Nine: Vengeance of the Warrior (22 page)

‘It’s too late. They already know you have made contact.’

‘Grandma, how did you—’

‘Anita, you must listen to me this time. I have a strong sense that things are about to change.’ Grandma placed a beaded garland around her neck.

‘Nothing is going to change because I have decided to stay away from these people.’

‘It’s too late, Anita.’

‘I’m sorry, Grandma, I am not sure I agree. I will make sure nothing goes wrong.’

‘Look,’ Grandma said, pointing to the ring of salt. ‘The salt has turned grey. Clearly, you are in the company of bad spirits.’

Anita glanced at the salt—it had turned to an odd iron-grey colour. Still, Anita didn’t believe anything was out of the ordinary. Maybe salt changed colour if you left it out in the open for a long time. ‘Grandma, I have to go. I have a meeting with someone. Her name is Tejaswi. She has been through a traumatic experience and has survived a terrible ordeal. I must meet her.’

Grandma smiled. ‘Good, go. Meet people. All these days you have been obsessing with your grandfather’s research. Look at the future instead of gluing yourself to the past.’ She patted her on her shoulder. ‘You want a sandwich? I’m making one for myself.’

Anita peeked at her watch. Noon. ‘Sure, why not?’ The bright smile from her Grandma was reason enough to stay. Tejaswi could wait. Anita rang her to let her know she would make it to her place at two, and they could go together to her shop to set up the place for the launch. Tejaswi had invited the chairman of the Green Zone environmental group. Anita agreed to have a journalist and a photographer at the event.

‘Grandma, I have to tell you the truth.’ Anita nibbled on her sandwich and then placed it back on her plate.

‘What?’ Grandma was about to take a bite of the sandwich.

‘I have still been chasing all the leads I got on the Nine. In fact, my trip to London was a strong lead. There was this person who could defy gravity and when I confronted him, he denied it.’

‘Anita, the Nine are not going to come out and admit they are part of the secret society. It is better if you don’t pursue it further. You have now been targeted. I told you to keep your distance.’

‘You are right, Grandma, I will stay away from now on. All this research has taken a toll on me. I need to focus on my job or I might lose it.’

‘That’s better,’ Grandma said, although she didn’t look relaxed.

‘Hey, you’re looking gorgeous and fit,’ Anita exclaimed when she met Tejaswi. They hugged. ‘What have you been doing to yourself, besides the special spa treatments?’

Tejaswi laughed. Even her laughter sounded different. ‘I feel like a new person. Come in. Sit. Make yourself comfortable.’ Her hair was long and shiny like that of the models in shampoo ads. Her gaunt physique had turned into a muscular, healthy, womanly shape. Even her nails were painted a pretty pink. Her skin was radiant. She had taken care to dress in casuals, but her skinny jeans and linen top didn’t hide the rock-hard abs and toned arms.

Anita felt like a sloppy college student in her presence. As she surveyed Tejaswi’s neat apartment, Anita couldn’t shake off the feeling that she had transformed into a totally different person and immediately reached the conclusion that Tejaswi was on some really potent meds. The glint in her eyes, the shine, it had to be the effect of some super vitamins or a new herbal remedy from her own organic farm. Tejaswi’s home was neat and tidy. No personal effects, like pictures or photographs of family. It was as if she had erased the past.

‘Hey, Anita, I’ve got some news for you,’ Tejaswi called out. Anita continued to wander around, browsing through her music collection, her books arranged neatly on shelves, and then turned towards the floor-to-ceiling glass window that offered an amazing view of the harbour. ‘Come, sit with me, there’s so much I want to share with you. But first, tell me about your adventures,’ Tejaswi said as she headed to the kitchen.

Anita followed. Then she stopped. Standing still for a moment, she glanced around the house. Something was out of place, but she couldn’t put a finger on it. It was a lovely apartment, nicely done up with just the right hint of artwork and decor. But there was this funny feeling. If her Grandma were here, she would probably warn her about negative energies.

Anita fingered the crystal around her neck, shrugged off the feeling and joined Tejaswi in her kitchen. It was a bright, airy, square section with an island in the centre. Anita sat on a stool. Tejaswi placed a tall glass of a pink juice in front of her. ‘Come on girl, drink up! You look famished,’ Tejaswi chortled.

Anita smiled, still puzzled at her unusually cheery demeanour. ‘Sure, what is it you wanted to tell me?’

Tejaswi was gulping hers. ‘Try it and tell me what you think.’

Anita lifted her drink and took a sip. It was refreshing, tasted lemony with a hint of something fruity. ‘Amazing!’ Anita took another sip. ‘What is it?’

‘Guava, orange, grapefruit and lime.’

Anita smiled. ‘Fantastic!’ She took a bigger sip. Besides the cheese and crackers, finger sandwiches and rolled puffs, there was a bowl of mixed nuts on the table. She started with a walnut.

‘So tell me, Anita. What were you doing in London?’ Tejaswi leaned against the counter.

Anita started with the story of her grandfather’s research on Ashoka.

Suddenly, Tejaswi grabbed a knife and rammed it into the wooden table.

Anita stood up, shocked. ‘What’s wrong?’

Tejaswi turned away, breathing heavily. ‘Nothing … I just get edgy at times. Really, it’s nothing. Please tell me more. This is intriguing.’

Anita sat down slowly, feeling alarmed by Tejaswi’s odd reaction. She told her about her latest stint in London and the meeting with Akash.

‘Amazing. I didn’t know there were such people in our world,’ Tejaswi said. Her smile was taut. Her hands gripped the edge of the table, her knuckles were white. Then another odd reaction—Tejaswi started talking to an imaginary person. She whispered in a serious tone.

‘Are you okay, Tejaswi?’ Anita approached her tentatively and placed a hand on her shoulder. The moment stretched. Tejaswi was still and unresponsive. A catatonic state.

‘Tej?’ Anita shook her gently. ‘Are you okay?’

Tejaswi took her hand and gripped it hard. ‘Yes, fine!’

Anita pulled away from her grip. ‘What’s wrong with you? Do you need to see a doctor?’

Tejaswi was suddenly soft and sweet. ‘Anita, you know what I had to go through. It’s just that I get a little excited about things and then react this way. I am fine, really.’ She smiled. ‘This is such a fascinating story. You actually met someone with a superpower! The ability to defy gravity! I would like to meet him. And this ashram where you found evidence of the Nine … Where exactly was this?’

Anita was taken aback by Tejaswi’s intense questioning. Something about her didn’t feel right. ‘All my info is at home, I will give it later.’

Tejaswi leaned forward, watching Anita with an odd gaze. ‘And what about that guy Akash? Any further contact with him? If I were you, I would be watching that guy like a hawk,’ she said, trying a light tone. She moved towards the cabinet and pulled out two mugs. ‘Coffee?’

‘Let me help you with that,’ Anita offered.

‘No, it’s okay.’ Tejaswi shifted, turned away and whispered while she added water to the coffee machine. That odd whispering to an imaginary person. Fear gripped Anita and she got off her seat. She should move away, walk out the door. But Anita couldn’t resist it, she moved closer to Tejaswi. And like a lithe panther, the woman swirled and gripped Anita’s wrist.

Anita gave her a terrified look. ‘Tejaswi, what’s going on?’

‘I’m sorry!’ Tejaswi released her. ‘I’m just not feeling so good. I’m coming down with a headache. The last few months, I have had blackouts. The doctors say it’s all to do with my injury when I went overseas.’

‘Then you simply must see a doctor.’

Tejaswi nibbled on a puff and suddenly smiled, chirpy as if nothing was wrong. The change was no different from a Dr Jekyll–Mr Hyde switch. Anita insisted, ‘Go and see a psychiatrist. There’s a really good one here in town.’

‘Not yet,’ Tejaswi said, gritting her teeth. Anita was scared. Her friend had definitely lost it.

‘Shall we go to the shop now? I want to show you what I’ve done with the place.’

Anita agreed. Maybe the change would do her good. Besides, she was curious about her store. ‘Okay, but what about that guy Karl? Did you know he’s been in the news?’

‘Really?’ Tejaswi asked. She was busy putting away the dishes. ‘I didn’t know.’

‘Apparently he has disappeared. The police suspect a kidnapping.’

‘Well, I’ll be honest. I’m not sad about it.’

‘He probably messed around with some bad company.’

‘Who knows?’ Tejaswi shrugged. ‘Anything is possible. The police must be investigating.’

‘The guy’s parents are pushing the police to do more. They’ve offered a reward.’ Anita noticed Tejaswi’s agitated state—she grabbed a few items from the table and shoved them in a bag. There was suppressed anger, but she was keeping a grip.

Tejaswi didn’t comment immediately. ‘The police are slow. I had filed a complaint with the police and they never really bothered with it. Instead, they made it sound like I enjoyed getting humiliated like that.’

‘But you said he threatened you, that if you went to the police, he would—’

‘Darling Anita,’ Tejaswi said. She had her hand around Anita’s wrist and led her to the door. They headed towards the lift. ‘You are a wonderful friend and you worry too much. That’s what I love about you.’ She gave her hand a squeeze. ‘Don’t you worry about me. I don’t know what I would have done without you. I am so happy you shared your story with me, especially about your research. Such juicy information about powerful humans.’ She gave Anita a little pat on the back before she hit the call button.

‘The information must remain confidential,’ Anita said.

‘Of course. In fact, I would like to meet these superhumans. Maybe they have some secret herbal formula that I can add to my collection. This is going to be fun.’ She giggled. They entered the lift. ‘We are on an adventure. I can help you further with your research. But you must tell me everything you know. I want details, details,’ she said enthusiastically.

Anita was uneasy, being with Tejaswi was like being with two people. She didn’t know how to react. The switch in topics from Karl to Anita’s research was unexpected. Good thing Anita hadn’t mentioned her boyfriend, Axel. ‘I will tell you everything if you promise to visit a psychiatrist.’

‘You won’t let it go?’ Tejaswi flicked her hair. ‘Okay, just for you, I will go.’

‘Great!’ Anita said, trying to match her perky attitude. Anita would find out what the hell was going on with her. Something wasn’t right.

27

Raakin

Information about the Kalingan’s rising had been sent to all the protectors of the Nine. Raakin was in his office when the messages from Tara, Akash and Zubin arrived. They were all encoded one-liners but enough to create a rippling effect. He reassured them.

There are operatives on standby for your protection. They will get you to the location. Keep alert at all times.

He headed out quickly. He had to get to the park, the meeting point. Raakin walked fast. The pyramid was in his pocket. He slipped his hand into his pocket and felt the talisman with his fingers. It was an instant stress-reliever. Raakin felt the pressure of his responsibilities. He was a sturdy man with years of experience with the CIA. And for years he had had to watch over, coordinate and keep track of the activities of the Nine unknown men. The agencies worldwide had special divisions to assist the Nine. It was an unspoken, unauthorized understanding. Now the coded communication lines were abuzz with updates. Yet no one had been able to identify the Kalingan’s woman host. It was frustrating. The Nine were powerful men, capable of changing the destiny of mankind. But they were, at the end of the day, human—capable of being destroyed. And although he tried not to entertain the thought, Raakin couldn’t help feeling that the Kalingan was stronger than ever and had a wider network of Kala Yogis than before. Raakin gripped the pyramid a little too tightly, it cut into his palm. The fact remained that the Nine had survived for millennia and he would make sure the secret society did not meet its death on his watch.

He hurried, taking the joggers’ route. There were only a few people at this late hour. Lately, the negative energies had grown more intense and potent. The Kala Yogis had capabilities that could weaken the human spirit. New discoveries in the field of biochemistry and bioweapons led to immensely powerful drugs. A minute amount of medication was capable of destroying a human mind. The happy pill was marketed to help depressives. But all it did was slowly disable, unhinge their sanity. It was a scary world—people were walking time-bombs. If they exploded they would destroy others and themselves. Keeping a lid on was getting harder and harder in this simmering environment. He knew that only the most advanced bioengineered implants, practically invisible, were used for the Nine, yet contact had been made and their lives intruded into by the Kala Yogis. Raakin was relieved that the Senior Six were already in an isolated location, away from the intrusions of highly advanced surveillance systems that caught and identified energy waves.