A Mother's Will

Chapter 16

The next morning, Jovana herself made the arrangements for the rituals. The guru had a prayer session in the morning, and Jovana watched it from the door; she was not very inclined toward the gods. She stood there, and then the Guru asked Riyaan to explain a phrase; he was blank. Then he looked at Jovana, who was giggling, and said, You tell me then, in a rather offended tone. She gave a giggle and said it means "the energy of the soul that once comes to the earth; it never leaves this place; the earth will become crowded one day, and another phase must begin." The guru was impressed and said you still remember it after so many years. She bowed her neck down and accepted it.

Suddenly Jade called her in a hurry; she excused herself from others and came out. The prayers were done too, and Riyaan hurried to Jovana while she was still on her phone. Amit and Ayaan joined Riyaan and waited for her to finish. Then they heard something she said: "Remember what they say: keep your friends close but your enemies even closer, and it's time we eliminate the closest enemy." They heard this and were a bit shaken.

Jovana saw them coming and ended the call. Jovana asked, What is it, Riyaan? Do you have something to ask? Riyaan asked how you understood the meaning of those prayers there. Well, I used to come here every 3 months for something called ancient knowledge. I learned it with Ayaan and Joh, but she stopped. I learned it from the Guru in there only, so I know she finished it.

Let's have breakfast. I got something really yummy.

She took the family to the famous dish from Razia Dhaba. Razia was the lady who fed the family every time they were here, but she passed away nine years ago. Now her grandson takes care of it. The same recipe and the same smell. Riyaan took the first bite and was cheering. What a yummy dish! he said with his mouth full. Eat up first, then speak, said Akira in an arrogant tone.