Realm of the Goddess (20 page)

Neither of us spoke for a few minutes. I had so many questions but I didn’t know where to begin.

“What happened back there?” He didn’t say anything for such a long time that I didn’t think he was going to answer. But then he spoke.

“I don’t know what happened. The last thing I remember is finding that girl in the jungle. Then I was drowning and those things kept trying to drag me under.”

“You mean you don’t remember anything that happened in between?” Well, that was convenient.

“No, I don’t, Callie.” He looked pretty miserable, so I guessed I’d have to believe he was being truthful.

“Okay, fine. I don’t know what happened to you, but I can tell you what you did. Once we ran into the girl, you turned into a real jerk.”

“What do you mean, a jerk? What did I do?” Shiv looked really uncomfortable, so I decided to tell him what I’d seen.

“Well, I’m pretty sure Rohini was a Maya demon. She brainwashed you somehow, so you did whatever she said. And you were a real jerk to me.” I don’t know what I expected him to do about it. It wasn’t as if he had known what was happening. But I was still really angry with him.

“I’m sorry, Callie, I really am. But I don’t remember any of it.” I believed him. Maybe it was because the alternative was unbearable. I didn’t want to believe that he could ever be that mean to me intentionally.

“This is seriously messed up,” I sighed. “How are we supposed to know what to trust? Or whom to trust?”

“Well, I think we have to trust our own instincts. I mean, that’s what you did this time, didn’t you?”

He was right. I had listened to my gut, and thankfully it had been the right decision.

“Let’s just get going,” I said, shivering slightly and remembering that my clothes were soaking. We walked back into the cover of the jungle. We had nothing to make a fire with so we slept very close to keep as warm as we could. When I woke the next morning I was stiff from the uncomfortable night. We ate a little and got started on yet another long walk. Once again we walked most of the day, only stopping to eat and rest briefly. The thought of rescuing my parents and Ben was what kept me going, even when every single bone in my body ached.

We kept a lookout for anything out of the ordinary, but we had no idea what form our next attacker would take. We had been going for a while after our last stop when I thought I saw a flash of something bright in the trees ahead of us. Immediately I reached for my sword. I was not taking any chances. Shiv pulled out his dagger. We walked cautiously forward, taking care not to step on any twigs or dry leaves. When we reached the spot where I’d seen the flash we stopped. There was nothing there. I let the sword fall to my side. Maybe I had imagined it.

“What did you see?” Shiv put away his dagger after taking a good look around.

“I’m not sure. I thought I saw a flash of color...but I guess it was nothing.”

Shiv checked the compass to make sure that we were still headed in the right direction and we had just turned left around yet another small cluster of banana trees when I nearly tripped over someone. I was about to pull out my sword when I realized that it was a meditating yogi. He wore a white loincloth and nothing else. Although that wasn’t technically true. His entire body was covered in tattoos of snakes of different shapes and sizes. My pendant started to get warm and I felt a wave of panic sweep through me. I kept my hand on the hilt of the sword and began to step away from the yogi.

Shiv followed my lead, keeping a hand on his dagger the whole time. We still kept an eye on the yogi as we retreated. Then, unexpectedly, an eye appeared on the middle of his forehead and opened. Talk about cliché. But then something happened that I did not see coming. His tattoos came alive. Suddenly he was covered with hundreds of writhing snakes while he chanted something incomprehensible. At least to us. Not to the snakes. They slithered off his body and came toward us. That was all the incentive I needed to run faster than I ever had in my life. I looked back and saw Shiv right on my heels.

We ran as far as we could but when we turned around, the snakes were still right behind us. Time for Plan B. I stopped and pulled out my sword. Shiv must have had the same idea, because he stopped at almost the exact same time and turned toward them. As the first wave of snakes came within range, I swung my sword. I didn’t feel guilty about cutting down the snakes. Clearly they were up to no good. But just as we thought we were getting the upper hand, a fresh wave rushed at us. To my horror they appeared to converge and join into one large serpentine creature. I had never been so terrified. I called out a warning to Shiv just as the creature fell upon me. I held on tightly to my sword, but it was impossible to gain much wiggle room with the tight grip that the serpent had on me. It was wrapping itself around my upper body so that my arms were just hanging loosely at my sides and it was getting very hard to breathe. As I tried not to pass out from a lack of oxygen, I could see Shiv attacking the creature from the back. He must have irritated it just enough to let go of me, because it unwound and turned on him. I gulped in air as soon as I could, my ribs hurting fiercely with each breath. Then I picked up my sword and smoothly cut the serpent’s head off just as it was about to squeeze Shiv to death. As its lifeless body fell to the ground, Shiv fell to his knees, noisily sucking in air. His ribs must have been worse than mine. I sat down next to him and waited until his breathing calmed again.

“You know what, Shiv? I think we’ve been attacked by just about as many demons as I can handle. I think it’s time for Mahisha to make an appearance, don’t you?”

I didn’t wait for his answer. Instead, I stood up and yelled into the forest.

“Stop hiding behind your goons. Come out and show yourself.”

My voice echoed angrily throughout the forest, but besides scaring some innocent birds off their perches, there was no response.

I was reminded of the Mahisha myth, in which he was said to have known fear for the first time in his existence when he heard Kali roar. I think the only person who felt fear from my yelling was Shiv. He looked quite terrified, most likely because he thought now he was stuck with a crazy person in the middle of the jungle island. I dropped myself down. Shiv hadn’t said a word yet. The poor guy was probably having trouble breathing, let alone talking.

“Shiv,” I said after a while. “Can I tell you something?”

“Sure.”

“I’m really glad that you’re here. I mean I’m not glad that we’re here, obviously...this is horrible.”

I felt a blush creeping into my cheeks and hoped he wouldn’t notice how nervous I suddenly was.

“What I’m trying to say is...well...if I have to be here with someone, I’m just glad it’s you.”

There. I’d said it. And now he was probably really uncomfortable. I knew this wasn’t the appropriate time or place but what we’d gone through in the past couple of days made me realize there was a good possibility I might never get to say how I really felt. The demons, the temple exploding, it was all so insane. I didn’t want to regret keeping my feelings to myself. I’d never been the kind of girl who gushed and fell in love with every second guy she met. I was very practical when it came to matters of the heart, especially mine. I had learned early on that even your best friends could turn on you if you were different, and I was pretty guarded when it came to emotional stuff. But these last months, meeting Shiv, getting to know him and spending all this time together in the worst possible circumstances, did something to me. He was kind, loyal and fiercely protective. I knew a lot of it was part of his job description as a Rakshakari, so I was aware that my feelings might not be reciprocated. But after this last demon attack I decided to throw caution to the wind. At least I was being honest with myself and with him. Of course, there was a good chance he had no clue I was talking about romantic feelings. It might have sounded like I just thought he was the perfect guy to bring along on a suicide mission where one might run into a multitude of demons. I decided to give it another try.

“Shiv...” I began but didn’t get any further because he brought his lips to mine and then we were kissing, just like on that evening in the Andamans. Except this time there was something deeper, more passionate. I felt that several near-death experiences might do that to people. A chuckle escaped me and he broke the kiss to look at me quizzically.

“I’m glad you find my kisses amusing,” he said, looking at me tenderly.

I laughed, partly from relief that he felt the same way and partly because it was all so crazy.

“I’m laughing because I was thinking that dating anyone else after this will seem so boring.”

“What makes you think I’ll let you date anyone else?” he growled softly into my ear, making shivers go up and down my arms. Then he brought his lips to mine again. This kiss was meant to show me that I belonged to him. After a while I had to come up for air. My legs felt like jelly, and it was a good thing I was already sitting down.

“Well,” he said, sounding very satisfied with himself, “now that we’ve settled that, what’s the plan, my Goddess?”

“Shut up...don’t call me that,” I said, playfully punching him in the shoulder. Unfortunately, he winced in real pain and I immediately felt awful. I had momentarily forgotten he was recently crushed by a serpent.

“I’m so sorry,” I said, covering his shoulder with little kisses.

“You’d better stop doing that,” he warned. “I know you think I’m capable of superhuman restraint, but there are limits to my powers of self-control.”

For a moment I toyed with the idea of testing those powers, but then I came to my senses. This brief escape didn’t change the reality that we were still in danger and so were my parents. That thought sobered me instantly and brought with it a wave of guilt and shame. What kind of a daughter was I, flirting and laughing while my parents were missing? Shiv noticed the change in my demeanor and put his arm around my shoulders.

“We are going to find them, Callie. And do you really think that they would want you to be alone? Don’t you think they would rather know that you were safe and loved?”

He had a point. That was why he was so great — he got me. No explanations necessary. It was only later that night as I was drifting off to sleep that I remembered what he had said.

He said he loved me.

Chapter Twenty

The next morning
I woke achy all over from fighting the serpent demon. But inside I felt warm and fuzzy, especially when I realized I had been lying in the crook of Shiv’s arms all night. I sat up, careful not to wake him, but he stirred anyway. When he opened his eyes and smiled lazily at me, I melted. All my teenage years I had scoffed when I read about gooey-eyed girls so madly in love with a guy that they couldn’t think straight. It had all seemed so over-the-top that a person could lose the ability to reason all because of a guy. And although what I felt wasn’t nearly as silly, I was beginning to understand some of those emotions. For example, when we reached the edge of the forest and Shiv pulled off his shirt to jump into the water, I found myself longing to run my fingers along his tattoos. This was not normal for me. And when he came back to me, water dripping from his black curls, I felt the urge to run my fingers through his wet hair. Also, not normal. But since I had decided not to do just normal anymore, I wasn’t going to worry about it.

Since we had reached the edge of the forest, we were hoping the Sentinelese would help us get back to the Andamans. We had no way of contacting anybody so we had to figure out a way to get back on our own. At first there was no one in sight, but then our former captors emerged cautiously from their shelters. Behind them, a couple of children tagged along. One of them was the cute little girl who had come close to me before. This time she ran over as soon as she saw me. She stopped right in front of me and smiled. I drew her in for a hug. Her little hands held on to me tightly, and it was the sweetest thing. Then she let go, ran back into her shelter and returned a few seconds later carrying something. When she handed it to me, I smiled. It was a bracelet made with the most beautiful shells, all in different shades of white, gray and black. I put it on immediately and I could tell that she was pleased.

“Thank you,” I said as I gave her another hug. “I love it.”

I didn’t even care that she didn’t speak English. I was convinced she knew what I meant.

The two men approached us, this time with smiles. They were saying something and I wanted to think they couldn’t believe that we had returned alive with Kali’s sword. I was pretty sure they were saying that we were amazing and all sorts of other great things. Unfortunately, I would never know. Shiv was smiling and nodding and I was sure that he was thinking the same thing. It was quite comical really.

“I’m going to draw a boat and see if we can get them to help,” Shiv said as he started drawing lines in the sand. Soon the men were nodding vigorously, which I took as an indication that we were going home.

They took us to the water’s edge and helped us get into a dugout canoe. Then one of them, the one with the graying hair, got in as well. Strangely, I felt a little sad at the thought that I would probably never see them again. The little girl stood next to her mom. I couldn’t help myself, so I jumped out at the last minute and ran over to give her another hug. Then I got back into the canoe, nearly capsizing it, and waved to them. They waved back as we pushed away. The man took us to a remote part of the shores of the Andamans. Luckily, we didn’t have to swim this time, because he was able to bring us right to the edge. As we disembarked, I smiled at him in gratitude. We would have been lost without them. I squeezed his shoulder and he nodded. Shiv did the same and then we waved goodbye. We stood and watched for a while as he rowed away, then turned to make our way back to town. We had to find a phone. We couldn’t exactly go traipsing about with a big old sword, looking as bedraggled as I was sure we did. So I waited behind some trees while Shiv went off to find a place to call. Luckily he came back soon, because I was beginning to attract some attention.

“My uncle’s sending someone to pick us up and take us straight to the airport,” Shiv said. “He’ll make emergency travel arrangements and they even have some special permit for us to carry the sword on board.”

I raised my eyebrows. These people must have some serious contacts. Shiv read my mind.

“Something about valuable and ancient artifacts...” he said.

“Well, as long as it isn’t out of my sight, I’m good.” I just wanted to get home.

Before long, a sedan with tinted windows pulled up and the driver got out to help us with our things. Luckily, it was the same man who had picked us up at the airport earlier, otherwise I would have hesitated to get into the car. We made a pit stop at the hotel we had stayed in. He said that we had time to clean up before our flight, which I gladly did. I was surprised to find that a loose cotton tunic and
churidaar
s had been laid out on the bed. I took a hot steaming shower and came out feeling human again. I put on the clothes, enjoying the feel of the soft linen pants that tapered and bunched around the ankle. The tunic was light and comfortable, perfect for travel, especially after the jeans and T-shirt I’d been running around in for days. I threw them in the trash. They could not be salvaged. I noticed a beautifully embroidered cloth on the table with a note and picked it up.
For your belongings
, it said. I looked at my backpack. Everything was already in it. Then I looked at the sword. Of course. I couldn’t just walk around with the sword sticking out. I wrapped it carefully in the cloth and tucked it into the backpack. Then I changed my mind. It would be easier just to carry it. Now I would just look like hundreds of other tourists who bought traditional items to take back with them. I met up with Shiv in the lobby, where he was waiting for me by the indoor fountain. He too was wearing clean clothes. He looked very Indian in a traditional tunic and loose-fitting cotton pants. As I walked up to him, it occurred to me that we would have to be careful with the touchy feely stuff while we were here and in Kolkata. Public displays of affection were generally frowned upon and I certainly did not want to draw any attention.

“So, tell me this,” I said when I was standing beside him. “Who are these people that anticipate all our needs? Should we be worried?”

“No, it’s perfectly safe,” he said with a laugh. “There are staunch supporters of the Rakshakari everywhere. They work for government and private organizations. Many of them are wealthy and have great influence.”

“So they help however they can.” I could understand that. In exchange for knowing that the Rakshakari were keeping the world safe, people were willing to do their part when it came to certain formalities and expenses. Back in Seattle Nina and Dev had explained to me that the Rakshakari had to operate in secret because otherwise it would be impossible to track Mahisha’s progress. After the encounters we had on North Sentinel, as well as the visions I had in the temple, it was clear to me that Mahisha’s reach had always been far and wide. I had come to the conclusion, though, that for whatever reason, Mahisha was not ready to face me himself, instead sending demon after demon to do his dirty work. That had to mean that he was still weak and I was determined to use this to my advantage.

I felt Shiv’s intent gaze on me and looked up at him.

“Why are you staring?”

“I’m just thinking of everything that happened. I mean, I’ve fought demons for most of my life. Mostly, they were fairly easy to detect. Now, with you in the picture, everything is more intense.”

“Yes, but you said it yourself, there hasn’t been an avatar for some time, right?”

He nodded. “That’s true. It’s just...I feel I can’t trust my judgement any longer.”

I knew that he meant the encounter with Rohini.

“I should have seen it coming. I’ve known about Maya demons and how they operate all my life. But I still fell for it. And I didn’t protect you.”

I should have known he still felt guilty about that. His very existence was tied to my protection. I would have to do something about that. I did not like the idea that everybody thought I was some helpless little goddess that needed protection. Plus, as far as the Rakshakari were concerned, their purpose was to protect all of humanity from evil. I knew that they’d been waiting for Kali for a long time and that it was their sacred duty to initiate me and teach me the ways of the goddess, but I felt that now we were past all that. After all, Shiv and I had found the sword and had survived some badass demons. I also thought I had held my own pretty well. I no longer felt that it was appropriate for Shiv to see me as someone who needed protecting all the time.

I needed Shiv to know that too, so as we left the hotel and were driving to the airport, I told him so. After I was finished, he didn’t say anything for some time.

“Rakshakari are wired to think of themselves as protectors. So it’s difficult for me to change that.” He hesitated.

“But not impossible?” I asked.

“No...not impossible,” he said. “It might take some time, though.”

“I have time. Look, I’m not saying I know everything now and I can do it all on my own. I know I still have a lot to learn. I have several thousand years to catch up on. But I want to be one of you, saving everyone along with you. I don’t want you to see me as a helpless newbie anymore. I think I’ve earned that, don’t you?”

I looked down at my hands on my lap. They used to be smooth and soft. Now they were calloused and rough. And I realized I liked it, the thought that I was physically capable to defend myself and others. With time I would get even better and stronger. Shiv reached over and put my hand in his. We sat like that for some time. If the driver was watching us in his mirror, he showed no indication that there was anything untoward going on. I almost laughed out loud at the thought that hand-holding was still scandalous in this part of the world. Not that it didn’t happen all the time, but everyone was just really good at hiding it. We got to the airport fairly quickly and were hustled through customs in no time. Soon we were on the plane bound for Kolkata. We arrived two short hours later and were met by Uncle Suresh and Dev. I was surprised to see Shiv’s father here. He hugged his son and me as well, his relief at seeing us alive and well obvious in the way he looked at us.

“Callie,” he said as we rode back to Uncle Suresh’s house, “I am so proud of you,
beti
. We were all so worried, and of course there was no way to contact you.”

I smiled, feeling safe and relaxed after a long time.

“Thank you, Uncle. I couldn’t have done it without Shiv.”

“Dad, you have no idea about what Callie can do now,” he said excitedly. “I can’t wait for you all to see. Did Mom come with you too?”

“Yes,
beta
, she is here too. Actually, we have some news.”

My stomach twisted into a knot. I didn’t know if I could handle bad news right now.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Callie, it’s good news. Well...considering the circumstances.”

I held my breath.

“We’ve traced your parents here to Kolkata.”

The knot in my stomach loosened a little. A tiny spark of hope flared.

“Alive?”

“As far as we know, yes. They are being held by Mahisha’s first lieutenants. Two brothers. They go by the names Shumbh and Nishumbh.” His disgust for them was evident in the downward turn of his mouth. “They’re shape-shifters and particularly cruel,” he continued as I tasted bile at the thought of my parents at the mercy of these demons.

“So do we have a location?” Shiv asked, squeezing my hand. I knew he was trying to keep me calm and positive. If his dad noticed the little gesture, he didn’t say anything.

“Yes, apparently they’re holed up in a warehouse near Howrah station.”

“Okay, so when can we go there?” I asked.

“We have to be patient and proceed with great caution. If they get spooked, they’ll disappear,” Dev warned. “I know how you feel. But we cannot risk losing them again.”

“Mahisha knows that we have the sword,” Shiv said. “That’s why he had them bring your parents here. He’s going to try to get it from us.”

“Well, he hasn’t shown himself yet. Maybe it’s time for a showdown.” I just wanted this to be over.

“Callie, you might just get your wish sooner than you think,” Dev said.

The rest of the way home, we discussed strategy. We would scope out the area where they were being held. For all we knew, this could just be another trap to draw us out. Once we had confirmation that my parents were there and still alive, we would go in with a large enough team to make sure no demons slipped through the cracks. There was no other option and there would be no second chances.

But there was still someone else I needed to know about.

“What about Ben? Have you found out anything at all?”

Dev shook his head. “I’m sorry, Callie,” he said. “I know how important he is to you. Vikram and Tara are still working on finding him. We’re not going to stop trying.”

I knew Dev meant well, but I couldn’t take any comfort in his words. I felt a stab to my heart. There was guilt too. I had spent so much time worrying about my parents, I had barely spared a thought for Ben. We shared a bond, a special friendship, and I felt like I was abandoning him. But then my logical side urged me to focus on the two people I could rescue, and I listened to it. I would not give up on Ben. As soon as my parents were safe, I would make sure that all efforts were concentrated on finding Ben.

Thanks to Kolkata traffic, by the time we got home the sun had already set and I was ready to pass out. Aruna was overjoyed to see us, and so was Nina. After holding her son in her arms for the longest time, she turned to me.