Chapter 21 Karma and Time
Aarav's voice clear and heavy as river stone cut through the air. I am a Devanshik (a divinely blessed one who wields divine power).
The words cleaved the space between them. Kiyan's body stiffened turning into a statue of frozen shock. His golden eyes usually pools of enigmatic depth widened revealing layers of fear and trauma centuries old. He drew in a long shuddering breath as if the air itself had turned toxic.
Devanshik he whispered the word a foreign bitter taste on his tongue. the one who destroys evil powers. The power forged for the annihilation of evil. Born to protect the good.
Aarav nodded a profound ancient gravity in his eyes. I am a descendant of Raja Manikya of Kalprant from the year 1764. Years ago he performed a great Aahuti Vidhan (sacred fire ritual) to destroy the evil power that plagued his kingdom. That power was passed to his son Yuvaraj (crown prince) Nachiketa. These Devanshik abilities have been transferred through his bloodline ever since. Only a few can control them.
He paused his gaze steady on Kiyan. That day when those men attacked you that is when my powers awakened.
Kiyan took a step back a vast horrifying pattern clicking into place in his mind. You mean you knew. That you saved me.
Aarav's voice was tight. Yes. I knew everything. That is why I was running from you.
You knew everything Kiyan said slowly a tremor in his voice. and yet you pretended otherwise. Why.
Aarav ran a hand over his face then looked directly at Kiyan his defenses down. I pretended because I was afraid my power might hurt someone. Might hurt you. That is why I wanted to stay away. But I could not.
The admission cracked his voice. Kiyan moved closer closing the distance Aarav's confession had created. He took Aarav's hand in both of his. At the touch the gold in Kiyan's eyes softened into a gentle luminescence like moonlight filtering through clouds. But why Aarav. You saved me from them. How could you ever hurt me.
Aarav searched Kiyan's face his own eyes shadowed with fear. I do not know Kiyan. But right now I do not have full control. I am scared I might.
I trust you completely Kiyan said his fingers tightening around Aarav's wrist. To not hurt me or anyone else.
You trust me that much Aarav asked his eyes locked on Kiyan's trying to measure the depth of that faith.
Yes Aarav.
A pained small smile touched Aarav's lips. I just needed to tell you this truth Kiyan. What I have told you.
Kiyan looked deep into Aarav's eyes as if making a decision. Aarav I need to tell you a truth too.
Aarav met his gaze and a deep sorrowful understanding dawned on his face. He had already read it. His voice was a whisper. What truth. That you are Chhayodhbhav (a nightborn entity who drains age).
The word hung in the air like a blade of ice. Kiyan jerked his hand back as if burned. He recoiled his face a mask of shock and deep pain. His golden eyes were now those of a wounded animal bright with hurt.
Aarav spoke calmly. Yes Kiyan. I know you are Chhayodhbhav. The fragment of the Chhayagrasini (a witch like entity who drains age and life force). The same Chhayagrasini the villagers captured.
Kiyan's eyes welled up instantly. Silver tears the hallmark of his unnatural essence pooled on his lower lashes. Aarav stepped forward. Gently he brushed away the first tear that escaped with his thumb. The touch was feather light. Kiyan flinched squeezing his eyes shut the golden glow intensifying beneath his closed lids.
I have known from the beginning Kiyan Aarav said softly still wiping the tears. From the moment you first saved me. From the way you appeared and vanished. From the first time you tried to influence me and it did not work I knew that too. And I know about the deaths in the city all of them. I know you did them. The umr choosna (age draining).
The accusation landed like a physical blow. Kiyan stumbled back another step. He turned his face away as if to hide from the shame and agony. His shoulders trembled faintly.
Aarav moved closer again. He placed a gentle hand on Kiyan's shoulder. The touch held no accusation only solace. I know you did not mean to Kiyan. You could not control your power your rage your pain. And you did it. I do not hold you guilty Kiyan. I know you are innocent.
Kiyan turned back. The tears were flowing freely now tracing luminous paths down his cheeks. He moved forward and wrapped his arms around Aarav in a desperate crushing embrace. It was a hug born of despair trust and the release of centuries of solitude.
You knew everything Kiyan mumbled into Aarav's shoulder his voice muffled and broken. My pain my history my torment my power everything. And yet you ignored me.
Aarav held him just as tightly one hand rubbing slow circles on his back. Ignoring you was my compulsion Kiyan. Not my choice. A Chhayodhbhav and a Devanshik we are each other's enemies. We can never be together. Now tears filled Aarav's own eyes spilling over to dampen the fabric of Kiyan's coat.
I am with you Kiyan Aarav whispered resting his head against Kiyan's shoulder.
Kiyan's tears fell faster no longer of sorrow but of an impossible unimaginable relief. Aarav held him tighter as if their combined strength could defy the very laws of their existence.
And then it happened.
A violent jolt.
It was not a physical push but an explosion of energy that erupted from within them both. It was as if two opposing polar forces the destructive Devanshik essence and the immortal Chhayodhbhav life force had suddenly collided. A brilliant golden white light burst from their bodies flaring out into the air for a blinding instant.
The force of the shockwave tore them apart. They were flung backwards landing several feet from each other on the riverbank grass. The air crackled with the sharp metallic scent of ozone. The sound of the river rushed back in loud and startling as if a mute button had been released.
Both lay on the ground gasping staring at each other in stunned disbelief. The air between them still shimmered faintly like heat haze over asphalt. Their embrace was broken but the jolt had left behind a new terrifying question could their mere touch a collision of their opposing destinies be catastrophic.
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