The Library
976 Words
"What do you mean I can't fight the werewolves?" he almost screamed on the old man.
"Master Daksh, your father Indra is a professional... and experienced, he can get away with... anything," stammered the old man.
"You mean to say I'm weak?" Daksh asked, towering the old man.
Daksh was tall, had a fair complexion, always had his hair in spikes, and had blue eyes. He had a sharp nose and always carried a small stiletto with him.
He wore a transparent white T-shirt that revealed his abs. He was muscular and wore white studs in one ear.
He ran his slender fingers through his dark black hair and let out a sigh.
"Whatever you do, I want those five," he muttered.
The old man nodded his head and bowed before Daksh before taking his leave.
Daksh entered the womb-chamber of the temple and joined his hands before the idol of Lord Shiva.
"I know I'm doing wrong, but, you know my intentions," he said and bowed before Lord Shiva's idol.
"Daksh," he heard someone call his name; he swivelled.
"Dad," he said and touched his father's feet.
"Master Indra," said the old man as he entered the womb-chamber.
Indra turned to look at the old man. "Did they come again?" he asked. "No, Master," said the old man. "Keep an eye on anyone that passes through this temple or the library," said Indra and turned to face Daksh.
Daksh could feel his heart thump and throat go dry.
"What are you doing here?" asked Indra. "I... I came to-"
"I had told you to take care of Rutuja," said Indra and crossed his arms.
"What happened to Rutu? Is she fine?" he asked.
"Don't worry, she's fine. Just some werewolves had attacked Dai Ma's place yesterday night," revealed Indra. "I should go and see her," said Daksh, his heart pounding.
"You should," said Indra and disappeared. Daksh followed suit.
~~~~~
j stopped the car a few meters away from the temple. "I'm not feeling great about this," said Advika and stepped out of the car. "Relax," said Maya, adjusting her cap. "Okay guys," said Tej fixing his fake moustache. "Remember we don't know each other, nobody calling out anyone by their real names."
"Yes boss," said Ray and wore the spectacles as Zarna nodded her head.
They walked towards the library, which was located just behind the temple.
Advika felt a wave of cold air sweep her hair as she stepped into the ancient library. There was pin-drop silence; nobody in plain sight.
"Yes?" said a young girl as Ray entered the library; Advika swivelled.
"I'm here for. . . I came here to read books on Indian History, for a school project," Advika lied. The girl looked at Ray. "Oh, I came here looking for books on ancient temples, I love history, you see," he said and coughed.
"I'm Rutuja, the librarian, if you need help finding the books, let me know," she said, and with a nod went to sit on the red colour sofa next to the library's entrance.
Advika took a deep breath as she walked towards the bookshelves on her right, while Ray towards the left.
There was a range of various tall bookshelves on both sides of the library. There are several types of books on the shelves ranging from English classics to science fiction, to magazines, to non-fiction, to references and finally to books on Occult and supernatural.
Advikurala scanned the books as she walked through the bookshelf. The Legends of Saptabhumi by Chitra D., The Princess of Tribhumi by Lekha G., The Elements by Gustaf Morgan.
Advika stopped the instant she saw the title which read 'The Elements'. She went through the book, scanning each page thoroughly.
Ray carefully removed his phone from his pocket and clicked a few pictures of the book he was holding. He quickly examined the section of Occult and ancient history.
Zarna entered the library and glanced at Rutuja. "Hi," she said. "I'm looking for books on ancient history. Could you help me with it please?" she asked. "Sure," said Rutuja and led her to the section of ancient history. Zarna's eyes fell on the staircase opposite to the bookshelf. "Where does that lead to?" she asked.
"Oh, that, it's closed now," replied Rutuja and went back to sit on the sofa.
Zarna quickly went through the books, scanning for anything related to the elements. The Magical Waters by Deba Grey, read the book cover. It had an illustration of blue sea, with waves crashing the ship on the harbour. Zarna picked up the book and sat on the chair nearby to give it a read.
In ancient times, sorcerers used water as a medium to travel in time. It could transport them to the past or future according to their choice, the only limitation being that they had to hold their breath until they get out of the water.
If the sorcerer can hold his breath, then, and only then can he time travel by water. The element of water has many powers. It can be both clam and fierce like fire.
To practice this, the sorcerer needs to focus on his mind; being thoughtless. The energy of the water needs to be felt first before practising any kind of magical routine with it.
Zarna sighed and kept the book back on the shelf.
Tej stepped in the library and looked around. Daksh followed. Tej headed towards the Literary section and picked up a random book from the shelf.
"Rutu," said Daksh and held her hand. "I want to talk to you, now," he said and glanced at the others. "Daksh, I can't leave the library unattended," whispered Rutuja and removed her hand from his grip. "I'll talk to you in the evening."
Daksh nodded his head and left the library.
- Writer
