Aryan sat by the riverbank, his figure silhouetted against the soft glow of the moonlight. The night air was cool, carrying the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant hum of insects. He stared at the rippling water, his reflection distorted, much like the thoughts swirling in his mind. The weight of his victory hung heavy on his shoulders, an irony that puzzled him. This was the moment he had longed for, the culmination of years of effort, yet unease crept into his chest.
The crunch of footsteps on gravel broke his reverie. Aryan glanced over his shoulder and saw Nandini walking toward him. She wore her usual confidence, but her gaze was searching, filled with quiet concern. Without a word, she sat beside him, her presence as steady and grounding as the earth beneath them.Neither of them said a word for hours. The silence was not uncomfortable, it was charged with unspoken feelings. Nandini finally spoke up. "You have been sitting here for hours," she whispered, her voice both questioning and anxious.
"What is it, Aryan?
Aryan breathed, his breath shaky.
"I should be glad," he said, his voice softer than it usually was.
"I won the competition. I deserved all the hard work that I had been putting into for years. But...""But?"
Nandini prompted, tilting her head to catch his expression.
Aryan found it difficult to put into words what was happening in his mind. "But instead of being glad, I feel. restless. Like something isn't right. Like something bad is about to happen.
"Nandini furrowed her brows.
"This doesn't sound like you," she said softly. "You've always been so self-assured, so certain of what you want. Why should you feel like this now?
"Aryan turned towards her, and his eyes told her the fragility that he rarely allowed anyone to see. "Do you know why I've been so desperate to win?"
"To prove yourself," Nandini said instantly, a sharp edge to her voice. "To show everyone what you can do.He nodded slowly. "It's more than that. I made a deal with Baba. If I won, he'd let me leave the tribe.
"Nandini blinked in shock. "Leave? You want to leave?"
"Yes," Aryan said definitively, his voice barely carrying an undertone of hesitation.
But why?" Her voice cracked a little. "All of what you need is here. Your friends, your family, your position in the tribe. Why on earth would you want to leave all of this?Aryan stood abruptly, pacing a few steps before turning back to her. "You don't understand," he said, frustration edging his voice.
"You've only known me for five years. I've lived here for twenty-eight. My whole life, I've watched others—Viraj, Arjun, Satya—leave and explore the world. But not me. I've always been told no. Always been kept here. Why? What are they hiding from me?
"Nandini stood up, her fists clenching. "Maybe they are trying to protect you, Aryan! Did that ever occur to you? The world outside is not a safe place. It's cruel and unpredictable. You have everything here. Why isn't that enough for you?
He came closer as he saw the tears well up in her eyes. His voice became softer, his tone low. "It is not about what I possess, Nandini. It is about who I am.
There is something about me-something they do not want me to know. And I need to find out what it is."Nandini turned away and kept blinking her tears back. "And what about us?" she asked softly.
Aryan reached out, gently lifting her chin so she would meet his eyes. "You once told me you'd always stand by me," he said softly. "I need you to do that now. Tomorrow, I'm leaving. I don't know when I'll be back, but I promise you this: I won't leave without seeing your smile. That's what I want to carry with me.Her lips trembled as she tried to smile through her tears.
"You'll come back," she said, more a plea than a statement.
"I will," Aryan promised.Without thinking, he pulled her into his arms.
Nandini stiffened for a moment, surprised, but then she melted into the embrace, holding onto him as though he were her lifeline.The following morning, Aryan stood in the clearing near the edge of the tribe, all his belongings packed neatly into a bag slung over his shoulder.
Viraj stood beside him, silent but determined."Thanks for coming with me," Aryan said, his voice filled with emotion.
"This journey would feel impossible without you.
"Viraj patted him on the back reassuringly and bestowed on him a smile. "Did you really think I'd let you face this all alone?
We've been through too much for this, don't you think?The two of them approached the Queen, who sat with the air of all regal authority. Aryan bent before her to bow his head deeply in respect.
"Rani Maa," he said, "I seek your blessing for leaving the tribe and accomplish the task you have laid upon me.The queen's face was unreadable as she looked at him. "Aryan," she said, her voice calm but tinted with concern, "the world beyond our borders is fraught with danger. Are you ready for what lies ahead?"
"I am," Aryan said, determined. He met her gaze.The Queen let out a sigh, and a fragile smile crossed her stoic face. "You have always been brave, Aryan. But bravery needs to be mingled with wisdom.
Be cautious and protect the people accompanying you."Just then, Arjun, Satya, and Keshav appeared at the door, their faces decided."We are coming along with you," Arjun announced, his voice firm.Gratitude followed his shock. Aryan stepped forward and embraced each of them one after another, his voice filled with emotion. "Thanks," he said. "To have you all there by my side means a lot more than I can put into words."The Queen looked at them now. "Together, you will be stronger.
Be on the lookout for each other. The road ahead is fraught with danger, but I trust in your courage and unity.
Before leaving, Aryan sought his father. Aloka was working in the small workshop he used to make tools. The thick scent of wood shavings and resin filled the room, and the rhythmic sound of Aloka's chisel biting into wood constantly filled the room. In spite of the steady hands, Aryan could detect the tension in his father's posture-the slight hunch in his shoulders, the tension in his lips, which pressed down in a thin line."Baba," Aryan said softly stepping into the warm glow of the workshop.Aloka froze for a moment and then slowly looked up, his gaze softening over the sight of his son; it was laced with worry underneath.
"Aryan" he said, putting away his tools. "You are leaving soon." This was said in a voice imbued with gravity, so deep only years of acquired wisdom and unspoken love can be.Aryan nodded, swallowing a growing lump in his throat. "I wanted to ask you for your blessing before I go," he said, his voice lower than he intended.Aloka inched forward, his aged hands extending to embrace Aryan's shoulders strongly. He looked into Aryan's face, almost as if he were imprinting each feature in his mind. "You have my benediction, my son," Aloka declared in a steady voice, heavy with emotion. "And my trust. Remember, whatever you have to face, you hold with you the power of this tribe-and your family, too.Aryan's throat constricted further, and for a moment, he had no words. Then he said, "I won't let you down, Baba."Aloka's grip on Aryan's shoulders tightened for just a moment before he released his grip, letting his hands drop to his sides.
"I know," he said simply, though his eyes betrayed a deeper fear.
"Just... remember to come back. Whatever you find out there, Aryan, this is your home. Always.
Aryan nodded, unable to speak past the wave of emotion threatening to break over him. He turned to leave, but just as he was stepping through the door, Aloka called out, his voice softer now."Aryan?"
"Yes, Baba?"
"I am proud of you."The words hit Aryan like a blow to the chest, filling him with a warmth he hadn't realized he needed. He turned back, offering a faint but heartfelt smile before stepping out into the cool evening air.
A few steps away from Matri, Aryan hesitated. He had always loved his mother, but today, her silence spoke volumes. The distance between them seemed to stretch endlessly.
He stepped forward, determination in his heart, and bowed before her. His voice was soft, but it carried the weight of years of longing.
"Ma, I seek your blessings for Keshav and me. We are going to set out on a journey, and I want to ensure that we are safe. Please bless us."
Matri's gaze shifted from Aryan to Keshav, and Aryan felt an uncomfortable tightening in his chest. His eyes flicked to Keshav's face, then back to Matri. He didn't need to be told.
The unspoken truth was clear in her expression.Keshav, oblivious to the silent conversation between them, had stepped forward with a hopeful look in his eyes, waiting for Matri's approval. But Aryan understood.
Matri's silent refusal to bless him wasn't just a mother's concern for her son's safety; it was something deeper, something more painful. She had never truly accepted Aryan as one of her own, and in that moment, Aryan could feel the full weight of her coldness.Aryan's heart sank, and the raw ache of that rejection, so subtle yet so real, crushed him. He stood there for a moment, letting the silence stretch between them before he forced a smile onto his face.
"Ma, I promise I'll take care of Keshav. This is his first time out in the world, and I'll make sure nothing happens to him.".
I will guard him with my life," he said, his voice steady, though the pain in his chest was evident.Keshav, who had been watching Aryan intently, stepped forward with a bright smile. He placed his hand on Aryan's shoulder, offering silent reassurance. Then, turning to Matri, Keshav spoke with unwavering confidence,
"Ma, I want to go. I need to see the world outside, to understand what lies beyond these walls. And you don't need to worry. Aryan is with me. We'll take care of each other.Matri's eyes softened, but the years of unspoken bitterness between her and Aryan lingered. She reached out and gently cupped Keshav's face in her hands. A soft smile formed on her lips as she kissed his forehead, the gesture filled with love and sorrow.Aryan stood there, locked in place, watching them.
His heart twisted in a painful knot as he watched Matri shower Keshav with affection, warmth that was in her touch and love in her eyes, something that hurt more than anything he had ever experienced in his life. He always knew that Matri would never let go of her love for Keshav, but to see this laid bare, so raw, so unguarded, made him feel invisible. Like a shadow within his own home.His breath caught in his throat, but he kept the smile on his face, though it was like a mask, a hollow shell of the peace he pretended to feel. He could not let Keshav see his pain; so he stood there quietly, observing them, while knowing that Keshav was receiving something Aryan would never get—something he had wanted for so long but never to be given: his mother's unconditional love.Keshav stepped back from Matri, his face beaming with love.
"Don't worry, Ma. We'll be back before you know it. Just trust me."Matri nodded, her eyes shining with silent tears. She leaned forward and kissed Keshav's forehead once more, her hands remaining on his skin as she whispered, "Take care of yourself, my son. And take care of each other.
As Keshav turned to leave, he glanced back at Aryan, giving him a reassuring smile. But Aryan couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed. He was no longer just Keshav's protector. Keshav had grown, and now he was the one who needed to protect Matri—her love, her hope, everything Aryan had never been able to receive.And then Matri's gaze met Aryan's, just for a fleeting moment, and in that instant, he saw the truth. Her eyes held a mixture of regret and distance, and it tore at Aryan's heart. It wasn't just about Keshav leaving; it was about Aryan, the son she had never fully embraced. The son she had only tolerated, and not the one she had dreamed of raising.
Aryan stood there, frozen, his smile faltering. He wanted to turn and walk away, but his legs felt rooted to the ground. He could never be the son she wanted. He could never be Keshav. And that realization hurt more than anything he had ever felt.Keshav, feeling the uncomfortable silence between them, instinctively reached out and gently put his reassuring hand on Aryan's shoulder.
"Let's go," he whispered, trying to ease the tension that had settled in the air.
Preparing to leave the tribe, Aryan, Keshav, and Satya stepped out into an unknown world beyond the protection of familiar horizons. As the very moment was setting when they were about to leave, a voice called out and stopped Aryan in his tracks.
"Aryan!"
Nandini's voice trembled, sounding urgent. She stepped toward him, her eyes wet. "How can you leave without even greeting me?" she asked, trying to sound both frustrated and pained.
"Yes, indeed!" Vaishali turned toward Viraj. "Can you think of doing this, bhai, leave without meeting us? Just like that?"
As Nandini stood in front of Aryan, Vaishali looked over at Satya, who caught her eye with a small smile that said much without a single word.
Aryan turned to Nandini, his face softening. "We weren't going without saying goodbye," he said gently. "We just thought it might be easier not to see you before we left." His voice had a tinge of sadness.
"Otherwise. we might not have been able to go."Nandini's frustration gave way to something deeper, and her eyes searched his.
"Do you really think that makes it any better?" she whispered.Aryan didn't respond. Instead, he stepped closer, his hand rising to her face. He cupped her cheek with a tenderness that made her breath catch. "I didn't want to make it harder for you," he said quietly, his thumb brushing her skin.
"But maybe. I was only trying to make it easier for me."
For a moment, everything around them disappeared. It was like time itself had stilled, leaving only the two of them locked in this shared, unspoken moment. Their eyes remained fixed on one another, the weight of their connection growing heavier with every passing second. The world around them faded; it was just Aryan and Nandini, caught in the gravity of their feelings.
"Let's go, Aryan," Satya's voice broke through the stillness, calling him back to reality.
Aryan blinked, his hand reluctantly slipping away from Nandini's face. He turned slightly to glance at Satya but didn't move just yet. Instead, he looked back at Nandini, his expression a mixture of longing and quiet resolve. "Take care of yourself," he said softly, his voice laced with an unspoken promise.
Nandini's heart raced in her chest, her emotions overwhelming her. She wanted to say something, to stop him, but her words failed her. She could only stand there, her eyes following him as he turned to leave.
As Aryan began to walk away, his steps slow and deliberate, Nandini's heartbeat grew louder in her ears. She felt an inexplicable ache in her chest, a heaviness she couldn't understand. Why did it feel so hard to let him go? Why did it feel as though something was slipping away from her, something precious?
Aryan, too, felt a strange unease as he moved farther from her. Each step felt heavier like he was walking against an invisible force pulling him back. He glanced down at his hand, and his heart skipped a beat.
Resting in his palm was a delicate anklet—Nandini's anklet. He hadn't even realized he was holding it.
Flashback starts
The flashback begins with the colors of a fair held in an untamed village. Laughing faces are there in the midst, with each stall radiating a freshness of colors, sweets ,and air. Nandini moves around with her friends-Vaishali too-present all around. "See the anklet; it looks so gorgeous," says Nandini pointing towards one delicate silver anklet, sold on one vendor's stall.
"Yes, it is really amazing!" Vaishali agrees, admiring it side by side with her.
Aryan, standing a little distance away, catches Nandini's attention. He freezes for a moment, his eyes lingering on her face. A soft, involuntary smile spreads across his lips as he watches her, lost in her excitement."This is too pricey," Nandini tells the vendor after looking at the price tag. "Can you lower it a bit?"The vendor shakes her head with a polite smile. "Sorry, dear, but that's already fair. Can't go lower than that."Nandini's face falls. With a disappointed sigh, she placed the anklet back on the stand and walked away with even slower steps.
Aryan's eyes followed the receding figure, and for a fleeting moment, there was a glint of resolve on his face.When she has gone, Aryan turns to the vendor. He takes the anklet, looks at it for a moment, and smiles slightly. He buys it without a word, putting it into his pocket with great care.
That night, moonlight falls softly on the river bank where Nandini sits quietly, her feet above the cool water. Distant sounds of the fair have faded away, leaving the gentle rustle of the river in the stillness. Aryan comes up behind her, walking softly till he is close enough to speak."What are you thinking about?" he asks, breaking the silence.Nandini looks up, taken aback for a moment before she gives him a weak smile. "Oh, nothing...just looking at this view. Isn't it beautiful? There is so much peace in nature. It feels calmer."
Aryan smiles faintly, his eyes never leaving her face. "You find happiness in such little things," he says softly.
She tilts her head and laughs lightly. "I've learned to find joy in the small things. It makes life better."
He chuckles. "Well, I have something that might make you happy."
Her eyes brighten with curiosity. "Really? What is it?" she asks eagerly.
Without a word, Aryan pulls out the anklet from his pocket, holding it up so the moonlight catches its shimmer. Nandini's face lights up with surprise and delight. "This... this is the same anklet from the fair, isn't it?Aryan doesn't say anything at first. He just kneels down before Nandini, his movements slow and deliberate. He reaches for her foot, lifting it gently with such tenderness that it takes her by surprise. Nandini's heart skips a beat, and she feels her breath catch in her throat.
She's too stunned to speak, the weight of the moment sinking in, her pulse quickening with each passing second.With careful hands, Aryan takes the anklet and places it delicately around her ankle. His touch is soft and reverent, as if he's handling something precious, something sacred. Nandini's eyes flutter closed, her chest tightening as a strange warmth spreads through her body. She's never felt anything like this before—a mix of vulnerability and connection, as if the world around them has faded away, leaving just the two of them in this intimate space.When Aryan finishes, he looks up at her, his gaze intense and filled with something unspoken.
He cups her face with one hand, his fingers brushing gently against her skin. Nandini's breath hitches as she opens her eyes and meets his gaze. There's a stillness between them, an unspoken understanding that passes through the air like a silent promise. Time seems to slow down, the sounds of the world around them growing distant. All she can hear is the rhythm of her own heartbeat, louder now than the rushing river nearby.They stay like that for a long moment, neither of them moving, neither of them willing to break the connection that feels so fragile yet so powerful. In that instant, it's as if nothing else matters—no expectations, no obligations—just the raw, undeniable pull between them.Finally, Aryan lowers her foot, but instead of standing, he kneels again, his hands steady as he reaches for her other foot. The way he touches her, so careful, so gentle, makes Nandini's breath catch once more. His fingers trace the curve of her ankle before securing the anklet in place. She can't look away from him, her eyes locked on his, her heart racing in her chest, each thud louder than the last.
As he finishes, Aryan remains close, his gaze never leaving hers. There's a quiet tension in the air, a kind of electricity that passes between them, making the space around them feel charged. Nandini's mind is a whirl of emotions—confusion, desire, longing—yet in this moment, all she knows is the way her heart beats for him, louder than the world around them.
"Nandini! Nandini!". Vaishali called Nandini
The spell breaks, and Nandini blinks and realizes how close they are. Flustered, she pulls her feet and stands up hastily. "I... I need to go!" she stammers before turning and rushing away.
"Nandini, wait!" Aryan calls after her, but she's already gone.As he looks at her vanishing into the darkness, his eyes drop to the ground where one of the anklets is lying. He picks up the anklet and smiles, looking at it fondly before tucking it into his pocket like a treasured memory.
Flashback end.
In the present, Nandini watches Aryan leave the village, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Closing them tightly, she whispers a silent prayer, her voice trembling. "Dear God, please protect Aryan. Don't let any harm come to him." Little did they know that their lives were about to face a storm.