Arlo made sure that the ring light and the microphone were set appropriately. He glanced at his screen and shifted the microphone out of the range of his camera.
“I want my twins to see me, not the gear. This isn’t supposed to be a podcast.” he muttered to himself as he tweaked the arrangement again. He smiled as he took his seat. Damayanti knocked and peeked her head in through the door.
“I brought some coffee…”
His smile grew wider as he turned in his chair.
“Thank you my Love.” She breezed in and set a steaming mug down on the desk next to him, well out of the way of the electronics. She placed a kiss on his lips,
“Would you like any snacks?”
“Not right now, Love. Give me a bit.” he cast his gaze over their shared office. Books filled the shelves. A stack of moving boxes sat off to one side, along with several rolls of packing tape. “I will start to pack this room up after I’m done with this.”
“Sure.” she said as she ran her hand along his shoulder. “Don’t wear yourself out. I’ll feed Mahavir and Kalyani and check back once I’ve put them down for their nap.”
“Sounds great.” he said confidently as she turned to go. He reached for her hand and brought it up to his lips. Damayanti blushed as she felt the brush of his lips. His green eyes met her brown ones. “I love you, my Star.” he murmured. She tittered,
“Forever and always, you shall have my love, my Husband.”
He took a sip of his coffee as he turned back to his computer. He shifted himself until he was happy with what the inset screen from his camera showed him. Arlo glanced over to the thick manila envelope that lay on the file cabinet. Official name change, new IDs and other paperwork that would define their new lives poked out of the top of it. A tightness rose in his chest, the Day was almost here. He swallowed another sip of coffee and leaned back in his chair. He drew in a deep breath and ran his hand through his coppery hair. He closed his eyes and tried to compose himself…
“Darling, there must be something we can do.” he sighed as he stared up at the ceiling. “This was one of our dearest dreams.” Damayanti shifted the enormous bulk of her pregnant body on the bed and let out a sigh of her own. She slid her hand along her husband’s chest and propped her head on her elbow. Deep sorrow darkened her eyes and tears pricked at the corners. Arlo looked over at his wife and he laid his hand on her belly. His eyes softened as he felt a kick. His small smile faded as he spied the sadness in her eyes.
“I have talked it over with Father, Mother, Grandma, Grandpa, the Ard Ri’, Dian Ciet and the Ashwins. They all say the same thing: two demigods cannot produce anything other than a normal human child. The divine blood is simply too thin.”
“We could raise them, isn’t that what parents are supposed to do?”
“Yes,” she sighed, “but we would have to go somewhere and basically hide. We would be stepping away from anything divine for at least twenty years. Ignore our friends, family, and obligations. We would sacrifice our purpose.”
“It would be a worthy sacrifice…”
“Would it? We both have enemies, we have fame. We are known. If our enemies find out…” she explained. She cast a worried glance to the shadows of the room. Arlo gripped her hand.
“Your parents did it.”
“Yes, but that was their agreement from the start. They did not use their powers around us.” she looked to him again, dragging her eyes from the darkened walls of the room. “Your Father had to hide himself from your mother and you. My Mother did not want any of us awakened, but war was coming. Father awakened me because we are the protectors of humans in the world. We can’t blind ourselves to it.”
Arlo pulled his hand away,
“We need to protect our children.” he responded irritation beginning to color his voice.
“The best way is to let them grow on their own, away from us. Everyday we are with them, we risk changing their Dharma, binding their Fate to our own. We cannot control what Fate will do with that, Maya is tricky.” Arlo stiffened,
“You don’t know…” he growled.
“Beloved,” she pleaded, the hitch of a sob rising, “I do not want this either, but we have to think what would be the best for them.”
Arlo opened his eyes and ran his hand across his face. He took another gulp of his cooling coffee. He rose and looked out the window. The breeze had picked up outside. The trees shimmered in the infinite shades of green. Dark clouds were on the horizon to the east. He couldn’t start his video dwelling on the harder moments of the past. He needed to bequeath to them something that they could take strength from. A story that would fortify them. His gaze grew distant as he focused on the horizon.
Ganesha clapped him on the shoulder when he arrived.
“How goes it, my son? How fares my daughter?” he asked with a chuckle. Arlo looked over and saw an Indian man in his mid fifties. Gray peppered his hair and threaded through a neatly trimmed mustache. A bright grin graced his features; a neat set of spectacles sat upon his nose. Arlo greeted him with folded hands and then the Lord of Obstacles shook his hand. Arlo gestured to the labor and delivery room,
“They threw me out and then drew the curtains.” Ganesha cocked his ear, listening to the activity within.
“Ach, son; they are simply saving your skin.” he slyly replied.
“but my wife…” Arlo started to say. Ganesha spied the curious looks of his other daughters seated across the waiting room. He grabbed the younger man’s elbow and led him away,
“The doctors have her in good hands. It will be a time yet. Come! Let’s go down to the cafeteria and see if we can get a decent cup of coffee.”
Once downstairs, the older man collected the coffee. His nostrils flared and he wrinkled his nose a bit. Arlo sat in his seat, fidgeting and kept glancing up the tower towards were his wife was.
“Pshaw, this very well may be the worst coffee that I have had in a while,” he muttered. He spied some containers of creamer and sugar. He added these to his own cup until it was palatable. He looked to Arlo,
“Arlo,” he said as he slid the other cup to him.
“Huh?” Arlo blurted, “Oh! Thank you!” He raised the hot coffee to his lips and gulped it down. Ganesha’s eyebrows rose, he placed a comforting hand on his forearm,
“It will be okay, women have been doing this for thousands of years,”
“But she complained that she couldn’t have anything to alleviate the pain!” Arlo said sharply. Ganesha looked around as several people at nearby tables looked over.
“Please take a deep breath and calm down. Damayanti will be fine.” he fixed an eye on Arlo, “When was the last time you had something to eat?” Arlo tore his eyes away from the upper levels.
“I can’t remember.” Arlo murmured as he glanced at Ganesha. A disappointed frown marred the older man’s features and he looked back towards the cafeteria. He heaved out a sigh and shook his head at the state of the food. He pulled out his phone and dialed the Tandoori Rooftop. After placing a quick order, he turned back to his son-in-law.
“Well I removed that particular obstacle. We can’t have you passing out from your humors being off and nervous exhaustion.” he harrumphed and then brightened, “you have to be there to see your babies!”
Arlo’s dinner was delivered and Ganesha chatted with him.
“Didn’t you order anything for yourself?” Arlo asked as he opened the take out box. Fragrant aromas rose with the steam. Ganesha smiled,
“No, son.” he said, “You were going to be an emergency case yourself and we couldn’t have that. No, my wife and I will be heading over to the restaurant before long. Have to see how the girls and Carmelita are keeping the place.” he winked at Arlo. “Besides, it will be too crowded for our likes here soon. We will come by the house a little later, after you’re settled.” Ganesha looked up to the balcony. “Ah! There’s my wife now.” Arlo glanced up and then waved. Ganesha rose from his seat and patted his son-in-law on the shoulder. “Eat that before it gets cold and then head upstairs.” he smiled and cocked his head again, listening, “I believe you have about an hour and a half, maybe two.”
Arlo checked his watch as he rose from his seat. An hour and a half since Damayanti’s parents had left. Maya nodded, dozing against Ishanti’s shoulder. There was a loud cry from Damayanti, Arlo looked over in shock. Max rose, a smile suddenly crossing his face. Arlo gasped as he heard two small cries from the birthing room. There was some bustle in the hospital room as Max walked up to Arlo,
“Congratulations!” he said as he reached forward and reached out to shake Arlo’s hand. Arlo pulled him into a hug. Max patted him on the back and then let him go. About a half an hour later, the door opened and out stepped Dian Ciet, cradling two small bundles, one in each arm. His eyes crinkled at the corners, his lips drawn into a sweet smile. He cooed at the newborns and then looked out to Arlo.
“Twins! A bonny boy and glorious girl!” he announced. Max placed his palms together in celebratory gratitude as Arlo let out a sharp “whoop!” of victory and delight. Maya started awake and glared about until she spied the reason for excitement. She blinked and stood up from her seat. Ishanti beamed in happiness.
“Children are the best of blessings, know that, lad.” Dian Ciet whispered in a wistful tone as he placed the newborns in Arlo’s arms. The doctor then stepped back and smiled. A hitch caught in Arlo’s throat and tears of happiness sprang to his eyes. There was a beep and Dian Ciet checked his phone. “No rest for the wicked.” he said. Arlo blinked back the rising tears as he smiled over at the Tuatha.
“Thank you.” he whispered. The newborn boy yawned and let out a small squeak.
“You’re very welcome. I’d love to stay and celebrate, but I have another patient.” With a wave, he turned and headed down the hallway. A nurse came up with two bassinets and waited. The tears could be held back no longer, they slid down Arlo’s face as he gazed down on the small faces of his children. The newborn girl wriggled and blinked her eyes at all of the light and commotion.
“Welcome, my little ones.” he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. “You are my jewels, and will have eyes the color of rain.”
Arlo’s eyes were misty as he turned his back to the window and the variances of the skyline beyond. He glanced at his set of notebooks, where he was composing the Epic. A tight smile crossed his face and he drained his cup.
“I need to say what is in our hearts. Seeing our faces and our joy will be a prelude and prologue to the Story for them.” He set down in his seat again. The computer sat waiting, all he had to do was hit record. “When they come of age, of course.” He drew in a deep breath, hit record and began.
“Kalyani, you need to eat your green beans.” Damayanti gently chided as she held the spoon. Her daughter turned her face away rapidly,
“No!” she squealed in protest as she pushed the spoon away. Pureed green beans splattered across the chair and over on to the counter beyond. On the other seat of the connected high chair, Mahavir laughed as he tipped his bowl onto the kitchen floor
“All gone!”
Damayanti blew a lock of hair out of her face. She snagged the dishcloth off of her shoulder and daubed some of the vegetable off of her cheek. Grandma Moirha tut-tutted and looked up to her,
“Don’t worry deary, I’ve got this,” she said in a thick Irish accent. The brownie cleaned up the mess and then looked up at Mahavir with a twinkle in her eye. A knowing smile shifted the wrinkles of her face to a more mischievous arrangement. Mahavir reached over the edge the chair and grinned at her,
“Gamma! Ups!” he called.
“I could solve all of this for the family,” she thought, “I could spirit away the young bairns off to Tir-an-Og. That way the Druid and his Lady could still see them. They would be safe with me.” She reached over and picked him up out of the highchair. Kalyani’s squeal became a squall.
“Well, I think that we are done.” Damayanti sighed, she smiled over at Grandma Moirha. There were specks of the twins lunch in her hair. The brownie bounced Mahavir on her hip. As quick as she pondered the thought of taking the twins to her section of the Overworld, she dropped it as she thought about the love that Arlo and Damayanti poured out on them. Damayanti picked up Kalyani. “Are you done my sweet?”
“Amma!” Kalyani chirped and placed her hands along her mother’s face, “Ah dun!” Damayanti covered her daughter’s face with kisses. Kalyani giggled and squirmed in her arms.
“Good!” Damayanti said and cast a sideways look to Grandma Moirha, “Time for bath!”
“NO!” both the twins yelled, “No Baf!!!”
After an hour and a half, Damayanti carried the now sleepy twins to their nursery, while the brownie cleaned up the bathroom, which had suffered the effects of the water battle that the bath had caused. The twins sighed as they snuggled in her arms. She softly sang a lullaby as she laid them in the crib. They cuddled up to each other as she continued to sing and tucked them gently in. Memories flooded in…
Damayanti languidly opened her eyes as the door to her hospital room opened and her husband walked in. A nurse followed with two bassinets. The Ashwins greeted Arlo and they gave a short rundown on his wife’s status. Arlo gently, reluctantly relinquished the twins to the nurse. She promised that she would bring them back soon. Damayanti drifted into a light doze as the nurse and the Deva doctors left and Arlo turned towards his wife in bed as the door quietly closed. He slid over a heavily cushioned chair next to the hospital bed. Damayanti dimly felt her husband brush a few stray locks of hair away from her face.
About thirty minutes later, the twins were brought back in, freshly changed, vitals checked, and given their initial feeding. Damayanti’s eyes opened and she slowly shifted in bed.
“Look what we made, my Love.” Arlo said softly, as he ran his fingertips along the peach fuzz of their heads. Tears glimmered in his eyes as he turned to face his wife. He unwrapped the swaddling blanket from around Mahavir and Kalyani. Ten fingers and ten toes apiece. “They’re perfect!”
“Yes, my Love.” Damayanti responded in a tired whisper. Her lips spread in a sweet smile. She sat up and got more comfortable. “Here, let me see them.”Arlo wrapped the twins in their blankets and handed Mahavir over to her while he took Kalyani. The new parents basked in the glow and happiness of enjoying some moments of peace.
Damayanti reached over and took her husband’s hand.
“I love you,” she said
Damayanti opened her eyes. Grandma Moirha stood next to her.
“Ah, the wee bairns. So peaceful when they are asleep.” she said and smiled. “Milady, the bathroom is finished.”
“Thank you, Grandma.” Damayanti replied sweetly, “Let’s go cook something up for my husband, since he is hard at work too.” She winked to Moirha, “We’ll make some scones and tea with heavy cream.”
“Sounds delightful, Milady”
Damayanti walked up the stairs a fresh carafe of coffee and a tray of fresh scones. A general sense of peace came over her. This day had gone smoothly all things considered. As she approached Arlo’s office, she heard the melodious cadence of his voice. He finished, and then she heard the joyful sound of one of their videos that they had made with the twins several months before. His voice had gone silent and she felt a chill and the sudden sense of being watched. She paused at the top of the stairs. The door to the office was cracked about an inch, warm light spilled out in a sharp beam across the hallway. She heard the song she sang from a movie that had come out more than two year ago. She had sung it off and on to the twins since she was pregnant with them. The chill had gone, but the feeling of being watched continued. Damayanti glanced to one side and then the other. There was no one there.
She made her way to the door, wary of the shadows in the hallway and silently chastising herself for it. She stopped herself as she put her hand to the door; she put her eye to the gap. Inside videos continued to play on her husband’s computer. Arlo had turned away from the screen slightly, his head in his hands. Soft sobs sounding if they were being torn from his very soul erupted from him. She backed off from the door, a thunderclap of fear and anguish filling her. Heart beating rapidly as she held back tears and a sympathetic sob. She took a couple of steps back down the hallway, the tray trembling slightly in her hand. Arlo’s crying had increased in volume, it was only by her keen perception that it could still be heard.
Damayanti leaned her back against the wall and slowly slid down to sit on the floor. Without consciously thinking about it, she set the tray beside her. In the dim light she cast her eyes to the ceiling, her gaze beyond it. All of her emotions tightened around her heart like a fist. Her breathing was rapid. She wondered for a swift moment if she was asleep and this moment was a nightmare that she would wake from. She blinked and then her training kicked in. Damayanti took a couple of deep breaths, slowing her heart rate. She continued to gaze up, wishing that her glance could pierce through to the Overworld. The weeping of her husband was clinically understandable, but each sob cut her worse than any weapon could.
“I know that I am built to endure…” she whispered in the darkened hallway, “but will he be able to?” She fought the urge to run in there and throw her arms around him; his moment of vulnerability would be exposed, she wasn’t quite sure how he would react. He was so strong, her interrupting him now may make him crumble. “I will have to endure this for all of us. We’ve got to keep walking forward…” She took in a long calming breath and rose from the floor. She picked up the tray and headed back downstairs.
Grandma Moirha looked up as Damayanti walked back into the kitchen, the items on the serving tray untouched. Misery filled her eyes, giving them a violet cast, but her jaw was set with determination. The Lady set the tray upon the counter and placed her hands against the edge of the sink. Moirha finished her cup of cream, the scone swiftly followed suit. Damayanti gave her a watery smile as she rinsed her dishes. She laid her gnarled hand against her Lady’s back,
“Don’t worry, Dearie,” she said quietly, “It will be alright in the end.”
“Thank you, Moirha, for everything you do.” Damayanti whispered. The brownie smiled and dipped in a short curtsy. She then went to find an area to tidy up. A few minutes after she had left, Damayanti stifled her tears and looked down at her hands. She was white-knuckling the edge of the counter-top.
Two weeks later, Chicago was enveloped in drizzle and mist. The drive to the Tandoori Rooftop was silent. Damayanti and Arlo were wrapped up in their own thoughts. Every so often, they clasped each others’ hands, as they tried to find some comfort. The twins were asleep in their seats, in the back, broken down for transport, was the crib that Arlo had so lovingly made. Max had picked up a lot of the twin’s things a couple of days before.
Damayanti looked out of the window, a thick file folder tucked into a Tyvek envelope in her lap. Her eyes reflected violet as the drops of rain trailed along the glass. Her thoughts drifted to a week ago.
Damayanti felt a shower of calm wash over her as soon as she opened the door and saw Max standing there.
“I came as soon as you called,” Max said as he removed his police cap. He tucked it under one arm and brought his palms together in a proper greeting. Damayanti ushered him in and directed him to the table with a graceful wave of her hand. He slung his coat over the back of the chair.The scent of warm pastries drifted from the kitchen. Arlo waved his greeting, as he put down the newspaper he was reading and walked into the dining room.
“Max, how’s it going?” he asked as he sat down.
“It’s going well. I cannot complain.”
“Thank you for coming, Max.”Damayanti said with a smile as she stepped out of the kitchen. “I just made some fresh danishes. What would you like to drink? I have coffee or tea?”
“Coffee, please.” Max replied. She placed a plate with the pastries on the table and then headed to retrieve the coffee. He looked from one of his Gods to the other. The tension in the room was thick and grated against his nerves. He glanced up to where the twin’s room was. His lips drew into a tight line. If it got any more tense, they would be certain to wake.
“Whatever is happening I am here to help.” Max said in a soothing tone.
A muscle jumped in Arlo’s jaw as Damayanti placed a cup of coffee before him and passed one to Max. She let out a silent sigh and Max reached forward and clasped her hand. She glanced over to her husband.
“What has happened? Please enlighten me.” Max asked. Arlo reached over and pulled a thick folder off the breakfast bar. Damayanti’s eyes were shadowed,
“Please, have something.” she said as a smile graced her features. Max took a danish and placed it on his plate.
“The day we have been dreading is swiftly arriving.” Arlo rumbled. He took a sip of his coffee as he tapped the folder. “We have made preparations for this eventuality.” Damayanti served her husband a danish,
“Yes.” she whispered and then glanced to her husband and then Max, her eyes bright with tears. “Max, we have a lot to ask of you,” her voice cracked for a moment, “Let us have some coffee and catch up first.”
She found some equilibrium as they all talked. Max listened intently, compassion spilling from him and laying a balm over her fractured emotions. After refilling their cups she took her seat next to her husband. Arlo laid a hand along her thigh, and gave it a reassuring squeeze. Max smiled over the rim of his coffee cup,
“So, how can I help?” Damayanti looked to her husband, and shared mutual smiles.
“We want you and Ishanti to take the twins.” she replied. Damayanti paused as she saw Max’s eyes widen slightly. Arlo quietly cleared his throat,
“It would be best if they are raised in the family.” he stated.
“I would be honored, but may I ask why?” Damayanti reached over and clasped his hand.
“The path Arlo and I are walking is too dangerous for them. We can’t risk changing their Dharma.”
The car pulled into the parking lot of the Tandoori Rooftop and then made a slight turn to park along the side of the building.
“We’re here.” Arlo stated as he slid the transmission into park. Damayanti shook herself out of her reverie.
“Yes, let me help you unload.” she said. Max stepped out the door at the back of the building.
“Hey folks! How was the drive?” he greeted as he approached the car. Arlo stepped forward and shook his hand,
“Oh, normal Chi town traffic,” he said with a tired sigh. Max noticed that Damayanti was standing by the passenger side, she seemed to be lost in thought. He strode forward and wrapped Damayanti in a warm embrace. She exhaled a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. She relaxed,
“Hi.” she whispered against his shoulder.
“Everything will be alright. Come on, let’s get out of this drizzle.” He released her and then moved to help Arlo unload the crib and move it into the house. Carmelita and Maya came out after the men had headed upstairs with their load.
“Hey D!” Carmelita called, “Let us help you with that!” She grabbed the bags while Damayanti and Maya carried a sleepy Mahavir and Kalyani in. Ishanti smiled as they walked in. She was totaling up the days sales. Damayanti nodded greeting to the evening staff as they were leaving. The ladies crowded into the living room. Maya curled up with the twins on the couch as Damayanti settled into her mother’s rocking chair. Carmelita beamed,
“So, you and your hubby are going on another trip!” Damayanti smiled,
“Yeah, we are planning to take another vacation in Ireland. Arlo is really interested in researching his roots.”
“Well I’m glad we get to have some time with my favorite ankle-biters!” Carmelita said with a grin as she tousled Mahavir’s dark hair. She leaned over to Damayanti conspiratorially, “Going to have to bake them their favorite treats! Don’t worry, I am sure that all of us will hand them back to you sufficiently spoiled.”
Max and Arlo came back downstairs,
“Thanks, for helping me with that, Max” Arlo said with a smile.
“Not a problem. We are happy to have them.”
Carmelita gave Arlo a hug.
“Hey Big Guy!” she gushed, “You make sure that you go out and have some good times over there, don’t spend the days with your nose stuck in your notebook!”
“Don’t worry, ‘Lita. I will take some time to enjoy the scenery.” he replied and then winked at his wife, “Maybe I’ll try my hand at some painting. I have the perfect model.” Damayanti blushed, and then rose from her seat as Carmelita came over.
“I hate to say this, D, but I have to go home and get some sleep.” she said as she gave her friend a hug. “Have a good trip!”
“Thank you! We’ll miss you but we will be back soon!”
Carmelita said ‘bye’ to Ishanti and made her exit. Ishanti gave Damayanti a hug.
“Welcome home,” she said in a whisper and then looked over to Maya cuddled with the sleeping twins. “How long will you be gone?”
“Two weeks, sis. Not long.” Ishanti nodded, “When is your flight?” Arlo checked his watch,
“We have to be at the airport in about two hours.”
Max came over and stood beside his wife,
“It will be a joy to have them here.” he said and Ishanti glanced up at him,
“Yes, it will.” she agreed, then smiled softly at the couple, “Do you have time for some chai? It’s a wet evening out there.”
Arlo and Damayanti returned the smile. Damayanti pulled Ishanti into a tight hug,
“Yes please! That would be delightful!”
“Let’s take the kids upstairs and get them settled into bed.” Arlo stated quietly. Ishanti and Max did not notice the momentary flash of violet deep in her eyes. Arlo spied it and his eyes softened. “Come.” They collected the twins from Maya and carried them up to what was soon to become their new nursery.
“Amma,” Mahavir murmured in his sleep.
“Appa,” Kalyani sighed as she tightly gripped the collar of Arlo’s shirt as they ascended. Damayanti fought down a surge of emotion as she paused in the hallway. Arlo’s eyes met hers,
“Hold on Love,” he murmured, both reassuring his daughter and his wife. Kalyani snuggled her head into the hollow of Arlo’s shoulder. Damayanti followed him down the rest of the hallway.
“They are going to use Ishanti’s old room.” she whispered. Arlo smiled as he opened the door,
“They will be a sapphire and an emerald in a chest of myriad jewels. I think this will end up as it is supposed to be.” he said with a mixture of sorrow and joy.
They placed the twins in the crib made to hold them both and tucked them in. Mahavir and Kalyani scooted together in their sleep. Their parents paused and took in the sight for a moment. Arlo put his arm over Damayanti’s shoulders.
“Come, let’s go have some chai. We will say our goodbyes downstairs and then we will come back up here to check on them before we leave.” Damayanti bit her lip. Arlo pulled her to him, “Steady, we have this my Love.”
They spent the next hour enjoying their family’s company. The sisters made Arlo and Max laugh with stories of their childhood antics. Max wiped away a tear of laughter,
“You all were quite the handful for your parents!”
“Yes we were!” Damayanti stated with a grin. Maya cast a measured look at her eldest sister,
“Some of us more than others.”
“Hey!” Damayanti retorted.
Ishanti cast her eyes to the ceiling,
“Will you please stop bickering!” she said with mock exasperation. Damayanti smirked at her sister,
“You’re one to talk, how many times did I catch you listening at the door?” Arlo and Max started to laugh again as the sisters lightly argued and verbally poked each other.
The evening wove into the night. Damayanti tackled Maya in a big hug.
“You know that I am very proud of you.” she said, “I know that Mom and Dad would think so too.” Maya raised an eyebrow, and pulled away slightly.
“What’s with this talk?” she asked, “This sounds final, sis.” Damayanti waved her hand.
“It’s not final.” she replied, “I just think that I may have missed the moments that you needed to hear that from me.” Maya looked perplexed for a moment and then returned the hug. “When we get back, you know what we need to do?”
“Huh?”
“We need to have a movie night!”
A sweet smile crossed her sister’s face,
“Yeah! That sounds great!” Arlo peeked his head around the corner.
“Honey, it’s getting to that time.”
“OK, I will be ready here soon, let’s go give the kids a good night kiss.” she said and gave Maya a last squeeze.
Hand in hand, Arlo and Damayanti ascended the stairs to the twins’ room. Their favorite nightlight was plugged in and cast a star field across the ceiling. Arlo picked up Mahavir and Kalyani’s favorite plushies. He tucked them in under the covers with the sleeping toddlers. Damayanti went over and turned on a music box in the base of the nightlight. Notes of Mozart drifted through the room. The twins shifted and sighed in their sleep.
They stood at the side of the crib, Damayanti’s fingers trailing along the Celtic knot work design engraved into the wood. Arlo pulled her close and they watched their children sleep, cementing the memory in their minds. After a time, Damayanti blinked back tears and leaned in, giving a kiss to each, then ran her fingertips through their hair.
“May all of the Deva watch over you kindly, my dearest darlings. Remember we will always love you.” she whispered. Arlo leaned in and kissed them,
“Brightest of blessings to you, my brightest jewels, may the road always rise to meet you. We will forever love you.” he whispered. He gripped the crib, then ran his hands along it. “The strength of this wood will protect you.” They gazed upon their sleeping children as they collected themselves. Soon, Damayanti heard a footfall in the hallway,
“I think it’s time, Heart of my Heart,” she whispered. Arlo let out a silent sigh and then he put her hand in his, placing a kiss on it.
“Yes, my Star.” he concurred and they turned and walked out of the room, closing the door silently behind them.
Once downstairs, Damayanti gave Ishanti a hug as Arlo shrugged back into his coat.
“Take care of my bestie, um, my brother in law, sis. Keep him out of trouble.” she said as she wiggled her eyebrow humorously at Max. Ishanti beamed and blushed,
“I will,” she said as she returned the hug. “Please be safe.”
“We will, when next you see us, we will be bearing gifts.” she said happily as Arlo helped her into her coat. Max placed a kiss on the top of Ishanti’s head,
“My love, will you go check on our niece and nephew?” he murmured, “I will see them out.”
“Yes,” she replied and waved goodbye to the couple. Maya came up and Arlo lifted her into a hug and swung her around.
“Ah, yah wee brat,” he teased, “Keep an eye out for all those weird conspiracies.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, you never know when you are going to need material for a good story.” Maya rolled her eyes and Damayanti blurted out a laugh. Maya playfully punched Arlo in the shoulder and he recoiled in mock shock. She gave him a smirk and then gave her eldest sister one last hug.
“Stay safe,” she said simply, “see you when you get back.”
Max walked them out to their car. Arlo reached into the passenger side and handed Max the thick Tyvek envelope. He felt around it,
“What’s all this?”
“Copies of all of the paperwork you will need. Everything is official and notarized. There’s a flash and hard drive in there too, it’s for Mahavir and Kalyani when they come of age.” he glanced lovingly at his wife. “Hopefully it will answer some of their questions, it’s our message to them.”
Max held back tears, Damayanti rushed forward and wrapped him in a hug.
“You have this, my most blessed priest,” she whispered, her voice heavy with emotion, “We are trusting them to you. Love them as much as we do. I know that you can do this. If you get lost, I slipped our contact information in there too.” Arlo stepped forward and hugged them both.
“The ways may be mysterious, but there is one thing that I trust, Max. I trust in family.” he said.
“Good journeys.” Max said as he stepped away. He placed his palms together. “You will be in my prayers.” Max walked back inside. They gazed up at the window to the twin’s room for a moment. Arlo waved and turned to open the car door as Damayanti stopped a couple of steps from the car and turned around. A wave of memory washed over her. She let it take her.
“Honey?” Arlo inquired. She glanced at him as she started walking towards the alley. Her eyes glowed with a startling white light. He walked over and gripped her elbow. “My Love?”
“So full of memories…” she whispered.
“Yes?”
The glow faded from her eyes. She looked up at the puzzled face of her husband. Rain drops glittered in his hair.
“This is where it all started,” she stated.
“Of course, this is your family home.” he replied. She shook her head in the negative,
“No, this is where Scarlett, Zhon, Javier and a child of Hathor named Janice and I first fought enemies. We fought titan spawn here.” Arlo’s eyes widened in wonder, a smile spread across his face. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
“This is where your first band fought their first battle?” he murmured against her hair.
“Yes.” she replied and then chuckled, “It was a mess, we were new and inexperienced. I set the dumpster on fire. Dad came out afterwords and yelled at me that I had started a fire in his backyard again. I had a week long lecture after that.” Arlo laughed,
“That’s great! You will have to fill me in on all of the details later.” He cast a glance up at the windows. “We better get going, my Star. They will start wondering why we are hanging about.”
“I don’t want to leave.”
“I know, my Sweet. I don’t want to leave either, but we have to.”
“But this is my Home.”
Arlo turned her around in his embrace. He gazed deeply into his wife’s eyes.
“Our home is in our hearts. As long as we keep the memories alive, with love, we will carry Home with us.” Damayanti let her husband lead her to the car. As they pulled out of the parking lot, the car stopped at the entrance. The break lights of the SUV blazed forth; the passenger window slid down. Arlo and Damayanti paused to take a long last look at all they were leaving behind.
An ephemeral wisp of smoke spiraled into the hazy beam of a streetlight across the street. The silhouette of a man was barely perceptible in the shadows. The cherry of the clove cigarette flared to light. His gaze followed the vehicle as it receded into the distance. Felix Kasmere stepped out of the shadows, his steps casting ripples in the shallow puddles of the sidewalk. A brief breeze blew his long coat open; the light from the sodium lamp above flashed along a large silver hip flask. He straightened his sunglasses and drew deeply upon his cigarette. He glanced over to the Tandoori Rooftop. A few lights were on in the apartment above. As he watched, one by one, they went out. He noted that what was left of the Chakravarti family were turning in for the night.
There was a twist in his heart. He took another inhale of the clove’s harsh smoke. He exhaled it in a series of rings; they dissipated in the falling drizzle and mist. Beneath his feet, ice crystals started to form in the puddles; their feathery patterns forming frost along the pavement.
“Like Father, like Daughter it seems,” he murmured as he put the clove out on the back of his hand. No burn marred his skin. He shook his head in frustrated sorrow, “No matter the fight, Fate always twists the outcome; the sins of the parents falling on the children. I cannot help but feel the others’ pain; I weep for them all.” His eyes narrowed behind the shaded lenses, “Yet people call me the monster. What a foolish game this is, yet another move on the Grand Chessboard. It’s the mortals and the Middle World that feels its effects.” He cast his eyes to the skies and the Overworld beyond with anger and disgust, “One piece moved, another taken off the board and sacrificed. A ripple in the Overworld becomes a tidal wave down here. All of this unnecessary suffering, the Children, mortals, the World.” He heaved out a sigh as he stepped back into the shadows and disappeared.
Chicago Tribune
June 13th, 2026.
Morning Edition
[web link]
Crash of United Airlines Flight
On June 12th, United Airlines flight 1575 crashed as it tried to make an emergency landing at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, GA, early this morning. The flight was on route from O’Hare to Dublin International Airport. 369 lives were lost as the Boeing 747 Max lost control just before it landed. Emergency crews rushed to the scene. It took two hours to put out the flames of the crash. No victims have been identified as of this time. Weather and possible mechanical failure is rumored to be among the factors that led to the fatal crash. The NTSB is investigating the data from both black boxes. This is just one more accident that continues to mar Boeing’s reputation with the 747 Max line.
Chicago Sun
June 15th, 2026
Evening Edition
Entertainment Section
[web link]
Local Celebrity and Husband are Two Victims of the Crash of United Airlines Flight 1575
[photo of Damayanti Chakravarti] [photo of Arlo O’Halloran]
The Indian-American community of Chicago, along with many fans online mourn the death of Damayanti O’Halloran (nee Chakravarti) along with her husband, Arlo O’Halloran. Both she and her husband were recent graduates of University of Chicago.
Mrs. O’Halloran, a promising diva of the Internet scene, had a bright future ahead of her. She was famous for her online karaoke covers and her partnering with both local and international chefs to share her love of creating fine cuisine. A prodigy in the kitchen, she was the eldest daughter of the late Aakash Chakravarti, owner, founder and chef of the famous Tandoori Rooftop Restaurant.
Arlo O’Halloran, originally hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, was an up and comer of the literati who was foreseen to join the ranks of best selling authors worldwide. His movie-star good looks drew many a young lady to his side, but Miss Chakravarti caught his eye. They had a fairy tale wedding, which landed them as subjects of talk among the higher ups in cinema. There were rumors of potential for the both starring in a future Bollywood feature.
[link to article on Arlo in the writing scene]
Both spent their free time helping out in the community with various projects. From reading programs to help at local soup kitchens the couple had the potential for real star power. They stepped out of the limelight when word got out that they were expecting. In December of 2024, they were blessed with a set of twins, Mahavir and Kalyani.
[photo of couple with their children]
It was expected that they would continue their good works and we would see their stardom continue to ascend. This is truly a loss that affects not only their family, but the community at large. They will be missed dearly. Their family asks that any donations in their memory be made to the Children’s Library at Chicago Central Library, Chicago Food Bank and Kitchen, or Chicago Public School District 299.
[photo of memorial shrine in front of Tandoori Rooftop Restaurant]
[photo of memorial shrine at Shiv Durga Mandir]
Chicago Tribune
June 17th, 2026
Obituaries pg. 1
[web link]
Passages
Damayanti O’Halloran
July 23rd, 2005 – June 12th, 2026
Damayanti O’Halloran (Chakravarti) died June 12th, 2026 at the age of 21. A Chicago native born to Aakash and Nalini Chakravarti. She grew up with her family at their family business, the Tandoori Rooftop. She graduated from University of Chicago with a Masters in Chemistry and a Masters in Botany in 2025. Her hobbies were spending time in the kitchen, whipping up her favorite meals to share with friends and family; singing and dancing her heart out to her favorite tunes. She was a devoted member of both the community of Shiv Durga Mandir and the Universalist Mandir of Santana Dharma of Chicago.
Damayanti was active in many projects around Chicago and was always there with a sweet smile and usually a sweeter treat.
She is survived by her young daughter and son, Kalyani and Mahavir O’Halloran; her sisters, Ishanti Anderson (Chakravarti) and Maya Chakravarti; her brother-in-law, Officer Maxwell Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Aakash and Nalini Chakravarti. She was with her husband, Arlo O’Halloran at her time of passing
Memorial Services will be held on August 2nd, 2026 at the Universalist Mandir of Sanatana Dharma at 5:00 pm.
Arlo O’Halloran
March 18th, 2000 – June 12th, 2026
Arlo O’Halloran died on June 12th, 2026 at the age of 26. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Ms. Rebecca O’Halloran. An avid reader from a young age, he used this to help escape the mean streets of his Boston neighborhood. Not one to back down, those same streets led to him developing his prowess as a pugilist.
His high grades in high school landed him a scholarship in Boston College. He graduated with honors, B.S. of Education in 2019. He transferred to University of Chicago to pursue a Masters in Library Science, which he achieved with honors in 2024.
He performed exemplary among the community volunteering with children in various teaching activities and workshops. He partnered with his wife on many of these projects.
Arlo O’Halloran is survived by his mother, Rebecca and other extended family in the Boston area. He was with his wife, Damayanti O’Halloran at the time of his passing.
Memorial Services will be held on August 2nd, 2026 at the Universalist Mandir of Sanatana Dharma at 5:00 pm.
Arlo saw the moving van off and then turned and locked up the trailer that was hooked to the SUV. Damayanti came out of the building with the last few things. After she had packed the items in the back seat, she paused and ran her hand over the now empty seats. A wave of sadness with a slight bitter edge washed over her.
“My Love, is that the last of it?” Arlo asked. She centered herself and let out the emotion with her breath.
“Yes.”
“Toss me the keys and I will put them in the lock box for the realtor, please.” She tossed them to her husband as he walked up to the door. He smiled as he walked back to the car. “Well, now we are on the first step of our journey.” She smiled up at him as he leaned forward to steal a kiss.
“Yes, the next part.” she agreed. He studied her for a moment,
“Are you alright?” Damayanti sighed,
“I will be okay.” They stood there for a moment and looked up at the condo. Arlo rubbed her back, trying to relieve her tension. She glanced up at the sky, noticing the darkening clouds. “Looks like it will rain again today.”
“Yes,” he murmured as he slung his arm around her waist, “but remember, it can’t rain all the time.”
The rain started as they got to the outskirts of the metro area. Thick clouds rolled in from the north. Droplets streaked past accentuated by the streetlights. A wave of despair was building within her, it grew with each mile that they traveled away from what was their home. Damayanti reached down and picked her purse up from the floorboards. She dug around in it until she found a silk pouch. The embroidery was pink lotuses on an emerald background. Sanskrit lettering that spelled out the Gayatri mantra bordered the top of the pouch. Arlo noticed that his wife stroked her fingertips along the fabric while she stared out into the rainy afternoon. He spied a place where they could get a coffee. A soft smile creased the corners of his mouth as the memory of them enjoying a warm drink with each other during that long winter.
“My Love, would you like a coffee or a chai?” he asked while he turned off the main road.
“Huh?” she mumbled, startled out of her reverie. “Oh, a coffee please, my Heart.”
They pulled behind the queue of cars waiting in the drive thru line. Arlo’s eyes scanned the menu.
“My Star, how would you like your coffee?”
Damayanti leaned forward and glanced over the menu.
“Double cream and a shot of vanilla and caramel, please.” Her husband’s eyes met hers and she felt his love and care for him spilling off in waves.
“Anything for you my Love.” he said with a smile. He reached over and squeezed her hand, she smiled back. “Are you alright? You’ve been quiet.”
“I will be fine.” Arlo was about to say something, but the line moved. He pulled forward and came up to the order window. He turned and began placing the order; Damayanti’s gaze strayed to the rainy streets, the people going by. Something flickered at the edge of her perception. An Uber pulled up to the curb across the street. The client stepped out of a hole-in-the-wall Asian fusion restaurant; the person looked strange. They seemed to look in the direction of their vehicle and smile. She narrowed her eyes as she tried to get better focus through the rain coated window. The person had an androgynous countenance; their features seemed to shift and move. The area around them was a little bit hazy in the half light. Damayanti pulled back and rubbed her eyes for a moment. She peered out the window again and the Uber was pulling away from the curb, heading in the direction of Chicago’s metro area. She shivered an icy feeling enveloping her, the waves of despair crashing inside her now. Her exhaled breath condensing against the glass. She gripped the pouch in one hand
Arlo thanked the barista at the coffee shop window. She handed over the coffees and the receipt. The young girl giggled, blushing as he placed a couple of bucks in the tip jar. He turned to hand Damayanti her coffee,
“Here you are my Star.” he said and then looked down at the receipt and chuckled.
“Thank you,” she said with a slightly distracted air. She warmed her now chilled hands with the cup, “What’s wrong?” she asked, while turning the cup in her hands. A smirk spread across her husband’s face as he pulled forward, heading back out to the main drive. Damayanti stared back down the road, but the Uber had lost itself in the traffic.
“The barista wrote her phone number on the bottom of the receipt.” He cast a glance over at his wife,“What’s wrong?” he asked, as he noticed that her brow was creased and a frown played at the corners of her mouth. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”
“That was strange…” she murmured.
“What was strange?” he asked. Damayanti took a sip of her coffee and ran her fingertips along the pouch again.
“The person who got in that Uber.” she stated, “They seemed to shift and change.”
“Huh,”
“The area around them was hazy, the light almost twisted around them.”
“That’s weird.” he said, “Who do you think the person was? Maybe it was someone that we knew.”
“I have no idea.” she said absently. Arlo cast a concerned glance over at his wife. She was retreating into herself, he noticed her looking at the traffic in the side mirror. Her eyes were starting to take on a slight violet hue.
Arlo sighed inwardly as he made his way through the outskirts of Chicago. The metro finally gave way to smaller residential neighborhoods interspersed with shopping districts. Damayanti had been silent for the last thirty minutes or so. The atmosphere in the car seemed oppressive. He pulled into a parking lot that lead up to a chain grocery store. He grabbed the empty cups and looked to his wife.
“Taking a quick break, would you like something Sweetheart?” Damayanti reached into the back seat and pulled out her shawl. She threw it over her shoulders and snuggled into it’s warmth.
“Sure.” she said. He got out of the car and slid into his long wool coat. He came around to the passenger side of the vehicle and opened the door for his wife. She took his hand and handed him the umbrella.
Damayanti excused herself from her husband and went to the ladies’ room. After the necessary, she took a long look at herself in the mirror. Bags had settled under her eyes and there was a violet hue to her tawny eyes. She reached into the flow of water from the faucet and splashed her face.
“I have to keep myself together…” she whispered. The facets of her moods roiled within her.
“Niraasha, you are poisoning the mental space!”
“Vishari! Leave Niraasha alone! This is not a time to be happy!”
“Ladies, this is not the time to argue. This is a logical step in the grieving process.”
“Gods! I want to rage out! All of this pent up emotion needs to be let out, preferably with lighting something on fire!”
“What chance to they have? We are leaving them behind forever! The enemies will find them!”
“Our husband is the only thing that I can see right now that makes me think of happy times. Everything else is too painful.”
“How are we going to survive?”
“Niraasha, please! You’re going to taint us so much, we will need therapy!”
“Vishari! Stop! This is not helping!”
“We need to process…”
She scrutinized herself in the mirror for a few moments longer and then reached over and patted her face dry. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“Maintain. Have to be strong for my Lord and Husband.”
Damayanti met up with Arlo in the chip aisle. He was holding a small shopping basket in the crook of his elbow. She watched him standing there and her heart melted at the sweetness and normalcy of the image. A couple of bags of chips and a bag of spicy popcorn sat in the basket along with some soda. She walked up and slid her hand along his arm.
“Hello, Heart of my Heart.” she purred and beamed up at him.
“Mmm. My Love.” he murmured and leaned down to kiss her. “Feeling a bit better?”
“I think so. What else do we need to get?”
“A couple more things, just for the road. I checked the GPS. We won’t be to our destination until tomorrow.”
Pitt-er-pat of the raindrops hit the roof of the car as Arlo turned the key in the ignition. He glanced through the windshield as he turned on the wipers.
“It should be letting up soon.”
“We can only hope,” she whispered. Damayanti could still feel the churning of her emotional tides. Arlo checked the GPS and then took off.
The sky had darkened to a rainy night as they passed out of the areas she was familiar with. She had finished a bottle of the ginger ale she had purchased. It had not alleviated slight nausea she had been suffering from since they left home. The trees flew by in a green blur, the bright lights of the traffic heading in the opposite direction, all of these mixed to dazzle her. Off at the horizon there were flashes of distant lightning. Arlo had turned on the radio, both to listen to some music and to get information on the route conditions. She spied the road sign that signaled that they were leaving the last outskirts of Chicago. Despair, a leaded cloak settled upon her shoulders.
Her fingers found the pouch again. Without realizing it, she opened the pouch and pulled out the contents. Two sets of infant booties, one pair pink, one blue. Her breath hitched in her chest, as the cracks in her facade spread.
“Mahavir, Kalyani… my bright ones…”
She tasted bile in the back of her throat as her grief rose with a surge of nausea.
“Honey?” Arlo asked softly as he spied her skin become several shades darker.
“Pull over…” she gasped. “I have got to keep control.” She clenched her fists around the last items of her babies that she would ever have. A roaring rose in her ears. Vaguely, she felt the car pull off to the side. As soon as Arlo pulled the car to stop, she opened the door and ran off into the grassy ditch.
“Pravasi!” her husband called out as he put the transmission into park and threw on the hazard lights. Damayanti fell to her knees in the wet grass, the waves of nausea overwhelmed her and she heaved. Somewhere, she had the sensation of a crystal bell shattering. Her hands clawed at her chest and tears spilled. Thunder rumbled overhead and the rain increased in its intensity.
Arlo ran around the side of the car. He spied something on the edge of the grass. He let out a sigh as he realized what it was. With a sorrowful smile, he gently tucked the booties back into the pouch and placed them in the pocket of his coat. He heard his wife retching. He walked back to the car and snagged a bottle of water. He then walked over and knelt down beside her.
“Thank you for letting me know,” he said as he reached over and pulled her hair back, “I got over as soon as I could.”
Damayanti felt the shards of her emotions cut her to ribbons. She vaguely felt Arlo by her side, him pulling her hair back. His touch was light, his hand moved down to her back. Once she was empty, she sat back on her heels. She looked over at her husband, tears streamed down her cheeks,
“There are no stars tonight.” she hiccuped. Arlo smiled and looked into her eyes as he squeezed her shoulder,
“There’s one.” he said as he handed her the bottle. She took it, a frown marring her face before she took a swig to swish the bile out of her mouth.
“Easy with that,” he whispered, “Sip please.” She took a small sip. He helped her to her feet and together they made their way back to the SUV. “Are you feeling any better?” Damayanti was silent, her words catching in her throat. He fished the pouch out of his pocket and handed it to her. “Here. You dropped this. I know that what are inside are precious.”
The silk was damp with the rain. A choked sob escaped her lips and her eyes blazed a vivid purple. The tempest boiled to the surface. She shoved the pouch into her pocket. Her jaw tightened and nostrils flared. There was a flash through the clouds overhead and thunder boomed with the sound of heavenly cannon fire. Arlo reached forward and grasped her hand, intending to help her back into the car. She ripped her hand out of his grip. His brows lowered over his eyes. Damayanti’s skin took on the shade of the clouds overhead; she turned her face to the sky above, her violet eyes blazing with unseen flames. Tears steamed off of her cheeks almost as soon as they started to fall.
“No!!!” she howled to the rain and the night sky. Arlo put a hand on her forearm. She turned her gaze on him a sneer of anger and rage contorting her features. She grabbed the front lapels of his long coat. “I am leaving everything that I have ever known!”
Damayanti squeezed her eyes shut and she felt her fangs slide over her bottom lip. She balled the woolen fabric of her husband’s coat in her fists. She pulled, but he did not move.
“No! We can’t leave!” she snarled, “This door is closing and will never open again!” Arlo looked down at his wife. The pain and grief within rose, he acknowledged it and did not let it come to the surface. She railed and stormed against him. He lifted his face to the sky, letting the rain fall on his cheeks to hide the tears that threatened to spill.
Damayanti screamed and cried, pounded her fists against her husband, the rain started to soak through her coat. Her knees buckled as the grief drowned her. She felt her husband’s strong arms around her. He lifted and held her against him. His heartbeat was slow and steady; a sense of steadfastness enveloped her, she surrendered to it. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. All of the fear and sorrow erupted from her.
Arlo held his wife to him. He closed his eyes and tucked her head against his shoulder. The rain continued to fall. Her tears were hot when they touched his skin. In his heart, was the echo of her despair. When her sobs had softened, she lifted her eyes to his. They were still the hue of lupine flowers,
“Come my Star. The clouds may be doing their best to hide you,” he murmured, “but they cannot hide you from me. You think that you are lost, but I’ve got you.” He carried the last few steps to the car and helped her in. He tucked her shawl around her shoulders.
As he closed the door, the area was illuminated by a set of headlights. He turned as a car came up to park behind them. The driver threw on his hazards and then stepped out.
“Hey!” he called as he closed his door and walked around the front, “Everything okay? Do you need any assistance?” Arlo raised his hand,
“We’re good! Thank you for your consideration!” he called back. The driver waved and smiled. Arlo looked in on his wife, she was buckled in and had snuggled into her shawl.
Arlo stifled a yawn as he pulled into the motel’s parking lot. Damayanti had dozed off and on for that portion of the trip. Her husband poked the GPS.
“We’re about half way there. Let’s stop for the night. A shower and then bed sounds good.”
“Yeah, a shower sounds good.”
Once inside, Arlo let out a relieved sigh; he came up behind his wife and rubbed on her shoulders. She placed her hand on his. He kissed her hand and then moved to nibble on her ear. She leaned back against him.
“How about I order some dinner?” she said. She felt Arlo smile against her ear.
“Sounds terrific. Glad to hear that you are feeling somewhat better.”
After the take out was delivered and eaten, Arlo stretched and let out a satisfied sigh. Damayanti tidied up. She raised an eyebrow,
“Off to the shower?”
Arlo grinned and he shed his shirt. He then stretched and flexed.
“Yeah, it feels so good to be out of the car.” he pumped his eyebrows, “care to join me?” Damayanti rolled her neck,
“Sure.”
Deeper in the night, Damayanti got up from the bed. Her emotions were the surface of a lake after the storm had passed. There was calm, but something still moved beneath. Quietly so not to wake her husband, she slid on her robe and made her way to the window. The shade was drawn and the room was dark. The A/C unit hummed and ticked beneath the window, the only other sound was her husband’s soft breathing. She pulled the drapes open just a crack. The night sky was still overcast, but the rains had finished. The neon lights from the motel sign cast sharp electronic reflections along the ground.
She placed her hand against her heart. A silent whispered prayer for her family’s well being filled her mind. She bit back a pang of anguish and she clenched her hand into a fist. Her husband seemed to be taking everything so well. She rested her forehead against the window, trying to unsuccessfully glean the first rays of dawn. The glass was cool against her skin; her exhaled breath briefly misted its surface. Her eyes slid closed, her heart now filling with the knowledge of all of the loss and all of the obligations that were still unresolved. The knuckles of her fist gently rapped against the window.
“the Road of Dharma, endless spiral…never ends. There is no other way it can be. Yet there are times I feel I am drowning in the Ocean, my fire smothered by the cold currents…” she whispered forlornly.
“I would be there to rescue you. A Star like you cannot be allowed to fall.” Arlo murmured as he came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. He kissed her behind her ear. “Come to bed my Love.” He smiled as he felt her lean into him, “Let me help you forget all those cares for a little while.”
Lantern's Path Fantasy 
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