True Rising: Mark of the Defenders

by Tanishq Sheikh

  I don’t want to sit here. I want to take a hot bath and go to sleep but I know unless I give answers, I won’t be indulged.

  “A wild dog attacked me.” My explanation is almost true. I have no idea why I’m hiding the truth from them but I’m still unable to speak to anyone about these things other than Ajaz.

  A collective gasp goes around the room that is now filled with servants and children apart from Asad and Rinaz. Ammi comes bustling in at that moment and everyone parts way for her.

  “My child!” she exclaims, placing a kind hand on my head before launching her furious tirade. “Asad, what kind of lapse is this? How can a dog enter the property? Get to the bottom of it this instant! I want all the security guards checking the perimeters. And call for the ambulance at once! She needs shots for rabies immediately!”

  “There’s really no need.” My protest is feeble making them all grumble in protest. I need Ajaz, I need Ajaz!

  “Ajaz!” I cry out before the world around me goes dark.

  ~ ~ ~

  The repeated soft beeps of artificial machines sink into my senses. I haven’t opened my eyes but I know I’m in a hospital bed. And my mouth is very dry.

  My eyes flicker open to the dim light filtering through the corridor outside. The first thing I notice is my stomach that is still protruding. It means the baby’s fine. Next I scan the room with half-shut eyes that I’m struggling to open completely. It’s a large space, with huge windows to one side. It’s dark out and the pitter-patter sound of gentle rain against the window pane is the only sound from outside. Why is it raining in winter?

  The light curtains are open to allow some outside light fall in and over the figure slumped in one of the chairs. I don’t need light to tell me it’s Ajaz. If he’s here then I’ve been out for quite long.

  I can’t help the murmur that escapes my lips when I stir. It’s loud enough to have him jumping out of the chair and by my bedside in seconds.

  He takes one of my hands in his and leans over to gently caress my hair. “Hey.”

  I manage a soft smile. “You came.”

  I can tell his heart is heavy. I can tell he wants to cry from relief but he’s being brave. He lays a kiss on my hand instead and reaches to press the button for the nurses’ station. Within seconds I’m surrounded by doctors and nurses who perform a thorough check up, feed me ice-cubes, administer drips, injections, change bandages and finally after twenty minutes leave me alone with the man who matters the most to me.

  He helps me sit up before insisting on spoon-feeding a warm soup the nurse has left for me. It isn’t appealing at all but we both know I need my strength. After I’m done, I lay my head back on the cushions willing away the discomfort of being in the hospital.

  “I’ll get you home soon,” Ajaz promises. As usual he’s heard my thoughts. He sits on a chair near me, leaning forward to hold my hand in his. “Now I need to know what happened.”

  With accurate detail, I narrate my entire ordeal to him. His face goes through a myriad of emotions from concern to pain to panic to outrage. He will take time to forgive himself for not being there for me. But the final look on his face is one of awe. His eyes grow wide as he hears how I found my powers to defend myself.

  “Wow,” he almost whispers in shock before leaning ahead to brush aside a stray tendril at my forehead, “My girl is all superwoman now, huh?”

  I manage a small laugh. “Only because her bodyguard abandoned her.”

  He winces at my light-hearted accusation. “I’m sorry, baby, I promise I’m never leaving you again.”

  I beckon him to me and he rises to place his forehead against mine. I close my eyes holding his face in my palms. “I was scared.”

  He sucks in sharply. There’s no way those words will let him be away from me again. “Scoot,” he orders, kicking off his shoes to climb onto the bed with me. I immediately snuggle into his warmth, laying my cheek over his chest. The solid thud of his heartbeat is my medicine.

  “I felt it,” he states, absently stroking my arm. I look up at him in surprise. He’s smiling but it’s hiding the anxiety he feels for me. “I was sleeping when I had a nightmare. It was you, trapped in a dark world with these beasts surrounding you. It was too real, jolting me out of my sleep. I tried calling you but you had left your cell home. I called Ammi and asked her to send someone to look for you. She said yes but she didn’t take me too seriously. She thought I was being paranoid.” He places a kiss on my head. I can feel an involuntary shiver pass through him. “When I got that call from Asad about the attack, I managed to get a ticket and left for the airport all the while praying you were fine.”

  I look up at him to find an unshed tear gracing the corner of his honey eye. I reach up snake a hand behind his neck and bring his lips to mine. I want him to feel I’m very much alive and grateful for his love. We surface from the haze of our kiss to laugh like silly children. Instinct tells us, the calm is temporary and we need to be vigilant. And we need answers again.

  We can’t figure out why my powers are being deliberately drawn out or who the beast was. I do remember seeing it in one of my horrifying visions but I have no idea who it is or represents. Somehow we need the answers before it’s too late.

  ~ ~ ~

  It’s dawned upon me that I was out for three days straight and that Rinaz was the one who sat with me before Ajaz flew in. I owe this sweet woman big time.

  Our return home to Ajaz’s ancestral home is uneventful. Upon our return, Walibaba shows us into the living room where the family has assembled to greet me. I’m not ready for this but propriety demands I show them due respect. Ajaz leaves me in the foyer to go freshen up. He had come straight from a very long flight to the hospital and after staying the night with me, here we were at home well past noon. I can’t begrudge him this but I’m uncomfortable nonetheless.

  Everyone rises when I enter the room including Ammi. Well, everyone except Aamina and the porcelain beauty sitting next to her. Nadira! I had completely forgotten about her.

  I accept Ammi and Rinaz’s warm embrace and nods by Ajaz’s brothers.

  “You gave us quite a scare, my child,” Ammi is speaking to me but I can’t think of an appropriate answer. I’m at a loss for words, my brief glimpse of Nadira is working overtime on my senses. She’s sitting to my right, next to Aamina who is at the end of the same couch as me. From what I can tell, Nadira is exquisite. White, porcelain skin, full, sensuous, ruby lips, delicate, light green eyes and glossy copper hair framing a beautiful face.

  Ajaz managed to resist that? Stop it!

  “We should have lunch shortly, I’m sure you’re famished,” Ammi interjects breaking the flow of my thoughts. She sits back with a relaxed smile. “I’m blessed to have my beautiful family around me.”

  I chance a glance around the room. Everyone apart from Ammi and Rinaz are looking tensed. They’re waiting for the formal introduction to by-pass the awkward stage.

  To my surprise, it’s Aamina who speaks up. “I’d like you to meet my sister, Nadira. Nadira, this is Prisha.”

  Okkkaaayyy. A slow tense breath leaves my body. I lean forward and make eye contact. “Nice to meet you.” I’m polite enough and proud of myself. I’ve actually managed to look her in the eye.

  Her response is not what I expect it to be. Her lips turn up at the edges in a pompous sneer, her light eyes give me a cold look and she follows it with a condescending nod. Annoyance stirs deep within me.

  No! Do NOT make a scene here! I place a protective hand over my belly, trying my best to ignore her snub.

  There is a brief silence before the others engage in small chit chat. I’m not sure I want to be a part of any conversation till I hear someone calling my name. I look up confused about the source.

  It’s Aamina speaking to me again. “Where are you originally from?”

  My eyes are wider than they ought to be but I can’t mask my surprise. This woman has hardly spoken to me in all the times we met before but tonight sh
e decides to get chatty? “I’ve been born and brought up in Bombay.”

  The older woman leans forward so I can see Nadira’s side profile. “But what about your real father?”

  My hackles rise. I feel incredulous. She’s not trying to bait me, is she? I have nothing that I’m ashamed of. “He’s from Nepal.”

  Aamina keeps at it. “Our roots can be traced to ancient Persia. In fact we’re still of pure blood…”

  “Enough!” The command startles me. It has come from Ammi, her usually calm face showing clear signs of displeasure. “I will not have you vilify Prisha under my roof, Aamina.”

  Aamina fumes in silence. I actually can’t believe the quiet, unassuming woman who has hardly ever spoken two words in my presence is capable of actual drama. “Forgive me, Ammi, but was it okay for you to sit by and let your son mistreat my sister?” She wrings her hands in her lap as she asks the well-reasoned question.

  “Aamina!” Azmath shouts his warning to his wife. “Be quiet!”

  She turns upon him like a crazed woman. “No! I will not be quiet anymore! Even you, as my husband did nothing to repair my sister’s marriage to your brother!”

  Azmath rises to his feet, his face reddened with unsuppressed anger. “Don’t take this any further, Aamina!”

  I press my fingers to my throbbing temple. Arguments between Aamina and Azmath continue around me but I block them out. It’s not my fault, it’s not my fault! I can’t control the flow of tears that fall from my eyes unchecked.

  This feels like it’s my fault. There is no way the Markoss are arguing among each other for any other reason than me. What’s happening? Why is it happening? A myriad of thoughts run through my brain like data being scanned.

  A question pops up. Why is this happening now? The answer comes to me in an instant. Because the baby is due and the Kleshas want to create discord striking into the very heart of this family that can protect me.

  “Stop it!” I cry out, rising to my feet. They all look at me in surprise. Rinaz is by my side in an instant, a worried look on her face. She places a hand on my arm but I set it away though not in an unkind manner.

  “Aamina, I’m really sorry, I had no idea what was happening in my life back then and even now. You know how twisted things are!” I’m almost willing her to understand the oddity of my relationship with not only Ajaz but also his family.

  Instead, Aamina smirks. “We only know what you want us to know, Prisha. We all know you tricked Ajaz into getting you pregnant with his child so you could have him!”

  I gasp as do most others in the room. They carry forward the arguments amongst themselves while I stand pale with shock. Is she right? Did I do that? I know Raati was part of that night when I conceived but she hadn’t been there throughout. The people of this family, like Aamina, don’t know about Raati, that’s why they think I seduced Ajaz. Doesn’t she believe in the legacy of the Amarahs? Hasn’t she seen any display of power?

  It occurs to me that while the Markos’ believe in the legacy, it’s possible the wives and children have not understood its true importance.

  What can I do? I can’t let Ajaz be hurt! He’d hate to see them argue in this manner! I can’t let the Kleshas overpower them!

  I raise my eyes to take in the scene when my eyes fall on Nadira. She’s still looking at me with a condescending sneer. She’s sending out a challenge.

  I see red. She is NOT part of this family anymore! They are my family and I won’t let her tear them apart!

  To my surprise, she sidles towards me unnoticed by the others. Up close, she’s even more beautiful with an almost ethereal quality about her. Her liquid eyes trail from my feet to my head, the snide look never leaving her face. “What does he see in you, I wonder? Muddy skin, unattractive black eyes, unkempt hair, rough attitude. How in the world do you compare with someone like me?”

  I would like growling at her but then that would make me more uncouth in her opinion, not that it matters to me. I take a step closer so that I can whisper into her delicate ear. “I suppose it’s the way I’m in bed that matters. I hear you didn’t have it in you for him to bed you.”

  The blood drains from her face as she glares at me. “How dare you?”

  It’s my time to smirk. “I dare because I’m carrying his child and not you.”

  To my horror, the room has fallen silent just as those words leave my mouth and everyone hears them.

  “Did you hear that?” Aamina demands as all eyes turn upon me. I take a step back. Are they expecting an explanation? “Ammi, it isn’t too late! This girl has tricked Ajaz into marrying her! She’s nothing but a sly, little gold digger!”

  Something begins to uncoil deep within me. It’s a surge I’ve felt recently when I dealt with the beast. I clench my fists by my side to control my anger. All my life I’ve been searching for acceptance. Ajaz is the only one who accepts me as I am. He’s not worried about my blood line or the way I look. He’s not bothered that I’m darker than him. He loves me for who I am and it’s the same for me. And NO ONE has the right to question our love!

  “I’m not a gold digger,” I snarl under my breath.

  Aamina launches a direct attack again. “Aren’t you? Didn’t you have any idea how rich Ajaz was?”

  “No! I didn’t!”

  “That’s a lie and you know it!” Aamina’s expression is vile. It’s not her, it’s the Kleshas goading her on! She approaches me, punching a finger into my chest. “You knew how affluent we were when you met Ajaz in Bombay. It’s not possible you didn’t! He was always driving around imported cars and motorbikes! You chased him to the US even after he was married to my sister. You seduced him and got pregnant! You made him commit adultery! Your child is nothing but the result of sin!”

  “No! We did nothing while he was married!” Why do I need to justify?

  “You conniving little witch!” Nadira jumps in. “You stole him from me! You took the opportunity and stole my husband!”

  “He. Is. NOT. Your. HUSBAND!” I roar with a finality that has everyone take note.

  Raw fury grips me and I begin to levitate off the floor much to the shock of all those who are witness. Dark clouds begin to swirl around my clenched fists gradually encircling my entire body. I feel the power surge within me but I’m not ready to let it loose.

  I hear the shrieks of the women, the shouts of the men but I’m lost in the haze of my power. My eyes roll up into their sockets, my head falls back while shards of black lighting form around my clenched fists. I’ve never felt like this before. I guess my power is not all sunshine and sparkles, it’s dark and disturbing too and capable of total destruction. I like it.

  Don’t unleash it! I warn myself. They are my family. But Nadira! My eyes roll back down to pin her with a look that has her screaming. I float towards her, my hand reaching out to encircle her slender neck. “Do not cross paths with me.”

  I tilt my head sideways, a mirthless smile playing at my lips while I squeeze her neck further. “See how much stronger my blood line is?”

  “My child, let her go.” It’s Ammi’s voice that calms me. I let go of Nadira immediately who stumbles into her sister’s arms. They both leave the room sobbing hysterically.

  Ammi comes to stand before me, looking up. I’m still floating at least four feet off the ground. Instead of scolding me, she stands in awe of me. “This is remarkable. You’ve mastered your powers in this world.”

  Her words are not unkind but they make me feel like a freak. “I didn’t trap Ajaz,” I tell her like a sullen child accused of stealing candy.

  “I know, child.” Ammi’s sigh is tired. “You’re living out your destiny as is he.”

  Azmath comes to stand before me, staring at me in awe. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

  I look down at myself. The black swirls are gone and replaced with soft, white ones that look like fluffs of a detached cloud. Is their colour directly proportional to my temper?

  Rinaz is also staring
at me, more delighted than shocked. “Can you fly?”

  Asad nudges her aside. “That’s a good question. Can you?”

  I look at them all. This is ridiculous. I feel like a new discovery. It’s obvious that although they must have some powers they aren’t like mine or even Ajazs’ for that matter. We both are unique. “Ajaz can project bolts of light from his body,” I inform them trying not to sound conceited.

  “Prish? Sweetheart, what are you doing?”

  Ajaz! I turn around embarrassed. He’s standing at the doorway, his hair is longer and tousled from his fresh shower making him look more handsome than ever before. I immediately thaw.

  He approaches me curling his fingers around my feet. It’s enough to ground me. The white swirls dwindle as I descend into his arms cherishing the warmth of his embrace.