The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 31

"The cupboard," she murmured. "There was a woman who pulled me in. She was. . . I could not see her face, was too scared."

"It's okay, Zarna, just relax," said Tej. "We'll talk about this later."

"And girls," began Ray. "Don't go anywhere alone. We'll continue with the mission once everything is back to normal. Until then, I declare the mission is on pause mode."

"I'll have to leave," said Tej and adjusted his tie. "Have a meeting."

"I'll leave too," said Ray. "Advika, you coming?" he said in a flat tone.

"Ah," said Advika. "You go ahead. I have to run errands and pick some medicines on the way back home."

"You mean, Tej's home right?" quizzed Ray.

"Yes," said Advika and nodded her head. "Aunt will be up by now."

"Zarna," Tej turned to look at her. "Take care and don't go looking for the woman now."

Ray kept his hand on Tej's shoulder and looked at Zarna. "Take care, Zarna," he said.

Zarna nodded her head and smiled.

~~~~~~

"This is amazing," said Rutuja and slightly smiled. She walked up to Indra and Dai Ma. "Do you think I can learn this skill?"

The boys turned to look at her.

"One can learn anything if determined," replied Indra and patted her head smiling.Rutuja swivelled and observed the children. Some were playing hide and seek, some playing with a ball, while the other toddlers watched them play sitting on their mother's lap.

"Can they see us?" quizzed Rishi.

Rutuja glanced at him and then at the Antillas. She sat down on the ground and kept a finger in their way. The Antillas took another route, avoiding any contact with her finger.

"Only the Antillas and other creatures can," answered Indra. "Not the people."

"I don't understand," said Rishi and looked to and fro from Indra to the people and back to Indra.

"That is how the charm works," said Dai Ma as she took the support of the stick to get to her feet. "You, the one who uses it, the master decides how it works."

"Is it a specific spell?" asked Daksh.

"Yes," replied Dai Ma. "The spell needs to be earned. You have to solve the riddle given in the book 'The Elements'."

"Where do we- The ancient library, second floor," said Rishi. "Is the book there?"

"Can't tell you that, rules," was all Dai Ma said before turning on her heels and strolling to the hut. Indra followed.

"Something tells me we need to escape again," whispered Rishi. Rutuja glared at him and opened her mouth to speak.

"Never in my life did I think that I'd agree with you," said Daksh and glanced at Rishi and then at the sky.

"No. We are not going anywhere," commanded Rutuja and crossed her arms.

"C'mon, Ru," insisted Rishi. "No, absolutely not," said Rutuja and started marching towards the hut but stopped all of a sudden. She turned and crossed her arms again. "If I find you boys doing anything that is against the rules you'll be in danger."

~~~~~~

Maya handed a cup of coffee to Advika and pulled a small stool. "Thanks," whispered Advika and leaned on the bar of the balcony firmly holding the cup.

It was awkward for Advika to be alone with Maya as she was her least favourite person in the group. Maya felt the same.

"Ahem, hmm," Maya cleared her throat. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

Advika glanced at her and then at Zarna, who was fast asleep.

"Yes," she said and turned to face Maya. "I know this might be wrong, but we can't let those three win."

"Never thought I'd agree with you," said Maya and crossed her legs.

"So, what do we do?" asked Advika and sipped the coffee.

"I think we'll go to the library and that hut whenever we can," said Maya and got to her feet rubbing her palms. She leaned on the bar putting her weight on it.

"Okay," said Advika. "We'll decide a time and. . ."

Maya shot her a questioning look.

"I was thinking. . . we should probably go to the temple too," she added.

"Now who's breaking rules," said Maya. "Anyway, I agree. We will."

~~~~~