Episode 3
Both of them entered the house together.
Helen was wearing blue jeans with a white shirt.
Her green, sparkling eyes and golden hair flowed over her shoulders.
She had minimal makeup on and wore only golden earrings, no other jewelry.
Her personality was quite impressive, but her face carried a deep seriousness.
"Asad told me about you and even showed me your photo," Helen said.
"I saw your photo too," Haroon replied with a smile.
"I'm very tired, and I think Asad must be asleep too," Helen said in an exhausted tone.
"Yes, yes, he is. You should rest," Haroon replied.
"Good night," Helen said with a faint smile and walked toward her room.
Haroon was surprised to see that Helen went upstairs instead of to Asad's room.
Haroon lay down in his room, thinking about Helen and Asad.
Why were they sleeping in separate rooms?
Maybe Helen didn't want to disturb Asad, he thought.
And her friends? They didn't look like professors at all—
their outfits were downright childish.
With these thoughts, he fell asleep.
---
In the morning, all three of them were at the breakfast table.
Haroon kept trying to sneak glances at Asad and Helen,
but both of them were quietly eating.
"Looks like we need to hire a maid now," Asad said, looking at Haroon.
"Why's that?" Haroon asked curiously.
"Well, Julia and I are usually out all day—
so who will take care of you until I arrange a job for you?" Asad said, sipping his tea.
"If you allow me, I have someone in mind.
She's a great cook, from what I've heard," Helen said to Asad.
"Sure, go ahead and talk to her today," Asad replied and went back to eating.
Haroon noticed the dry tone between the two.
They only talked about practical matters.
---
That evening, the two brothers headed out for dinner at Velorate Restaurant.
Dinner wasn't ready yet, so they went for a walk on the beach.
While strolling, Haroon asked about Helen.
"I met Helen a year ago through a real estate agent.
She was looking for a room in New York.
I rented her one. She's quiet and minds her own business—
which I like. So I proposed, and she accepted.
We don't interfere in each other's lives.
Everyone here is independent—that's the law here.
You have to do everything yourself.
You'll find it strange now, but you'll get used to it," Asad explained.
Haroon listened carefully.
"Let's go eat now," Asad said.
They headed back to their car.
---
The next morning, Haroon found only Helen at the breakfast table.
"Hasn't brother gotten up yet?" Haroon asked as he sat down.
"He left early for a meeting," Helen replied, sliding a plate toward him.
They both ate in silence. Haroon was trying to think of something to say.
"Brother told me you're a professor. What subject do you teach?"
"I'm a spiritual scholar, and I work with a team on spiritual research."
"Spiritual research?" Haroon asked, puzzled.
"Didn't get it? You could call it magic." Helen smiled at him for the first time.
"Magic?" Haroon asked with surprise and curiosity.
"Yes, magic. Do you believe in it?"
"Spirituality, maybe. But where I come from, magic is frowned upon."
"Magic and spirituality are the same—
some use it for good, others for bad.
Even here, it's not accepted.
Historically, magicians were hanged or burned alive—
just like early scientists.
Magic, like science, is real," Helen explained.
"Fair enough. But what kind of research do you do?" Haroon asked.
"That's a whole other world.
You're better off not knowing.
People get so absorbed, they lose focus on everything else." Helen smiled, collecting the dishes.
Haroon followed her into the kitchen.
"You've made me curious now.
At least explain why people get drawn to it," he asked with a smile.
Helen looked at him in surprise.
"Can you tell me why children love magical stories and movies?
Because magic connects deeply with the human psyche.
I didn't expect you to be so serious—
Asad thinks this is all a waste of time."
"That's just how brother is.
He's always been focused on study and work.
But he's a good person—he takes care of everyone," Haroon replied.
---
A week had passed since Haroon arrived in New York.
He had begun to adjust to life there.
He followed a routine—morning walks,
meeting Asad mostly at breakfast or dinner, usually out at restaurants.
Sometimes he'd meet Helen in the evenings.
He went shopping with her too.
He liked lighter-colored clothes,
but Helen would always push him to pick bolder colors.
Haroon was growing more comfortable with Helen—
constantly asking her questions.
Helen, in turn, occasionally shared insights on spirituality,
increasing Haroon's curiosity.
"They say magic is just an illusion—is that true?"
"In a way, yes.
Magic relies more on mental than physical powers.
Spiritual energy is also involved,
as well as hidden human abilities," Helen said.
"Like what?"
"Mental radiation, the secrets of dreams, mind control—
also known as hypnosis.
You can control a person and make them see things that aren't real.
You could call it an illusion," Helen explained.
"How far have you all come in your research?" Haroon asked.
"We're getting close.
We've collected many mystical items we use for experiments every Sunday."
"Can I see those items?"
"Sure, but they're at Wilson's flat.
That's where our group meets.
But I can't take you there—
if Asad finds out, he'll be upset I dragged you into this," Helen said sadly.
"We can go without telling him," Haroon suggested.
"Alright then—wait until Sunday.
Just make sure Asad doesn't find out," Helen warned.
---
At breakfast the next day, Asad told Haroon
he was going to London for a few days
for company training on a new product.
Helen looked at Haroon and smiled quietly.
"If you want, you can come with me—
see London too," Asad offered.
"No, no. I'd just be in your way.
You go ahead, I'll wait here," Haroon replied.
"Alright, but take care of yourself.
I'll bring back good news—about your job," Asad said.
"Really? What kind?"
"I've already spoken to someone about it."
Asad looked at his watch, and Haroon smiled at him.
After Asad left, Helen picked up her purse and came near Haroon.
"Be ready tonight. I'm taking you somewhere—
you'll meet my friends too."
"But it's not Sunday," Haroon said, surprised.
"I know. But tonight is a lunar eclipse—
a very important night for us."
---
At night, Haroon got ready.
First he wore a white shirt,
then changed to black after some thought.
When he stepped out, Helen smiled at him.
"Wow, you look handsome."
"Thanks, bhabhi. I wore this because it's your favorite."
They left in the black Mercedes.
"It's a good thing Asad left at the perfect time,"
Helen said while driving.
Haroon didn't like the way she said that, but stayed silent.
They arrived at a beach on Manhattan's south end,
where a car was already parked.
Helen's friends sat on the sand with whiskey glasses in hand.
Two boys and two girls were there, looking curiously at Haroon.
"This is Haroon, Asad's younger brother.
He was curious about our work,
so I brought him along.
Haroon, this is Shaan,
and you've already met the others," Helen said.
Haroon shook hands with everyone.
"Wilson and Jenny aren't here yet?"
Helen asked Shaan.
"Wilson said he won't come, but Jenny's on her way," Shaan replied.
"Oh shoot. I was going to take Haroon to Wilson's place
to show him some things," Helen said, disappointed.
"No problem, next time," Haroon smiled.
Just then, a red BMW approached.
"Here comes Jenny," Shaan nudged Helen.
The car stopped, and a beautiful girl stepped out
wearing jeans and a red tank top.
Her hair was greenish, her eyes blue,
lips covered in bright red lipstick,
arms tattooed with butterfly designs.
"How are you, Helen?" Jenny asked.
"All good," Helen smiled.
Jenny looked at Haroon.
"I know him—I saw him at your door once."
Haroon stared at her in surprise.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. ...
Did Helen convince you to learn all this too?" Jenny teased.
"Oh no, I just came to observe," Haroon laughed.
"Alright, alright. Let's go then," Jenny said to Shaan and Helen.
"You ride with me," Jenny told Haroon.
Haroon looked at Helen,
and Jenny said, "Let him ride with me."
"Sure, Haroon, go with Jenny.
We'll follow in our own cars," Helen said.
"Okay," Haroon got into the car,
trying hard not to show his growing nervousness.
To be continued...
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