The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 37

"That's great news," said Ray and sat next to Swarna. Advika sat on the adjacent sofa chair. "Did you tell this to Tej?"

"No, I had called but, I guess he's busy," said Advika. "It feels great to be healthy again," said Swarna and motioned Advika to sit beside her. She smiled and sat next to her. Swarna kept her hand on Advika's head. "You children never left Tej alone. I'm glad he has you."

The doorbell rang, and seconds later, Zarna and Maya were seen rushing towards Swarna. Advika and Ray got up so that they could hug her.

"I'm glad you are fine," said Maya and sat beside her. Zarna followed. "Me too," she half-hugged Swarna. "My favourite aunt is back."

"I was just telling Advika how lucky Tej is to have such friends," said and caressed both the girls.

Ray removed his phone from his pocket and hit the call button. "Where are you, mate? You should be home."

"Had come to see Dad," replied Tej. "He's fine now. The doctors said they'll discharge him soon."

"Yes, we know, buddy," said Ray and sat on the sofa chair. "You were busy so, we couldn't tell that to you. Now don't go back to the office. Come home."

"I'll be there in a few minutes. Taneja uncle will wait near Dad meanwhile."

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"Got anything?" asked a voice.

"Not yet," said Rutuja as she kept the nth book away. "I've almost-" she stopped mid-sentence and swivelled. Her heart skipped a beat. She felt as though her eyes were playing some trick with her. She got up from the chair. Her heart was pounding.

There stood a lady leaning on a wooden stick. Her back was slightly bent and, her face looked slack. She had donned a white saree and a rudraksha mala around her neck.

A tear slid from Rutuja's eyes, and she ran towards the lady to embrace her and caught nothing but thin air.

"You cannot catch a soul, can you?" said the lady. "Dai Ma," sobbed Rutuja. "Why?"

"My dear, it was crucial to stop the Prince, and I merely did my duty, so did Indra," said Dai Ma. "I've come here to guide you."

"You thought it would be easy for us to go on without you," cried Rutuja. "At least you would have let us face him."

"Rutuja, we would have if it was possible. Nevertheless, I've got no time to waste," said Dai Ma proceeded towards a section of the library and stood in front of a bookshelf. "Here lies the answer to all your questions," that was all she said before vanishing into thin air.

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