Chapter 28 Training and Flight
Aarav stared at his father stunned. Papa did you say something.
Bhaskar laughed. Nothing. I was just trying to scare you.
Aarav forced a laugh in return. Oh really. Okay come in. Did you need something.
No nothing. Just came to see my son Bhaskar said his smile not quite reaching his eyes.
Alright Aarav said his own smile tight. Bhaskar left.
Aarav let out a shaky breath. He did not see me. Good. Now I need to get to college. The dance is tonight I have to meet the others.
He grabbed his bike and sped off. Midway a thought struck him Kiyan lives somewhere in this forest. He pulled over onto the shoulder and ventured into the dense greenery. Weaving through ancient trees and hanging vines he arrived at the mouth of a familiar Andhkaar Guha (dark cave) its entrance veiled by thick foliage.
Kiyan. Kiyan. Are you in there Aarav called out.
He stepped inside. A sudden gust of wind unnatural too fast. A blade of pure shadow shot towards his throat. Aarav's eyes flashed a reflexive burst of silver light in the gloom. His hand snapped up intercepting the wrist behind the attack with a force that halted it completely. He was a millisecond from driving his own power into the assailant when his eyes focused on the face inches from his.
It was Kiyan.
Aarav released his grip. Kiyan. You.
Kiyan smiled a flash of white in the dark. Yes me. You are not slow either Aarav.
You almost got a punch to the face Aarav said his heart still racing. Good thing I recognized you in time.
Kiyan chuckled. You could not have hit me. I stopped when I saw it was you.
Oh really Aarav's smile turned challenging. Care to test that.
Without warning Aarav lunged. Kiyan flowed to the side like smoke. Kiyan retaliated with a strike of his own but Aarav's forearms came up in a solid block halting the blow. In a fluid motion Aarav spun appearing behind Kiyan his hand raised for a chop. But Kiyan was already sidestepping shoving Aarav forward off balance.
Aarav recovered instantly charging again. Kiyan was faster a blur that materialized behind him a cold edge of obsidian like energy resting against Aarav's throat. So who won Aarav.
I did Aarav grunted twisting his body to break the hold using Kiyan's own momentum to flip him onto the mossy ground. He laughed breathless. See I won. He extended a hand to pull Kiyan up.
Instead Kiyan grabbed his wrist and yanked. Aarav tumbled down on top of him. Kiyan's eyes ignited with molten gold triumphant. Aarav look I won. He rolled pinning Aarav beneath him before springing to his feet.
Aarav lay on the ground holding out a hand. Fine you win. Now help me up.
Kiyan leaned down to pull him up. Aarav seized his arm and yanked hard using the leverage to spring upright with surprising speed a mischievous grin on his face. So tell me now who won. He started walking deeper into the cave.
In a blink Kiyan was up. He swept Aarav off his feet cradling him like he weighed nothing and burst from the cave. Trees became streaks of green and brown as Kiyan ran not at human speed but with the preternatural velocity that defied physics. In moments they were back at the road beside Aarav's bike. Kiyan set him down gently.
What was that for Aarav asked disoriented and exhilarated. Why did you bring me here. What is in the cave.
Nothing Kiyan said his expression suddenly closed off. We should go.
Okay fine. Get on.
The bike roared to life. Kiyan settled behind him and they rode the rest of the way to college in a comfortable wind filled silence.
At the college gates they parked and walked in. The campus was a hive of activity being decorated for the night's annual function. Streamers hung between pillars fairy lights were being tested. Then they saw them Karishma and Nayan embroiled in what looked like a heated argument near the main stage.
You are so impossible Karishma's voice rang out sharp with frustration.
Oh I am impossible. You are the one who Nayan's retort was cut short as Karishma in a fit of pique snatched a small decorative bouquet from a nearby stand and hurled it at him.
It was not meant to be a real weapon. But the wooden stick holding the flowers was sharper than it looked. It struck Nayan on the temple with a sickening thwack. He staggered back a line of crimson instantly welling from the cut and tracing a path down the side of his face.
The bustling activity around them froze. Karishma's hands flew to her mouth her eyes wide with horror. Nayan. Oh my god I did not mean to
Nayan touched his temple his fingers coming away red. He looked more stunned than angry.
Aarav and Kiyan exchanged a single glance. In unison they broke into a run pushing through the gathering crowd.
Move. Let us through Aarav barked.
They reached the pair. Karishma was trembling tears starting in her eyes. It was an accident I swear
Here sit Kiyan said to Nayan his voice calm but firm guiding him to sit on the edge of the stage. Aarav was already pulling a clean handkerchief from his pocket pressing it against the wound.
It is not deep Aarav assessed quickly though his heart was pounding. But it is bleeding a lot. We need to get him to the infirmary.
I will take him Kiyan said. Before anyone could argue he had one of Nayan's arms draped over his shoulders and was helping him up with effortless strength.
I can walk Nayan mumbled but he was pale.
Just let him help Aarav said. He turned to Karishma who looked utterly shattered. It was an accident Karishma. He knows that. But you should come with us.
She nodded mutely falling into step beside them as Kiyan half supported half carried Nayan towards the college infirmary. The walk was tense and silent punctuated only by Nayan's hissed breaths.
The nurse on duty took over clucking her tongue as she cleaned and dressed the wound. Superficial but nasty cut. You will need to keep it clean. No dancing for you tonight young man.
Nayan's face fell. What. But the performance
Is cancelled for you the nurse said firmly. Concussion risk. Rest.
The reality settled in the small room. Their quartet was broken. The dance they had practiced for weeks was crumbling hours before the show.
Karishma sank into a chair burying her face in her hands. This is all my fault. I ruined everything.
Nayan bandaged and subdued looked at her. Hey. Stop it. It was a stupid fight. An accident.
But the dance she whispered.
Aarav watched them his mind racing. Then he looked at Kiyan who was standing quietly by the door his golden eyes missing nothing. An idea reckless and daring sparked in Aarav's mind.
He stepped forward. The dance is not ruined.
Everyone looked at him.
Nayan can not perform Aarav said his voice gaining conviction. But we have a replacement. He turned and pointed directly at Kiyan. He knows the steps. He has been watching us practice for weeks. He is more than capable.
Kiyan's eyes widened slightly. He shook his head a minute almost imperceptible movement. No.
Nayan looked from Aarav to Kiyan a slow understanding dawning. He he could do it. He has got the moves.
Karishma looked up hope warring with doubt on her tear streaked face. Kiyan. Would you
Kiyan was silent his gaze locked with Aarav's. In Aarav's eyes he saw not just a solution to a problem but an offer a chance to step out of the shadows to be part of something normal if only for one night. A chance to fight their dark fates with nothing but rhythm and light.
Slowly Kiyan gave a single solemn nod.
Karishma let out a shuddering breath of relief. Nayan managed a weak thumbs up.
Then it is settled Aarav said a determined smile finally breaking through. The show goes on. Let us get you patched up Nayan. And you two he looked at Kiyan and Karishma we have a final rehearsal to run. Tonight we dance.
Outside the infirmary window the sun began its descent painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. The stage was set not just for a college function but for a different kind of performance one where a Devanshik (a divinely blessed one who wields divine power) and a Chhayodhbhav (a nightborn entity who drains age) would move as one their secret war forgotten for a few hours lost in the music and the shared human beat of the night.
© 2026 Aaryaveda. All rights reserved.
Do not copy or repost without permission