Time didn't disappoint them. Or maybe it was Dahlia.
Seeing the layers of frustration in everyone and the question the still remained in the tips of their tongues, little Nitiya took it up to herself and posed before Lia the question of the millennium.
" Mommy, if you're willing to fight alongside Uncle Soham and Auntie Kaya and you want them to fight as well then what is it that you are actually opposing?? What was wrong when they wanted to fight for revenge??? "
" Revenge!! No Nitiya, there is nothing wrong with revenge. Infact, there's nothing better than revenge. "
Even with that said, the note of surprise in Lia's tone at the mention of revenge didn't pass unnoticed.
"But there is no bigger crime then' Bloodlust'."
" Bloodlust??? When did we ever said anything about bloodlust, Lia??? We only asked for revenge." Soham's spontaneous response only earned him a tender and caring smile which much to his annoyance further intensified his confusion.
" Lia do you even realize that you're not making any sense of your own words but, you're going circles between revenge and bloodlust. " Brother Fernandez's frustrated conclusion sincerely hit the nail on the head without him even knowing that.
" You're both right and wrong at the same time, Brother. I know that I'm tugging you all between revenge and bloodlust because that's exactly where we are all stuck at the given moment. But, I do know what I'm saying. It's just that you all aren't clear headed enough to understand that."
In the deep settled silence where everyone began to questioning their resolves, a crisp childish voice unlocked the doors of every blocked minds with his innocence.
" Mommy, what's the difference between ' Revenge ' and ' Bloodlust '??? "
Lia's pride was on cloud nine. After all, no matter what she was, above all she was a mother. And seeing their children progress right before their eyes is a proud moment for every parent and Lia was no different.
However, what was a moment of pride for Lia, was a moment of shock for the others.
Literally...
' Difference between Revenge and Bloodlust??? ' Nakash's innocent words served as a massive blow and resonated in every mind, shaking the foundation of their principles.
In the meantime, instead of answering Nakash immediately, Lia chose to remain silent while her eyes wondered across everyone, capturing the subtle changes in their expressions and gestures.
Throwing them into the heart of choas, Lia waited for that person to throw in the final piece of her puzzle.
She waited for their realisation....
A few moments in silence after which, Soham gave in.
" Why Lia??? " Was all he asked but, the realisation behind those two words was immeasurable.
And he was right...
Because according to Lia's words, she wanted them to fight, she herself was there to fight alongside them, she was asking for revenge and said herself that revenge was right, then why was it wrong when they asked for revenge?? Why was their revenge not revenge but, was termed as bloodlust??? Where were they wrong and what exactly was the difference between 'Revenge ' and ' Bloodlust'??
Lia gave him a pained smile as if she was seeing an innocence being ruthlessly obscened. Fresh tears rolled down from her rims as she revealed an ancient atrocity.
" Because Brother Soham in reality, it's not revenge that fails to serve justice.
It's not revenge that fails to teach our society a lesson.
It's not revenge that fails give back to our society.
It's not revenge that fails to satisfy the soul of its seeker.
It's not revenge that's self centred.
It's not revenge that fails to come to an end.
It's not revenge that turns it's seeker into a criminal of the same degree.
It's not revenge that has no purpose.
It's not revenge that has no mercy.
It's not revenge that has no feelings.
It's not revenge that after defeat doesn't sympathsize with its enemies.
It's not revenge that doesn't have the power to release it's enemies from their cursed life and forgive them for a second chance.
It's merely a thirst for blood. "
Lia's words were cold and dignified yet, filled with subtle emotions, capturing her audience in a beautiful illusion.
Everyone hung on to her every word as they tried to process this new definition of revenge.
" Ask youselves, did what you seeked had these qualities, if not then what's the point?? You're no different from them.
Nakash asked me what's the difference between ' Revenge ' and ' Bloodlust ', so here is my answer and they are my proof. " Lia said pointing outside at the triplets.
" How are the Viento triplets your proof, Auntie?? What's revenge and bloodlust got to do with them?? "
" It has * Everything * to do with them Saaransh. There was a time just like today when they were also facing some dare situations. Just like today, even they had the same choices however, they chose bloodlust instead of revenge and committed some of the most barbaric crimes which were not only heinous but also beyond any survival principles. Innocents were slaughtered, balance of power was jeopardised and survival became a threat. One of their many crimes was the death of your grandparents, dear. "
" Lia, you said that revenge has purpose and they had purpose, so why did you reject them?? They wanted to fight for the loss of their parents."
" Purpose Sister-in-law!! Really!! In that case, you'll be disappointed to know that your answer hides in your question. "
" Meaning?? "
" It means that they wanted to fight because they lost their parents, not because of the injustice their parents suffered nor for their painful end. And do you believe sister-in-law,that it would have satisfied their quench? "
Surbhi was left tounge-tied. She knew better than any how much hatred her husband harboured against the triplets and the pain he suffers because of the loss of his parents.
" Speaking of the triplets, let's consider for a while that what my cousins want is right and they succeed tonight, then what??? What will they do after that?? I believe by now you have realised that the triplets aren't alone, so what will you do against the others??? If tonight, the triplets met their end at your hands, then their superiors will step in. What of that?? "
Behind Lia's tear drenched face was a devil's smrik.
Her plan was beinging to take form as time happens to slowly tick away even from her.
Everyone remembered what Nitiya said about the triplets, their superior and the Infinity Being, giving Saaransh his chance to ask what has been on his mind for quite a while.
Saaransh : " Hey Nitiya!! When we were at the terrace overveiwing the situation you couldn't control the Viento triplets, then how were you able to read their minds and gain control over them later?? "
Nitiya : " In all honesty, you couldn't find a better moment than this to ask such stupid question??? "
Saaransh : " Just asking, besides everyone's busy remembering what to said, so in that sense my timing is prefect. "
Nakash : " Hehehe.. "
Nitiya : " Why don't you need to remember what I said?? "
Saaransh : " Nah!! I know them byheart. Now tell me!!! "
Nitiya : " Wish you showed so much interest in doing your homework anyways, to answer your question I was told by someone not to focus on controlling the situation but, to focus on my powers. It told me to feel my powers, to remove my fear and have self-confidence. That just because I have never confrontated something like this before doesn't make me anything less to tackle it. And you know what, it was absolutely right. The moment I touched down my powers I was able gain control of them. "
Nakash : " Whose voice was that ?? "
Nitiya : " None we know. At first I thought it was my inner voice, then I realized it wasn't. But, whoever it was, it gave us a big help. "
Saaransh : " When did this happen?? "
Nitiya : " Just before Nakash created the time bubble. "
Saaransh : " Hmm..I wonder who was feeling so generous?? "
Before Nitiya had a chance to react on Saaransh's comment, Brother Fernandez's words interrupted them.
" I know that they're here for your necklace Lia but, still I want to why are they after us?? "
" I'm sorry Brother, your asking the wrong question to the wrong person. " Lia replied with a helpless smile.
" Wrong person!! If you can't answer this question then who'll answer?? " Surprise was explicit on not just on Brother Fernandez but, to the rest as well.
" Lia, I'm begging you!! Please stop beating around the bush!!! What do you mean you don't know ?? You're the only one who knows everything. " Soham snapped at Lia. He knew Lia's words had a great inner meaning but, at this moment he was dangerously close to losing his final strand of patience.
Lia's eyes sparkled with excitement as the argument heated up.
" Your wrong again Brother. How would I know the reality of this situation when the one's who lost their parents because of it are you both?? "
Lia words set off massive bomb. This time even the elders trembled under its impact.
' Lia!! Bless you, My Child!! Bless you!! You proved it that your mother wasn't wrong when she said you were the greatest blessing that the Almighty ever gave. And not just to her but, to the entire creation. ' Tears of grief crushed the barriers of patience as Nani rememberd her daughter's words.