Adventures of Advik (Part 3)

High school arrived and Advik was waiting in the hall for eleventh grade writing class to start. Everyone was happily walking in the hall, but this day was not a time for Advik to be happy. Vanya had passed in her sleep several days ago. After a funeral where all his cousins, aunts and uncles showed up, they buried her next to their grandfather’s tombstone. The bizarre thing that happened was the unusually vivid dreams Samira was experiencing. She said she saw a vision of a deadly future, her childhood memories and a secret stone entrance that only was accessible by magic. Over and over, the Swastika symbol flashed on and off and Samira could not figure out what the visions meant. 

“Hey man, long time no see.” Advik looked up and saw Hiran and Mitul to his left. Advik got up and gave then high fives. “Great to see you guys.” A girl was standing beside Mitul. “This is my girlfriend, Keya. I met her in middle school and we have been friends ever since.” “Well I have several girlfriends that I like to hang out with and…” “Quit your bragging, dude” sighed Mitul, sticking out his tongue briefly. “You just have friends who admire you for your wealth and charm. Egoistic Hiran, unsure of who to date first!” “What about you,” asked Hiran to Advik. “Um, I don’t really have a girlfriend, well I have girlfriends but they are not… you know…” Hiran and Mitul looked at each other and Advik’s heart sank. He couldn’t believe that his friends had changed so quickly in the past several years. He enjoyed having girls around and enjoyed their hugs, but he never wanted to go past the friendship boundary.

“What are you drawing?” asked Mitul. “Nothing exciting…” said Advik, but Hiran had already seen it. “Is that you… dancing in an orange dress?” “Uh, yes,” said Advik with a weak smile. He braced for the worst, but Hiran just laughed. “Wow man! I didn’t know you were so creative! I love the designs and the movements.” “Yeah, that is quite…amazing,” added Mitul. In contrast to Hiran’s positive outlook, Mitul sounded nervous…and slightly disgusted. Apparently, Advik had changed from their points of view as well. “Well, see you in Kalaripayttu later,” said Mitul. As they walked away, Advik thought he heard them joking about “Hiran’s harem.” Being surrounded by so many women sounded embarrassing to him. How could his friendship turn awkward so quickly?

 Back when the boys were little, they had the same interests and now he thought of himself as the third wheel that they didn’t need. Well, Hiran was still friendly, but then again, he was friendly to everyone. Mitul was the studious, quieter one that kept the group together. Advik was the kind, sensitive one. Together they had made an unstoppable team, so why did it feel like they were falling apart? Advik hung his head and looked at his drawing. He had always felt that there was something inside him that was missing, a part of his life that he had yet to discover. He was jarred out of his thoughts as students came in through the door. He slowly got up and walked inside for another long day.

Advik wiped his hand across his forehead as he lifted several red bricks over his head. The sun beat harshly on his skin, which made the work even more unpleasant. He had started working alongside his father at a construction site. Constant rebuilding had to be done due to the occasional earthquakes, sandstorms and the heat eroding the walls of the buildings over time. Up on a raised wooden platform, a couple of men were washing the windows. A crane lifted a pile of metal beams. There were even children who were on the ground, lining up concrete blocks. Advik couldn’t help but think of Eva. She would likely be working in the clothing factory with her mother. Indeed, her mother was already teaching her how to use a sewing machine back at home. Advik’s work was brutal enough, but he dreaded the thought of Eva working long hours in terrible conditions. Shray was the bread winner of the family, and he was bent on doing what was best for his family, along with keeping up with the traditions. Advik wondered what had got him into such a state in his life.

Over his shoulder, Advik spotted a familiar face. “Hiran?” Advik asked. “What are you doing here?” 
Hiran laughed. “Well, usually during this time, I would be studying or relaxing with my girlfriends. Instead, my sister thought it would be better that I work here, as punishment for getting a bad grade on my test. She said it would be good for me doing work like almost everyone else.” He sighed. “Well, at least I have my good friend to work with.” 

“Thanks man,” Advik said with a light slap on his shoulder. “So, you are not…you know…freaked out by my interests?” 
“Of course not, Advik,” said Hiran. “We may not have the same interests as we did back then, but that is not going to stop me from being your friend. Although, I am probably going to have to persuade Mitul a little more. He was…shall I say…confused with your new interests. I still enjoy hanging out with him, even if he does have a girlfriend.” 
“What about you?” asked Advik. “I thought you said you had plenty of girlfriends.” 

“I do,” he said with a slight puff of his chest. “It’s just…”  A loud deep voice interrupted them, “Hey Advik, come over and help me! No time for talking!” “That’s my father. I better go help him out.” “Alright, see you around,” said Hiran. Hiran lifted up a brick and sighed, “How is lifting these things humanly possible?”

Hidden behind a stake of bricks was Taaj and Kadru. Taaj peered through the holes and saw Advik helping his father fix metal beams. “Dad,” Advik stated as he spread the concrete filling between the bricks. “I remember going in an alley and seeing this homeless man living in the sewers. There was also an area with potions and a caldron. I think a wizard might still live down there!” Shray, however, scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Advik, magic does not exist after Lord Indranil outlawed it. Anyone foolish enough to practice sorcery would be punished by death!” Advik strained as he lifted more bricks. “But, Dad, I swear there was an old man there,” Advik pressed. “Although, the other man did kick me out.” ‘The boy knows the whereabouts of my father’s hideout’ thought Taaj. ‘It won’t be long before his father exposes us to that ignorant Indranil.’ “You know how important it is to protect our family,” Shray countered. “If not the emperor, the gods themselves would surly punish us if we got involved with magic in any form.” “But everyone used magic here long ago,” argued Advik. “They only used it sparingly and for practical purposes,” explained his father. “Those who could tell the future would keep the information to themselves and will themselves not to alter events. Of course, there were some who tried, but they were dealt with by the emperor’s guards and, often by the gods and fate. We must manage our lives without it.” 

Advik started to protest, but his father held up a hand. “I do not want you affiliating with magic or wielders of it. It is essential that we stick to the traditions that have been passed down. Do you understand?” Advik nodded glumly. “Good” Shray stated. “Now get back to work. The day is nearly done.”

Kiaan had told Taaj stories about his days working for the emperor. He said that back then, magic was provided by the gods to everyone who wanted to learn how to use it. Kiaan had achieved his dream of becoming a physician, using both magic and natural methods to heal patients and help those in need. Sometimes, the emperor would get on stage during festivals, performing tricks using magic. Opponents of his rule spread rumors that he used magic and charm to seduce women he admired. Sure, he was selfish, but he did help his subjects, usually as it benefitted himself. However, he became more withdrawn after the prophecy of the future. He lost his jovial ways and became strict and oriented to the old ways. In many aspects, Shray reminded Taaj of the emperor. How he wanted to strangle him and teach that boy a lesson. Yet, Advik and his father were too far away and he could not run out and draw unwanted attention.

Taaj saw Advik wave to another person who must have been his friend. Hiran was busy lining up concrete blocks on the ground. Another crane holding metal beams was positioned nearby. Taaj also noticed that Hiran was much closer and that no one else was with him. The gears were turning in his head and the snake hissed at the direction of Hiran. Taaj muttered an incantation under his breath and Kadru looked at him as if he was the same species. Kiaan had frequently used that spell to communicate with animals, namely his pet Kadru. The spell was used in earlier times when people shared special bonds with animals. (Although it was considered taboo to use magic on a cow.) When a person broke the rule, chaos ensued between the religious citizens and the person’s family. Eventually, the gods had to intervene and put a stop to the mess. The spell was lost over time, and only a few knew of it. Taaj looked at Kadru and explained the plan. Having already caught on to it, the snake slithered toward Hiran.

Checking around to make sure that no one was watching, Taaj pulled out a small vial of potion from his pocket and poured some of the blue liquid on his left foot and up his leg. The liquid sunk into his pants and skin until it was dry as before.  Then, with effort, he lifted a brick and positioned it over his foot. ‘Oh Krishna, this is going to hurt…’

A loud yell was heard from behind the brick pile. Several other workers gathered to where Taaj was groaning in pain. Hiran and Advik briefly looked in the direction, then went back to work. “Sir, ae you alright,” one of the workers asked. Taaj nodded, his face full of pain. The impact would have crushed his foot if not for the effects of the fast-healing potion. The potion could fix any wound or broken bone that was not life threatening. Already, Taaj could feel his foot mending itself back together. The workers lifted the brick off his foot and helped him up. No one noticed the snake sliding up the metal holding of the crane. As silent as a ninja, the snake made her way up to the top of the crane where a rope was holding the beams in place. Hiran was oblivious of the beams positioned above him. The person working the controls noticed the snake and started yelling, but the snake was opening her mouth. Having heard the yelling, Advik noticed Hiran and went for him. “Advik, what are you doing?” called Shray. “Let the workers handle this and get back to work.” Advik ignored his father’s protests and stepped over debris as fast as he could. The snake chewed through the rope and it started to break. The workers who had helped Taaj were running over to see what was going on. Advik leaped into action as the rope snapped in half. He pushed Hiran out of the way and tripped on top of him. The metal beams fell to the ground with an ear-shattering crash. Both friends were panting. “Are you alright?” asked Advik. “Y-yeah, man” stuttered Hiran. He noticed Advik’s hands on him and heat went to his cheeks. It soon faded as Advik helped him up. The workers cleaned up the mess and the snake and Taaj ran off. As the work day neared the end, Advik asked, “What was the blushing for? You had this weird look in your eyes.” “Sorry man,” Hiran said with a nervous look. “I have never been touched by anyone outside my family before.” “Not even your girlfriends touch you?” “They do sometimes, but it doesn’t feel…genuine. They seem to like me for my status, good looks, charm, not much else. I can’t explain it.” After some nervous laughs between them, Hiran spoke up, “Seriously though, you saved my life. How can I thank you?” “Being my friend is more than enough for me,” replied Advik. They shared smiles before Shray broke the silence. “Advik, we are done for the day. Pack up and let’s go.” “I better get going back,” said Advik. “I’ll see you around, and be sure to be careful.” “Advik” Hiran said, grabbing his arm. “Let’s not tell Mitul about this. I don’t think he will understand.” Advik quickly nodded as Hiran let go. They then turned around and waved goodbye.

As Hiran and Advik grew closer, Mitul became more distant. He did not know that they were together, but he felt left out. As a result, Mitul focused on math, martial arts and his branch of Hinduism. His usual friendly demeanor was gone and he would often study on a bench, alone. It wasn’t long before he joined a rival gang of guys who started picking on other students. Advik was looking forward to graduating in two years.

The festival began one spring night, about a year later. Advik and his family went to the festival where Advik’s older cousin, Chariv was getting married. She was wearing a traditional red and gold wedding dress, with tons of golden jewelry and a nose ring pierced through her left nostril. Chariv and her husband shared their vows and then the party began. Various food was distributed, loud music blared and dozens of shirtless men danced in the center while the crowd clapped around them. “You want to dance,” asked Hiran, holding out his hand. “I don’t know,” said Advik. “I am not a good dancer…” He was cut off when Hiran pulled him into the crowd. After several moments, Advik’s body started to move with the music. A smile grew on his face as he danced faster and faster. Soon, he was swaying his hips and smiling from ear to ear. So this is what it was like to feel free. Advik imagined himself in the most colorful dress and having rings, bracelets and necklaces decorate his body. He closed his eyes and imagined Hiran’s hands on his sides, helping him move to the beat. 

He opened his eyes and saw that that was exactly what his friend was doing. For a brief moment, his forehead was glowing with the Swastika symbol. “What is that,” Hiran pointed. “What?” asked Advik. “It’s gone, now.” “What’s gone?” he asked. “I thought I saw a glowing symbol on your forehead.” Then he shrugged it off and said, “Probably just a hallucination.” All around him, the crowd was cheering; even his father was pleased to have him perform. Out of the corner of his eye, Advik saw Eva and some other women congratulating Chariv. Neither Advik nor Hiran knew that Mitul was dancing not too far away. When he saw them dancing close together, he watched with utter disbelief. 

“Everything alright, Mitul?” asked his girlfriend, Keya, who was dancing with him. “Yes, everything is fine,” Mitul replied before taking her hands in his. The world was a blur of color, excitement, and ecstasy. After they finished dancing, they held hands and made their way to an old hotel. As they reached an empty bedroom, Hiran pressed his lips to Advik’s. Advik returned the gesture with equal passion. Advik’s hand slid toward Hiran’s waist just before he reached over and closed the door.