Aahan followed Gurudev through the gleaming corridors of the facility. The walls around them hummed with otherworldly energy, and strange symbols were adorned on the surfaces. Characters that were similar to the ones etched all around his bandaged arm.
In a way, Aahan realised that the glyphs were ancient mantras or enchantments, created to keep the demons or whatever that Ahur radiation was, away from the facility.
As they walked, Aahan couldn't help but notice the reverence that filled the air. Everyone they passed, be it the other sages or the doctors, bowed their heads respectfully as Gurudev moved by.
The atmosphere was thick with adoration, and Aahan felt a sense of awe and humbleness wash over him. There was no doubt that Gurudev's presence commanded respect, and it was evident that he held a position of great importance within this place after seeing how everyone was literally bowing to him.
However, as Aahan continued down the corridors, he couldn't ignore the uneasy glances cast in his direction. The same people who bowed to Gurudev in respect seemed to regard Aahan with fear and disgust.
'What did I ever do to these people?' Aahan thought.
It wasn't the first time he had encountered people who viewed him like he was a monster. Hell, Aahan had been portrayed as a monster for a long time and had gotten used to ignoring people who threw dirty looks at him.
Besides, Aahan's main concern was Vivaan and ensuring that he was safe. Not the hostility shown to him by the rest of the people there.
He quickened his pace to keep up with Gurudev, his eyes fixed on the sage's back. He tried to block out the stares and the whispers that seemed to follow him, focusing instead on the reassuring presence of the old sage.
"We're here," Gurudev mumbled before gesturing towards a massive room.
Following Gurudev's guidance, Aahan entered the surveillance room, and the heavy door closed behind them. The room was bathed in a soft, bluish light, and a row of monitors displayed various views of the facility.
Aahan's attention was drawn to one screen, which showed Vivaan in the chamber where he was supposed to be healing.
"That's where Vivaan is," Gurudev said, his voice offering a comforting presence. "You can watch over him from here and know he is safe."
Aahan stepped closer to the screen, his heart swelling with mixed emotions. There, lying in the chamber, was Vivaan, his brother who had always believed in him when no one else did.
Vivaan's eyes were closed, and his breathing was steady. However, his entire body was suspended in a liquid chamber, with dozens of pipes running to and from his body.
"He looks... peaceful," Aahan whispered, his voice filled with gratitude. "Thank you... for saving us."
Gurudev nodded, his gaze kind. "Yes, he is, and he will be well taken care of there until he is as good as new."
Aahan settled into a chair before the screen, his eyes never leaving Vivaan's suspended body. He was grateful for the opportunity to watch over his brother and know he was safe and in capable hands.
"Those tubes-"
"Like you, Vivaan was also exposed to heavy Ahur radiation," Gurudev explained. "However, his body couldn't adapt to the radiation. As a result, we have to force the radiation out of his body from the inside."
"What do you mean? I... didn't do anything to adapt to the radiation."
"That's what I'm interested in," Gurudev replied, sitting beside Aahan. "Apart from me, there are only a handful of people, six to be exact, who can take the full brunt of the radiation without blinking twice."
Gurudev continued, "That's why I want to know if you're one of us... a Chiranjeevi?"
"A what?"
As soon as Aahan showed signs of being confused, Gurudev's face fell, but only for a moment as he patted Aahan on the back.
"It is nothing you should be concerned about now," Gurudev said. "For now, you can spend as much time as you want with Vivaan."
Aahan nodded, focusing his attention back on Vivaan. Now that his mind was free, Aahan couldn't help but replay the interactions in the corridors in his mind.
He had expected respect for Gurudev from the staff, but the fear and disgust he had sensed from the others puzzled him. It weighed on his thoughts, a shadow of unease that he couldn't shake. Finally, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Aahan turned to Gurudev.
"Can I ask you something?" he asked.
"Of course, my child, speak your mind," Gurudev replied.
"Do you have any... idea why the rest were looking at me like that?" Aahan asked again, his voice low and filled with uncertainty. "Like I was some kind of monster?"
Gurudev regarded Aahan with a thoughtful expression. He had expected Aahan to raise a question like that. But nonetheless, Gurudev decided to quell his curiosity.
"You must understand, Aahan," he began, his words measured, "the people here have not encountered someone like you in a long time. Your presence reminds them of a world they have long sought to forget."
"Someone like me?" Aahan frowned, his confusion deepening. "I don't understand."
Gurudev leaned forward, his eyes meeting Aahan's with a reassuring gaze while pointing towards his bandaged arm.
"You are an anomaly, Aahan," he explained. "A human from the mortal realm shouldn't be able to co-exist with something demonic within themselves.
Gurudev continued, "That tongue of Asura... it should have killed you, like a parasite eating its host from the inside. But your body somehow managed to tame it while you were unconscious."
"What?" Aahan exclaimed, shocked at the revelation, but Gurudev wasn't done yet.
"Yes, and because the people here have distanced themselves from that world, from the battles and conflicts in the demonic realm." Gurudev continued, "Your presence, or the thing within your arm, to be precise, serves as a reminder of that world, stirs fear and discomfort among them."
"They think I'm a demon?" Aahan mumbled, as he stared into his arm.
"In a way... yes. Your ability to absorb Ahur radiation which should have been enough to kill a dozen humans, didn't do you any favours either. It only firmed everyone's resolve to call you a demon." Gurudev finished speaking.
Aahan absorbed Gurudev's words, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. He could be a demon? Even that thought was absurd. But then again, as he remembered everything that had happened in his life.. maybe it was true.
Gurudev placed a reassuring hand on Aahan's shoulder. "What others think of you is not a reflection of you, Aahan. It is a reflection of their own fears and insecurities. I have seen and fought against countless demons, and I can assure you, you're not one of them."
Aahan nodded, but Gurudev's words felt nothing more than false reassurances. After all, everything pointed towards him being a demon or at least having some sort of a relationship with them.
"If you don't mind, I would like to ask you a question as well," Gurudev asked, his expression as calm as ever.
"Anything..."
"How did you even find the fissure leading to the Rastala¹ Loka, the demonic realm?"
"It might sound odd... but I followed a smell to the alley and-"
Suddenly Gurudev grabbed Aahan by the shoulders, yanking him out of his seat and staring straight into his eyes. The calm-looking Gurudev looked bewildered now as if Aahan had revealed the secret of the universe to him.
"A smell? What kind of smell?"
***
Chapter Glossary:
Rastala Loka: The realm of monsters or, in other words, Asuras. These demons are considered eternal enemies or foes to the Gods in heaven.