The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 24

"Kinds and Queens?" wondered Maya as she tied her curly hair into a bun.

"But what I asked was different," said Advika and leaned on the pillow.

Tej's house had become their meeting place since the attack. All their meetings were held in his bedroom.

Ray sat on the floor and leaned against the bean bag closing his eyes.

"Was there something else you noticed?" asked Tej and sat next to Ray. Zarna lay down on the bed, almost in the mood to sleep.

Maya, on the other hand, paced across the room.

"Colors," said Advika.

There was a knock on the door. Maya opened the door with a smile.

Advika got down from the bed and went to help Maya and Swarna with the coffee mugs.

"Hello, children," said Swarna as she placed a tray on the table. It had five plates in it with a sandwich and some chips each.

"Hi, aunt Swarna," they chirped.

"How are you guys doing?" she asked and handed over a plate to Ray.

"Fabulous, as always," said Ray and took the plate sitting upright.

"What happened to your hand?" she asked and examined Ray's hand which was covered with his handkerchief.

"Nothing really," he replied and smiled.

"How's your new project going, aunt," asked Zarna, changing the topic.

"Oh, wonderful. There are challenges, but what's life without some adventure," she replied and smiled.

"I agree," said Maya and took a sip of the green tea.

"Did you get hurt too?" said Swarna and advanced towards Advika who was standing near the bean bag holding a coffee mug.

Tej looked at her from head to toe. Swarna touched Advika's forehead. "Ouch!" she said and pursed her lips.

"Are you fine?" said Tej as he got up keeping the sandwich back on the plate. Swarna smiled at him and then at Advika.

"Yes, I'm fine. I might have hit my head somewhere," she said.

"Take care," she said and kept her hand on Advika's head. Advika smiled at her and nodded her head.

~~~~

"Rishi," said Rutuja as Dai Ma helped him sit straight on the small cot.

Daksh stood in the corner of the room, leaning on the wall, staring at Rishi.

"Rishi," said Rutuja and hugged him; tears streaming from her eyes.

He slightly smiled and put his arm around her.

Daksh closed his eyes and turned his head to face the window.

"I'll be right back," said Dai Ma and headed towards the kitchen.

Daksh walked in the direction of the bed and stood there facing Rishi.

"Rishi, you'll be fine," assured Rutuja and kept her hand on his injured shoulder.

"Weak, are you?" said Daksh and crossed his arms.

"You wish," said Rishi.

"Boys," said Rutuja and glared at both of them.

"Tell me, Rishi, why wouldn't Rutu's ring work on you?" asked Daksh and sat on the chair in the room.

"Ring?" quizzed Rishi.