The Secret Of Rebirth(18+)

Chapter 32: Shadows and Secrets

Madhav stood alone in his room, the weight of his decision still pressing heavily on his chest. The pain of pushing Kavya away was unbearable, but he knew it was necessary to protect her. The curse they carried was far too dangerous to ignore, and until they could break it, he had to keep his distance.

But his heart yearned to see her, to ensure she was safe. The thought of her out there, hurting because of his harsh words, gnawed at him. He knew he couldn't stay away completely, not when he had the power to watch over her.

Summoning his shape-shifting abilities, Madhav let his human form dissolve, transforming into his true serpent form. As the transformation completed, he slithered out of the house, his body instinctively following the pull he felt towards Kavya.

He moved silently through the night, guided by an unseen force until he reached her. She was standing alone in a quiet park, her arms wrapped around herself as if to ward off the cold that wasn't really there. Madhav watched her from a distance, his serpent eyes sharp and focused on every movement she made.

Kavya suddenly froze, sensing something in the air. She turned slowly, her eyes narrowing as she scanned the darkness around her. "Yaha Jo koi bhi hai, saamne aau," she called out, her voice firm and commanding. "Maine kaaha samne aau, nahi toh achha nahi hoga."

Madhav held his breath, staying perfectly still as he observed her. He knew she could sense his presence, but he wasn't ready to reveal himself. Not yet. He watched as she continued to search the area, her senses heightened, every muscle in her body tense with anticipation.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, Kavya spotted something moving in the shadows. She turned quickly, just in time to see a snake slithering towards her, its eyes gleaming in the moonlight. Without hesitation, a figure from the shadows, mistaking it for a threat, raised a stick to strike it down.

"No!" Kavya shouted, her voice filled with urgency. She rushed forward, placing herself between the snake and the attacker. "Stop! Don't kill it!"

The man hesitated, confused by her sudden intervention. But Kavya stood her ground, her eyes fixed on the snake as it slithered closer to her. The attacker slowly lowered the stick, stepping back in confusion.

The snake, recognizing her, began to shift its form, the scales shimmering as it transformed into a humanoid figure. The being before her was no ordinary snake-it was a naag, a serpent with the power to shift between forms. The naag bowed low, a gesture of deep respect. "Aapka dhanyabad, Seshnaagin," it said humbly, its voice filled with reverence.

Kavya was taken aback, her mind struggling to process what was happening. "Seshnaagin?" she whispered to herself, the title resonating deep within her. She had heard the term before, but only in the stories of old, tales of a great serpent queen with unimaginable powers.

The naag straightened, its eyes full of admiration as it looked at her. "You have saved my life, and for that, I am forever in your debt," it said, its voice unwavering. "If ever you need my assistance, call upon me, and I will be there."

Before Kavya could respond, the naag transformed back into its serpent form and slithered away into the night, leaving her standing there, stunned and confused.

From his vantage point, Madhav watched the entire scene unfold. A smile crept across his serpentine face as he witnessed Kavya's natural command and bravery. Even without understanding the full extent of her powers, she had instinctively protected one of their kind. It was proof that the Seshnaagin she had once been was still within her, waiting to be fully awakened.

Satisfied that she was safe, Madhav began to retreat, slithering back into the shadows. But as he moved away, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for keeping the truth from her. The moment would come when he would have to tell her everything-about their past, their powers, and the curse that kept them apart.

But for now, he was content to watch over her from a distance, protecting her in any way he could, even if she didn't know it.

As he disappeared into the darkness, Kavya remained standing in the park, her thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and questions. She could still feel the presence that had been watching her, but it was gone now, leaving her alone with the mysteries that seemed to surround her life more and more each day.