Tangled Lives

CHAPTER 15

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That night, we gathered in the temple, the air thick with anticipation. Mohan prepared the altar, arranging offerings of flowers, incense, and items that belonged to Druvan. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow over the temple, I felt the power within me growing.

"Are you ready?" Mohan asked, his voice steady.

I took a deep breath. "I am."

We began the ritual, Mohan chanting in a language older than time. I closed my eyes, focusing on my bond with Druvan, calling out to him.

"Druvan, if you can hear me, I need your help."

A chill swept through the temple, and a figure began to materialize before us—Druvan, or at least his spirit. He looked much like the photographs I had seen, but there was an ethereal quality about him, a flicker of light amidst shadows.

"Why have you called me?" his voice echoed, a mix of sorrow and strength.

"I seek to end the curse that has bound our fates," I said, my voice resolute. "Together, we can confront your mother's darkness and put an end to it once and for all."

He looked at me, a mixture of gratitude and sadness in his eyes. "You must tread carefully. My mother's power is deep-rooted and vengeful. But if you are willing to face it, I will guide you."

With Druvan by my side, we began the ritual, the air vibrating with energy. As Mohan continued to chant, I felt the curse within me growing restless, sensing its adversary. I summoned my resolve, focusing on the love and light I felt for Druvan, the bond we now shared.

The temperature dropped, and shadows began to swirl around us, manifesting the darkness that had consumed Druvan's mother. A voice, laced with fury and pain, reverberated through the chamber. "You dare disturb me?"

The curse took form, an apparition of rage and sorrow that twisted and turned, seeking to envelop us. I could feel it trying to pull me in, an insidious whisper tugging at the edges of my consciousness.

"Vaidehi!" Aisha's voice broke through my thoughts, steady and unwavering. "Focus! Remember why you're doing this!"

I nodded, forcing my mind back to the task at hand. "Druvan, guide me!" I shouted, feeling the connection between us strengthen.

As I chanted the words Mohan had taught me, I felt the curse writhe, its power pushing back against my own. The air crackled with energy, and I fought to maintain my focus, drawing strength from Aisha's unwavering support.

"Together, we can end this!" I yelled, feeling the warmth of Druvan's spirit beside me.

Suddenly, the shadows coiled tighter around me, the apparition lunging forward. "You think you can defeat me?" it hissed. "You are but a child playing with fire!"

I took a deep breath, tapping into the resolve that had brought me this far. "No. I am more than that. I am the one who will break this cycle of pain!"

With a surge of energy, I extended my hand toward the apparition, channeling every ounce of love, light, and determination I could muster. The shadows shrieked, twisting violently as the brightness pushed back against the darkness.