The Last Incarnation (Kalki Chronicles)

I want her heart

"The scriptures speak about the last descent. Riding a white horse armed with all the mightiest and powerful weapons of the universe, he is known to descend on time. Kalki, the final incarnation is yet to descend on earth." Devyansh reads the excerpt with pride." She has come and she is the last incarnation of the almighty," he murmured.

"She is not his favourite but she is needed by him. Her father needs her comfort. Samaira, is the only special heart that holds the secret to everyone's happiness. She is a magician's doll or a miracle herself! She is a necromancer's life."

Known to be a wanderlust, Devyansh never settled for peace. His yearning for something grew stronger than before, as the days passed by.

His dreams manifested his desires and soon he was found wanting for more. He once thought - "I should visit a psychiatrist." His visits weren't frequent. The psychiatrist advised him proper rest and good sleep.

Devyansh Patel alias Dev revealed his innermost desires to his friend, Mohan.

He once said "I want her heart. When will it come to me?”

"Heart? And you? Since when have you moved on from platonic love to the transactions of heart."

"Are you through with romancing or what? Don't you want your food of s*x and foreplay that you are having cravings for a heart." Mohan laughed.

"No, it is not about love. I need to do something about it." Dev, was completely wrapped up in his own thoughts and took Mohan quite seriously.

“At the moment, all you need to do is to get up from the sofa," said Mohan who began losing patience with Dev and his rambling. “Don’t you want to get ready for class? Your students are waiting for you," he added testily.

Devyansh just wouldn’t budge. Mohan splashes some water on his face.

“Ughh...I hate you. Why did you splash water on my face?” spluttered an angry Dev.

“Yeah, I know… placated Mohan, you will hate me now as all your love goes out to the heart you were talking about" laughed Mohan.

Mohan and Dev share a 2BHK apartment in Mukherjee Nagar, Delhi. Mukherjee Nagar shelters students of all genres who come from across the nation to take coaching in the Institutes. While Mohan shares his room with Dev, Nachiket and Rehan are his other mates sharing the same flat. All are teachers teaching different subjects at an Institute by the name “Learner Coaching Institute” that provides training to students for various competitive exams at the national and state levels. One of the most reputed institutes in Delhi, Learner was known for subjects like mathematics and reasoning and it’s training to the students by Keshav Sir. He was a well-known figure in the field of Mathematics.

“I need her heart?” continued Dev, muttering under his breath to himself.

“Whose heart are you talking about? Is someone new on your mind? I know you had a break up with your girlfriend recently and you miss her a lot but I cannot see you sad and missing her badly."

“No, it is not so. I don’t miss anyone. You know how I am.”

“I believe you. Now, let us keep going. We need to reach the Institute on time."

The morning was bitterly cold. As cold and bone-chilling as winter mornings in Delhi can be.

Samaira sipped on a cup of hot chocolate when she received a call from her home.

"Hello, Mom. How are you doing? How is everyone at home?"

"Everyone is fine. How are you doing? Are you ready for your interview?"

"I was just out to searching for another job. Let's see what happens."

"I’m sure you will be able to secure a good job for you soon. I have full faith in you."

“What time is your interview?” asked Rita.

“I will be leaving in the afternoon. Don’t know what will happen today.”

“Are you nervous?”

“A little bit.”

“Don't be, everything will be fine.”

"My heart is a "weak heart" it seems, and my worries are never ending."

“I don’t know when I will get someone with whom I can share my worries".

“What did you just say?”

“Nothing mother. Talk to you later”.

Having a decent 3 years of practice in the various lower Courts of Delhi and High Court of Calcutta, Samaira was fairly experienced in her field. She decided to leave her practice only to prepare for the union civil services. It is her quest for learning that landed her in Mukherjee Nagar. Before coming to Mukherjee Nagar, she was placed with a proprietary law firm, “Ranjan and Associates". Smart, witty, intelligent, and known to succeed at anything, she had a spiritual bent of mind. Short and small in size, she was mocked throughout her life. However, she attracted many males into friendship due to her sweet looks, round features and amiable nature. Her spectacles covered her small eyes. She always preferred short hair and wore a tomboyish look, not intending to please anyone.

It was noon, around 1 pm. "It is getting late," she thought. "I should be leaving now"

Samaira left her home to board a share-auto to Mukherjee Nagar. Aboard the auto, she saw someone staring at her. Stalking was not a penal offence yet, and women were not considered safe especially in Delhi, even in broad daylight. She became apprehensive. He was a strong-built man, tall, smart, with curly hair and adorned with spectacles. He was Dev.

Wearing an astonished but carefree look, she starts dialling a number. “Yes Mom, I am out to the Institute. Will speak to you later? I’ve reached my destination.…”

Turning her head, she finds the man still looking at her. He begins speaking to someone over the phone when sudden, screams filled the street. There was hustle and bustle around the place.

He mumbled, “We need her….her heart…and her life energy. You know what I mean?” Saying so, he gazed at the students around.

There was tenderness in his look, his smile and his touch, which of course, was out of bare necessity. He needed to open the door of the vehicle to get down. Both looked at each other. He looked directly into her eyes. Not out of any romantic inclination, but to try one of his tricks, for which he was famously known in his circles.

He got down from the vehicle.

Samaira moves towards him. He doesn't know what to do other than stand tall before her.

"Why is she coming towards me?" he pondered. "What do I do? I can't even run away from her. Nor can I stay with her for a longer time. I am not allowed."

"Oh my gosh! She is nearing me..."

Seeing her coming towards him, he closes his eyes, in fear and amazement.