Chapter 13 The Pain of Silence and the Burning Samosa
The heavy stillness of the library shattered as the ancient book slipped from Aarav's numb fingers hitting the floor with a soft dusty thud. He bent to retrieve it his mind a whirlpool of chakras and curses. As he straightened a long shadow fell across the faded text stretching slowly towards him. He flinched upright.
I told you I do not want to talk The words snapped out sharp with a panic he mistook for anger.
But it was not Kiyan.
Nayan stood before him eyebrows arched in bewildered amusement. Aarav And what conversation were you not having with me exactly. Enlighten me.
Aarav's shoulders slumped the fight draining out of him. Nothing it is nothing. What is up. Did you need something.
Yeah Nayan said his expression shifting to concern. He hooked a hand around Aarav's elbow steering him firmly away from the haunted shelves and out into the bright mundane corridor. You have been off. Come on.
As they pushed through the library's heavy doors Aarav's gaze was pulled magnetically to a figure leaning against a neem tree in the quad. Kiyan. Their eyes met for a fractured second. Then Kiyan turned his face away presenting a profile of stark solitary resignation.
Wait Nayan Aarav muttered extracting his arm. What is this about.
Move. Karishma is waiting at the canteen. And what is with the antique Nayan nodded at the book clutched like a shield to Aarav's chest.
Nothing. Just research.
Right. Well research later. Friend time now.
Aarav allowed himself one last glance over his shoulder. Kiyan was still watching his golden eyes holding a question so heavy it seemed to bend the air between them. Aarav turned his back and followed Nayan.
The canteen was a cacophony of clattering plates and student laughter. Karishma waved them over to a corner table already laden with three glasses of watery lime soda. Finally I was starting to think you had both gotten lost in the stacks.
They slid into the plastic chairs. Karishma's perceptive eyes immediately scanned Aarav's face. What is wrong. You look like you have seen a Chhayajeev (a common ghost like entity). Several of them.
Aarav attempted a smile it felt tight and unnatural on his face. It is nothing. Just a bit of a headache.
Bro you are going to have to do better than that Nayan said leaning forward. The guy who usually talks enough for three people is sitting here like a statue. Something is up. Spill.
Honestly it is just the headache.
Okay Karishma said not convinced. After college we will get you a tablet. It will be fine.
Aarav managed a more convincing nod this time.
Nayan ever the pragmatist shifted gears. So the annual function. You were supposed to find us a fourth dancer. Any luck.
Aarav winced. Sorry guys. I forgot. Totally slipped my mind.
We figured Nayan said a grin spreading. That is why Karishma and I already found someone.
Relief washed over Aarav. Really. Who.
Wait here. Nayan bounded out of the canteen. A minute later he returned steering someone by the shoulder.
Aarav turned.
And the world narrowed to the boy standing beside Nayan.
Kiyan.
Aarav choked on his own breath erupting into a fit of coughing so violent his eyes watered. Karishma thumped his back shoving a glass of water into his hand. He drank greedily his gaze locked over the rim of the glass with Kiyan's impassive one.
This Aarav croaked.
Yep Nayan announced clapping Kiyan on the back. This is Kiyan. New admission in our batch. We found him wandering the grounds looking lost asked him about the dance and he said yes. Quiet type but we will manage.
Karishma giggled Nayan beamed. Aarav and Kiyan simply stared a silent charged current passing between them Aarav's a storm of confusion and dread Kiyan's a deep waiting stillness.
You two know each other Nayan's glance darted between them.
Aarav looked away first. No.
Okay you will now. We are all friends here. Sit Kiyan sit Nayan gestured. Kiyan took the empty chair beside Aarav. Nayan slid in next to Karishma.
Bhaiya chaar plate samose Karishma called out to the canteen server.
Soon four plates of greasy golden samosas arrived. Dig in my treat Nayan declared.
The familiar ritual of shared food began. Aarav picked at his samosa the pastry tasting like ash in his mouth. Kiyan ate methodically his movements precise. The conversation flowed around them Nayan's booming laugh Karishma's cheerful planning for the dance.
So any ideas for the performance Karishma asked looking around the table.
Fine Aarav muttered not hearing the question.
Another cough racked him sudden and deep. He doubled over.
Aarav are you okay Karishma's voice was laced with real concern.
Before Aarav could respond a glass of water appeared in front of him. Kiyan had pushed it forward. Then a warm steady hand settled on his back between his shoulder blades. It began to move in slow gentle circles. With his other hand Kiyan nudged the glass closer his gaze fixed on Aarav's flushed face.
Nayan watched puzzled. You sure you are alright man.
Karishma's eyes however went wide. She stared at Kiyan. Kiyan your eyes she whispered. They were glowing. Golden. I swear I saw it.
Nayan squinted. Where. They look normal to me. Must have been a trick of the light.
Maybe Karishma said slowly but her eyes held a new sharp curiosity. Aarav.
I am fine Aarav gasped the coughing subsiding under the firm soothing pressure on his back. He drank the water Kiyan had provided avoiding looking at him directly.
Soon they were leaving. Aarav walked ahead a tense hurried figure. Kiyan followed a few paces behind a silent shadow. Karishma and Nayan brought up the rear their usual chatter now punctuated by thoughtful pauses.
Aarav Kiyan's voice quiet but clear cut through the campus noise from behind him.
Aarav did not break stride. He did not turn. He walked faster reaching his bike fumbling with the keys and kicking it to life with a roar that drowned out everything else. He did not look back as he sped away.
In the rearview mirror he saw them Karishma and Nayan standing confused. And Kiyan a solitary statue watching him disappear his head bowed slightly as if under a great weight.
Back in his room Aarav slammed the door and leaned against it his breath coming in ragged gulps. The mark on his wrist was a brand of faint persistent heat. He squeezed his eyes shut.
What am I doing. I am hurting him but I am terrified. My hands shake when he is near. I am afraid this power inside me will wake up and I will destroy him. And yet when his hand was on my back it felt like the only solid thing in the world. What is this contradiction.
The images replayed the tear falling from Kiyan's golden eye in the forest. The gentle rhythmic patting on his back in the canteen. The quiet acceptance etched on a face that had known centuries of solitude.
Far away at the edge of the city where concrete yielded to wilderness Kiyan stood alone. He looked at his palms where the phantom warmth of Aarav's body heat through his shirt still lingered. His golden eyes usually so vivid seemed dimmer reflecting the vast empty sky. An ancient loneliness deepened by a very new and specific pain settled in his bones.
He pressed a hand to his chest where a peculiar aching tightness had taken root.
You know now he thought the words echoing in the silence of his own mind. You know what I am. And now you are afraid of me. It has always been this way. Everyone fears the Chhayodhbhav (a nightborn entity who drains age) but your fear yours hurts the most. Because for a moment in that canteen with my hand on your back I dared to forget what I am.
The wind stirred the leaves carrying away a sigh too old and too heavy for anyone to hear.
© 2026 Aaryaveda. All rights reserved.
Do not copy or repost without permission