"Maybe some time passed.... We met your way to college three months back." Ahmaya attempted to face him. Ahmaya is devastated after hearing all of this from him. How could he forget her?
"I told you I don't know you. I am sorry." He replies aggressively.
He leaves after stating this.
Ahmaya is stunned and heartbroken.
"What happened? He left. Did you talk to him?" Ayani rushes to Ahmaya and notices Kitbok walking away.
"He says.....he" she breathes hard and adds "don't know me."
"What? Only three months have passed, and he has forgotten your face?" Ayani expressed disappointment.
Ahmaya turns around, runs up to Kitbok, and grabs his wrist in anger. "Do not lie. I know you remember me."
Kitbok softly releases his wrist from her grip. "Leave."
"Why you are doing this, I disappeared that's why." Ahmaya is trying to communicate with him.
"Meet me at 4, by the river." Kitbok spoke to Ahmaya in whispered tones before leaving.
.
Ahmaya is desperately waiting by the river for him to arrive. Ahmaya is frightened but thrilled to meet him. She is pondering how she will explain everything to him about where she was and why she suddenly vanished.
And here he comes.
Ahmaya nervously grabs his hands and says, "Listen."
He separates his hands from hers. "Its better if we could stay away from each other."
"Why?" Ahmaya asks regretfully.
"It is for the best. I'm getting married soon. So it's best for us to stay distant." Ahmaya's heart aches after hearing him explain his reasoning.
Ahmaya is silent, smirking in misery. "That is good. Do you like the girl?"
"My parents like her, so I'm sure I will..... I should leave now."
"Wait, wait, I know you are getting married, but we just kissed one time, we can be.... friends." Ahmaya believes they can only be friends since she does not want to lose him as a person as long as she is here.
"Friends? I'm sorry we can't. I'm not sure which planet you're from, but these things don't work here." They cannot become friends since his society does not allow it.
"What are you trying to say?"
"Nothing. Just return to where you were in the last three months." Kitbok appears angry.
"I know I disappeared unexpectedly; I was kidnapped...It's a long story, but the point is, I apologise. I understand you want me to never show my face to you because you are getting married, but you are fully aware that there was something extremely pure between us, something more than just physical touch. You cannot simply ask me to forget you." Ahmaya is attempting so hard to explain him.
"I'm sorry, but this can't be helped. It is preferable for both of us to never see each other again. I really liked you, but it couldn't be helped. Also, Rupomoi saw us kissing, and she now has a very negative misconception of you. It's better to leave this place or avoid me." Kitbok is aware of what people will think of Ahmaya if they continue act in this manner; he cares about her and does not want to depict Ahmaya in this way in front of others.
"I knew you liked me and still do. Do you even want to marry?" Ahmaya raises concern.
He smirks, "You're funny; marriage is a matter which is not in my hands; if my parents decide to marry me, I can't say no. You understand how it works, right? My parents saw that girl and wants me to marry her, and I have to marry anyone they choose."
"Do you even saw the girl by yourself?" Ahmaya asks again.
"Why would I, my parents saw her and that's enough."
Ahmaya lets out a loud laugh, indicating how annoyed she is. "I can't deal with the people of 1936." She muttered.
"Why are you laughing? This all seems funny to you."
"Yes, this all is quite funny." She says in an egoistic manner.
"I'm not here to mess up your life; I don't want to. Please stay by my side. I know this is also what you want." Ahmaya places a decision in front of him. "I see it in your eyes. I know this," she adds.
"You are reading my eyes wrong." He answers. "Enough with the chitchat I need to go now." He carries on.
He observes she is wearing the same gho and kira as the last time he saw her, three months ago. She is also feeling cold; it is mid-January, the weather is chilly, and there is a strong cold breeze. He takes off his court and puts it on Ahmaya.
"I don't need this." Ahmaya responds to his request that she wear his coat.
"Don't you see the weather, at least you should come wearing something warm." He scolds.
He cares for her and is constantly reminded of the statement she mentioned regarding her kidnapping. Was she indeed kidnapped? What was her condition? Was she OK? But he dismisses these thoughts and prepares to leave.
"You're aware that this is wrong .Do not do this to me." She says this as tears fall from her eyes.
Kitbok notices her face and wipes her tears away with his fingers. "Where were you for the last three months, I searched for you like crazy, and then I thought you found the place you were looking for."
"I'm sorry for worrying you. Some man kidnapped me and took me to a random place."
"Who was this man? Are you okay? Has something happened to you? Are you alright? What was the place?" He asks so many questions because he is worried.
"Calm down. Calm down. I am now fine." She confirms him.
"This is a relief. I regret if I was disrespectful. My parents, however, will not spear you if they learn about us. It is better for everyone if we remain apart from one other. But first, tell me who the man is, how he looks, and any other details, and I'll look into it."
"You can't look into it, leave, you may go, you said its better for everyone right."
"Also, I don't care if your parents will not spear me and people will make misconceptions about me," she lowers her voice and adds quietly. "I even don't belong here,"
"I don't care what will people do to me, as long as you are ready to tolerate and don't affect yourself from those things." Ahmaya expresses her frustration and prepares to leave.
"Wait at least tell me where you are going" he says.
Ahmaya ignores his words and left.
Ayani is lying on the branch of the tree close to the river, watching and listening to everything. She has heard everything.
Ahmaya is simply walking through her thoughts.
"Hi, whose coat is this?" Ayani suddenly appears in front of her and asks.
"Hiiiiii. "What are you doing here?" Ahmaya asks back.
"I was looking for you.Where are you going?"
"I cant find a path to go." Ahmaya responds in an impassioned tone.
"This happens when we are young. Let's go home and freshen up; we need to find out why you're here." Ayani, as always, consoles her.
.
They are at Ayani's home.
"Although you are an Aokma, you are not like me. I have a strong feeling you are really powerful. Perhaps your own abilities have led you here, but it's also complicated. Whatever the reason, you must first learn to awake and control your powers. We'll start your training tomorrow."
"Training? Is it mandatory?" Ahmaya inquires, as she is sleepy.
"Yes, it isss. Take a break today; it has been a long time. By the way, what's the deal with that boy?" Ayani wants to know how Ahmaya will respond and what her true feelings are about him.
"Kitbok? nothing its just, he was the first person I met here and he helped me a lot." Ahmaya responds.
And?" Ayani asks again.
"And he is a nice person." She answers.
"And?"
"I'm not sure, I don't know what this feeling is; it's my first time experiencing it. I'm not certain if I like or need him. We spent barely any time together, but I felt incredibly attached to him. I feel like I'm so mentally involved with him" Ahmaya expresses her actual feelings.
"You are well aware of the possible outcomes of this. You have to return to where you came from..." Ayani tries to teach her the facts that could taint his life.
"Yes, I don't want him to be my lover because it will be hurtful when I will leave. Maybe I am being selfish, I want to spend my time with him till I am here, he is the best thing happened to me here and I want to take him with me as my bestest memory." Ahmaya describes her need.
"I don't think so it's possible for him to be just friends." Ayani shares her feelings.
"I understand it's difficult for him. But I'm here, I'm just about 4 kilometres away from him, and I can't stop myself from wanting to meet him; thinking about not meeting him while he's so close is tormenting me on the inside." Ahmaya is too close to him, and it bothers her that she can't meet him; she'll find a way to return soon, and until then, she wants to spend every minute with him; she's not sure what this emotion is called, but she's definitely desiring him.
"I warn you, it will be too hard on you both. I'm not sure about 2024, but people here have extremely limited tolerance." Ayani cautions her again.
Ayani is feeling a little sad for them both; she overheard their talk and can see his longing in Ahmaya's eyes, as well as how Kitbok cared for her before and on the riverbank; she genuinely wants them to be, but she knows it won't work.
.
"Kitbok, someone is asking for you at the front gate of the university." Peon approaches and speaks to him.
Kitbok comes to the gate, wondering who is waiting for him.
Ayani had been waiting for him.
"Good day, Kitbok. I called you."
"Hi ma'am you are?"
"Yes, we met with Ahmaya that night few months back."
"Oh, hi there, ma'am. "What brought you here?"
"Do you really like her?" she says, unexpectedly.
"What....what do you mean?" Kitbok is confused.
"Okay, here's the address; if you ever want to meet her, come to this address. You know who I'm talking about, right?" She offers him her address because she knows he wants to meet her badly. "Mark my words, she is not a general girl like others if you ever decide to go ahead with her you need to be prepared it will be very difficult for you and additionally, we don't know she will be here in the future or not, so make your mind wisely." She continues and then exits.
Whatever he heard is not interfering with his affections for her. He understands that continuing with her means putting himself in danger, yet his inner soul craves her.
He races towards his bullock waggon. "Take me to this address right now."
Ahmaya is in the kitchen, looking for something to eat, when someone slams the door. Ahmaya wonders who are at the door and walks to it.
She opens the door, and Kitbok immediately holds her firmly and whispers in her ears, "I am ready to tolerate everything with you."
Ahmaya expresses gratitude with a grin and hug, saying, "Thank you so much."
They both sit inside, and Kitbok begins to explain.
"Everything was fine till the time I met you, but when I met you, and you disappeared, I felt as though my breath was an enemy since I couldn't stop thinking about you and couldn't fall asleep." He takes her hands and professes his affection for her: "I'm not sure what's going on with you, but I promise I'll be by your side."
"Are you really ready, I will leave one day, and never gonna meet you again." Ahmaya expresses her concern.
"I know, but till then I want to spend every second with you." Kitbok gives her assurance.
Someone knocks the door. Ahmaya says, "It must be Ayani," and opens the door.
Someone bashes inside the house and slaps Ahmaya hard. Their gathering consisted of about five persons, including Rupomoi and Kitbok's brother.
Kitbok interrupts, "What are you guys doing here?" and his brother smacks Kitbok, "Let's get out of here."
"Bro, listen to me once," Kitbok attempts to explain, but he tries to smack him again, but Rupomoi stops him, saying, "He is not at fault."
Some other man approaches Ahmaya.
"Wait, don't touch her; I'll go with you," Kitbok affirms, heading outside with his brother.
"I told you," says Rupomoi to Ahmaya.
Ahmaya sees Rupomoi through egoistic eyes.
"Are you not ashamed? I don't know what happened to Kitbok. The doctor came to see you plainly warned him that you could be mentally ill, and everyone around you believes you're nuts, so how can he support you?" Rupomoi carries on, and departs with everyone.
Ahmaya takes a recap , when the doctor came to check on me at Rupomoi's house, he informed him that I might be insane, but he assured me that there was nothing wrong with my head and supported me throughout.
Ahmaya is feeling lacking and awful, and her respect for Kitbok deepens.
After a while, Ayani returns to her home. Ahmaya was waiting since she wanted to speak with her.
"You are back.. I...."
"Who all came to my house?" Ayani interrupts her remarks.
"Kitbok was here, and then some people looking for him," she says in an embarrassed tone.
"It is best for you if you do not engage in these activities. If a lot of people notice you, bear in mind that they're not noticing you, but the person in whose body you're now in, and this might be a huge problem." Ayani scolds her. "You have to be alert. He is a human; he cannot understand this type of facts, but you must. You can meet him; you mentioned you wanted to include him in your fondest memories from here, but be mindful of the people." She continues. "God, now my neighbours will ask me what happened? why happened? who is the girl? I need to prepare the answer for them too." She finishes with a sigh.
"Your neighbours?" Ahmaya questions .
"Yes, I live between people and pretend to be human like them, and I have a respect here, which can be ruined." Ayani responds.
"Sorry." Ahmaya is guilty since some people broke into Ayani's house because of her.
"It's fine, just keep your distance from people...Now let's try to evoke your abilities; sit on the ground." Says Ayani, patting her.
She sits on the ground with her legs crossed.
"Keep your spine straight it plays a crucial role and now, close your eyes , breath slowly as you can, focus on the area between your eyes , collect all you have all the energy you have in your body at that area and try to move that in your body." Ayani instructs.
Ahmaya tries, but.. "I can't."
"Just try it, right, take calm breaths, focus on that area between your brows, and try to collect everything you have in your body there, like all of your energy and thoughts. And then attempt to transfer all of that to your arms." Ayani instructs again.
"I still...cant."
"Ok watch me." Ayani orders her to observe her. She sits and does what she told to Ahmaya, and her hands manifest the green light she possesses.
After a minute, she softly opens her eyes and says, "This is the gift I have and so do you.....You just need to manifest as I do."
Ahmaya is astounded by the beauty of the green dazzling light emanating from Ayani's hands. "Do you really think I also have this beauty within me."
"Yes, you do. Uhmmm, I have a book to help you; please wait while I bring it." Ayani encourages her. Here you go; this may help you. Open page 516."
"This mantra, which you can see right here, can help give your inner energy the strength to wake up easily. Light a lamp and repeat this 18 times. Then try to reawaken your energies again." She continues.
Ahmaya does what she says, but she is still unable to execute it.
She becomes irritated. "I can't and I don't think so I can."
"Calm down; it may take some time, but you can accomplish it. Let us practise more and more, okay." Ayani attempts to encourage her again, but she is unsure why she is unable to provoke it.
They've tried nearly six times in a row, but Ahmaya still can't make it.
"Take rest we will try again later." Says Ayani.
Someone bangs the door again.
"Its late whose there." They both wonder.
Ayani opens the door to find a man who says, "My friend gave it to me to pass on to you," and hands her a note.
Ayani opens the latter, "Ahmaya, it's for you."
Ahmaya, I apologise for the scene that I caused today. Meet me at 11 p.m. on the top of the hill behind the university, near the general's home. I know it's late, but it's the only time we can meet, so I'll wait for you there. —Kitbok
"What's the time?" Ahmaya inquires after reading the letter.
"It's gonna be 11 soon."
"I don't know anything about the hill and general's home can you please take me their."
Ayani agrees and takes her to that location.
The hill is gorgeous, and they feel as if they are so near to the stars. The weather is frosty but wonderful.
"You are here." Kitbok speaks to Ahmaya.
"I am sorry for causing a scene at your home." He apologies to Ayani.
"Fine, Talk fast, people might see you both." She forgives him and cautions both of them.
"Its quite high." Says Ahmaya.
"Yes, sit here, hanging your legs, you can see the whole village, isn't it beautiful." Kitbok invites her to sit with her at the edge of the mountain, with their legs in the air, and admire the beauty of the entire village.
"My parents want me to marry as soon as possible," he explains as they sit.
Ahmaya touches his hand while sitting and smiles as she says "marry than."
"What?"
"Yes, I told you, right? I am not from here; I am from 2024, and one day I will make it there; what will you do? It is best for you to marry a nice girl. When I met you at the river, I was agitated, confused, and selfish. I should have told you this then." She reveals to him why she wants him to marry. She does not want his life to be shattered because of her.
"Listen..." Kitbok attempts to talk, but Ahmaya interrupts and states, "I know the people around me think I'm insane, people warned you I could be mentally ill.Why are you doing this then?"
"I know you like me, but if you believe, like others, that I am insane and you can live with me and give me treatment and I will be fine or something, don't dream up. I am grateful that, despite all of the criticism you have received as a result of my actions, you are still here with me, having met me, but it is best for you to marry and live a happy life in your world." She continues on.
"Are you done? Can I speak now?" Kitbok requests her permission to talk. "I never considered you insane because I do not believe you are. People used to call you nuts when you stayed at Rupomoi's, but I never believed them since your eyes were always honest.I completely believe everything you say."
He pauses for a moment before continuing, "You say you need to go back where you belong; I completely understand that, which is why you are telling me to get married. But I am more than just a boy who likes you; I am also a decent human being, and I cannot do that to a lady. My feelings for you are so strong that I am completely incapable of liking another lady, at least not right now; perhaps after you leave." He smiles, jokes a little, and continues. "If I marry another girl, I will be deceiving her because you will be the only one on my mind.She can never embrace me as a whole; she may get a tiny portion of me, but not the whole. This isn't fair to her, right? Every person deserves a full of their partners. And my bigger part is with you now; I can never give my full to someone else."
Ahmaya hugs him tightly after hearing all of this. "What about your parents and your brother, how will you convince them about not marrying that girl."
"I'm not sure right now, but I'll sort it out shortly, like I told you. I will tolerate and bear everything." He assures her.
"So, where were you for the last three months?" he asks, worried.
"I was taken by a strange man to Pataallok. But Ayani rescued me.I just spent around two hours there, but three months had passed when I returned. It's like a game of time." She explains, hesitantly.
"Did you get your answers?" inquires Kitbok.
"No, not yet, but we are trying to."
"Whatever it was, I am relieved that you are okay." He is relieved.
"It's late, we should leave now. We can meet here tomorrow as well." He says.
"Do you wanna kiss before we go?" asks Ahmaya, kissing him. They share a lovely little kiss.
Kitbok is standing, while Ahmaya is leaving. Kitbok is overjoyed to encounter her in such a pleasant manner, and he is smiling while he is saying goodbye to her.
Ahmaya turns her head to see whether he left and notices Kitbok standing at the very edge of the ground.
"Kitbok, be careful," but as soon as she says this, his foot slips and he falls.
When Ahmaya sees this, she shouts and hurries towards Kitbok, jumping alongside him.
Ayani is taken aback by what she sees; she rushes and sees down for both of them in the chasm, and the scene she witnesses gives her goosebumps.
Ahmaya is holding Kitbok as they float in the air; the same lovely and golden light emanates from her body, and Kitbok is enveloped by it.
Ahmaya comes back clutching Kitbok in a little breeze.
And the golden light that was emanating from her body stopped.
Kitbok is stunned and at a loss for words.
"Are you okay?" Ahmaya asks him.
Kitbok is not in the mood to answer.
Ayani began snapping in front of his eyes.
"Wait, what are you doing?" Ahmaya interrupts her.
She responds, "He needs to forget this."
"I don't want him to forget." Ahmaya commands.
"Don't act stupid, this is a danger to our community." Ayani attempts to explain.
"It's the only way he can recall the real me. He is not a threat to anyone, believe me." Ahmaya speaks.
"Yes, I don't want to forget how her aura touched my body. I don't want to forget how it feels to be in her aura." Kitbok makes his statement in between.
"Okay, I am putting all my trust in you, I hope you would keep it a secret." Ayani speaks to him and takes Ahmaya with her.
.
Ahmaya feels thrilled to meet him; she is lying in bed, thinking solely about him.
"May I come in?" Asks Ayani, who is standing at the door of the room.
"Of course its your home after all."
"I think we know why you were not able to evoke your energy when we were trying but evoked when kitbok fell." Ayani found an answer.
"Why?" Ahmaya is now curious.
"Your energy is emotion driven. Your emotions activate your energy, causing it to evoke." Ayani answers.
"Maybe because when we were in Pataalok, you were in danger, and I was thinking about my parents, and I suddenly felt energised. Today Kitbok fell, and my energy was summoned, and I jumped." Ahmaya has now linked the missing pieces and knows.
"Let's try to evoke your energy through your emotions. Take a slow breath in and reflect about the individuals in your life who mean the most to you. And whatever emotions you have in your heart, collect them in the space between your brows. Now remember the nicest time you had with them, and absorb the happiness you are feeling." Ayani is educating her. "Now try to flow those emotions to your arms."
Ayani, happy to see this, says, "Open your eyes."
Ahmaya opens her eyes, mesmerised by the brilliant golden light emanating from her palm. She can sense it. She feels it. It feels like something is on her palm and she has power over it; it feels like she is clutching something really important. She can also move the light. She feels ecstatic to see that.
"Now you know how to evoke it, we will learn how to use it."
.
Kitbok wakes up with a pleasant smile; he was startled by Ahmaya's powers last night, but her warm aura that held him, brought him so much peace in his heart. As he got up, he realised he has a major task ahead of him: he needed to go to his parents and talk to them. Before he could leave, his brother called him personally.
He approaches his brother and notices he is sitting with two people.
"Yes brother."
And his brother begins to speak.
"That girl's name is not Ahmaya.These are her in-laws."
"She is Pushpa and she was married."