Getting on Track!
1272 Words
Daksh banged his fist on the trunk of a tree. Tears slid from his eyes.
He stood in the middle of an abandoned forest; the place where his father used to teach self-defense to small children before setting up the academy.
Azazel's men had destroyed the men and abducted many of those children. Since then, Indra shifted to a new place and set up a secret academy.
"Daksh, what are you doing here at this time of-" Rutuja paused for a brief moment. That was the first time she saw tears in Daksh's eyes. Tears, emotions, vulnerability were things alien to Daksh. He portrayed himself as a strong and fearless person.
"Daksh," said Rutuja as she took a step forward.
Daksh wiped his tears and pulled himself together. He faked a smile. "Following me? Are you?" he asked and walked towards her.
"What's wrong?" she asked. "Concern, concern for me? I like it," he said as he moved close to her. She pushed him behind. "It's okay if you don't want to tell. Just don't roam around like this, it's dangerous you know," she warned.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Rishi said you were missing," she said and looked at the trunk of the tree. "Again Rishi," muttered Daksh and clenched his fists.
"What is... Daksh you are bleeding," she said and held his hand.
"It's nothing," he whispered and removed her hand.
"Let's go home, it's late, you need to apply something on this," she said and pulled him along with her.
~~~~~~
"Morning, children!" said Swarna as she served them the breakfast. "Your strong coffee," she said as she handed a fancy coffee mug to Advika. "Thanks, ouch!" said Advika and kept the cup back on the table at once. Tej rushed to her side. "Does it still hurt? Are you fine? Do you need a painkiller?" she questioned. Swarna smiled, looking at them.
Advika looked at Tej and then at Swarna. "The coffee is too hot, I'm fine, Tej," she lied. Swarna kept her hand on Tej's shoulder. "She's fine, son. But why do you look so pale?" she asked.
"Aah... I'm tired," that was all Tej could think. "We've been travelling a lot these days," added Ray. "And Tej is working hard for his new physics project."
"Project? I didn't know about it. But I'm glad you kids are focussing on your careers," she said and smiled.
Maya descended the stairs. "Sorry, I'm late," she said as she took a seat at the dining table. "Not a problem, here's your green tea," said Swarna.
"Thanks, aunty," said Maya and took a sip of the green tea.
"Children, I'm off to work, see you guys soon," she said and left.
~~~~~~~~~
"There's something he's hiding," said Rutuja as she sipped her thick cold coffee. Rishi glanced at Daksh, who was practicing with his sword in the yard opposite their house.
"I hope he doesn't join the dark side," said Rutuja and watched him do a cartwheel balancing the sword.
"That he will not, I'm sure," said Rishi and patted Rutuja's head. "You worry too much."
Rutuja smiled at his gesture. "I'm glad I have you after my parents passed away, it's been Dai Maa, you, Master Indra, and Daksh."
Daksh sliced the tree's trunk with his sword and fell on his knees. Rutuja hurried to him with a water bottle in her hands. "Is it necessary to always wear yourself out?"
"I love when you care about me like that," said Daksh and smiled.
Rishi watched them from a distance. He could feel jealously built up, though he tried suppressing the feeling, he failed.
"All I care is about our mission. It has nothing to do with you," said Rutuja and offered him water.
Daksh gulped down the water. "Let's go inside, it's too sunny here, he said and held Rutuja's hand.
Doesn't miss a chance to hold her hand, thought Rishi as he saw them approaching their house.
"Master Indra?" said Rishi as he spun around. Indra had appeared out of nowhere.
"Dad?" said Daksh keeping his sword back in its leather scabbard. Rutuja snapped her fingers; all doors and windows shut at once.
Indra nodded his head at Rutuja.
"We have to rush it's not safe here anymore," he said and motioned Rishi and Rutuja to take their swords.
~~~~~~~
3 months later
"Perfect, now I think we are ready," said Advika as she jumped down the white rock.
Zarna set off the fire set by Tej with her power of water.
Ray managed to cover the forest with dark blue clouds. "Finally, the power to manipulate the sky," he said and adjusted his light blue headband.
"I don't believe we did this in just 3 months," said Maya and spread her arms.
Advika tied her hair into a bun as Tej watched her from the corner of his eyes; the trees in the forest swayed side to side.
"Stop it, Maya," said Zarna. "It's 4 guys, let's go."
"Ouch!" said Advika and fell into Tej's arms. She had stepped on a stone and lost balance. "Careful sweet- ... I mean Advika," said Tej; their eyes locked.
Ray and Zarna smiled at other each. Maya faked a cough. "Should we go?" she said and began walking towards the opening of the forest. Advika and Tej came out of their trance-like state and followed her.
"Dude, just tell her already," whispered Ray and kept his hand on Tej's shoulder. "Yes, please," added Zarna. Tej nodded his head in a no and smiled.
"Maya!" screamed Advika as she fell to the ground.
"Brace yourselves!" cried Maya and got to her feet, ready to fight.
Tej and Ray jumped on a boy, Maya snatched his sword. Advika ran towards the white rock where she always left the book. She glanced at her watch. Why isn't the forest disappearing?
Electric pulse left his hands in the form of a psi ball. The four friends landed on the ground with a thud.
"Advika," whispered Tej and looked at Ray.
"The book," said Maya and got to her feet. The boy tied them with an invisible rope. They could not move an inch but felt the tug as they tried to move. "Who are you!?" questioned Maya struggling to free her hands. "What do you want?" asked Zarna.
The boy paid no heed to their questions and tied them to a tree nearby. He picked up his sword and ran towards the white rock.
"Tej, no," said Maya as she noticed what Tej was doing. "Don't set the invisible rope on fire, it'll burn us too," she said.
"But, Advika," said Tej. "She's alone there."
~~~~~
Advika hid behind the white rock holding the book in her hands. What do I do? He's too strong to put up a fight.
"I know you're here," said a voice.
Advika shut her eyes. "My dear book, please help me," she whispered.
"Listen, don't waste my time," said the boy moving towards the white rock. "If you don't come out, I'll kill your friends."
"No, he won't," Advika heard a female voice say. She looked around frantically, making sure not to step or sit on any of the leaves beneath. She didn't want to attract any kind of attention.
"I'm Grantha, the book," said the voice almost in a whisper. Advika glanced at the book, surprised. "You. . . can talk?" she questioned not believing her ears.
"Do as I say," said the book.
"But what about my friends?" said Advika.
"I promise you I'll protect them, now do as I say," said Grantha.
- Writer
