Strangely Familiar

"The only difference between the saint and the sinner is that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future." - Oscar Wilde

In his life living in the mortal world, Shaurya Lomhani was never known for mercy and compassion. His pugnacity derived from his unfortunate upbringing only added as a bonus. He liked being brutal, wearing a tough facade so his enemies would fear him from afar. All his life, he has only known a handful of emotions: anger, resentment, jealousy, and revenge. These were the powerhouse of energy and can drive a person to achieve the impossible. Ironical and entirely contrary to his otherwise dark nature, his core is light and he had used it to his advantage several times. For some peculiarly satisfying reason, for centuries mortals believed that light reflects goodness while dark resonates evil. His light always hid his lurking darkness and helped him gain support.

And he never missed one chance to get what he wanted by hook or by crook.

To his followers, he is the Supreme, commander-in-chief, the leader who never makes weak choices.

Any response to encourage ridicule usually invited a death sentence under the rule of Shaurya. However, if there is one thing he learned in his long duration of imprisonment, it is dedicated patience. He shall wait for his freedom and pay its price no matter the consequences.

Therefore, he never needed emotions like kindness and empathy to surround him. Side-stepping his intensity of ardor and transitory warmth that he conveniently lacks and never required before, he knows that he requires a certain healer mage for his task who despite being a mage is extremely emotional, impulsive, and human-ly towards mortals. The aforementioned qualities were known to be exceptionally weak and deplorable for his kind and have always been belittled since his rule began. However, he was willing to make an exception. She was a valuable asset and he would expose himself to lighter emotions should he need to. Besides, he was sure she’ll come around one day.

“She has been wailing,” Ayaan mentioned as soon as he appeared in the room. “for hours.”

Shaurya was practicing his regular moves in magic and defense. He liked to keep himself prepared for sudden attacks that may happen any time now that Aruha was actively transferring her magic to the walls once again.

“Did you do what I asked of you?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“It’s done.”

Shuarya nodded and raised his brow inquisitively when his most trusted follower did not leave the room like he usually did after delivering the updates.

Ayaan pressed his lips together, swallowing hard. “She is very upset.” He didn’t think he need to give him a reference. “Her life unfolded in front of her in a matter of few days. It’s a lot to take in. Perhaps, we should give her some time?”

He asked in a low respectable voice.

Shaurya stopped in his act and threw him a surprised look. “You are not getting attached, are you?”

The person in front of him visibly stiffened and shook his head instantly, denying any such notion that he almost surprised himself.

“Good,” commented he. “I would hate to lose a valiant and courageous man to something as trivial as feelings and love.”

His face scrunched up a bit and he resumed his practice of combative arts. Shaurya made sure his followers know that magical skill in itself is not enough when it comes to beating mortals. With time, mortals have grown smart, and have indulged themselves in varied practices using tactics that can outsmart even a profoundly skilled mage. As absurd and inconceivable as that occurrence might be, he cautioned his army and prepared them to be ready to fight the upcoming battle.

However, that would not be enough. He still needs his healer mage on board.

“Make sure she is ready. I’ll call her when the time is right.”

“If I may ask something,” Ayaan lifted his head, eyes reflecting with devotion and sincerity. “What are the chances that she won’t double-cross us?”

“She won’t.”

“How can we be certain?”

He released his tensed muscles and relaxed after finishing his daily exercise. “When our respective promises joined under the ‘Wheel of Time’ all colors merged to form a bright light making one giant cluster before dissolving into the space.”

Ayaan stared goggle-eyed. He was tongue-tied. Regaining his composure, he regarded carefully, “Does that mean it was an Intrix?”

“Interesting, isn’t it?” Shaurya grinned.

“It works both ways, you know.” He spoke cautiously, realizing something important as his voice further ascended to a jolt. “But of course, she doesn’t know, does she?”

The leader shook his head. “No, and I would like it this way.”

Ayaan nodded his head and walked out of the room.

Shauyra was waiting in his sitting room for a very important visitor.

“You summoned me, My King.”

The person who appeared in front of him bowed down in courtesy and admiration. He gestured for his visitor to stand and sit in front of him.

There may have been many unruly and recalcitrant tales about Shaurya but one thing all his followers had seen and felt, he never discriminated against them or considered them any different from himself despite his obvious supreme powers and magic. According to him, every mage in his army has the potential of defeating the mortals but it was their unity that made them walk through tough times and endure struggles so far.

“I have a task for you.”

“I’m at your command.” The visitor spoke in a soft voice.

“A mortal is quite actively trying to reach me. I have known this for some time but I’ve had other priorities. I need you to meet this person and bring them to me. You will do that, won’t you?”

“As His Highness wishes!” The person smiled and nodded.

“Try not to fail me,” Shaurya commented lightly, revealing a lop-sided grin.

“If I lose, I’ll consider this a personal failure.”

The person bowed, got up, and left the room with the door closing behind her. Their battle was taking a sharp turn, a turn he has been wanting to happen and preparing for centuries.

“So would I, Shaina,” Shaurya murmured, breathing out in the vacant room. “So would I.”

Shreeparna Patil looked around to find her stare fixed on Aruha’s painting smiling down at her. She approached the painting and ran a light caress along its edge. The First Witch of her family was the most powerful of all in her ancestry. Her chest swelled with pride to find the portrait standing where it rightfully belonged. She supposed she would have to thank whoever took this initiative and made it possible. They made her task much easier.

Footsteps descending the stairs caught her attention, and she smiled at the sight of her adoptive children, stepping forward to embrace them. Samraat saw Naina backing off trying to shrug off her touch like it secretly burned her. He, nonetheless, accepted it lightly and half-heartedly still unsure about her previous actions and role in their early childhood.

“It’s so good to see you again.” Mrs. Patil exclaimed.

Samraat started to speak but his sister beat him to it. “Where’s Dad?”

Naina was ready to see some form of remorse on her face, a sense of guilt and loss but all she saw was a look of startle claiming her.

“What are you talking about?”

“Where. Is. My. Father?” She gritted out, grounding her teeth together. Samraat did not know where this was going. He wanted to know the whereabouts of his father but wasn’t sure if this was the favorable way.

Mr. Kazmi and Tia stood, clueless, unable to comprehend the anger mixed with hostility on Naina’s face.

Mrs. Patil’s face broke into tears. She fell on her knees, trying to get hold of herself. She felt supported by two pairs of hands. Both men came to her rescue, lifted her off the floor, and made her sit on the chair.

“He took us both captive.” She whispered with glassy eyes.

Naina waited for her to continue. She wanted to hear what her adoptive mother has got to say.

“Forced us to stay in some magical room.” She hiccupped, straining the words out of her. “Your father couldn’t survive.”

Her eyes closed as she spoke in a hushed tone.

Samraat visibly gasped while others stayed rooted in their spot. Naina was having a hard time containing her anger.

“Oh, give it up, Mrs. Patil.” She said with contempt. “You left him to die.”

Mrs. Patil suddenly lost all expression at such formal reference. It was strangely deja vu, the feeling repeating itself after her late husband. The room felt suddenly silent.

Naina’s voice grew horse. “You made that choice.”

“You know?” Mrs. Patil whispered, a strange expression acquiring on her face. For a moment, it seemed like she wanted to know the source of her knowledge but as if remembering the surrounding she was in, she quickly rearranged her assertion.

“Know what? What do you mean, Ma?” Samraat asked in a blank voice, recovering from his initial state of shock. He supposed he should thank Naina’s magic for that. His thoughts cleared on their own and surprisingly, he felt very stable.

“The magic required sacrifice to escape. We knew the moment we entered the room that only one of us will make out alive and he chose me to live.” She whimpered and took her palms to cover her face.

Unbeknownst to the Lady of the House, all the residents’ eyes were on her, watching and gauging her reaction and anticipating her next action. Nobody knew how to react as the words rolled out and events unfolded in front of them. Unsure of movement and assuming their respective brains collectively lost their ability to move a muscle, they all stood as still as a statue holding their breaths, pondering on who will speak next.

Naina listened to a different version of the story. She has read about the Circle of Truth. It only lets you escape once the truth is out in the open for the magic to feed. Should one choose to manipulate the truth, or cheat magic, and tries to escape without fulfilling all requirements, the magic makes the choice itself and completes the sacrifice.

She knows with every nerve, vessel, and blood running through her body that magic would never be compromised. Her adoptive mother was lying through her teeth.

“How did you know about the room?” Mr. Kazmi asked curiously, breaking the tension.

Mrs. Patill stilled. It was a moment later she realized the slip of her tongue. “I may have heard tales about it.”

“Oh, really?” Naina asked skeptically, “What was that magic called?”

“How would I know?” She cried out in frustration.

“But you knew what it can do.”

“Are you doubting me? I just lost my husband.” Mrs. Patil’s voice grew incredulous. She never imagined her adoptive son to question her judgment.

Shaking his head, Samraat parted his lips to speak but no words escaped. His mind couldn’t fathom how to process the information unloaded on him all of a sudden.

“Hearing tales are not facts, Mrs. Patil. I wonder how were you so sure?” Mr. Kazmi took the lead. He tried to improvise, nonetheless, carried on with his interrogation. His investigative mind was not willing to accept illogical conclusions.

Tia intervened. “Stop it, you’ll. She looks so troubled, can’t you see?”

Mrs. Patil smiled softly at her but remained silent. Naina grumbled under her breath. Tia was too naive and innocent to even see things through.

The two men reluctantly nodded their heads and impliedly allowed her to retire to her room. Tia volunteered to take care of her and tend to her needs.

Samraat hugged his sister, mourning over their loss. With her stable and composed appearance, he knew she had known this well in advance. The magic in her placated his anger towards the pair of them for keeping him in the dark. He arched his neck and rested on her shoulder with understanding dawning on him as to why Naina mentioned earlier that he’s the only family she has got.

“I know this might be hard on you guys, and probably the worst time to talk but something is fishy about her.” Mr. Kazmi was the first one to comment the moment they disappeared to the next room. “Is this her usual behavior?”

Samraat stayed quiet, lifted his head, and sneakily passed a glance at his sister. “You have known this, haven’t you?”

Naina knew what he was asking. She nodded her head, sitting dejectedly on the chair, curling her arms closer to her chest.

“Why?” His voice attenuated to a bare whisper. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

He had to ask although a part already knew.

“I don’t know how much of this you can handle.” She graved, her voice throaty.

Mr. Kazmi crouched in front of her, his brows furrowing at her silent expressionless face. “We need to trust one another at this crucial point.”

“You should have thought of that before,” Naina uttered, hoping to sound diplomatic but when the recipient gave her a surprised look, it was clear to her that he knew she was still mad at the fact, he was hoping to use a test and toxin on her.

If only Ayaan hadn’t intervened.

Rahil Kazmi sensed her discomfort and proceeded to reason himself out. “I’m sorry, but in my line of profession, we only trust evidence. It’s a matter of habit.”

“Mr. Kazmi, in your line of profession, the notion stands ‘innocent until proven guilty.’” She added with a bit of anger and sadness in her voice, “Not the other way round.”

He shook his head, his inquisitive eyes shining with amusement. “Not quite. It’s always, ‘suspect until proven guilty.’ How else do you think one catches the culprit?”

“Guess, I’ll be a horrible detective.” She mumbled, looking the other way, not in the mood for debate.

He, nevertheless, lowered his eyes in silent apology. “I must admit that doesn’t excuse my behavior but even you haven’t been entirely truthful, have you, Naina?”

She was silent for some time before shaking her head. “No, I haven’t.”

Samraat was still holding her gaze as she shrunk down further in her seat, pulling herself into her embrace. “But I will never do anything to hurt you or, anyone for that matter.”

“Has he done something to you?” Mr. Kazmi asked urgently.

Naina knew to gain their trust back and make them see that she meant no harm, she has to reveal a degree of truth. “He unlocked my magic that was forcefully put on a leash by my adoptive mother.”

She carefully observed the reaction of her audience. Mr. Kazmi looked a bit shaken up and alarmed while Samraat remained impassive. He had put two and two together a while ago when his sister revealed she was magical. Although, time and again he wasn’t sure how far her involvement with him was beneficial.

“You could get information from him.” The gears of the detective’s mind started as it spin to make the best out of the limited.

Naina gave him a sad smile. “Give him more credit than that, won’t you, Mr. Kazmi? He is centuries ahead of you.”

“Are you complimenting him?” He raised his brows inquisitively.

“I am just saying. Fact.”

Mr. Kazmi waited for a few moments, sighed, and continued in a small voice, “Looks can be deceiving, Naina.”

Déjà vu

She smiled humorlessly. “I’ll add it to my list.”

“Add another pointer to your list of facts while you are at it. You aided Ayaan and helped him escape.”

She nodded mutely.

“Are you working for him?”

Naina sighed tiredly. She must entertain the interrogation if she wants to gain his trust. It’s not like she is spilling Shaurya’s deepest darkest secrets. Not that she knows any. She decided to play safe.

“I’m just trying to figure out and accept what I am.”

“And what might that be?”

“A mage,” she said truthfully, “A healer mage.”

Mr. Kazmi nodded, his posture relaxed like he was expecting her to say that.

“That’s how you knew what to do in both mine and Ayaan’s case.” Her brother sat beside her, taking the entire situation remarkably well.

She shrugged. “Mostly, that’s just my magic.”

“From what I’ve read so far, healing is the rare form of magic.” Rahil Kazmi poured his thoughts out for them.

Naina wanted to ask the source but decided against it. He probably read one of Aruha’s journals describing something dark and sinister. Looks like everyone’s been doing reading of their own.

“Please tell me he is not hurting you,” Samraat said with such intensity that for a moment Naina thought he might overthrow Shaurya should she say something against him.

“I can handle him, at least I think I can.”

“That’s not very reassuring. Just to remind you, he is exceptionally good at manipulation and far more powerful.” Mr. Kazmi added thoughtfully, aiding her brother.

“He needs me,” Naina mentioned dismissing their worry. She was safe at least for the time being. “That I know for sure.”

“What does he need you for?” Samraat urged.

“That I do not know.” She said in a low voice.

Mr. Kazmi turned his head to look at the closed door. “I should go and check up on them. If what you say is true, we need to be wary of her and stay on guard more than ever.” Being said that he nodded, took his jacket, and walked out of their conversation.

“What if he tries to hurt you after you are no longer required to him?” Her brother tried to put his thoughts into her, still not willing to digest the fact.

It was that one thought that kept Naina awake night after night. Recently, she has been feeling a bit odd around him, not necessarily bad but odd, a feeling she can’t exactly pinpoint. It was like her magic was trying to regard her and inform her about something important. Like a fool, she wasn’t able to comprehend.

“He won’t.”

“How can you be certain?”

“Something connects us. Him and I.” She looked at his portrait straight in the eyes and spoke. “I can feel it.”