TANGLED IN THE SHADOWS

Part -32

RAVINDRA JADEJA

Jadeja stood amidst the flickering oil lamps and incense smoke in the ancient temple, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and hope. The pandits bustled around, preparing for the night's ritual to break the curse that haunted him. His thoughts drifted to his parents' spirits, whom he felt were watching over him in this critical moment.

"Please, Ma, Papa," he whispered quietly, "help me through this. I want to marry Mahi and live a happy life together."

As the ritual began, Jadeja could feel the spiritual energy intensifying around him. The pandits chanted ancient mantras, their voices resonating in the sanctum sanctorum. They drew intricate patterns with rice flour and vermillion powder, creating a protective circle around Jadeja and the sacred altar.

In the midst of the ritual, Jadeja's voice trembled as he spoke aloud to the petni's spirit. "Enough of this curse! I demand you to release me! I beg you!" His hands shook as he held a sacred talisman, hoping it would shield him from the malevolent force.

The atmosphere in the temple shifted subtly, and Jadeja sensed a chill running through the air. The petni's spirit began to manifest, swirling like a faint mist near the altar. "Why should I release you?" a disembodied voice echoed. "You belong to me now."

Jadeja's eyes welled with tears. "I belong to no one! Release me from this torment!" His voice quivered with a mix of desperation and defiance.

The pandits intensified their chants, invoking the deity's blessings and channeling their spiritual energy towards the mist. Jadeja's heart raced as he felt his parents' presence comforting him, their ethereal touch giving him courage.

With a final, resounding chant, the pandits and Jadeja poured sacred waters over the idol representing the petni, symbolizing a plea for mercy and release. The mist slowly dissipated, as if carried away by an unseen force.

Jadeja bowed his head in gratitude, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Thank you, Ma, Papa," he whispered. "Go peacefully now."

As the pandit approached him, Jadeja looked up with a mix of relief and anticipation. "Can I see them now? Are they safe?" he asked eagerly.

The pandit smiled gently. "You have done well, Jadeja. They are safe. You can see them tomorrow."

Jadeja nodded, overwhelmed with emotions but relieved that the worst was over. He stepped outside the temple into the serene morning light, feeling a newfound sense of peace and hope for the future.

**( Yeah... like I said, I don't know about rituals, so don't throw tomatoes if it's crap 🙄🙄) **