The central university library was lively outside, the corridors filled with greenery and occasional student banters– the inside was peaceful with tons of books, arranged in many never ending rows and high shelves; Huge hall with a silver chandelier and hanging lights, morning sunlight was filtering through the windows… casting a golden glow across the hall mixed with the lights of chandelier .There were many students and researchers inside seriously and silently indulged in their respective works.
On a simple desk, Samay sat down typing and writing his thesis in his MacBook. But his thoughts were not here on the research but the conversation with Ritu last night.
“Bhayam ga undi Samay! Eppude kaadu yeppatiki… Naaku yem cheyalo… nuvvunt aagundu…” (I am scared Samay! Not now, but every time…. I don’t know what to do… I wish you were here...) Ritu’s sobs were still in his mind from the last night’s late confessions, he couldn’t concentrate on his work, “Samay?” A girl’s call brought him out of thoughts – “Prof. Chatterjee is calling you!” She informed him… He sighed and made his way to professor’s room.
Before entering the room, he straightened his appearance; his glasses were perched and removed the rolls of his black sleeves and tucked his shirt much more perfect. “May I come in ma’am?” He slowly opened the door, “Yeah come in Samay” Mrs. Sandhya Chatterjee answered while her eyes were already in some ancient manuscripts checking the thoroughly. She was in a simple printed cotton saree, her gray hair was made into a neat bun, there were numerous achievements and awards on the display behind which belongs to her and the department of Archaeology and Anthropology. Her chamber has dark colours on wall with two huge bookshelves on sides, her desk was with some maps of ancient world and scrolls, small tree pots on sides of room and a huge window was on the other side of room filtering the sunlight.
“You called me ma’am?” Samay asked politely. “You told some of your friends were in trouble?” She came to the pointed lifting her gaze from the manuscripts in hands. “Yeah, but they couldn’t make it today because of an unexpected disturbance.” “Unexpected? Any bad omen again?”
“Yes, ma’am.”; “Hmm… Looks like that Yaksha is playing very well with them every time when they are trying to get away from him” She leaned back in her chair, removing her reading glasses.
“But answer me this Samay, if the problem is for your friends, why you are looking tensed and concerned?” She raised her brows. “No, nothing like that ma’am, it’s just a friendly concern for them not too deep” Samay masked his expressions.
“Mr. Chatterjee? Amake mithye bolo na, ami tomar maa, tomar bhetorta dekhte pachchhi” (Mr. Chatterjee? Don’t lie to me, I am your mother and can see you through.”) Her expression turned more like schooling a kid. “Maa...” Samay grunted.
“So decent huh? Not rolling the sleeves, buttoning the shirt, tucking shirt more than ever? I knew my son has tendency to appear perfect when he is imbalance emotionally” she said cooly placing her chin on the popped elbow on desk.
Samay’s jews clenched and gave a tight look to her. “Haa, I am now tensed and not in a good position...” He admitted. “kar jonno bolo? Tomar sei girlfriend-”, “Maa…” He sneered. (Oh really? For your girlfriend-) “okay fine Shona, why to hide when I can see you through?” She teased.
“Maa please…. Stop already!” He huffed crossing his arms. “Okay bola na?” She chuckled; “Achcha let me ask you a question, what happened then, where are they and yes will you introduce your girlfriend anytime soon? I want to see her” she maintained her teasing tone.
“They are literally in a huge mess, and you are so cool about it? How that works for you maa?”
He scowled with irritation. “I know that well, I just wanted chill up the mood of yours, don’t give me that irritated expression”, “Why did you called me, you called me for that right?” He sat cross the desk. “Yeah, because the Yaksha Bhairava is not an ordinary malevolent creature to haunt or target random people, there is ritual or should I say a chanting to summon or provoke him.” Her tone shifted to a little seriousness.
“Ritual you say?” Samay stiffened. “Yeah, a ritual, specifically. Because even there are very less records or information about his existence, his presence is often told as a commanding. Ethereal and strong – from inside and outside.” Sandhya told sighing. “I don’t think they would do that? Ritu- I mean they barely go to temple.” He feigned. “This thing has nothing to do with going to temple. Besides, it’s about summoning in any place but on a particular time and, a particular day.”
“What...” That word came almost like a lost whisper from his lips. “Once you need to look at the possibilities Shona” her voice trailed a little softer. “But maa, Ritu is not that kind of girl or either of those girls according to what I listened from her” He leaned forward on the desk.
“Getting comfortable about her in front of me?” she raised her brow. “Maa yaar, it’s just saying!” His was clearly irritated now. “Well, one word we can talk about that later, now listen as you were saying this is a serious issue. Ask her whether they have chanted or encountered anything strange in these three months. If they don’t- find out on your own” her words became more serious.
“But... okay let me ask her or, wait why you yourself ask them?” He asked in a suggestive tone.
“I did ask them to come, right?”, “Ritu’s feet got twisted, maybe they would come tomorrow.” He mumbled. “Bring them as soon as possible, the situations might worst if they don’t find any solution” her expression went more solemn. “Maa... is this more than that appears?” he got up from the chair. “Maybe, and don’t ask anything now, I will explain it along with them.”
Samay was now concerned and conflicted for Ritu and the other girls. “Samay, don’t be late to home tonight” she said before he left the room. “Late” he muttered looking over his shoulder while walking back to the door. “Typical single child” she shrugged off and resumed her work of checking manuscripts- which were actually about the looming danger.
The thing which Professor Sandhya Chatterjee herself didn’t admitted was- this benevolent creature, is far more dangerous and manipulative to even see a solution and might has a plan to cause a havoc in the lives of those girls, most importantly, these omens are just a feather light thing, and he was actually playing with them…. And one day, one day he will show up and confront those girls on his own- that day? They are done with hiding or pretending everything to be normal. But for now, he chose to be in the shadows.
Hey guys!! JUST A NORMAL thing asking for a follow, share and like te book. For more updates!!
Write a comment ...