The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 28

"Okay," said Tej as he closed a file. "I'll talk to the clients," he assured, adjusting his tie.

"Excuse me, gentlemen. I'll see you in a bit," he said and left the conference room, heading towards the washroom.

He let out a sigh and looked at his reflection in the mirror.

White formal shirt, black trousers, black blazer, and a black-tie.

"You look dapper," said a voice which made Tej swivel.

"You? What are you doing here? Who's with dad?" he questioned.

"Relax, bro," said Ray and hugged Tej. Tej dropped his shoulders and closed his eyes, hugging his best friend.

"Advika's near uncle," he said. "Your aunt had called."

"And?" said Tej.

"She said she will come here and handle-"

"All bullshit," spat Tej. "She just wants dad's property."

"Forget all that," said Ray and removed a locket from his pocket. "Advika went to this temple on the outskirts of the city."

A shiny gold rudraksha dangled on the delicate silver chain.

Tej smiled and wore it around his neck.

"Ohhhhh," teased Ray and playfully punched Tej's arm. "You don't believe in such stuff, but now, as Advika has sent it."

Tej smiled. "Once everything is fine, I'll confess my love to her."

~~~~~~~

Rishi sat on his bed, staring into the sky.

"Rishi," said Rutuja as she entered his room. "Daksh and I are going for-"

Rishi wiped his tears and painted a smile on his face.

Rutuja sat at the foot of the bed. "Missing your parents?" she asked and kept her hand on his hand.

Rishi nodded his head. "I miss my parents too," said Rutuja and pursed her lips.

"Where are you both going?" asked Rishi.

"Just roaming, with Rio," she said. "You haven't met Rio, right? Rio, the horse."

"No, I'm good," he replied and shifted towards the other side of the bed.

"Rishi," said Rutuja and got to her feet. "Step out, you'll feel better."

"I'll come by myself if I feel like," said Rishi and hugged the pillow.

"Okay," said Rutuja and left him alone with his thoughts.

~~~~~~~~~

"How can you be so sure about it?" asked Zarna as she drew the curtains of the hospital room. The sunlight flowed in the room, falling on Swarna's face.

Maya glanced at Swarna and removed a small device from her pocket. "The meter," she said.

"Should we tell this to Tej?" asked Zarna and tied her hair into a bun.

"No," replied Maya. "He's already got so many things going on. But we'll tell Ray and Advika, I'll call them."

~~~~~~~~~

His black robe swept the ground as he marched towards the rock throne placed against the wall of the dungeon. He was welcomed by the smell of alcohol and gush of excitement.

Men and women dressed in red robes sat on their knees as the masked man bowed before an elderly man sitting on the throne.

"My dear son," said Azazel and smiled as he got up from his throne. "Welcome, welcome home."

The masked man smiled removing the black mask he wore. His fair skin, developed calf muscles, thick eyebrows, high cheekbones, and tensed arms attracted the attention of all the women present in the dungeon.

His blue eyes glistened as Azazel stepped down from the throne and motioned him to sit in his place.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince!"

Echoed the entire dungeon as he sat on the throne.

Azazel closed his eyes; a bejewelled crown appeared on the Prince's head, which he adjusted with a bright smile on his face.

~~~~~~

"Hey, bro," said Ray as Tej, who was dressed in formals, stepped inside the hospital room. His gaze fixed on his mom.

Advika looked at him and noticed his swollen eyes.

Without uttering a word, he sat next to his mom and held her hand.

"How are things at work going?" asked Advika. Tej nodded his head. "Lost the potential clients," he uttered. Advika had to strain her ears to understand what he was speaking.

"This is the reason I never wanted to enter the business, it's not my cup of tea," he added.

"Nobody succeeds in the first attempt, stop being so hard on yourself," she said.

"How did you manage to run your business, Advika?" asked Tej and looked at her.

Advika slightly smiled at him. "Tej," she started. "It's a small business, it's not a huge company like yours, there's a big difference."

"But still," he insisted.

"I have failed n number of times, Tej," she replied. "I was going to give up, but then, that's what I wanted. I wanted to own a business. It's different in your case."

"And if you think I'm making profits, then no, you're wrong," she added. "You don't always get clients. Failure is inevitable, Tej. But getting up and facing challenges is a must."

"I wish I had half the determination you had," he said.

"You have a lot of determination, Tej. It's just not for the business," she clarified.