The Secrets of the Elements

New Endeavor

A sleek black car pulled up in front of Advika's apartment, prompting her to step out and make her way towards it.

The driver's window slid down, revealing the girl behind the wheel. She lowered her black sunglasses, meeting Advika's gaze. Advika let out an exasperated sigh and nodded before opening the car door and settling into the passenger seat, placing her bag in the back.

"I didn't know you had a car," remarked Advika, looking around the vehicle.

"It's actually my sister's," Maya replied, revving the engine. "Told her I needed it for a trip with my girl gang."

"Dressed as Sherlock Holmes?" Advika teased, rolling down the window.

Maya was clad in blue jeans, a black top, and a leather jacket to complete her look. Her curly hair was pulled back into a bun, and she sported black sunglasses. "You really have no sense of style, do you?" she quipped.

Taking a left turn, Maya directed the car towards the highway.

Advika, wearing a light blue top with full sleeves and three-quarter pants, had also tied her hair into a messy bun. She donned black cat-eye spectacles, adding a touch of her own unique style.

"Did you let Zarna know that we're heading to the temple?" Advika inquired, her eyes focused on the vibrant blue sky above.

"Yes," Maya confirmed, keeping her attention on the traffic ahead. "She insisted on joining us, but I told her to come once she's feeling better."

After a thirty-minute drive, they arrived at the temple. "It looks so different in the daylight," remarked Maya.

"Indeed," agreed Advika.

"Now, we enter through the backdoor, right?" Maya asked, seeking clarification.

"Exactly. Then we need to locate the source of the music," replied Advika as they stepped out of the car.

~~~~~

Tej stood in front of the mirror, preparing himself for another difficult day at the office. His thick hair set on one side neatly. He wore a washed blue jean and a V-neck black tee that fit him well, complementing his medium, yet well-built and stout body. He donned a mulberry blazer over it that highlighted his fair skin. He wore formal black leather shoes under it.

"You ready?" asked Ray as he leaned on the door.

"Yeah, let's go," said Tej adjusting his tie. 

He looked at Ray. "Zarna is fine," said Ray as though reading his mind. "Did you talk to Advika?"

"About what?" said Tej as they headed towards his parents' room. "Are you still mad?" asked Ray. "It doesn't matter," replied Tej and knocked on the door.

"You?" said the boys in unison. 

"What are you doing here?" asked Tej. 

"When did you arrive? We didn't see you coming?" said Ray. "You should have been at home, resting," said Tej.

"Guys, I'm fine, easy," said Zarna. "I came to check on aunt as-"

"As?" said Tej. "Where's Maya and Advika?" questioned Ray.

"They had work," lied Zarna and tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Advika has to complete this story of hers, and Maya had to go to her office so."

"Is aunt sleeping?" asked Ray. "Yes," replied Zarna. "I just gave her the medicines, don't worry."

"Okay," said Tej. "I'll see you guys at dinner then. You are waiting, right?"

"Yeah, of course," said Zarna and smiled. "I bought my laptop as well, will complete my work here."

"Yeah, I'll go check on uncle, and then go to the radio station, then come back here," said Ray.

"Hey," said Zarna. "You didn't tell us about this new internship of yours. You're an RJ, that's cool."

"Well, yes, thought of using the spare time after college," he said and adjusted his colorful headband. "Good luck, RJ Ray," said Zarna and giggled.

~~~~

Advika and Maya stood before a colossal door covered in layers of cobwebs and dust. It appeared untouched for years, evoking a sense of anticipation within Advika. Maya wiped the doorknob, while Advika tied a handkerchief around her face to shield her nose and mouth. Maya raised an eyebrow at her cautiousness.

"Seems like there's an abundance of dust here," remarked Advika.

Maya pushed open the door, revealing an ancient, mahogany entrance that emitted a loud, creaking sound. She stepped inside, followed closely by Advika.

As they entered, a cloud of dust filled the air, causing Advika to cough. With each step, more dust was stirred up from the parquet floor. The room was dimly lit and exuded a somber ambiance, accompanied by the scent of petrichor. The illumination from their phones provided the only source of light in the expansive room.

Abruptly, Maya spun around and hastened back towards the door, closing it behind her. Advika surveyed the room, taking in the sight of old paintings, a chandelier, a collection of weathered wooden chairs, a shattered mirror, a grand king-sized bed, and an unusually large and peculiar-looking treasure chest.

Maya looked around the room frantically. "What is it?" asked Advika. Maya made a small run to the bed and picked up the dirty bedsheet lying on it. She walked up to the broken mirror and covered it.

"What's with you and mirrors?" asked Advika.

"I thought you might know," said Maya and stepped away from the mirror. "You're the know it all girl."

Advika pursed her lips and closed her eyes for a second. She knew this was not the right time and place to pick a fight with Maya. "Anyway," she said. "The sound was coming from this room, the music I mean," she said and made her way towards the treasure box.

"Be careful," said Maya as Advika sat down on the floor and examined the treasure box. She picked a cloth lying nearby and tried cleaning the box. She gaped and turned to look at Maya who was equally surprised. The box was made of what looked like pure gold. Advika held the small silver lock in her hands. "Wish Ray was here," she said.

She stared at the lock for a minute or so and removed a hairpin from the bag she was carrying. She stuck the flat end of the pin into the top of the lock and bent it. She attempted to disengage the pins in the lock. "Try with one more," suggested Maya.

Advika produced another hairpin from her bag and inserted it into the lock. She turned both the pins in every possible way but in vain. 

~~~~~

  To be continued...