0003. Veena

Frost's gaze softened. "Be strong, Reema. You've seen it yourself the end of human civilization from our time. We all need to rise to the challenges ahead."

"It's not just about Nile," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's about Shakti. He has no idea what's waiting for him—what's been taken from him. And when the time comes, he'll be thrown into it without warning."

Frost straightened, his casual demeanor giving way to seriousness. "You think it's time to tell him?"

"No," Reema said quickly, shaking her head. "Not yet. He's not ready to hear the truth. The bond we shared… the centuries we spent together… it's all locked away, hidden in the depths of his soul. He's not the same Shakti who stood beside me back then."

Frost was silent for a moment, his eyes studying her. "You're carrying all of this on your own. It's no wonder you're so anxious."

Reema's lips twitched into a sad smile. "It's my burden to bear. Shakti doesn't remember, and Nile has no idea what lies ahead. But I do. I've seen what happens when we fail, Frost. This time… this time it has to be different.

"Frost stepped closer, his voice dropping to a soothing tone. "You're not alone, Reema. You've got me. Whatever comes in , we'll face it together. Nile's awakening, his test, even Shakti's reforging his body —I'll be there to oversee it."

Reema's gaze flicked to him, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and pain. "You make it sound so simple."

Frost smirked. "It's not. But worrying won't change what's coming. For now, let's focus on what we can do—prepare Nile, guide him through his transformation, and protect him when the time comes."

Reema nodded slowly, her resolve hardening. "You're right. I can't let my fears hold me back. Nile needs me to be strong."

"And Shakti," Frost added with a knowing look. "Even if he doesn't remember, you're still his anchor."

Reema's eyes softened, a flicker of longing crossing her face. "I just hope… when he does remember, he will understand why I am not around him."

The two stood in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared responsibilities hanging in the air. Finally, Frost clapped his hands together, breaking the tension.

"Well, shall we?" he said, gesturing toward the village. "Can't let them think we're slacking off."

Reema chuckled despite herself. "Lead the way, Frost. Let's face what's to come, one step at a time."

Together, they walked toward the village, the golden light of dusk casting their shadows long against the dirt path.

The night hung heavy in the air, and the quiet village lay under the soft glow of the moon. It was past midnight, but the air was still, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant chirping of insects. The village seemed to sleep, untouched by the events about to unfold.

Inside a small, modest mud house on the outskirts of the village, Nile sat on a mat outside, beside his mother, Veena. The house was isolated from the other homes in the village, a symbol of the solitude that Veena and Nile had long accepted. The lawn, though simple, was neatly kept, and the moonlight filtered through the trees, casting a peaceful glow on their small corner of the world.

Veena, now an elderly woman with silver strands in her hair and a soft, kind expression on her face, looked at her son with a mixture of pride and sadness. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached out to him, the familiar warmth of their bond shining through her gaze.

"Nile," she said softly, her voice gentle but filled with emotion. "You've grown so much, my son. Going off to the town for the first time... and leaving me behind."

Nile smiled, trying to mask the sadness he felt at leaving her. "Mama, don't worry. It's not like I won't come back. I'll return, I promise."

Veena's lips curved into a teasing smile. "Ah, but in the town, there are so many beautiful girls. Will you still remember your old mother when you meet them?"

Nile's face flushed, embarrassed by her words. "Don't worry, Mama. I'm your son, and I'll never forget you, not even in the next life."

Veena chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with affection. "Well, we shall see, my boy. Now, go eat something. It's already late. You'll need your strength for tomorrow."

With a gentle movement, Veena reached under her shawl and pulled out a small bundle wrapped in cloth. She carefully untied it, revealing a simple string with a wooden plaque bearing the letter "N" etched into it. Her hands trembled slightly as she handed it to Nile.

"Keep this with you always," she said softly. "It will remind you that you are never alone, even when you're far from home."

Nile took the string, his fingers brushing over the smooth wood. "Thank you, Mama. I'll keep it close."

He tucked it into his shirt, giving her a reassuring smile. "Now rest. I'll take care of the food and get ready for tomorrow."

Veena nodded and lay down on her bed, closing her eyes as Nile covered her with a blanket and set up the mosquito net around her. He made sure she was comfortable before moving to the kitchen corner to prepare a simple meal. The house was small, but it was filled with the warmth of family and memories.

After eating, Nile and his brother Frost shared a few lighthearted moments, laughing and joking together. Shakti and Reema sat nearby, their quiet conversations carrying the warmth of their close bond. It was a peaceful evening, but Nile could feel the weight of the upcoming journey pressing on him. Tomorrow, he would leave everything he knew behind and set off for the town.

As the night grew deeper, Nile and Frost retired to the wooden bed, while Reema and Shakti lay on the mat outside, beside Veena. The quiet of the night seemed almost tangible, a calm before the storm.