The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting soft patterns across Aryan's desk. The celebration from the night before lingered faintly in his mind, but the weight of what lay ahead had already begun to take hold. The prelims were behind them, but the Mains examination loomed closer, and Aryan knew there was little time to waste.
Seated cross-legged on the floor of the courtyard, Aryan closed his eyes, letting the cool breeze wash over him. His breathing slowed, matching the faint rustle of leaves in the garden. Jimmy lay stretched beside him, occasionally lifting his head to watch Timmy, who circled overhead.
The courtyard was quiet, save for the occasional chirp of a distant bird. Aryan felt at peace in these moments, but beneath that serenity, a pulse of energy simmered just below the surface. His senses felt sharper, as if every sound and shift in the wind carried a distinct weight. This heightened awareness had become second nature, an extension of the abilities he had nurtured since his return from Meenangadi.
Smith's voice shattered the peace. "Why do you start every day like we're in an ancient monastery?" he grumbled, stepping outside with a cup of tea. "I'm pretty sure stretching and chanting won't help us write essays on economic policies."
Aryan cracked one eye open and smiled. "It helps me focus. You should try it."
"I'd rather sleep." Smith took a long sip, his eyes following Timmy's majestic flight. "That bird gets more exercise than I do."
Aryan chuckled and stood, brushing off his hands. "We're starting the study plan today. Aditi's helping us break down the syllabus."
Smith groaned dramatically. "Of course she is. Can't wait to be lectured by someone who treats this like mission control."
By mid-morning, the three of them sat around the dining table, a stack of books and printed notes spread between them. Aditi, as usual, was organized to a fault. She had highlighted key areas of the syllabus, marking timelines and breaking subjects into daily goals.
"Alright," she began, adjusting her glasses. "Mains is nothing like prelims. You need depth, analysis, and the ability to frame coherent arguments. Memorizing facts won't cut it."
Smith slouched in his chair. "Sounds fun. When's recess?"
Aditi ignored him, turning to Aryan. "You'll need to pick an optional subject. Any thoughts?"
Aryan thought for a moment. "Political Science or Law. Something relevant to IPS."
Smith leaned forward. "I'm thinking Sociology. Less technical, right?"
Aditi smirked. "It's only less technical if you actually study. Otherwise, it'll bury you just the same."
The seriousness of her tone wasn't lost on Aryan. The journey ahead was demanding, but he was determined. As they laid out their schedules, Aryan couldn't help but notice the unspoken pressure settling over them. Each passing day would bring them closer to the exam that could shape their futures.
Over the following week, the house transformed into a fortress of books and late-night discussions. Aryan and Smith divided their time between studying and physical training. Aryan's evenings were spent in quiet contemplation, pushing his body through Kalari exercises while Timmy perched silently nearby.
But even as the preparation intensified, Aryan noticed subtle shifts within himself. One evening, as Aryan flipped through his notes, he idly raised every piece of furniture in the room—chairs, the coffee table, and even the couch—into the air without breaking his focus. They hovered effortlessly, rotating slowly as though weightless.
The flickering glow of the desk lamp cast long shadows across the ceiling as the furniture spun gently, suspended in mid-air. The sensation felt effortless now, a natural extension of his will.
Aditi entered the room, stopping dead in her tracks. Her eyes widened, mouth hanging slightly open as she stared. "What in the world is happening here!?" she practically shouted, clutching the doorframe.
The furniture gently settled back into place as Aryan looked up, unfazed. "Oh, hey. Didn't realize you were standing there."
"Didn't realize?" Aditi repeated, her voice rising an octave. "You're levitating the entire living room and acting like it's normal!"
Smith, hearing the commotion, popped his head around the corner, a sandwich in hand. "Oh, he's been doing that for a while now. You get used to it."
Aditi shot him a glare before returning her attention to Aryan. "How long?"
Aryan leaned back, stretching. "Since Meenangadi. It's gotten stronger with training. I guess I forgot to mention it."
"You forgot to mention you're practically a Jedi now?" Aditi stared at him incredulously. She paced the room, running a hand through her hair. "This isn't normal, Arya."
"I know," Aryan replied calmly. "But I have control over it. It's not like I'm accidentally breaking things."
Aditi paused, finally settling onto the couch—the same couch that had been floating moments ago. She exhaled sharply. "I haven't said anything, but I think whatever is happening to you… it's affecting me too. My memory feels sharper, and I've been feeling stronger these past few months."
Aryan smiled knowingly. "You've probably been around me long enough to pick up on the energy. Timmy and Jimmy are showing signs of it too."
Aditi glanced toward Timmy, perched silently by the window, as if confirming Aryan's words. The eagle met her gaze, almost as if acknowledging the observation.
"Well," she said finally, leaning back. "I guess we're all evolving together."
Smith dropped into the armchair with a grin. "It's like living in some superhero origin story. I call dibs on the sidekick role."
Later that night, Aryan found himself standing by the balcony. The city stretched out before him, bathed in the faint glow of distant lights. Aditi joined him, her gaze thoughtful but calmer.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised anymore," she said softly. "Whatever happens, Arya, just know we're with you."
Aryan glanced at her and smiled. "I know. And that's all I need."
As Timmy glided over the rooftops and Jimmy lay curled by the balcony door, Aryan felt a quiet certainty settle within him. Whatever the future held, they would face it together.
Aditi yawned and stretched. "You know," she added, nudging Aryan lightly, "if this whole police thing doesn't pan out, you could always try out for the circus. Telekinetic stunts would sell out arenas."
Aryan chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind."