She did not summon. She whispered. And the waters opened—Because the daughter asked.
~~~~~
Ayani opens the door to meet someone she recognises. They speak briefly in low voices.
Then she turns to Ahmaya, her face tense.
"We need to get you out of here. Now. Pack your things—we're leaving immediately."
"What happened?" Ahmaya asks, startled.
"Everyone knows who you are. They know you're Pushpa. Her family is coming. They'll try to take you with them."
Ahmaya freezes, heart racing.
"Can I meet Kitbok before we go? Please?"
Ayani hesitates. "We don't have time."
"I may never see him again," Ahmaya says softly.
Ayani sighs. "Fine. I'll arrange it. But make it quick."
She sends a note to Kitbok and arranges their meeting at the cliff.
The night air is sharp, the stars vivid above.
Kitbok stands at the cliff when Ahmaya rushes to him and throws her arms around him.
"I'm leaving… somewhere far. I'm sorry," she whispers.
Kitbok pulls back slightly, stunned. "Why? What's going on?"
"No time. I just needed to see you."
Her eyes linger on his.
"Do you want to kiss before I go?" she asks softly.
Before he can reply, she leans in—and kisses him.
It's their first kiss. Brief but full of emotion. A silent promise, a farewell pressed to lips.
Kitbok's heart pounds. Her warmth, her scent—it all imprints on him like something he knows he'll never forget.
Then—something begins to happen.
A soft golden glow radiates from Ahmaya's body, warm and pulsing like a heartbeat. It wraps around them, lighting their faces in the dark. Kitbok gasps, pulling back slightly, eyes wide.
"Ahmaya… what is this?"
She looks just as surprised, holding her glowing hand in front of her.
Before either of them can speak, Ayani rushes in, breathless. She sees the light and her expression darkens—but she keeps calm.
"I think I know what's happening," Ayani says quietly. "But not now. We'll talk later."
Kitbok still hasn't moved, staring at Ahmaya as if seeing her for the first time.
Ayani steps forward.
She lifts her fingers.
*Snap*
A sharp sound breaks the moment—once, twice—as she begins snapping before Kitbok's eyes.
Ahmaya instantly steps between them.
"Wait—what are you doing?"
"He saw too much," Ayani replies calmly, her fingers ready. "He's human. He can't carry this. He needs to forget."
"No," Ahmaya says firmly, placing a hand on Kitbok's chest, as if shielding both his heart and his memory.
"This… this was a moment. I don't want him to forget it."
Ayani's expression shifts from control to concern.
"You don't understand what this means for us."
"He won't say anything. And even if he did… I want him to remember. Because it's the only way he'll know the real me. Not the confused girl everyone talks about. But me."
Kitbok stays quiet, eyes still locked on Ahmaya, his breath uneven, as if afraid to breathe too loud and break the spell.
Ayani looks at him, long and searching. A moment of silent weighing passes.
Then, turning to Kitbok, she adds softly, "I trust you."
Kitbok nods, a bit overwhelmed, his voice barely a whisper.
Ahmaya gives Kitbok one last look, her golden aura fading.
Her eyes are wet.
"Goodbye, Kitbok."
And just like that—she leaves.
.
They travels to Nako, Himachal Pradesh—a serene village nestled among the mountains. At its heart lies a magnificent lake, its crystal-clear waters shimmering in the sunlight. Beneath the surface, vibrant, multicoloured fish glide gracefully, casting flickers of light in every direction.
Ayani kneels at the edge, dipping her fingers into the cool water.
"Dad… I call you," she whispers.
A moment of stillness—then, the surface ripples.
A man slowly rises from the depths, water streaming down his form. His skin glistens like dark crystal, timeless and powerful.
"You have come after a long time," he says with a warm smile, noticing Ahmaya. "And you brought a friend, too?"
"Dad, help us."
"Help?" Her dad wonders.