Chapter 5 The Chase and the Conflict
Night had dissolved and the sky was draped in a deep indigo black sheet the moon flickering like a lone anxious sentinel. Aarav stood on the terrace of his house his gaze fixed on the moon but his mind was trapped a million miles away in some forest Andhkaar Guha (dark cave).
The cold wind played with his hair but inside him there was a simmering turmoil. Kiyan how did you change so much. I do not know what has happened to you but whatever it is I will find out.
His gaze shifted from the moon to the forests visible as a dark line beyond the city lights. Is your mother behind all this. To keep you away from me. Could that be it. No no why would she do that. Kiyan is sensible himself. He knows who to be with who not to. Then why is he acting like this.
Another thought more terrifying flashed through his mind. What if all those Chhayodhbhav (a nightborn entity who drains age) powers are making him do this. What if the Chhayodhbhav nature is taking over him. Because a few days ago that form of his long nails long hair golden eyes all that what if that is it. What could be behind this changed behavior. What could it be.
He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He does not even keep a phone otherwise I would ask him what he is doing. Well I will meet him in college tomorrow.
He stared at the moon one last time as if it held some answer then turned and went to his room collapsing onto the bed. Sleep came slowly but it was restless and broken.
The next morning Aarav's eyes opened before the first ray of the sun broke through. There was no comfort in his sleep only urgency. He got up quickly bathed got ready and without breakfast took out his bike and headed straight for college.
When he reached college the gate was still closed. The campus was deserted only the chirping of birds echoing in the air. He sat on his bike his eyes fixed on the path from which Kiyan usually came.
The watchman saw him. Hey you have come so early. No one has come to college yet.
Aarav said It is okay. I have some work. I will just wait here.
And he stood there pacing. Time crawled by. The hands of the clock moved slowly. It was ten when other students started arriving. Aarav's eyes remained on the road scanning every approaching face.
Aarav You are here early today. Come on let us go to class. Nayan and Karishma had arrived.
Aarav said You guys go ahead I will come in a bit.
Karishma smiled. Looks like someone is waiting for someone.
Aarav blushed. Hey it is nothing like that. You two go to class I will come in a bit.
Karishma and Nayan smiled and went inside. Aarav stood outside. He checked his watch it was half past ten.
Then at the bend in the road a figure appeared walking. Kiyan.
Aarav's heart began to race. Seeing him he felt a surge of joy and then he ran like lightning. The wind whistled past his ears. He grabbed Kiyan's hand without a word and pulled him away from the college dragging him along.
He kept running pulling Kiyan with him. Through the city streets he led him into the heart of the forest where there was only the rustle of leaves and the sound of their heavy breathing. He stopped.
Kiyan pulled his hand free and started to walk away.
Aarav pulled him back and looked into his golden eyes. Do you really want to stay away from me.
Kiyan's breath quickened. Looking into Aarav's eyes he said Yes.
Aarav held him tighter. Then why do not you leave. Why are you still standing here.
Kiyan tried to move away using his strength to push Aarav back. But Aarav after stumbling back rushed forward again with such speed that he fell upon Kiyan. Both were on the ground looking into each other's eyes.
Aarav spoke Kiyan see. You yourself do not want to stay away from me. I had moved away from you. Now tell me what has happened that you are running from me.
Kiyan stared into Aarav's eyes. Then he remembered how Aarav had attacked his mother with the golden dagger and she had been wounded. Kiyan pushed Aarav off him and got up to leave.
Aarav quickly got up and stood in front of Kiyan. If you do not tell me how will I understand your problem.
Kiyan started running away from Aarav using his Chhayodhbhav speed. Aarav using his Devanshik (a divinely blessed one who wields divine power) powers chased him and appeared before him.
Kiyan stopped. Aarav pushed him and said If you do not want to talk to me then do not. But at least tell me what my fault is. Why are you ignoring me like this. Do not I even have the right to know the truth.
Kiyan looked at him angrily about to speak but then stopped. He remembered his promise to his mother that he would not tell Aarav anything. So he held back.
Aarav placed a hand on his shoulder. Tell me Kiyan why did you stop.
Kiyan shook off Aarav's hand flinging it away. Aarav stumbled and fell. He got up again rushed with incredible speed came up behind Kiyan grabbed his neck and said I do not want to fight you Kiyan. I just want to know the truth.
Kiyan pulled him forward and said Stay away from me. And he started to move sideways trying to leave.
Aarav came in front of him. Kiyan wait. He grabbed both his shoulders looked into his eyes and said Tell me. Tell me what I did that you are running away from me. Ignoring me. If you tell me what my mistake is I will leave you forever and never come near you again.
Hearing this Kiyan began to speak and he said You you hurt my mother
Then someone came rushing at tremendous speed and struck Aarav on the head with a staff.
Aarav began to lose consciousness. Seeing the blow to his head Kiyan panicked and screamed Aarav and caught him in his arms.
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