Episode 3
"Listen, boy," Kaalidas said, "Usually when a child is born, they come headfirst into the world. But there are rare children who are born feet first—upside down. These children are called 'Paayal.' For practitioners of black magic, these children are extremely valuable. You could say they're diamonds hidden in coal."
Haider asked in a confused tone, "So... am I a Paaya?"
Kaalidas looked at Haider with an evil glint in his eyes, and Haider felt like fire was pouring from Kaalidas's eyes into his own. Meeting his gaze wasn't easy. Kaalidas replied, "Yes, you are a Paaya—the greatest of them all. The most precious diamond."
Now Haider understood what Paaya meant. But magic? And him? What did he have to do with any of it? As soon as this thought crossed his mind, Kaalidas's voice rang out again.
"Why wouldn't you be connected to magic? Do people make connections by their own will? Tell me—were you born by your own choice? Will you die when you choose? Can you live life by your own will?"
Haider's mind was reeling. He had barely thought the question, and Kaalidas had already answered it. This isn't an ordinary man, Haider thought.
Kaalidas kept speaking. "Look, in this world, we can't do anything by our will. Everything is already written. It's all up to God. We're just puppets. When He wants, we live. When He wants, we die. Our ashes become air, water, or dust. And in the next life, He plays the game all over again. When does He ever let us do what we want?"
Haider was now feeling disgusted. These words were full of blasphemy.
"What nonsense is this?" Haider yelled. "Did you call me here to give a sermon? Just tell me what you want! Do you want to kill me? Go ahead then—kill me!"
He was fuming with rage.
"Relax, boy. If I wanted to kill you, your skull would already be among those seven skulls hanging in my hut. You're our diamond. Become one of us—our comrade—and you'll see real pleasure. Money, fame... and what was her name? Rabaab? She'll be yours too."
Hearing Rabaab's name shocked Haider again. "How do you know all this?" he asked.
"You think anything is hidden from me?" Kaalidas chuckled. "Go on, think it over, Paayal. You don't have a choice but to become our ally. Now go—it's time for my meditation."
"My name is Haider, not Paaya. And don't you dare call me that again!" Haider snapped.
Kaalidas flinched, then screamed, "Boy! Quiet! Don't say that name here! Do you even know who you're named after?"
Haider nodded and said, "Yes, after Mola Ali (may Allah be pleased with him)."
"You don't get it? I can't say that name! Do you want my tongue to burn?" Kaalidas screamed so loudly the whole hut seemed to tremble. Haider thought he heard shadowy whispers all around.
"Your name will remain Paaya. Just accept it—it'll be better for you," Kaalidas added with a strangely calm voice.
As Haider stood to leave, Kaalidas handed him an envelope. "A gift from me. You'll remember this. And my spirit will show you the way back."
Haider took the envelope and stepped out of the hut. As soon as he did, he felt as if a heavy weight had lifted off him. The fresh air felt amazing. Suddenly, that same mysterious beggar appeared in front of him.
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"Let's go, Paaya," the beggar said, getting up.
Haider, still stunned, asked, "You're the bair (spirit) he mentioned? I thought bair was something you eat! So what are you?"
The beggar kept walking without looking back. As they reached the road, he finally said, "Mind your own business. Today you've made Kaalidas angry. Don't ever say that name again."
Haider looked at his motorcycle, which was completely undamaged. He gave up the idea of going to college and headed home instead. Kaalidas's words kept echoing in his mind. As soon as he got home, he collapsed on his bed—and, somehow, sleep overcame him.