Conflicted

A school clerk walked towards class 12C.

" Abishek, Abishek Tavade" The clerk called out while trying to find the student he was looking for.

"Yes" A scrawny teenage boy answered.

" Your mother called. There is an emergency at your house." The clerk informed the boy and walked away after fulfilling his duties.

For a second, Abhishek was dazed. His friend poked him and woke him from his stupor. Abhishek grabbed his school bag and left the class while trying to ignore the stares coming from his classmates.

" What emergency could it be?" Abhishek wondered. He was trying to desperately solve the riddle while ignoring the obvious answer. In reality, there was only one person in his household that was prone to emergencies. However, that was the one possibility that Abishek could not bear to acknowledge. With a heavy heart, he started the long trek home.

Once he arrived, Abhishek immediately rushed to his brother's room. After seeing Daas, sleeping in his usual spot, Abhishek breathed a sigh of relief. He went to the kitchen and found his mother cooking lunch.

" Why did you call the school? What happened? " Abhishek asked.

His mother turned and faced him. Abhishek immediately noticed some changes; her face regained some pink color, her movements were no longer sluggish, and she was filled with vigor. "Something important happened today. You didn't eat lunch yet right? Eat some rice and wait for your sister and father. I want everyone to gather so, I can share the news together."

Abhishek was taken back; his mother even went as far as to call his father and sister? Something big had happened. Unfortunately, his mother did not say anything else so he was forced to wait.

The rest of Abhishek's family trickled in within the next fifteen minutes. The expressions on the face of his father and sister let Abhishek know that they were just as clueless as him. His mother did not keep everyone waiting. She immediately explained what happened this morning.

Everyone listened to the tale about the mysterious Swami that visited and healed Daas. Abhishek was shocked by the events and could not believe it. He personally did not believe in Swamis and thought they were all fraudsters. Abhishek turned to Daas to find out his reaction; however, Daas was only silently listening to his mother's narration.

The fact that Daas did not immediately speak up and debunk the myth already spoke volumes. Daas was even more skeptical of Swamis than Abhishek and would never let anyone spin tales about them. However, Daas did not show any initiative to deny the claims, so something clearly happened this morning.

On one hand, Daas did look a little better; however, most of his injuries were internal so exterior looks where not a clear indicator of health in Daas's case.

His mother interrupted his thought. " The Swami-ji will come again tomorrow. We should be here to receive him and participate in the prayers."

This request immediately alarmed Abhishek. His mother was actually asking him to skip school! Was there a double rainbow in the sky? The only other time he was allowed to skip school was when he caught a deadly flu, and that time the school actually forced him to stay home so his mother had no other choice.

Nevertheless, Abhishek was looking forward to meeting the Swami who could perform miracles.

*******************

The next day Michael visited Daas's house ready to perform his second healing session. However, he was taken back when he saw the whole family gathered together. He greeted all the family members; the attention that Michael received from them made him uncomfortable. Everybody treated him like he was a prophet. Michael immediately moved on towards the poojas so that he would not have to answer any questions.

After performing the poojas, Michael walked towards Daas. He could tell that Daas was tensed. The last healing did not really make that much of a difference. Daas would need at least one more healing to confirm that Michael could really heal him. Not to mention, this time the whole family was watching.

Michael extended his hand over Daas's head and activated the healing skill. A white light enveloped Daas's body; Michael could tell that Daas was being healed by watching the tremors passing through his body.

The family watched in astonishment as the source of their sorrow was being erased. The younger brother was completely befuddled and his eyes nearly popped out of his face.

" Thank you" Daas sat up and replied.

The family gasped; Daas had not moved around since the injury. Now that he was sitting up; there was no doubt that he was at least partially healed. The mother bolted to Daas and embraced him. The rest of the family gathered around while embracing Daas.

Michael slowly sneaked out; hoping to leave without drawing too much attention.

" Wait Swami-Ji, I want to speak with you alone." Daas requested while signaling his family. They quietly left the room and thanked Michael on the way.

Michael sighed and walked towards Daas. " So what do you want to know?"

" Who are you really and Why are you doing this?" Daas asked.

Michael knew that Daas wanted the real answer, not the pitiful facade he was using to fool the family and neighbors. " I am building a security company and am looking for capable soldiers. That's what brought me to you; I was hoping that you will join me once you are healed."

" What about the healing powers?" Daas asked. He could believe the part about establishing a security force. However, he could not figure out how Michael had healed him.

" Honestly, even I am not sure about that. Let's just say that I am blessed by some divine being." Michael answered. He did not want to lie too much to his soldiers considering the fact that they would be his most trusted followers in the future. However, he really did not know what else to say; at this point, he was just going to point towards divine intervention.

Daas looked like he was thinking about the response for a while. He obviously wanted to ask more questions but held back. Michael handed him a folder containing the same package he offered Vishnu. " Look over this folder. It has all the details about the offer."

Daas received the folder but did not even bother to open it. " I am grateful for everything you have done. I would love to join you and fight. It's just that.." Daas fetched the family photo that was placed on a table near his bed.

He swept his hands over the photo and embraced it for a moment. Then he continued " I have realized what is really important to me. I want to stay with my family and be here for them."

Michael sighed; he was almost expecting this response. Daas obviously grew more attached to his family during his stay with them. Perhaps Michael could guilt Daas into coming with him, but that was not what Michael wanted. If he did that, then Daas would never truly be sincere. He needed people by his side that actually wanted to be there on their own volition.

" I won't force you to do anything. But I request that you at least look at what I am offering Daas. Think about what you can do for your family. Think about the opportunities you can provide for your younger siblings." Michael reasoned.

Daas looked up, clearly agitated by Michael's questions. It was true if he stayed here then there was nothing he could do for his family. But at least he would be able to see them.

Michael continued " Either way, I will come two more times to heal you. You can inform me what your decision is in two days."

Daas watched Michael leave while still conflicted about what choice he should make.