly less gloomy than the weather outside. Most of the light was coming from a

large fire at the far end of the room.

Daksh bowed down in front of Azazel, who was sitting on his throne with his eyes closed.

"Where have you been?" asked Azazel almost in a whisper.

"Dad took us to. . . to someplace and. . . I couldn't. . ."

"How far have the five reached?" he asked and opened his eyes.

"They've started to understand things. Use powers," replied Daksh. His hands behind his back and

eyes on Azazel's feet.

"Speed it up," said Azazel and got up from the throne. Daksh could feel his heart pound and a slight

thump in his brain. Azazel took small steps towards Daksh, his long black robe sweeping the floor.

"I want them to master their skills," said Azazel as he walked around Daksh. Daksh felt his throat go

dry. He nodded his head. "Yes, Master."

A young man wearing a bejewelled crown peeped through the door of the dungeon. His blue eyes

stuck on Daksh. He removed a black mask from his trouser's pocket and put it on.

"Help them achieve their goals," he heard Azazel's voice. "But be careful. The book shouldn't know

about it."

The masked man produced a small piece of what looked like a rugged white stone from his pocket. He

gently sat on his knees and placed the small stone on the floor. It rolled towards Daksh and came to a

halt at his shoes. The man snapped his fingers, and the stone attached itself to Daksh's jeans.

"Now," said Azazel and kept his hand on Daksh's shoulders. "Off you go."

Daksh bowed and closed his eyes, disappearing into thin air.

~~~~~~~~

Advika helped Swarna sit and placed a pillow behind her back for support. "How are you feeling?" she

asked and sat next to her, pulling a small stool.

"Better," said Swarna and smiled. "Where's Tej?" Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"Office," said Advika as she offered her a glass of water. Swarna took a few sips and kept the glass on

the side table. "Is he like. . ."

"He's learning," said Advika and kept her hand on Swarna's hand.

"He never wanted to join the family business," said Swarna and rested her head against the pillow. "We

do not have anyone we can trust. So he had to take over." She glanced at the wall clock hung opposite

the bed. "It's almost 5. Is he eating right? Has the business recovered yet?"

"The business isn't out of crisis yet, but he's doing all he can. Zavier uncle and Mr Taneja are there to

support and guide," answered Advika. "And yes, Ray often goes to the office to make Tej eats."

"I'm sorry you children have to do everything as we not have people who can. Who is with Arvind?"

"It's okay," consoled Advika. "Our priority is your health. Other things can wait. Ray or Maya will be

there with him, don't worry. I spoke with Dr Dixit. She said he's recovering but will take time."

"I wanted to go see him," said Swarna and tied her long hair into a bun.

"Well," began Advika. "Dr Dixit has strictly said you cannot travel and must take bed rest."

There was a knock on the door.

"Maya?" said Advika.

"Hello, aunty," chirped Maya and stepped into the bedroom holding white roses in her hands. "This is

for you," she said.

"Thank you, Maya," said Swarna with a bright smile as she took in the aroma of the fresh flowers.

Advika eyed Maya giving her a what are you doing here look.

Maya sat beside Swarna on the bed. "I just visited Arvind uncle. Ray is there with him. The doctors said

he'll be able to talk soon."

"That's great news, Maya," said Swarna and sat upright.

"Absolutely," beamed Maya. "So you don't worry about anything. Things will be fine soon."

Advika felt something vibrate. She realized it was her phone. "Tej said he's coming home," she said.

"Great," added Maya. "Aunty, we'll make something for the both of you. Tej will be hungry. Advika, let's

go."

Maya headed downstairs towards the kitchen. "I'll be right back," said Advika and followed Maya.

"Maya," she said once they were in the kitchen downstairs. "What do you think you're doing? Is Zarna

fine? Where is she?"

"Calm down, girl," said Maya and randomly opened the many cabinets. "What are you looking for?"

asked Advika frustrated with the casualness of her behaviour. "Well," Maya opened yet another cabinet

that had utensils and cutlery arranged properly in it. "Got to prepare something for aunty and Tej."

Advika sighed and opened a cabinet just above the gas. "Here," she said. "There's wheat flour, gram

flour, all spices, salt, sugar, and everything else you will need. But wait," she said and turned to look at

Maya and crossed her arms. "You do not know how to cook, do you?"

"Who said I'm cooking anything," said Maya and grinned. "You are."

"What?" blurted Advika.

"Yes, now be quick. We'll leave after Tej comes." She leaned towards Advika. "We have to go to the

temple and library, remember?"

Advika opened her mouth to say something. Maya, without waiting for a response turned on her heel

and headed upstairs. She stopped and swivelled. "I'll keep her company while you cook."

Advika closed her eyes and nodded her head. "This girl."

~~~~~~