The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 38

"Daksh," said Rishi and took a few steps towards him. Daksh leaned against the wall staring at the ground.

"Yes, I did keep an eye on you," confessed Rishi. "Even while I was at school and training, away from you and Rutuja."

Daksh looked up at him, astonished. "How do you know?"

"Listen," said Rishi and kept his hand on Daksh's shoulders. "I never meant to harm you. I was only protecti-"

Daksh pushed Rishi's hand off his shoulder and grabbed him by his collar, pushing him towards the wall. "I don't need protecting," he snarled.

Rishi could feel Daksh's hot breath on his face. He closed his eyes and bent his neck. "You did not follow me," it was more of an assurance Daksh made to himself than a question to Rishi.

"No, of course not," said Rishi removing Daksh's hand from his collar. "I always had a doubt. You never really liked the way master Indra did things or taught us."

He walked away from Daksh and turned away. "I followed you only once," he revealed. Daksh could feel his heart hammering; he clenched his fists and shut his eyes.

"The first time you had entered Azazel's den," began Rishi. "Back then, you did not know how to hide traces, so it was easy to follow you. I pledged I would keep an eye on you to-"

"Why didn't you tell dad?" asked Daksh and marched towards Rishi. "Why didn't you tell Rutuja? You always wanted them to hate me. You had a chance." He smiled and shook his head. "Oh, right, did not have any proof, did you?"

Rishi looked up and swallowed the lump in his throat. "That was never the reason," he said. "I know you mean no harm. I know why you-"

"Guys," Rutuja came running from the stairs. She ran towards Rishi and half hugged him. She walked towards Daksh and held his hand. "I saw Dai Maa."

~~~~

Advika shut the door of her bedroom and sat on the bed. "Try to talk to Grantha. Wow," she said. "How?"

She glanced at her vision board on the wall and closed her eyes. Grantha, she thought. Please talk to me. How do we go ahead with this? Grantha please, help.

She flinched as the bag kept on the floor moved and opened her eyes at once. She stared at it for a moment, then strolled towards it, sat down and opened it. The book named Queen Bhilangana jumped out of it.

Advika was taken aback; her heart skipped a beat.

"Grantha," she said with quivering lips. "Is that you?"

She leaned and took the book in her hands, her heart still hammering, her breath unsteady. Opening it, she read through the pages, meticulously analyzing the information.