The Absolute

Chapter -- 1 [Souma's Verse] {Arc of Fate}

Souma's efforts in battle paid off. He was able to turn out as victor and enter the sect with a bombard entry but on what cost? The cost was his injuries, he was patched with scars; cuts that flew out his blood from the wound in relentless streams, as if the very life within him was determined to escape. He was sufferring and only two people were there to nurse him Master Tufang Singh and Sumire. Sumire however was worried sick about Souma as if he was her own family, which was visible by her intimacy act to held his hand as deep she could and let him rest in ease. In end, Master Tufang took initiative to speak and nurse him.

"The boy is in pain..... Let's see what we could do."  He said so and came in the room.

"Elder Tufang , it is all in your hand to save him."  Sumire spoke as she tried to be as polite she could be.

"We can do all we could do but the final decision is in 'His' hand after all."  He spoke as if patronizing and leaving rest to someone. His voice sound as cold but still somehow realible.

Leaving the side of Half-dead Souma, Elder Tufang went near towards a table picked up a 'Batta', small bowl or vessel in literal sense. It seemed as if made by 'Sarbloh'  or 'Wrought Iron'. The small vessel contained a little water he started walking towards Souma looking by the scene it seemed like he was ought to give this to him but he stopped near Souma at first took a look in vessel, closed his eyes and seemed to recite a 'Hymn' or something like a scripture in verse, 'Waheguru' was all but one can hear. And then he opened his eyes looked down giving a sip of water into the 'suffering-boy'. Miraculously, Souma stopped shiverng with pain and showed a movement in his body.

"U..Uh?"  His voice wobbled as he tried to open his eyes. He was still in deep recovery so it was yet a challenge to gather enough strength to blink a eye and look around.

"He seems to have luck, don't worry lass he would wake up soon.." Elder Tufang spoke with confidence this time as if he predict outcome already.

"Y-Yes as you say." The worridness was clear on Sumire's face she looked as if something near her is going away from her.

It was just a minute difference or even seconds when their conversation ended and Souma woke up but still remained low on the bed.

"U..Uh? Where I am? Did I won?" He mumbled with low voice, it clearly showed his low strength as well as fickle condition.

"Souma!!" Sumire embraced Souma tightly as sensation of relief was felt by her. Her worries come to end and deep bond seems to be developed in both.

"You are something lad. You gambled your life for your victory pretty brave and presumptuous coming from your side."  Elder Tufang said as he keeps the iron bowl back on the table in the room. 

Once Elder Tufang enters back to see Souma, he was greeted by a strange question by him. That was actually beacuse of his unique attire.

"Sir, Are you okay?" Souma bluntly blurted out his inner mind as if he was forced to ask this question. Though this was geniune of his part.

"Souma! Tut. He is your savior and an Elder."  Souma gets scolded by Sumire as he got rude towards Elder Tufang. She herself apolozied on behalf of Souma.

"Hahaha, quite bold coming from this young man. It is true I often get questioned by others because of my attire but fret not it is nothing much. Take care of yourself." Elder Tufang spoke as he take down the topic as a joke forgiving the audacious act of Souma. As he ends his statement he leaves the room.

"Souma! What was that for?" Sumire scolds Souma as she helps him remove his unnecessary bandage and help him get dressed.

"Ouch! But.. You know it was ... really strange to see him wearing weapons as accessory and outmost they were of a 800+ years aback."  He spoke as he began dressing in cloths though was wobbling and aching with pain yet. Because of the water and medicine given by Elder Tufang he was yet to be fully recovered.  

He was now dressed as outer disciple of sect, since his own clothes were destroyed in battle. He was still facing problem to move perfectly but was stubborn to quickly choose his peak. Despite Sumire's saying he was dead set on it. She was confused that why he was going so hastly on him and his still recovering body.

As they both were making their own plans Elder Tufang entered in his open gardern in the Gurj Peak. It was a beautiful paradise of flowers. A narrow path was in between the flower beds which was the only route in the garden it lead to a beautiful 'Rest Pavillion' at the end and in the way there several raised platform and benches to rest or meditate. In conclusion, it was a nice and serene place.

He took his tour and time enjoying the seceneray and enchanting sweet fragnance of flower beds. The birds and other 'garden dwellers' that were preseved by sect from war came and flew openly in freedom there. Tufang Singh was smiling and walking at end when he was near to pavillion he heared a familliar voice to him. 

"What a sight to behold here, The well known aloof Elder Tufang Singh seems to be interested in a child now. A new change seems to be coming." A polite voice of old and dignified man resonated in the garden it made the calm peace to scatter away.

"What are you talking about, Iqbal bhaijan? I don't understand it."  Elder Tufang replied but he was a little annoyed by the sudden intrusion.

"That Urdu expression does not suit you well." The new man who entered the stage, Iqbal said with a little agitation.

"Yes, you maybe right it is because I am not a scholar of shahmukhi well." Elder Tufang replied without hesitation as he wanted to pull Elder Iqbal's leg.

"Ahem... Whatsoever, is the boy still in infirmary?" Elder Iqbal felt a little annoyance from the Elder Tufang's statement so changed topic back to Souma.

"Indeed.." Elder Tufang replied as both sat in the rest pavillion. He brewed the teas and both began with taking the sips.

They once again began their conversation......Alittle agurement....and all but talks. It was a sight to behold two old man, one dressed in white and other in blue sitting and talking about the past, present and future and what not. How great does it look, when different religion exchange knowledge and enjoy sips of tea. It felt like two peacocks, one blue and other white where enchancing the beautiful garden with their laughters as if they were spreading their wings wide open and release soothing sound from their mouths too. 

Their talks went on and on until a sudden disruption go in.

"Please take me in as your disciple." Souma showed impertinence in his tone as he brashly asked.

 To be continued...

[Souma takes his decison!! Lets his verse unfolds far!!]