Chapter 9 The Promise of Neelmukhi
Aarav rushed down from the college terrace the echo of his footsteps doubling in the empty stairwell. Reaching the dining hall his eyes swept across only Nayan and Karishma sat at a distant table. Kiyan was nowhere. A strange emptiness settled in his chest as if some vital organ was missing.
Kiyan Aarav asked himself his voice nothing more than a whisper.
Nayan looked at him. Kiyan. Aarav what happened.
Aarav looked at Nayan then quickly masked his face with a neutral expression. Nothing. Saying this he went and sat at a nearby deserted table running his fingers absently along the table's grooves.
Karishma and Nayan exchanged a glance then came and sat beside Aarav. Nayan placed a hand on his shoulder a light comforting touch. Aarav are you okay.
Aarav nodded without looking up.
Karishma studied his face noticing the furrow between his brows and the tight muscles of his jaw. Aarav what happened between you two. Why do not you and Kiyan talk.
I do not know Aarav said and suddenly stood up. Without any explanation he grabbed his bag and walked out of the hall.
Aarav wait. Aarav stop. Nayan's call fell on his back and dissipated uselessly.
Aarav took out his bike the growl of the engine seemed to match the noise inside him. He sped away the wind dancing chaotically through his hair. Behind him Nayan returned to Karishma a hint of reproach in his eyes.
What the hell Karishma. What have you done. I told you did not I those two need some time. Why did you ask him about this.
Karishma came close to Nayan regret in her voice. But I just asked him
Nayan shook his head. No you should not have done that. Karishma grabbed Nayan's hand. Forgive me Nayan.
Nayan looked at her and his sternness melted. Karishma do not do this again understood. Karishma nodded.
Let us go to his house Karishma suggested.
No now you will go straight home Nayan said.
Okay. Karishma agreed and they both got on the scooter. On the way home Karishma placed her hand on Nayan's shoulder. Nayan smiled.
Aarav reached home. The silence of the house weighed heavily on him. He went straight to his room and sat on the edge of the bed staring at his open palms as if they held some answer.
Just then the door opened and Arushi entered clear lines of concern on her face. Aarav Papa has not come home yet. I called him but he is not picking up.
Aarav exhaled. Maybe he got caught up in some work Didi.
A tremor ran through Arushi's voice. Yes but he should have answered the phone or at least sent us a message or called should not he.
Sit here. Aarav said guiding Arushi to sit on the bed. He poured water from the jug into a glass and made her drink it. After drinking Arushi said Aarav Papa will be okay will not he. Ever since that Aagya Sangathan (the Aagya organization) incident happened I have been afraid something might happen to our family.
Aarav took Arushi's hand in his trying to warm her cold fingers. Yes Didi. Papa will be fine. I will find him and bring him back. His voice carried a determination trying to cover the fear within.
This happens all the time Papa stays away from home for days nothing new about it. You are worrying too much.
But I do not know why my heart is very restless this time Arushi said helpless fear in her eyes.
Everything is fine. Do not worry. You rest I will be right back. Aarav made Arushi lie down and left.
In his room he took out his phone and started calling Bhaskar. Once twice five times. Each time the same long meaningless ring then voicemail. A dark growing fear began to sprout in his mind. He returned to Arushi's room.
Didi Papa is not picking up. Should I go to Aagya Sangathan myself.
Arushi's eyes widened at this. No Aarav. If something happens to you
Aarav placed his hands on Arushi's cheeks. Didi you know do not you that I am a Devanshik (a divinely blessed one who wields divine power). I have powers.
Yes I know. But still I cannot lose you.
I will come back soon Didi. Do not worry about me. Arushi was about to say something when a sharp car horn outside their house tore through the silence.
Aarav and Arushi looked at each other and rushed out. Outside Bhaskar's car was parked. But the car was not in good condition there were scratch marks on its hood. And Bhaskar was not alone in the car.
Three men wearing dark red uniform like clothing sat in the car. Their postures were stiff and authoritative. Aarav's breath caught. The Power Organization Center.
One of them got out. Expressionless he opened the car's rear door and pulled Bhaskar out.
Bhaskar was unconscious. His face was pale but an odd glowing blueness shadowed his skin as if a poisonous blue ink was running through his veins. Aarav caught him. His body felt unusually cold and heavy.
What happened to Papa. And why is his body turning blue like this. Desperation and anger mingled in Aarav's voice.
The Power Organization man said in a completely flat tone He was bitten by an escaped prisoner from Aagya Sangathan. And that prisoner has fled.
What. But Papa what has happened to Papa.
He has contracted Neelhitoshi disease. That is why his body is turning blue. When his body turns completely blue The man paused.
Then what Aarav demanded loudly.
Then we will lose him.
No. This cannot happen. Aarav's voice became a roar. He immediately lifted Bhaskar and took him inside the house laying him on the bed. His blue skin looked like a terrifying painting against the white sheet.
He came back out his eyes blazing. How do we cure Papa. Now.
The man spoke Science does not yet have a cure for this. But there is one way.
What way.
The antidote to Neelhitoshi is the juice of the Neelmukhi flower. Just as the Safed Ketaki (white Ketaki flower) weakens evil powers the juice of the Neelmukhi flower can eliminate this Neelhitoshi disease. But
But what.
But that flower is not found here. It grows on the peaks of the Himalayas. But the path there is very difficult. So difficult that for an ordinary person going there could mean walking into the jaws of death.
Aarav squared his shoulders. There was no hesitation in his eyes only a burning resolve. I can do anything to save my Papa. I can face any danger.
The man kept looking into Aarav's eyes then said You have a total of barely 15 days.
I will go there. I will definitely go.
The Power Organization men left without another word their red uniforms dissolving into the evening darkness. Aarav stood there his fists clenched so tightly that his nails were turning his palms red.
But he was not alone. At a turn in the lane a shadow stood silently. Moonlight illuminated his dark coat and his face. His golden eyes still radiating their mysterious glow were now filled with a deep indescribable emotion concern conflict and steps moving toward a decision. He looked at Aarav's back which now seemed bent under the weight of a new dangerous journey. An extremely faint smile touched his lips then vanished instantly. He turned and silently dissolved into the darkness the glow of his golden eyes flickering one last time in the blackness of the night.
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