Sometimes, decisions taken in haste return as burdens heavier than we ever imagined. Yet those same decisions, when examined with restraint and awareness, can still be untangled. All it takes is the courage to accept that we may have been wrong. Discipline has a strange power—it pulls us back from a path of chaos and guides us toward clarity.
The door slid open softly.
Siya stepped out, her movements slow, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Andy's condition is worsening. We can't wait any longer. We have to begin the search for Sanjeevani—now."
Ali straightened instantly.
"I've transferred one of my energy sources into him," Siya continued, her face tense. "It will keep his body stable for a while. But it's only temporary."
She looked around sharply. "Where's Clara?"
"She went to give Maan some food," Ali replied.
Almost on cue, Clara entered the room. The moment her eyes met Siya's, she sensed the gravity of what was coming.
"Clara," Siya said firmly, "you stay here with Andy. We must return before the borrowed energy source depletes. Keep his body as cool as possible. If his soul leaves the body before we return—" Siya paused, choosing her words carefully. "—his body will decay. He won't die… but he'll become a wandering soul."
The color drained from Clara's face. Siya noticed instantly and softened her tone.
"We'll come back," she assured her. "Soon."
Siya and Ali turned to leave when a sudden voice stopped them.
"Sister, take me with you."
Maan stood there, eyes wide, determination flickering beneath his fear.
Siya knelt in front of him. "We don't know how dangerous that place might be. It's safer for you to stay here—with Clara."
But Maan shook his head stubbornly. He refused to move.
After a long moment, Siya exhaled. "Fine. But you stay close. Always."
They left the base together and split up across the mountain, searching carefully for any trace of life—any sign that the mountain still held its legendary secret. Hours passed. Then more. Every crevice, every shadow, every breath of wind whispered silence.
Nothing.
Frustration crept into Siya's thoughts, until suddenly—memory struck.
Many secrets are buried within this mountain.
George's voice echoed in her mind.
She stopped.
"The path forward… he knows it," she murmured.
Turning back toward the base, Siya moved with renewed urgency.
Inside, she found Clara waiting.
"Where is George?" Siya asked.
Andy placed him somewhere secure," Clara replied. "A high-security chamber. Only your fingerprints can open it. Follow me."
They descended deep into the hidden structure until they reached a massive metal door—cold, impenetrable, humming with power.
Siya placed her hand against it.
The door recognized her.
With a heavy mechanical sound, it opened.
She stepped inside, her eyes locking onto the darkness beyond.
"Where is he?" she asked coldly.
And somewhere in the shadows, the truth waited to speak.