The Secrets of the Elements

Who has Grantha?

"These people," Daksh almost yelled. "They have been hiding the book from us."

"Do you think we'd be stuck here with you if we had the book?" Tej yelled back at him.

"We don't know why you are here," Rutuja stepped in. "Nor do we," added Advika and slowly moved towards her bag kept in the corner. 

"I came here looking for clues for Grantha," said Rutuja. "You guys know where she is."

"She is her own master," said Maya and crossed her arms. "She is not a slave. And besides," she slowly advanced towards the black bag, not looking at it. "She knows right from wrong."

"No, you stole her. You misused the powers-" began Rutuja.

"Misuse?" opposed Zarna. "You're the one to talk. I mean, you are the ones breaking into people's houses-"

"Enough!" thundered the cold voice. "I want the book. And you have 13 hours. Or else, you know the consequences."

The hut's roof erupted into flames, causing an explosive burst. In the face of danger, Tej pulled Advika and Ray to safety, shielding them from the burning debris raining down. Sensing the urgency, Maya uncapped water bottles and unleashed the water into the air, creating a cascading curtain of moisture.

Zarna's hands whirled through the air, summoning her power over water, which formed a protective shield above the group, guarding them from the scorching flames. Meanwhile, Rishi concentrated his focus, creating a protective void that enveloped him and his companions.

Witnessing the chaos, Rutuja's eyes widened as she observed Advika dart towards a black bag, deftly avoiding a piece of burning thatch that threatened to harm her. "Advika!" Tej's voice echoed with concern, his attention drawn to her actions. In a swift motion, Advika secured the bag on her back.

"Should we make our escape now?" Ray pondered aloud, uncertainty lacing his words.

"Yes, let's go, but be cautious of the fire," Maya instructed, her voice brimming with urgency. With a quick movement, she conjured a ball of air and hurled it towards the main door, clearing a path.

"Zarna," Advika called out, pouring water into her hands. Zarna closed her eyes, allowing the water to embrace her. Simultaneously, Rishi extended his protective circle, encompassing all five of them within its safety.

"What are you doing?" quizzed Daksh. "He's saving them so they can help us get out of here," whispered Rutuja.

Zarna threw droplets of water in the air that came down as cloudbursts, extinguishing the fire. "Break the door. The spell has been uplifted by the Prince now," said Rutuja.

Tej and Daksh kicked open the door.

They sped towards their cars with drenched clothes. Advika sneezed. Ray turned to look at the three. "Need a lift?"

"No, thanks," replied Rishi. "You can't drop us where we live. It's a secret that cannot be told."

"Understandable," said Ray and got into the driver's seat. Maya headed towards her car, squeezing the water out of her top. Zarna followed.

Advika shivered and sneezed again. "Come here," said Tej and hugged her, closing his eyes. "Human heater," joked Ray. Ray and Zarna exchanged knowing glances, sharing a lighthearted moment. Zarna smiled and winked mischievously.

Tej took off the bag from Advika's back and bent a little to reach her ear as he was much taller than her. "Come with us," he said and took her hand.

"Wait," said Rutuja and walked towards Advika. "The Prince can reach us if he wants, or else, harm the ones we care about," she began. "Listen, we won't give the book to him, but we need to plan something together."

"Together?" said Advika. The idea of working together with them dreaded her already. Also, Rutuja coming forward to initiate what looked like a truce was surprising.

"Meet at the forest in an hour," said Tej and opened the car's door for Advika.

"Forest?" wondered Daksh. "Oh, please don't pretend you don't know," said Maya and revved the engine. "Let's go," said Tej as he fixed his seatbelt.

The three stood there waiting for their so-called enemies to get out of sight. "That was an excellent discovery. We found the secrets of the moon and Prince himself," said Daksh and turned to look at Rutuja.

"Later," said Rishi and held Rutuja's arm. "Home we go."

~~~~~~~~

Advika sneezed several times in a row as she sat near the room heater in Tej's room. 

"You're so delicate," commented Maya and dabbed her curly hair with a towel. 

Zarna had changed into a t-shirt dress. She rushed downstairs to the kitchen where Ray was making hot coffee and onion fritters. Tej removed five cups from the shelf and turned to look at Zarna, who was smiling from ear to ear.

With an arched eyebrow, Tej took a sip of water, preparing himself for the unexpected. "You love Advika?" Zarna blurted out, unable to contain her curiosity. Startled, Tej accidentally sprayed some water on his shirt and coughed in surprise.

Ray burst into laughter, finding amusement in the situation. He placed a few fritters on a piece of tissue, arranging them on a plate. Stammering, Tej attempted to respond, "Wha... what... rubbish."

"It's okay," said Zarna and advanced towards the gas. "I won't tell her. That's your job." She smiled and poured the coffee equally into the five cups.

"You look good together," she added and placed the cups in the tray.

"Guys!" called Maya from Tej's room. "Coming," said Zarna and headed upstairs with the tray.

"I shouldn't have hugged her," said Tej. Ray chuckled. "It's not about that. You anyway care for her more than you do for others."

"No, I don't," opposed Tej. "Okay, for now, let's go upstairs or else Maya would-"

"Guys, what's taking so long!?" Maya yelled from upstairs. "Coming," said Ray as he placed the fritters on a tray.

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Until next time. . .