The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 17

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-defence 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.