Verdin became restless. He ran to his mom. "Mom, something's happening to me", showed his shoulder and side of his torso. Maviya, who was doing her daily chores in kitchen, suddenly became aware of her son. She saw the dead skin and was concerned "What happened dear? When did you notice it?". "Just now, mom", Verdin went on "Do something about it". She examined his body and the dead skin carefully "Maybe, due to the climate", she continued "Anyway let's see a doctor. We cannot trust any of the diseases these days, even a small fever."
"No, climate doesn't play a role here. This is not due to climate", Dheeraj was talking to Maviya after examining Verdin. "This is something else. We don't see such skin diseases frequently. But, don't worry, there is nothing serious about this. We should wait for his scan reports and blood test results to come. Let's deal with it after that". Maviya thanked the doctor and stood up to leave. "It's good to know that he doesn't feel itchy or scratchy about the skin", Dheeraj spoke again. "Oh! yes, at least he doesn't feel uncomfortable with it", Maviya replied in relief. "Ok, bye then. Call me, if he feels itchy about it", Dheeraj waved her goodbye.
The results and scan reports came in two days and nothing seemed fishy. The doctor was confused initially, but concluded it as a peculiar dust allergy. Verdin stayed home for two days and was restricted from playing football till the allergic signs disappeared. Everything was going normal again, till the dead skins turned blue, one day. It was a sky blue coloured dead skin. Now, everyone became concerned again and noticed the dead skin falling off naturally within a few minutes after the colouration. The skin under the dead one, after shedding off was normal. Doctors was unable to make a conclusion. Everybody seemed to be in awe. The situation became more alarmed, when dead skins started to form again on rest of his body. He stopped going to school. But, was forced to start going again. His life became miserable as the natives, classmates and even his juniors started mocking the ex-bully of the school. Moneev was the only friend who stood with him.
One fine day, as he was riding his bike with Moneev on the carrier, a well dressed lady approached them. "It's time for you to move. Be ready", she said to Verdin. "Sorry? I don't understand", Verdin replied in surprise. She grinned at him "You don't belong here in Odisha. You belong to a different place", she replied. "You are mistaken. I'm not the one you should be talking to", Verdin was irritated. The lady laughed. "Don't worry, you'll get to know everything soon. I'm Maya, Lady Maya", and she waved them goodbye. "Crazy lady", Moneev speaks as they begin their ride again. "Lady Maya", Verdin mocks.