The Secrets of the Elements

Chapter 37: Getting Back to Normal

"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."

~~~~~

"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.

~~~~

Advika opened the door and smiled at Tej. He looked her in the eye and headed towards the dining

table where his mother and friends were seated.

What's wrong with him? thought Advika and closed the door scanning the lane for any intruders one

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Tej hugged his mom and sat beside her. "Dad will be back home next week," he said and held her

hands. "I know," said Swarna and smiled. "Go freshen up and come. We are all waiting for you."

Tej headed upstairs to his room while Advika and Ray helped serve dinner. "So, children, how is it

going with you guys?" asked Swarna as Advika and Ray took their seats. Maya sat opposite Swarna

and Zarna, with Advika and Ray sitting beside her.

"All good," said Maya. "I'm working on a new case, as an intern of course."

"That's nice," beamed Swarna and looked at Zarna, who was sitting next to her. "Oh, I'm preparing for

my exams, for next month," she said. "I hope you were able to study while you were here," said

Swarna. "Of course," replied Zarna and glanced at Maya and Advika.

"And Ray," said Swarna as Tej descended the stairs. "I heard your show."

"Really?" said Ray, surprised. Tej sat next to his mother.

"Yes of course. You are an amazing host, I must say," she said and smiled. "Thanks," beamed Ray and

raised his brows at Tej. Tej gave him a wry smile and held his mom's hand. "I'm glad you are fine," he

said. She caressed his hair and half-hugged him. "Let's begin the feast then," said Ray and removed

the lid from a large white bowl. "Bean and vegetable soup by chef me," he chirped. "Also, good for your

health," he added serving it to Swarna.

Advika helped everyone with the servings and then began eating. "Tej told me you run a small

business, Advika," said Swarna. She choked, having a piece of veg crispy in her mouth. Tej, at an

instant, offered her a glass of water. She coughed and gulped the water. "Are you fine?" he asked. She

nodded her head and wiped her mouth with a tissue.

Swarna glanced at Tej and then at Ray, who tried his best to suppress the smile he had on his face.

"She makes great candies and sweets," said Zarna. "Yes, this gulab jamun is made by chef Advika,"

added Ray and nudged her.

Advika merely smiled and looked at Swarna. "They are my favourite," said Swarna. "I know. I made it

especially for you," said Advika. "Ooo, that's so sweet of you," said Swarna and looked at Zarna. "What

do you call her?"

"Adu," said Zarna and Ray in unison and grinned.

"But you guys should keep coming, you know, even though I'm fine now, and Arvind will be back soon,"

said Swarna and took a bite of the paneer kofta. "Delicious," she said. "Thank you," beamed Ray. "Yes,

we'll get to have special dishes prepared by chef Ray himself," added Maya devouring another

spoonful of fried rice.

"Well, thank you, and the fried rice, that's by Advika," he said and served himself some of it. Maya

looked appreciatively at Advika. Advika blinked at her and smiled. Tej and Ray exchanged glances.

They both knew Maya and Advika never liked each other and were never on the same page in any

matter.

"You guys could do something together," suggested Swarna. "A business, or a restaurant, you can

make a good team."

"Oh, yes, the mission," said Zarna, munching.

All eyes were on her. "What mission?" asked Swarna and looked at Tej. He nodded his head. "The

mission to succeed in life," jumped Advika. "Be successful and with each other in this journey."

"Yeah, right," said Maya and smiled, giving Zarna a 'be careful' look. "That's great," appreciated

Swarna. "I love your bond."

"Bond," said Tej. "That reminds me of tomorrow's deal. I have to talk to Taneja uncle." He picked up his

dish and began walking towards the kitchen. "At least taste the rice and sweet," insisted Swarna. "No,

I'm done. I'll see you guys tomorrow," he said and looked at everyone except Advika and went straight

to the kitchen.