Chapter 24 Shadow and Doubt
Aarav stood in the hollow silence of his father's room the chill of Bhaskar's abrupt departure still hanging in the air. He stared at the door his mind a vortex of confusion. A few minutes later Bhaskar returned. His walk was normal but his face wore a thin artificial mask of calm.
Yes beta. You were saying something. I did not quite catch it I was on a call. What was it. Bhaskar's voice was surface level smooth but Aarav's sharp eyes caught a faint rigid strain beneath it.
Aarav took a deep breath. The truth was a live wire on his tongue. But then his gaze fell on his father's hand resting casually on the back of a chair. It was trembling a subtle involuntary tremor that betrayed an inner turmoil.
Aarav stopped. The words died in his throat. He changed his plan.
Papa it was nothing. I just came to apologize. For this morning I spilled milk on you that is all. Aarav lied keeping his eyes fixed on the floor.
Bhaskar let out a light hollow chuckle. It is nothing beta. I forgive you. Now you go. I am feeling a little tired I need to rest.
Okay Papa. I will go. You rest.
Aarav left but his mind was spinning. Back in his room he sat down thinking Are these really my parents. Because I did not spill any milk on him this morning. So how did he just forgive me for it. Something is off here. He was fine until yesterday what happened today.
He went to Arushi's room. She was sitting on her bed reading a book a picture of tranquil concentration.
Aarav come in. Why are you standing there Arushi said.
Aarav entered. Didi can I ask you something.
Of course ask.
About Papa have not you noticed anything strange.
Arushi frowned thoughtfully. No not really he has just been a bit quiet since this morning that is all.
Did Papa go out anywhere Aarav pressed.
Yes he took the car to the market this morning.
Okay. Alright. You read I will come back. Aarav turned to leave.
Is something wrong Arushi asked concern finally touching her voice.
No nothing is wrong. Just a feeling. And he left.
Back in his room Aarav slumped onto his bed. Is Papa just stressed. Or is it something else. His mind was a restless sea. He got up again. What do I do. I do not understand. What do I do. I did not even go to college today.
I will call Nayan. Where is my phone. Phone phone there on the table.
Aarav picked up his phone from the table. As he did his eyes fell on the half open drawer where the book Kalprant Ka Rahasya was visible. He put the phone down and pulled the book out instead. He lay back on the bed flipping through the pages.
The pages were filled with old illustrations maps and cryptic text. Then his eyes caught on one page. It was titled The King of Maya The Girgit Raj (Chameleon King). Below was a faded illustration a human figure with snake like patterns on its skin and eyes that were two different colors.
Just then his phone rang Nayan. Aarav answered.
Bro you did not come to college today Nayan's voice boomed.
Yeah man just had some stuff.
Alright no problem. If you are free come over to my place. We are all here. We came straight from college.
Everyone is there Aarav asked.
Yeah. Kiyan me and Karishma the three of us. You come too.
Okay I am coming.
Aarav hid the book back in the drawer and headed out. Outside he got on his bike and sped towards Nayan's house.
As he pulled out of the gate he glanced back. At the first floor window Bhaskar was standing. He was watching him leave not with affection not with worry. With a neutral deep inscrutable gaze like a scientist observing a specimen.
Aarav met his eyes then quickly turned his bike onto the road and sped away. Why was Papa looking at me like that. Like I am a stranger. I do not know but something feels wrong. Lost in thought he reached Nayan's house.
He parked his bike greeted Nayan's mother and went upstairs to their room.
Hey hey Aarav. We were all waiting for you Nayan yelled as he entered.
Aarav walked in. His eyes found Kiyan first and a genuine heartfelt smile broke across his face. Kiyan smiled back a quiet relieved light entering his golden eyes.
Aarav said Alright so let us dance. Me and Karishma and you and Kiyan. Now hold each other's hands.
Aarav walked over to Kiyan and took his hand in his own. Kiyan's eyes glowed a golden light rising in them at the touch. Aarav squeezed his hand tightly forgetting the world for a moment.
Then Nayan shouted Gotcha. We got you.
The words hit Aarav like a splash of cold water. He jerked his hand away from Kiyan's as if burned. He stepped back sharply putting distance between them his eyes flying to Nayan's laughing face. His own expression was a confused mix of embarrassment fear and a sudden sharp awareness.
In that moment the light in Kiyan's eyes dimmed replaced by a silent pained question.
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