"Really, Mom?"
Young Lioran looked up with tear-filled eyes. "Will it really make that puppy happy?"
His mother smiled softly and wiped the tears from his cheeks with her thumb.
"Yes, my son," she said gently. "It will."
She chuckled lightly. "Oh, you're so emotional—just like me."
Lioran sniffed. "Mom… you're emotional too?"
She laughed quietly. "Of course I am. I'm human too."
He tilted his head, innocent confusion in his eyes. "Is it wrong… to be emotional?"
She shook her head immediately. "No, son. Emotions are very important."
She took his small hands into hers.
"Being emotional means you have a heart," she said. "A heart that feels others' pain. A heart that connects you to people."
Her voice softened.
"So never think emotions are bad," she continued. "They are our strength. They help us understand, endure, and solve our problems."
She smiled warmly.
"Got it?"
Lioran nodded firmly. "Yup."
He held her finger tightly, as if afraid to let go.
Together, they walked away from the rainy roadside.
Flashback Ends
Lioran opened his eyes.
A small smile appeared on his lips.
"So… that's why," he whispered. "Liara… you're really like Mom."
He looked toward the moon shining through his window, its pale light spilling across the floor.
"You said the same thing she once told me," he murmured.
His expression grew resolute.
"I promise," he said quietly, clenching his fist. "I will never give up again. No matter what."
The moon remained silent—
The Next Morning
Sunlight filtered through the narrow street, illuminating the house at the end of the lane.
Outside it, Aishwarya and Sharin were there.
Aishwarya crossed her arms, staring at the door.
"So… this is Lioran's house?" she asked.
"Yeah," Sharin replied. "He lives here with his sister. Just the two of them."
"Okay," Aishwarya said after a pause. "Then knock."
Sharin blinked. "Why me? You knock."
"No, I can't," she said quickly.
"Why?" Sharin asked.
"I… don't know," she replied, avoiding his gaze.
Sharin narrowed his eyes. "You don't know? Then why did you come all the way from Kashmir?"
Aishwarya turned red instantly and looked away.
"I was just… worried," she muttered. "After what happened yesterday."
Sharin fell silent.
Before either of them could say more—
CREAK—
The door opened.
Both jumped.
Lioran stood there, squinting slightly in the sunlight.
"…What are you two doing here this early?" he asked.
They froze.
Words vanished from their minds.
Inside the House
A few moments later, they sat in the dining room.
Lioran stood beside them, gesturing awkwardly.
"Liara," he said, "this is Aishwarya. She's… my friend."
Liara stared at her.
Hard.
"…Nice to meet you," Aishwarya said politely.
"Me too," Liara replied—but her tone was cold.
Aishwarya blinked.
"Did I do something wrong…?"
"So," Lioran said quickly, "why did you come here?"
Sharin nudged Aishwarya subtly.
She took a breath. "Actually… we were worried about you. After yesterday."
She looked at him seriously. "We're friends. You don't have to hide anything from us."
Lioran's chest warmed.
"…Thank you," he said softly. "But I'm fine now. Really."
They studied his face.
He looked calmer.
"That's good," Sharin said.
"Oh," Lioran added, "you should stay for breakfast. You both love Liara's poha."
Aishwarya's eyes lit up. "Oh—can we?"
"Of course," Liara replied—but still stiff.
"Great," Sharin said. "Let's eat."
Steam rose from the bowls.
The poha was golden, garnished with peanuts and fresh coriander.
Aishwarya took a bite.
MUNCH—
Her eyes widened. "Wow… this is really tasty."
"I'm glad you like it," Liara said—still not smiling.
After breakfast, Aishwarya stood up.
"Thank you for the food," she said. "It was delicious."
"I'm glad," Liara replied—again curt.
They moved toward the door.
But when they opened it—
Skanda was standing outside.
He still wear his mask.
Aishwarya stiffened. "Skanda? What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk to Lioran," he said calmly.
Liara stepped forward immediately.
"To Lioran?" she said sharply. "First tell me—who are you? And why are you wearing that mask?"
Skanda paused.
"Oh," he said, "I forgot to introduce myself."
He bowed slightly. "I'm Skanda. His senior."
He touched his mask lightly.
"As for this," he continued, "I have a deep scar on my face from an accident. I prefer not to show it."
Liara studied him carefully.
Something felt… off.
"Lioran," Skanda said, turning to him, "it's crowded here. Let's talk outside."
Lioran nodded hesitantly.
They stepped out.
Outside the House
Lioran folded his arms. "What's the matter? Why did you come suddenly?"
Skanda faced him.
The morning wind stirred his cloak.
"I came because I need to tell you something important."
"What?" Lioran asked.
Skanda's voice was calm.
"Give up, Lioran."
Lioran froze.
"…What?"
"You should stop protecting the world," Skanda continued. "Quit the Ashram."
The words hit like a blade.
Lioran's heart pounded violently.
"Why would you say that…?" he whispered.
Skanda didn't answer.
The wind blew harder.
TO BE CONTINUED…