The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 29

Ray hit the break as they arrived at a bungalow. 'Patel House', read the fancy nameplate.

Advika, Zarna, and Maya stepped out of the car. "I'll pick Tej and come, till then you can do the investigations," he said and took a U-turn.

Maya strolled across the parking and sat down to have a look at the ground.

"What does it mean?" wondered Zarna and sat next to Maya.

Maya took some of the black ash lying on the ground in her hands and brought it near her nose closing her eyes.

"Negativity and evil powers," concluded Maya.

"The white powder changes color when it comes in contact with negative energies," clarified Advika.

"It means that someone, some intruder, with bad intentions had been here," added Maya.

"Let's collect it before Tej comes," said Advika and removed a small glass bottle from her pocket. Maya followed.

Zarna folded her arms and tilted her head looking at her friends. "Do you guys like always roam around with such stuff?" she wondered.

Maya smiled and looked at Zarna. "You always got to be equipped when you are on such a mission."

~~~~~

Something is not right, thought Rutuja as she observed Rishi who was playing with Rio in the backyard.

Daksh walked up to Rishi and extended his hand. Rishi smiled and took his hand, getting to his feet.

Daksh looked at Rio and patted his back. "Rio never liked anyone, except me, Danj, and-"

"And?" asked Rishi grabbing a stick for support.

"Devansh," said Indra as he appeared in front of the boys.

Rutuja rushed downstairs and towards the backyard as Dai Ma appeared with a barrel in her hands. Dai Ma placed and barrel on the ground and tapped it twice with her fingers.

The barrel lifted itself in the air, making its way towards the kitchen window.

"Who is Devansh?" asked Rishi. Rutuja looked at Daksh and raised her eyebrows.

"Dad," said Daksh and nodded his head.

"Well, doesn't give me pleasure talking about it too, Daksh," said Indra and looked at the sky.

"Daksh had a twin brother, Danj," revealed Indra. "And, an elder brother nobody knew of."

Rutuja looked at Daksh as he closed his eyes taking a long breath.

"I'm telling you so that our enemies don't tell you otherwise," said Indra and turned to look at Rishi and Rutuja.

"Devansh was our eldest son," he began.

"Was?" said Rutuja, confused.

"Azazel killed him," said Dai Ma.

Daksh clenched his fists and began walking towards the house.

"Dak-" said Rutuja and watched him slam the door behind him.

"Why?" asked Rishi as Rio took a step towards him, nuzzling his elbow.

"Devansh was the protector of the book," revealed Indra. "He gave his life protecting it."

"And Danj?" asked Rishi patting Rio's back.

"Danj was killed by Azazel's men on that black night," said Dai Ma. "Tara could only save one."

"I couldn't save my sons, but I will protect you all till the last breath of my life. I cannot lose anyone now," said Indra fighting back tears.

"So much for just a book?" wondered Rishi.

"It isn't just a book," began Indra. "Besides, if that book falls into wrong hands, or at that time when it was weak-"

"Weak?" questioned Rutuja.

"Azazel's power were at their peak back then," answered Indra. "The Kings and Queens had just made the book-"

"The book was made?" "Kings and Queens?" "Who are these Kings and Queens?"

Indra was showered with questions from Rishi and Rutuja.

~~~~~~~

There was a loud crack and a strong smell of burnt ash and alcohol filled the air as they broke into a small hut.