2

The Broken Heart

Kshey and Kanani were in the garden behind the temple. The garden was attached to the garden so one can easily go to the garden from the temple, but no one used to as it belonged to Kanani. She owned it from her Grandmother Mahou and also for that reason people didn't liked her.

"That was whole planned, wasn't that? You did that on purpose." asked Kshey.

A smile appeared on Kanani's face. More sort of a smirk. 'How do you know?' she asked and sat ona swing. It was a wooden plank hang by a thick branch of tree, more specifically.

'Because I know you', Kshey said, 'But you should be cautious while playing tricks of yours. The crowd was really angry on you. People already hate you, and this all will just increase their hate....for you.'

'I don't care what people think of me. Untill you and Nrita are with me. And that wasn't any trick of mine. I was well aware, ofcourse, that the crowd will be angry but I just didn't felt like bowing to the Aadya. And if I don't feel like doing something, I refuse to do it. No one can force me.'

A strange feeling creeped in Kshey's heart as he heard her. It made him compare himself to her. His life to her. How she was free and he was caged? 'Truly' said Kshey rubbing his neck slightly but mistakenly he he touched the wound and uttered a small scream of pain.

'What happened?' Kanani got up from the swing and examined his wound carefully, 'how did you got hurt?'

Making Kshey sir on the swing, she ran into the bushes of garden, after a moment of searching here and there she brought a pale violet bud.'This flower will heal it completely.' said Kanani.

'That's a bud well, not a flower.'

'Not for a long time.'

She covered the bud with bot of his and mumbled something in a low voice. A sweet smel of blooming flowers spread in the whole garden. When she removed her hand, The was full grown flower.

'I am basically not allowed to do this, but anything for you.' she smiled and crushed the blossom slightly with her hands. Then she applied the remains on the wound lightly. And then after a few seconds she wiped it with a leaf. By a miracle the wound was not there. It had vanished. It had healed.

'Whoa!' Kshey uttered in exclamation. 'How.'

'Well, these blooms have fast healing property. By fast I literally mean fast. Just the problem is that just anyone can't grow them. They are specific flora of the Dark Forest. Not easy to get for...'

'Normal humans.'

'Right' said Kanani 'Now, tell how did you got that wound. It was quite deep, like done intentionally....'

Kshey ran his eyes here and there, trying hard to avoid contact. But Kanani was looking at him straight. Like she would dive into his soul and take all his answers.

'My brother did.' He said looking away.

'Your step brother?..?.'

Kshey noded in a yes. 'We don't have a good relation to start. He hates me..... And no matter what I do, his hatred for me is still the same. The thing that hurts the most is that I am unable to change this... No matter how much I love him.'

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Kanani looked at Kshey constantly. Like immersed in a deep thought, trying to imagine herself in Kshey's place. She could feel his broken heart.

Kshey noticed her looking at her.

' That's just how Step Brothers are. You are lucky to have a brother like Ayom. I wish, I and Vaig could also have a relation like you two.' said Vaig with a slight smile on his face, 'Well, where is Ayom? Did he not came to the temple today?'

'Yup, he didn't. He had an invitation.'

'Invitation??..'

'Yes, Sridya is approaching and a lot is happening in the world of magical creatures. It's a great day for everyone as it's the birthday of the universe. So he has been invited to the Dark Forest for a special event.'

'Just him, Not you.'

'I was, but I had a lot to do. Like tonight's chaos. So, I passed it. However, I really think that I should have gone.... It's a really magnificent event.'

'So he isn't coming any soon. Is he.'

'He will be back only after the midnight. when the celebration ends. Why, you had some work?'

'I just wanted to tell him about something.....ummm...' he searched for something in his bag and took out a rolled paper and gave it to Kanani. 'I don't know if I will be able to sneak out tomorrow. The seeds you gave me are all used. So, please give it to to him. I will have to go now.

Kshey bid bye to Kanani and left to the Palace. Kanani too left for her house. As she walked to her way, she saw the temple illuminated and alive.

'Huh, I don't wish to be a hostage there. Caged in those perfect stone idols...'

Her house wasn't much far from the temple. She could smell the fragrance of spices from quite distance. She ran into the house, straight to the kitchen.

Mahou had just finished the cooking. On seeing Kanani all excited for the dinner she asked, 'Not gonna wait for him.'

'Not in mood to do so. I can't wait when it comes to your cooking. He won't mind either.' said Kanani.

Mahou smiled and served the food. On finishing the dinner, Kanani went to her room. All tired up, she fell asleep as soon as she liedon the bed.

It was half past midnight. The moon was shimmering with brilliance. All silent, but then a voice of walking steps. The sudden noise made Kanani up. No matter how deep slumber, sudden noises would make her awake. Maybe, she had slept alot, once. That she fears if she won't wake up again. Like once was a case. A fear that she might not wake up again, Ayom's fear.

Kanani got up from the bed and came down. She found Nrita walking here and there in the small hall. And then to the window, peeking out to look. Her big doe eyes worried and restless.

On seeing Kanani awake. She said, 'Did I disturbed you. Actually I just wondered if you knew, when Ayom will be home. I thought to knock you room but then I didn't wanted to disturb you .... But I guess i did.' all in a deep breath. Then she tied her lips in worry like she used to do.

'No, it's fine. He will be by midnight.I guess.' said Kanani still sleepy.

'It's half past already. But he isn't home yet. I am a little worried.... ' she said and again looked out of the window.

Kanani sighed. ' You were awake waiting for him, all this time. Don't tell me didn't had dinner too.'

Nrita was all silent. And that silence indicated yes. Then in a low voice, 'I didn't felt like eating.'

Kanani didn't knew what to say. She just sat on a chair and engulped done water. Thinking deep about her. While Nrita stood all silent in front of her.

Nrita was Kanani's friend. The only friend in the whole Mayong after Kshey. She looked at Nrita and signalled her sit beside her. Nrita sat.

'Nrita, I am saying this to you, cause i care for you. I don't want your heart to be broken up brutally. You are really wonderful, really beautiful, gracefull....i would say the prettiest girl in Mayong. But it's just that...he.. doesn't...'

'Ayom, don't love me.' said Nrita with a slight plastered smile. 'I know.....but that can't stop me from expressing my love for him. I love him.... and i will and maybe one day he will too.'

Kanani looked at her stunned. Trying to figure what to say. She didn't wanted her friend to broken down which she knew will happen. At that time, she couldn't even help her. It was her brother at one side and her best friend at another.

The door open. And appeared Ayom on the door and a smile on Nrita's face. She rushed jingling her anklets to him.

'How was it?... Tell me all. I had been awake to hear all about it.'

Ayom just smiled.

' It's not just about love, Nrita. For truth, I don't wish Ayom fell in love with you too. I hope. Cause, you too won't be able to be together, No matter what. We will have to leave. Leave everyone.....' Kanani mumbled to herself and little year escaped from her eyes.