The world questioned her mind. But he stood beside her, never once stepping back. Not because he understood her completely,
but because something in him knew—she was worth standing with."
~~~~~
"Kitbok, someone's waiting for you at the university gate," the peon informs him.
Kitbok heads to the gate, puzzled about who could be there.
Ayani is waiting.
"Good day, Kitbok. I called for you."
"Hi, ma'am… you are?"
"We met that day. With Ahmaya."
"Oh—yes. Hello. What brings you here?"
"Do you really like her?" she asks, suddenly.
"…What do you mean?"
"Here." She hands him a small slip of paper. "This is where she is. If you truly want to meet her, go to this address. You know who I am talking about, right?"
Kitbok stares at the note in silence.
"Just remember—she's not like anyone you've met. If you decide to go forward with her, be prepared. It won't be easy. And we can't even be sure she'll stay in this world for long. Make your decision wisely." With that, she turns and leaves.
But none of her words dissuade him. Despite everything, his feelings for Ahmaya are real. He doesn't know what's happening, but he knows he can't let her go.
He runs to his bullock cart. "Take me to this address. Right now."
.
Ahmaya is in the kitchen, rummaging through shelves, when the front door bangs loudly.
She walks to the door and opens it.
Kitbok pulls her into his arms the moment he sees her.
"I am ready to tolerate everything," he whispers into her ear.
Ahmaya smiles and hugs him tightly. "Thank you… so much."
They sit down inside, hearts pounding.
"Everything was fine… until I met you. But once you were gone, it felt like even my breath turned against me. I couldn't think, couldn't sleep. I don't know what's happening with you… but I want to stay. I want to be by your side."
"Are you really sure? I will leave one day. You may never see me again," Ahmaya says, voice filled with concern.
"I know. But until then—I want every second to be with you."
A loud knock breaks the moment.
"Must be Ayani," Ahmaya says, walking to the door.
But it's not Ayani.
The door bursts open. Rupomoi and Kitbok's brother enter, along with several others. One of them slaps Ahmaya across the face.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" Kitbok yells, stepping between them.
His brother slaps him. "Let's go!"
"Bro, wait—please listen—"
But before he can finish, his brother lifts his hand again. Rupomoi stops him.
"He's not at fault," she says, softly.
Another man steps forward, reaching toward Ahmaya.
"Wait. Don't touch her," Kitbok says, voice firm. "I'll come with you."
He steps outside with them.
"I warned you," Rupomoi tells Ahmaya coldly.
Ahmaya glares back at her.
"Are you not ashamed? I don't know what spell you have put on Kitbok. The doctor came to see you that day—he said you might be mentally ill. Everyone around here thinks you've gone mad. How can you expect him to stay with you?" Rupomoi hisses, then leaves with the rest.
Ahmaya recalls what truly happened. The doctor had come to Rupomoi's house and, after examining her, said she might be mentally ill. But Kitbok… he never told her that.
He had believed her. He had never doubted her either. Despite the confusion, the whispers, the eyes watching—he had stood with her, without hesitation, without judgment, without fear.
The ache in her heart sharpens, but within it blooms something steady—deep respect, quiet admiration, and an even stronger affection.
.
Later, Ayani returns. Ahmaya is waiting, eager to talk.
"You're back. I—"
"Who all came to my house?" Ayani interrupts.
"Kitbok was here… and then some people who were looking for him," Ahmaya replies, ashamed.
"It's better if you avoid situations like this. If people see you, remember—they are not seeing you. They are seeing the body you are in. That can cause serious problems," Ayani says sternly. "He's human. He can't understand these things. But you must. You said you want to keep him in your memories, right? Then meet him—but stay alert."
She sighs. "Now my neighbours will ask me what happened, why it happened, who you are… I need to prepare answers for them too."
"Your neighbours?" Ahmaya asks, surprised.
"Yes. I live among people. I pretend to be one of them. I have a reputation here—one that can easily be ruined."
"I'm sorry," Ahmaya says, guilty.
"It's okay. Just stay cautious."
She pauses, having some water. "Now… let's try to awaken your abilities. Sit down."
Ahmaya sits cross-legged.
"Keep your spine straight. It's important. Now close your eyes. Breathe slowly. Focus on the space between your brows. Gather all your energy there… and try to move it through your body."
Ahmaya tries. "I can't."
"Try again. Take deep, calm breaths. Focus. Move your energy to your arms."
"I still… can't."
"Watch me." Ayani demonstrates. She closes her eyes, breathes, and after a moment, a soft green light begins to glow from her hands.
She opens her eyes. "This is the gift I carry. And you carry one, too. You just need to unlock it."
Ahmaya stares in awe. "Do you really think this beauty exists in me too?"
"Yes. Wait—I have a book that may help." Ayani pulls out a worn volume. "Open to page 516."
"This mantra can help strengthen your inner energy. Light a lamp. Recite it 18 times. Then try again."
Ahmaya follows her instructions—but still fails.
"I can't. I don't think I can do this," she says, frustrated.
"Calm down. It takes time. We'll practise more, okay?"
They try again—six times—but nothing happens.
"Rest for now. We'll continue later," Ayani says, gently.
*KNOCK*
Another knock sounds at the door.
"It's late… who could that be?" they both wonder.