Chapter 17 Love Sacrifice and the Stairway
The water of the Safed Ketaki (white Ketaki flower) lake was completely still. Like a sheet of glass. At its very center bloomed that blue flower its petals radiating a soft divine light. Aarav and Kiyan stood at the edge staring at it when suddenly the water stirred.
It rose and from within it a being emerged. Its body was made of transparent water with what looked like the roots of the blue flower embedded deep inside it. Its eyes were two calm sapphires.
You. Who are you Aarav asked stunned.
The water being spoke. Its voice sounded like a waterfall. I am the guardian of this Neelmukhi flower.
Aarav and Kiyan looked at each other. The guardian of a flower.
Yes. The guardian of a flower. The one you have both come to take.
Aarav stepped forward. So you know we came here to take this flower.
Yes. I know. And I also know that you are a Devanshik (a divinely blessed one who wields divine power). The guardian gestured toward Kiyan. And you. You are a Chhayodhbhav (a nightborn entity who drains age).
Kiyan glanced at Aarav. Aarav spoke. So then why are you stopping us from taking this flower. If you know everything you must also know why we came here to find it.
The being nodded slowly. Yes. I know. To save your father's life.
Aarav said Oh so you know that too. Then why are you stopping us. Just give us the flower.
The creature raised its spear like weapon. Bold. Whoever steps forward.
Aarav stopped where he was. Kiyan moved closer to him. Kiyan said So what do you want from us then.
The being laughed. What could I possibly want from you. The one you are aching for. He is your greatest enemy. He will betray you in the worst way. And what could I take from someone who is already defeated.
Kiyan looked at Aarav. Neither of them understood. Kiyan said You are trying to confuse us. So that we cannot take this flower from you.
The being said Something like that.
Kiyan glared at it. Aarav calmed him and said Then you tell us. What do we have to do. To take this flower from you.
The guardian said You have to kill Kiyan.
Aarav jerked backward. What are you saying.
The guardian started laughing. A life for a life. If you want to save your father's life someone has to give theirs.
Aarav looked at Kiyan. Kiyan started to smile. That smile was one of decision. Of sacrifice. Of an unbreakable trust. They both got lost in each other's eyes. In that moment the lake the guardian the flower everything blurred. Only the two of them existed.
Aarav said I cannot do this.
The guardian laughed. Then leave this place.
Kiyan spoke. No. I will give my life. You give Aarav the flower.
Aarav grabbed Kiyan's hand and pulled him back. No. You are not going anywhere Kiyan.
Kiyan placed both hands on Aarav's shoulders. No Aarav. I have to give my life. Only then can you save your Papa.
Aarav said But I will lose you.
Kiyan laughed. Papa is more important Aarav.
Aarav said Yes. He is. But. But if anyone is going to give their life it will be me.
Kiyan placed a finger on Aarav's lips. No Aarav. Then he said it again. No Aarav. I will give my life for your Papa. You take that blue flower and get out of here safely. And tell my Papa that I love him very much. And take care of my Didi and my Papa for me.
Kiyan struggled against Aarav. Stop it Aarav. You will stay with your Papa. You will take care of him. If anyone gives their life it will be me.
The guardian shouted Hurry up. Tell me. Who will give their life.
Aarav said I will. And he started walking forward.
Kiyan pulled him back. No. I will go.
Aarav used his Devanshik powers to shove him away. He bound Kiyan to the cave wall with chains of energy and started walking forward. Kiyan summoned every ounce of his own Chhayodhbhav power and shattered the chains. He sprinted forward at full speed caught Aarav in his arms and started spinning him in circles.
That moment was magical. They spun together staring into each other's eyes the wind playing through their hair. Their heartbeats pulsed in the same rhythm. In Kiyan's golden eyes was a love without limits. In Aarav's eyes was unbreakable trust and a deep aching pain. They did not need words. Everything was spoken in that spinning. Apology. Farewell. And a promise that this was not the end.
Then Kiyan lowered Aarav gently to the ground. He sat him down. And before Aarav could even steady himself Kiyan sprinted toward the pond at full speed. Aarav. If fate allows us to be close again. We will meet again in that next life.
Aarav ran after him but Kiyan had already thrown himself into the pond.
The moment Kiyan jumped into the water the pond dried up. It transformed into stone steps. A stairway formed where the water had been.
Aarav ran forward and collapsed onto his knees. His breathing was shattered. He stared at the stairway at the spot where Kiyan had vanished.
Kiyan. No. Kiyan. No.
The first cry was a whisper. Then a sob. Then a scream that carried every fragment of pain in his soul.
Kiyan. No.
Tears fell from his eyes. Uncontrolled. Hot streams. He cried violently. He beat his head against the ground. His scream echoed through the cave bouncing off the walls forming a symphony of agony that told exactly what he had just lost. Not just a lover. But half of his own soul.
The Neelmukhi flower glowed in front of him now. A horrible irony. The price of victory lay right before his eyes. That heap of stairs. Now a chasm forever.
He picked up the flower. It was cold. Exactly like his heart.
© 2026 Aaryaveda. All rights reserved.
Do not copy or repost without permission