The Secrets of the Elements

Chapter 17: Escaping Again

Daksh banged his fist on the trunk of a tree. Tears slid from his eyes.

He stood in the middle of an abandoned forest; the place where his father used to teach self-defence to

small children before setting up the academy.

Azazel's men had destroyed the men and abducted many of those children. Since then, Indra shifted to

a new place and set up a secret academy.

"Daksh, what are you doing here at this time of-" Rutuja paused for a brief moment. That was the first

time she saw tears in Daksh's eyes. Tears, emotions, vulnerability were things alien to Daksh. He

portrayed himself as a strong and fearless person.

"Daksh," said Rutuja as she took a step forward.

Daksh wiped his tears and pulled himself together. He faked a smile. "Following me? Are you?" he

asked and walked towards her.

"What's wrong?" she asked. "Concern, concern for me? I like it," he said as he moved close to her. She

pushed him behind. "It's okay if you don't want to tell. Just don't roam around like this, it's dangerous

you know," she warned.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Rishi said you were missing," she said and looked at the trunk of the tree. "Again Rishi," muttered

Daksh and clenched his fists.

"What is... Daksh you are bleeding," she said and held his hand.

"It's nothing," he whispered and removed her hand.

"Let's go home, it's late, you need to apply something on this," she said and pulled him along with her.

~~~~~~

"Morning, children!" said Swarna as she served them the breakfast. "Your strong coffee," she said as

she handed a fancy coffee mug to Advika. "Thanks, ouch!" said Advika and kept the cup back on the

table at once. Tej rushed to her side. "Does it still hurt? Are you fine? Do you need a painkiller?" she

questioned. Swarna smiled, looking at them.

Advika looked at Tej and then at Swarna. "The coffee is too hot, I'm fine, Tej," she lied. Swarna kept her

hand on Tej's shoulder. "She's fine, son. But why do you look so pale?" she asked.

"Aah... I'm tired," that was all Tej could think. "We've been travelling a lot these days," added Ray. "And

Tej is working hard for his new physics project."

"Project? I didn't know about it. But I'm glad you kids are focussing on your careers," she said and

smiled.

Maya descended the stairs. "Sorry, I'm late," she said as she took a seat at the dining table. "Not a

problem, here's your green tea," said Swarna.

"Thanks, aunty," said Maya and took a sip of the green tea.

"Children, I'm off to work, see you guys soon," she said and left.

~~~~~~~~~

"There's something he's hiding," said Rutuja as she sipped her thick cold coffee. Rishi glanced at

Daksh, who was practising with his sword in the yard opposite their house.

"I hope he doesn't join the dark side," said Rutuja and watched him do a cartwheel balancing the

sword.

"That he will not, I'm sure," said Rishi and patted Rutuja's head. "You worry too much."

Rutuja smiled at his gesture. "I'm glad I have you after my parents passed away, it's been Dai Maa,

you, Master Indra, and Daksh."

Daksh sliced the tree's trunk with his sword and fell on his knees. Rutuja hurried to him with a water

bottle in her hands. "Is it necessary to always wear yourself out?"

"I love when you care about me like that," said Daksh and smiled.

Rishi watched them from a distance. He could feel jealously built up, though he tried suppressing the

feeling, he failed.

"All I care is about our mission. It has nothing to do with you," said Rutuja and offered him water.

Daksh gulped down the water. "Let's go inside, it's too sunny here, he said and held Rutuja's hand.

Doesn't miss a chance to hold her hand, Rishi thought as he saw them approaching their house.

"Master Indra?" said Rishi as he spun around. Indra had appeared out of nowhere.

"Dad?" said Daksh keeping his sword back in its leather scabbard. Rutuja snapped her fingers; all

doors and windows shut at once.

Indra nodded his head at Rutuja.

"We have to rush it's not safe here anymore," he said and motioned Rishi and Rutuja to take their

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