The Secrets of the Elements

The Escape

"I can't believe we're doing this," whispered Advika and removed her phone from her jeans pocket.

They cautiously walked towards the temple, looking around, making sure no one saw them. 

"Hairpin please," said Ray extending his hand as they stood in front of the giant door of the temple. Maya handed him her hairpin and looked at him. She was doubtful of Ray being able to open the lock with just an ordinary hairpin.

Ray turned the hairpin a few times, and with a low sound, the lock opened. Maya was amazed. Zarna and Advika exchanged a look and smiled. "Good job," said Advika bemused. 

Tej led the way as they slowly pushed open the door and entered the temple closing the door behind them. Advika could feel her heart pound. Zarna held Advika's arm. "I'm beginning to feel scared," she said. Advika lightly pressed her arm, "me too," she replied. 

They removed their cell phones and switched on the flashlights to see the stairs.

"Might be at least 80 steps," said Ray looking at the stairs which led to the entrance porch of the temple. 

"Quick," said Tej and sped towards the porch for shelter. The others followed.

They removed their overcoat once they were inside the temple and had a roof on their head. 

The porch was spacious with a few diyas lit in the corners. 

"Let's explore," said Maya taking a step towards the hall of the temple.

They went inside, examining the walls of the temple. It comprised of different rocks and slate. "Wow," said Zarna and touched the walls. 

"Look at this," said Maya.

The five symbols inscribed on the wall caught her attention. 

"Does that mean something?" wondered Zarna and glanced at Advika who seemed lost in thoughts.

"Adu," said Zarna and shook her. "Yes, I feel, it has to do something with the secrets of the elements or this temple maybe," she said. 

They touched the symbols and removed their hand instantly. "Ouch," cried Advika and Zarna.

The symbol shone; radiating white light. 

They looked at each other, puzzled. 

Maya looked at her hand. "Why would it hurt?" she wondered.

"Let's do this again," said Advika as kept her hand on the earth symbol. The others followed; heart pounding and hand trembling.

It felt like a blunt knife held against their hand. 

The atmosphere grew cold. Advika could feel the calmness in the air. "Feels soothing, this air," said Zarna. 

They removed their hands; the symbol stopped glowing immediately. 

"It's just like the book, it stops emitting light as soon as we remove our hands from it," said Maya. "Maybe, we should look around for more clues," suggested Ray. Advika glanced at her watch.

12:30 a.m., it said.

They entered the womb-chamber, where they saw the idol of Lord Shiva. Advika joined her hands and closed her eyes. Others followed suit.

Please save and protect us from all harm and danger, prayed Advika.

They looked around the entire temple, scanning it for clues. The only thing they found was the symbol on the wall, which glowed when they touched it.

"Can you hear that?" asked Advika. "Hear what?" asked Maya. Tej looked around, trying to find out the source of the sound. "The soft music," said Ray. "Yes, I hear it now," said Maya and glanced at Zarna. "Me too," added Zarna. 

"But where's it coming from?" wondered Advika and looked around. "Advika," said Tej. "You know the trick."

"Yes, Adu, go for it," said Zarna, excited.

Advika closed her eyes and concentrated on the sound, taking a step ahead. She stood there for a brief moment; contemplating the direction she should move in. 

"Who's there?" they heard a man shout.

"s**t!" cussed Ray. "I think its the caretaker or watchmen."

"Run," said Tej and made his way towards the door. The others behind him.

They sped towards the car without looking back.

Their shoes pounded heavily across the ground, causing mud to s***h up their legs.

"Hit it," said Ray as he took his seat beside Tej who sat on the driving seat. Tej drove at full speed and stopped only when they arrived home.

Advika sighed. "That was close," said Ray, panting.