Tarot run: fortune unravelling wise sage

Authors note: prologue + first chapter so it will be a bit lengthy as i would like to cover this whole 3 weeks before the actual start of the story in this chapter.

Blitzz-Blitzz a lamppost by a desolate highway buzzed as a youth walked past it, this youth was wearing a white jacket with black jeans and a bag mounted on his back.

'Bloody hell this place, how can that charlatan deceive me when i helped him predict his future? If not for me he would have had to suffer a financial loss and how does he repay me? By sending me on this desolate deserted road? I'll rip his head off if i see him again.'

Rishi Arora is a 20 years old youth who has been kicked out of his house 3 weeks ago, while being kicked out of his house isn't anything new for him but this time he had decided to never return back and make a life of his own.

Rishi's youthful rebelliousness kicked in when he lost something precious to him, he didn't react this intensively when his relationship with his childhood friend was broken off because of his parents or when he and his best friend grew apart because he had to repeat a year.

'Damn this, why is everything bad happening to me? Anyway at least im free of those hypocrite parents of mine. Still, its all their fault for how they never appreciated me, its still so vivid this past few weeks.'

Rishi felt nostalgia as he recalled this last 3 weeks, it all started to weight down on him.

--- 3 weeks ago ---

-Aryapur-

Sniff! Sniff! Rishi could smell the scent of burned paper, was someone burning books? He felt the smell was coming from his own living room, Rishi stopped doom scrolling spiritual videos and made his way into his living room.

There he found that his Mother a tall 5'11 woman with black hair and brown eyes was burning a bunch of books and journals inside a metal container that looked like a box.

Rishi's mother Ritti Arora is a tech Ceo and an orphan who built her life from scratch which has given her the qualities of a leader, she's disciplined, strict and demanding.

'What are you burning mom? Wait, are those?'

Before Rishi could finish his sentence Ritti threw in a cream colored small box made of cardboard in the flames, Rishi felt chills down his spine when he realised what his mother had thrown inside the flames.

'MOM HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!?'

When Rishi reached the burning metal container he tried to get the box out of there but the flames were too hot for him to do anything, in those flames Rishi saw many books where burning which were his.

Spirituality, occult and taro books mainly focusing on the metaphysical and his journals. They were his years of accumulation as a practitioner of occult and now they were burning in the fire.

'Ha, maybe this will teach you a lesson, focus on your studies now. I have brought a college application for you fill this and have it signed by dinner. You just have 1 year left and your get an undergraduate degree in software development, you can pursue a graduate degree while working under me in my company.'

Rishi didn't pay attention to her even though he heard everything instead his eyes where glued to the burning box of cards, they were his tarot deck. Tarot, an old form of divination used in Europe. Rishi had always had an interest in metaphysical and spirituality.

This Tarot deck was a gift from his late grandmother to him, this was given to him on his 13th birthday along with a chain with the symbol om made with gold and silver.

This were his grandmothers memorabilia that he had always safe keeped his entire life but now it was burning and it was his own mother who burned it knowing how valuable they were.

'Why? WHY DID YOU DO THIS?!!?'

Rishi already knew the answer to that, his mother had just said she wanted him to focus on his studies but he had dropped out of college as he didn't feel like studying what he was learning.

'Dont you raise your voice at me! Whatever im doing its for your own good, now take this form and fill it out.'

'Wait until dad hears of this, this was grandmas only gift that i still have, just you wait.'

Rishi spoke as he hurriedly dialed his father Ring! Ring! It took Rishi's father about 2 rings before he answered the phone.

[Yes, what do you need from me now?]

His fathers voice was cold and tired, he had been putting more hours in office nowadays as he had some major projects to work on.

'Dad its mom, she, she burned my tarot deck, the one that grandma gave to me on my 13th birthday, and she wants me to get back in college but i dont, talk to her please.'

Rishi had this desperation in his voice, he knew what his father was going to say but he also had some hope in his heart as well.

Rishi's father Amrit Arora, he worked with Ritti in her company as the second in command of the organisation they ran, he had met Ritti in college and stuck to her throughout her college days and her career like a shadow.

Amrit hesitated for awhile before he spoke in a monotonous tone.

[Listen Rishi, whatever your mother's doing is for your own good, you cant just live life without an education or career, just do what she says, you have disappointed us a lot already, first you were held back a year in your last year of school, then you started dating that girl and now you dropped out of college with only 1 year left? Just listen to your mother, we'll talk more about it when i return home.]

Beep! Beep! Amrit hung up the call, Rishi's face went blank, he knew his father normally didnt take his side and always supported his mother but he thought he would show some anger after knowing that his mother had burned his grandmas only last thing that she left behind for him.

'You heard that right? Go fill this form now, take out this burned books later and throw then in the garbage, i have to get back to work now.'

Ritti shoved the form in Rishi's face has she made her way to her home office in their house, Rishi's blood started to boil as he took in everything that had happened till now, his life choices, his private life and now this, this time it all came knocking down together unlike before when it happened one thing at a time.

Reap! Reap! Reap! Rishi tore the form right in front of Ritti, her eyes reddened with anger as she saw that Rishi threw in the shredded form in the same fire she litt.

'YOU UNGRATEFUL CHILD! DO YOU NOT TAKE ME IN YOUR EYES ANYMORE?'

'ME UNGRATEFUL!?! ITS YOU, NO DOUBT YOU WERE AN ORPHAN YOU DONT KNOW HOW TO BE HAPPY IN A FAMILY.'

Both Rishi and Ritti fought and argued front and back then Ritti slapped Rishi when he called her an orphan, then she dragged him by the collar and threw him out of the house.

Thump! Rishi fell on the ground with a light thud and glared at Ritti with red eyes.

'Leave! And this time dont come back, also im taking this phone as this was bought with my money, this time maybe you will learn a lesson when you dont have my money to spend anymore. Fucking bum! Get lost!'

Ritti slamed the door shut which caused the onlookers to direct their attention at the commotion happening.

'Is it that boy again? Sigh, some people just dont change, even when they are born with silver spoon they dont appreciate it.'

Does he not practice witchcraft and black magick? I even heard he had some poor girl in his trap, such a scum, it would be for the best that he does not return this time he's a bad influence on our kids.'

People gossiped about Rishi as they saw the drama that unfolded in front of them, this was not that rare of a scene, Rishi has been accustomed to this kind of reaction by now.

He sat on the ground for a moment before he got up and brushed the dirt of his clothes. Then he slowly made his way out the society he lived in.

It was a well to do society with mostly well off people living there, it was also a gated community.

Rishi reached near the society gate and pondered for a while before exiting the society, he didnt talk to anyone as he had made a habit of keeping to himself.

'I dont have my phone with me so i dont have much money or a way to book cab, guess i'll just walk this time, it a good things that its only about 4kms from here and i still have some cash on me.'

Rishi took the money out of his pocket, about 230 rupees, he could buy some provisions until he figures out his next move.

Where was Rishi headed? Well the answer is Aryavan, it's a forest that starts at the ourskirts of Aryapur, Rishi's home was very close to it so he could go there even without a cab.

'I can reach the forest in about an hour but i need some food before i go, i'll be able to eat for a about 3 days if i buy raw ingredients and cook them myself.'

Rishi first decided to buy some rice and lentils, then he bought some other ingredients and spices that he would be needing.

Then he walked towards the Forest, Aryanpur was a mid size city about 400km south east of Mumbai the financial capital of India. It had well built road and good connectivity to nearby cities as well.

Rishi walked through the city towards the forest, he saw kids playing in the park and people walking together and people on the streets buying from vendors. Currently it was october and fall season had slowly started, the leaves of trees have startes to turn yellow and fall on the streets which at this time of the early evening gave the city an enchanting view of serenity and calmness.

Rishi tried to process everything that happened to him and he almost cried on the streets but somehow calmed himself.

Rishi was almost at the entrance of the path that led to the forest when he saw two people coming out of the forest, when Rishi saw them together he froze on the spot.

Who were this people? Why did Rishi had to react in such a manner after seeing them?

Well they were Amrita and Alok, his childhood best friend, Amrita was even Rishi's girlfriend, well now his Ex as they broke up under family pressure about half a year ago.

Rishi grew up with both of them, though slowly he drifted apart with Alok and broke up with Amrita they were still in contact, just last week he went to play cricket with Alok and met amrita 3 days ago in an arcade.

They just exchanged a few words but they were still on good terms, now normally seeing them would not make Rishi react the way that he is so what seemed to be the matter?

Both Amrita and Alok were walking side by side while Alok had his right arm around Amrita's waist, both of them have been close since before and even live in the same locality but they weren't this close.

Rishi just stood there and they too took notice of Rishi, then he walked on the road and stopped about 5 meters from them.

'Amirita, what were you doing in the forest? And why are you with Alok? And why is his arm around your waist?!?'

Rishi tried to keep his voice in control but it did come out a bit harsh, Amrita froze on the spot and was caught off guard by Rishi's tone.

When she didn't answer Rishi turned his attention to Alok, Alok had always had a sort temper since childhood but he had always had a good relationship with Rishi.

'Why are you talking to her like that? Rishi don't you dare talk to her in that tone, you and her are no longer in a relationship so you dont need to know where and with whom she's with.'

This blunt reply made Rishi very nauseous for some reason, he wasn't expecting Alok to react this way to his words. In his mind Rishi knew something was going on between them.

'Are you two dating?'

Both Alok and Amrita where Rishi's childhood friends and he didn't want to believe that they will do this behind his back, Alok knew that Rishi had always had a crush on Amrita since childhood and he had always supported both of them.

'That's none of your business Rishi, come on Alok lets leave.'

Amrita walked pass Rishi and Rishi furiously turned around and tried to reach for her but Alok grabbed his shoulded from the back and pulled him back with such great force that he fell on the ground.

Thud! Rishi who didn't expect to be manhandled was shocked beyond understanding, Alok had never been physical with him before even though he had a reputation for that.

'You! '

Before Rishi could say anything Amrita grabbed Aloks hand and took him with her while she looked at Rishi with eyes filled with confusion and many emotions Rishi could not decipher.

'Leave him Alok, let's just go. Rishi, it would be for the best if you focus on your life and not on me, just listen to your parents and don't bother us.'

Both Amrita and Alok left while Rishi could only look at their backs as they left his field of vision, Why did Amrita treat him like this? Why did Alok get physical with him? He felt lost and could not figure it out.

Then Rishi reached in his pocket trying to find something but he could not and then he realized that whatever he was looking for wasn't in his pocket, Rishi was looking for Puffy, who or what was puffy? Puffy was Rishi's tarot deck which was burned to a crisp by now by his mother.

When he realized this Rishi whose eyes where watery finally could not hold it in any longer, he started to cry on the ground, he was already in the forest and no one usually went in at this time.

Amrita and Alok where most likely the last once to leave, Rishi cried for a good half hour before he slowly calmed down.

'It's getting dark and i dont have my phone, it would be best i make my way there now.'

Rishi took his bag of groceries and walked the trail into the forest, there he saw a crossroad and took the right lane and walked for another fifteen minutes before he reached a clearing where there was a bon fire.

There was no fire in the bonefire, not even wood, no one had attended to it for a while, there was also a big tree, onto which there was a small cabin sized tree house.

This is where Rishi wanted to come, his grandfather's treehouse, Rishi's grandfather Arjun Arora was a great explorer who travelled the world and loved the outdoors. His wife and Rishi's grandmother on the other hand was a traditional house wife who would spend her days taking care of the home and praying to god.

Typical Indian grandma, her name was Rekha Arora. She was the one who gifted Rishi his Tarot deck Puffy and also a chain with the symbol om on it on his 13th birthday.

This campground was his grandfathers and this is where he would come whenever he ran from home. Normally Rishi would light the bonfire but this time he climbed the make shift stairs nailed on the tree and climbed inside the tree house.

The tree house was rather spacious, at the other end of the treehouse there was a dark green colored sleeping bag, on the left hand side there's a small drawer and some utensils and on the right hand side there's a gaming console and monitor linked to a car battery.

Rishi put the groceries by the drawer and slithered in the sleeping bag, then he zipped it shut and started to cry again.

Even while walking here Rishi was like a corpse who was simply dragging his body, now that he was someplace comfortable he could let all that he suppressed inside him air out.

Rishi cried himself to sleep that night, Loosing so many precious things to him including his friends sent Rishi in a spiral. He didn't believe that Amrita and Alok would do this to him, in his heart he had always thought that one day both Amrita and him would get back together and both their parents would accept them.

As for Alok, Rishi felt an even bigger betrayal from him, just 3 months ago Alok's mother was hospitalized and he urgently needed 100 thousand rupees and Rishi had given him his savings. Rishi was from a well to do family and had money saved, he would get 10000 every month as pocket money since he was 16 so he had 130 thousand at that time.

Now all he has is about 15 thousand in his account, yet Rishi does not posses his phone so he cant just access those funds either.

Next day in the late afternoon Rishi slowly unzipped his sleeping bag, his eyes where red and baggy, his hair a mess and then the depression.

Being a youth is tough in this times, he still got up and washed his face in the stream that was near his camp. This was precisely the reason why Rishi's grandfather chose this spot to make his treehouse, it has all the necessities for survival.

Inside the tree house Rishi opened the drawer and inside there were some cards, mostly his id's and then his debit card, Rishi always had his documents and cash ready to hit the road. After all, he would always run away from his home, last time he stayed in the tree house for more than 1 month.

'I dont feel like eating anything right now, first i should do something about my finances. It pays to be ready i guess, i can withdraw some money using my debit card and buy some more food.'

Rishi felt a sense of doom loom around him, it would be for the better if he moves his body and does some work instead of just being holed up inside his sleeping bag.

Rishi took the debit card and inspected it, it was from a local bank in the city, he decided to withdraw 10 thousand from his account first and stash it for future use.

It was almost 6 pm when Rishi reached the nearest ATM and tried to withdraw money but it was declined and the screen showed insufficient balance.

'The hell?!? I just checked yesterday i had about 15 thousand in my account then how come it shows insufficient balance? Wait a minute, could it be!'

Then Rishi checked the balance option in the machine and it showed his balance of only 2 thousand the minimum requirement for keeping the account open.

It didn't take long for Rishi to figure out what had happened, it was evident that his mothe Ritti had transferred the money from Rishi's account into her own so that Rishi could not withdraw any.

'Is this why she was asking me about my debit card a few weeks ago? So this was all a well planned action of hers, she really wants to starve me to death this time.'

Rishi was dejected after knowing that his mother took his money but he still had a way.

'So what if i cant withdraw the 10 thousand that i wanted, i still have the 2 thousand in the account, ill withdraw this.'

Rishi swiftly withdrew the remaining 2000 from his account and then he made his way to the market place in sector c of the city, there were many toy shops in this part of the city, Rishi knew this place well as he spent most of his childhood in this streets.

It has been almost a year since the last time Rishi came here though and he was worried if the store he was looking for was still operating here or not.

'It would be a bummer if they have closed down, i dont think i know of any other place that would sell a tarot deck in this city.'

What Rishi needed right now was a tarot deck, as someone who used divination a lot it was a must for him.

Rishi reached a intersection and then found the store he was looking for, it was a gift store tucked in the corner of a small building.

When Rishi pushed the glass door open there was a ring of bell, Tring! this nostalgic sound brought a smile to Rishi's face. His grandmother and grandfather would always bring him here to buy gift, this was also where his grandma bought him his tarot deck which he named Puffy.

'How can i help you sir? Are you looking for a toy for a child or art supplies?'

When a young girl about Rishi's age saw him enter the store she was swift to greet him, there were some customers in the store and a couple of staff assisting them.

'Im looking for a tarot deck, it might be in the cards section.'

The young girl pointed Rishi to the cards section which was at the back of the store.

On the glass display there were all kinds of cards, playing cards, guessing cards and many game related or challenge related cards.

'Here they are, now which one should i choose?'

In the corner Rishi saw about 5 tarot decks lined together, then Rishi slowly took his left palm and howered it on top of each of them until his palm stopped at one that was in the middle.

'This one it is, lets see the price.'

Rishi took the one he felt a calling to and saw on the back its price was 700 rupees, it was average considering he might need to pay more if he goes to a mall or order online.

Then Rishi bought some white candle and black sketch pen with some white chart paper.

His total came to 830 rupees, with this he had less than 1200 left. It was almost 9 pm when Rishi returned back to the tree house.

'Now, lets begin divination.'

First Rishi opened the brand new deck of card and decided on a name to call it, after much thinking forth and back he decided to name this new deck Puffy jr.

Then he familiarized himeself with the cards one by one, they were intricately designed cards with colorful artwork. Then he placed the cards in hands and meditated with them before shuffling them thoroughly, the he took some candles and placed then around him forming a circle of burning candles and calmly sat in the middle of it.

'Now, Puffy jr, what should my next step be.'

Asking this question Rishi shuffled the cards until he stopped and then picked the cards that he felt a calling to, when Rishi checkes this card it was the fool, this cards number was 0 and it was part of the major arcana.

'I see, so i must start a new journey, this is exactly what i was thinking, thank you for the answer Puffy jr.'

The fool, represents ending a cycle and going on a new one, its a card of beginning and letting go of the past.

With this Rishi knew what he needed to do now, he blew out the candles and put them back in their packet.

Next he put the cards back in the box and put them in the drawer. It was almost 10 pm and Rishi hadn't eaten for over 24 hours, he finally took the groceries he had bought and cooked some simple kichddhi, a simply dish made of mix lentils and rice with some common spices.

Predicting his next move Rishi decided he would start a new journey towards his own destiny.

-day 3-

Rishi found himself in front of an electronics store, he had his monitor and gaming console in his hands, this place buys second hand gaming consoles and monitors and Rishi wanted to sell this to make some money for himself.

'How much will you give for this?'

The guy at the counted activated and inspected both the monitor and the console and then gave Rishi a price, after haggling for a bit Rishi sold his monitor and gaming console for about 45 thousand rupees, the fact that they were in good condition helped him get a good price for them.

Rishi insisted on being paid in cash as he didnt have bank account right now, next Rishi bought himself a new phone, he spent 20 thousand and bought a new model which had a long battery life.

He got a free sim card from the store, now Rishi finally had a new working and fully functioning smartphone.

'Now that i have bought a phone and a sim card i need to open a back account, but this time i need to choose a bank that i can accesse from anywhere in India and it to be a well known bank.'

After thinking for a while Rishi chose a bank that had over 15 thousand branches in the country and was well know by everyone. It costed Rishi almost 1000 for opening the account and now he only had 24 thousands rupees left.

Next he deposited that money in his account and made an online payment account so he can use his money even without a debit card.

'Please have the debit card send to the cities post office, and give them my contact info, im going to travel and can only be reached that way, thank you for the help.'

Rishi thanked the clerk who helped him open his new account, Rishi had all his documents stored in the tree house so he didnt have any trouble opening an account.

'This should be good enough for now, next ill make new email id and have a new fresh online identity, then i'll call it a day for today.'

It was every important to have an online identity in this day and age, Rishi opened a couple of social media accounts with his new email and then went back to the camp and heated the leftover kichddhi and slept after eating it.

- day 4-

Inside the tree house Rishi was scribling down on the chart paper he had bought from the gift store, he was writing down his next steps.

'Now that i have my basic necessities i can plan for the far future and decide on my next plan.'

Rishi was running low on ration so first he bought some, then he prepared some portions of them for the next few days, now rishi had another 3 days food.

Other than this Rishi contemplated what to do next, so he again asked Puffy jr, this time he got the chariot, another major arcana card, this reading gave him the message of moving forward or in other word to travel.

Rishi thought and planned the whole day before deciding on his actions.

-day 5-

'If im going to travel i'll need a lot of things, lets see first off i will need a good travelling bag and some pairs of clothes. I have been wearing the same thing since a few days.'

Rishi looked at his clothes, he did wash them two days ago in the stream but he obviously would need more than just one pair of clothes.

Also he would need a good travelling bag and other necessities such as cooking utensils, a tent and chargers powered by solar power for travelling and camping.

'It would be better to check online for offeres and see if someone is selling a whole package, i might get some discount and it would be better to buy second hand products instead of new ones.'

After serching for a while Rishi found someone selling his old travel kit which had a spacious bag with many compartments, a decent foldable tent, cooking utensils and a solar charger with a survival kit.

Rishi contacted the seller and fixed a meeting for the evening, they met in a park located in sector E, after some haggling the seller who was a 50 year old retired military soldier agreed to sell the whole bag and kit to him for 14500 rupees. Rishi would have paid almost 30 thousand if he bought all of this brand new.

He also bought a couple pair of clothes for himself and bought a white zipped jacket that he liked. He spend about 18 thousand rupees today. Which left him with only 6 thousand in his account.

-day 6-

Rishi was in a pinch, inside the tree house he faced a major crisis, he only had 6 thousand rupees left in his account, he could only survive for a few weeks with this amount even if he slept in his tent.

With no way what so ever Rishi again divined useing Puffy, this time he got a six of pentacles, this card represented selling to get money.

Rishi tough for a while and looked around until he could not figure out what to sell.

'I dont even have anything to sell, what could this card, wait, could it be?!?'

Rishi realized something, his touched his neck area and felt his chain made of gold and silver was still on his neck, he felt a bit of hesitation before he made up his mind.

This was Rishi's nature, once he had decided on something he would surely do it. He also had another method, that was the money he had lended to Alok, but he didn't want to meet him after all that he learned.

'I still feel a bit of sorrow and hurt when i think about it.'

He could not get past his best friends betrayal just yet, should he even call him his best friend? The betrayal was just too much, he cursed both Alok and Amrita in his heart but also knew he could not do anything about it.

'Not like i own Amrita or anything, she's free to go with anyone she feels like, sigh, if only she would have chosen me.'

Rishi knew full well he could not control how others choose to live their life and who they choose to live it with, Rishi had been learning about spirituality and metaphysics since a young age and knew that its best to let go when people dont want to stay.

If it would have been someone else they might not take it this well, Rishi though, had his mind set on bigger things. His goal as always been to be enlightened and become a higher being.

Later that evening Rishi found himself a locality in sector B, this place had a lot of jewelry stores and often be packed with people in festive seasons.

Rishi first entered a store and inquired about the rate of gold and silver and then asked how much his chain might be worth. He knew it was made from 70 percent gold and 30 percent silver.

'If you want to sell it then I estimate it's price to be about 120 thousand rupees, anyone that buys it for it value would have no problem selling it for that value.'

Rishi asked if he the store manager would buy it but he said that Rishi didn't have the chains original receipt so he would need to go to someone who will buy it without one. The store manager pointed Rishi to a Goldsmith named Darjeelal, what a unique name.

A darjee is a tailor, yet this man name darjerlal is a gold smith, his shop was down the street at the very end.

It was a small shop with a single counter and Darjeelal sitting behind it, He saw Rishi enter his shop and greeted him with a warm smile.

'Welcome, welcome, how may i help you?'

'You are mister Darjeelal, yes? I was told you will buy my chain even if i dont have its original receipt.'

'Oh certainly, but before that, might the goods be from theft?'

People who mostly didn't have an original receipt mostly stole the gold or silver, Darjeelal had no qualms with buying such gold and silver, after all he was a goldsmith, he could easily sell it without much effort.

'Its not, i was thrown out of my house with only this on me, i have enquired about the peice of this chain and i was told it should go for 120 thousand rupees, now, how much would you offer me for this?'

Rishi took of the chain and gave it to Darjeelal to inspect, after about a minute Darjeelal offered a price.

'65 thousand.'

'You must be joking, at least 110 thousand.'

Is it I or you who's joking? Ill pay 75 thousand.'

'100 thousand.'

85 thousand, thats the best, i will need to melt it and the seperate the gold and silver from it, i might not be able to do it in the next two days and i'll be going to my native place for the next 6 months, it would only be sitting here collecting dust.'

Rishi thought about what Darjeelal said, he had a solem expression.

'So, once i sell this i would never get this chain back again?'

Rishi still was hesitant to sell his chain to be melted, if he sold it as it was he could have maybe re purchased it but if it melts he would have lost it forever.

Seeing this expression on Rishi's face Darjeelal could not help but ask him about the chain.

'Does this chain hold any special value to you?'

'This is my grandmas last memory that i have left, if its possible could you not sell it as it is so maybe someday i could buy it back.'

Listening to Rishi's request Darjeelal took in a deep breath before sighing in resignation, then he looked at Rishi and spoke in a much softer tone.

'You know, i got into goldsmithing because of my grandma, she came from a household of goldsmiths, if this chain really means that much to you i have another alternative for you.'

Hearing this Rishi had a glimpse of home awaken within his heart.

'What's this alternative you speak of?'

'Instead of selling it to me why not borrow money from me by keeping it as a collateral. On this chain i could give you upto 100 thousand, how about a 10 percent interest on that for half a year. I'll return from my native place this time around april, if you return before may and pay me 110 thousand rupees i'll return this chain to you, otherwise i'll melt and sell it for its value in gold and silver. Do you agree?'

In six months Rishi could ask Alok for his 100 thousand back, and if he doesnt have 10 thousand at that time he could simply ask Alok to return the money with interest. Even if Rishi does not wish to meet with Alok right now he should have worked out his feelings in 6 months.

'I agree to this, i'll accept a cheque.'

Darjeelal did some paperwork and once Rishi sighned After reading it he handed Rishi a cheque of 100 thousand rupees.

'Thank you mister Darjeelal, i'll meet you again before the end of may, please dont melt the chain before that okay.'

'Dont worry, i always keep my words, i'll wait until the end of may.'

Next Rishi went to his bank and deposited the cheque, couple minutes later he got a notification for the credit of 100 thousand in his account.

Today he bought food from a small chinese place, it was an occasion to celebrate.

-day 7-

'Clothes check, boots check, utensils check, equipment check, tent check, sleeping bag check, water bottle check, physical and downloaded map check, i will just withdraw some cash and then i would only have one thing left to do before i depart, now should i go for one last tour of Aryapur before i go on my long journey.'

Rishi toured around Aryapur like he was a tourist, first the parks, then his old school and college, places he visited with his grandparents and his parents, places he hung out with his friends.

Rishi played some game in the arcade where he frequently visited, then ate at his favorite place, then bought a small trinket which was of a blue green mountain shaped keychain to remember his hometown on his long journey.

He spent his afternoon leisurely around in parks he visited with his friends and family until it was late in the evening.

'Its 7 pm, i should withdraw some cash for the travel, then i need to do that to be safe.'

Rishi went to a near by ATM and withdrew couple thousand rupees, 5 to be specific, then his steps started to go in the direction of his house which was in sector F.

Rishi could see his gated society from afar, but he didn't go their, instead he walked a while more and stood infront of a small single story building.

Aryapur sector F police station, Rishi walked in and found a constable who was writing a report on the desk in a side on the station.

'Officer, i would like to give a statement.'

'What kind of statement?'

The officer was familiar with this kind of situation, he knew how to handle cases like this.

'I'm leaving my home of my own free will, im 20 and would be going to travel, i have enough money to last me awhile, i dont want my family filing a missing persons report later, also i was kicked out by my family, so you dont need to inform them.'

The officer glanced at Rishi before asking him a question.

'Is it normal for you to be kicked out?'

'Yes, this time i dont plan to return and dont want them filing complaints about me.'

The officer nodded and gave Rishi a written statement to sign and verified his id's before stamping the paper and signing it himself.

Rishi left after thanking the officer, this was a fairly normal occurence, people left their homes for multiple reasons everyday, no one wants the police searching for them as a missing person.

By 9 pm Rishi was back at the treehouse, he had his backpack in his arms as he sat on the floor crosslegged and meditated before he opened his eyes slowly.

'This is it, time to start a new chapter, i'll travel just like my grandfather did.'

Rishi left the treehouse and stood at the edge of the campground, he had put out the bonfire and removed any ember that could have reignited the fire.

One last time before who knew how long Rishi stood at the edge of the campground taking in the visual, he made sure to imprint it deep in his mind, All the memories he had of his grandparents and this camp ground came to life and Rishi was hit with an unexplainable nostalgia, one he had never felt before.

At the end of the path that lead into the forest Rishi was wearing a black jeans with a black t shirt and white zipped jacket, he was wearing military grade mountain climbing shoes. He bought 2 pairs of this before departing, having some good footwear was import afterall.

Rishi pulled out his phone and searched a travel app, he searched for a bus depo near him and found one which had busses going to every major city in the country.

It was about 1 and a half hour walk from Rishi's location.

'Well, to good travels.'

Saying so Rishi started walking, he hummed his way to the bus depo in the night, the winds were chilling and brushed past Rishi as he joyfully walked to the bus depo.

At about 10:30 pm Rishi reached Aryapur bus depo, it was at the outskirts of the mid size city.

On the ticket counter there were couple of people in line to buy ticket, Rishi qued behind the last person, it took 10 minutes until it was Rishi's turn to buy a ticket.

'Yes sir, where would you like to go?'

Think on it, where would Rishi start his journey towards his dreams? The answer was simple, the city of dreams.

'One ticket to Mumbai please, non ac, how much and when will i reach there?'

The guy at the counter checked a calendar and pointed Rishi to a bus at the edge of the depo.

'That bus will depart in 10 minutes sir, 1000 rupees for a ticket, cash only.'

Rishi gave the man behind the counter two 500 rupees notes, in turn the man gave Rishi a ticket with destination Mumbai.

Rishi thanked the guy and walked over to the bus, it was a red colored bus with green strips running along its lenght.

At the door the conductor was standing on a side and it was filled with passengers. Rishi boardes the bus and showed the conductor his ticked, the conductor nodded and told him there are some empty seats at the back.

Rishi walked past all the other passengers and sat on the empty window seat in the back, he put the bag in the over head section and put a earphone in his right ear, it was a wireless with a hook attached to ensure it does not fall.

The conductor had told him that they would reach Mumbai by 8 am so he set am alarm for 7:30 am and put the phone in his pocket.

'Its been a long day, time to get some shuteyes. When i wake up i'll be in Mumbai.'

With that Rishi closed his dark eyes and relaxed his back while taking in couple deep breaths and he slowly fell asleep.

--- day 8---

A sweet melody started to ring in Rishi's right ear, slowly he opened his eyes and saw the morning light shine on him through the closed window.

When he looked around he was still on the bus bound to Mumbai, just that there were alot less people now, he looked around then saw the scenery outside the bus was that of greenery and vehicles speeding past eachother.

He was on a highway and there were some farmlands on both sides of the highway. It seems he was still a distance from Mumbai.

He looked at his phone and saw it was 7:35 am, then he turned off the alarm on his phone and took his bagpack out of the overhead compartment.

He put the earphone back in his pocket and drank some water to wake himself up, later he asked the conducter how long it will take to reach Mumbai and he said about 45 minutes.

Rishi serched for cheap hostels for himself, he finally found a place that was good and cheap, 500 rupees for one person for 1 night. This was the best he could have hoped for, it would not be an issue for him to stay here until he figures out his next move.

The bus reached its destination, Rishi didn't hurry out instead checked everything and then got out the bus once he was sure that he wasn't missing anything.

'Aah, Mumbai, the city of dreams. Now that i'm here i should try to mix in with the locals, im feeling hungry, are there any food stalls nearby?'

Rishi didn't have to search for long until he found a stall that was surrounded by people and the banner read vadapav.

'Oh, Mumbai's famous Vadapav, a tasty potato filling deep friend in a chickpea bather served in between a bun just like a burger. I must try that of course, but before that, i bit of precaution.'

Rishi took the money out of his pocket, then kept a thousand aside and stashed the remaining in his white jacket, his jacket had a series of inner pockets which had greatly attracted him, now his money was safe inside the jacket, he took the thousand and kept one in his left pocket for the hostel and bought 2 vadapav for 30 rupees.

'This is good, now where is this hostel?'

The map on his mobile showed 1 hour walk, Rishi didn't dilly dally, he wanted to explore this huge city called Mumbai.

'I'll like to check in please, here.'

Rishi gave the man on the counter his id and a crisp 500 rupees note, the man made an entry in his computer and escorted Rishi to a room with four bunk beds.

'Here, you can see at the back of the room there are four lockers, the left one is yours, heres the key and i have an extra key for it if you loose yours, it will cost you 200 rupees if you loose your key though, so be careful with it.'

'Thanks salim, am i alone in this room? Or are there going to be more people coming later?'

Rishi learned the name of this man was salim, he was the owners son and managed the hostel on his own.

'There should be 1 coming in this afternoon, other are going to be walk in or it might be empty for today, we dont have a shower here but i know where you can bath for cheap.'

'Thanks, i'll bath tomorrow for now i'll go and tour Mumbai.'

Rishi put his bag in the locker and locked it before leaving to tour Mumbai, he had done some research and knew where to go, first gate of India, then some colonial architectural buildings and the marine drives, finally he decided to explore the inner parts of Mumbai and it was wonderful.

Later he had a banner printed for him, yes, a banner, on it there were clear words writen that said 'tarot reader come get the answers to your questions.'

'This looks good enough, i have also scouted out the place i learned about earlier from the internet chatgroup.'

Rishi obviously needed to earn money, he had done his research and knew where to set his shop. This banner put him back 500 rupees but it was a long term investment.

Back at the hostel he met his temporary roommate Ayush, he was visiting Mumbai from Bihar and will stay in the hostel for 2 days.

'Whats that Rishi? Tarot? Do you have a crystal ball too?'

'No i dont, say what i'll give you a roommate discout, want to try?'

Ayush hesitated before he decided to give it a go, the terms were simple, 100 rupees gets you 10 minutes of time with 5 question max.

Ayush was pretty happy with his reading, more so from Rishi's elegant speech instead but thats how the world work. Bits of truth and flattering gets the job done.

-- day 9--

10 am, below a banyan tree Rishi sat and behind him was a banner, this tree was situated near a big temple in an under developed locality yet was famous.

'This place looks good, i have read some good review about it online from other travelers like me.'

By late noon Rishi had already read cards for about 15 people, then Rishi saw a troubled young man walk out the temple and read his banner then he swiftly made his way to him.

'Excuse me sir, can you give me answers to my troubles?'

'I can certainly read your cards, they should give you a direction to head in.'

Rishi talked with this man and found out that his name was Ritesh, he was in a relationship with a girl called Neha who came from a conservative background, her family was troublesome.

After the reading Ritesh had decided to end his relationship with Neha, after Ritesh left a boy came to Rishi with a cup of hot tea.

'Birju, give me a cup, here.'

Rishi gave Birju the boy who worked at the tea stall a crisp 10 rupee note.

'Thank you Rishi, i heard all of your conversation with that man, my boss said that you are a charlatan and ruined the life of the young girl by advising that man to breakup with him.'

Rishi wasn't shoked, people always spoke about him in such tone, he also knew what he had done, he adviced someone using his tarot deck and his intuition, he was clear of his standing and had told that man this in advance.

By evening when Rishi packed up his store he had attended to about 24 people earning him 3600 rupees for his first day of work.

-- day 10--

It was the same as yesterday, about 20 people had visited him today earning him another 3000 rupees.

'Rishi, so this is where you have opened your store?'

Ayush, who had moved out of the hostel yesterday came to visit the temple where Rishi was reading his cards.

They talked for a while and Rishi learned that Ayush had moved in a near by locality and would visit this place everyday.

--day 11--

When Rishi did his daily reading he pulled the hermit card, this card mainly indicates to take a step back and relax or stop and so he did. Rishi enjoyed his day off.

--day 12--

Rishi was returning back after taking a shower, in the bathhouse down the street, when he reached the hostel he was shocked to see Birju standing near the entrance of the building.

When Birju the boy who worked in a tea stall near where he read his cards saw him he rushed over to Rishi and hurriedly explained a chain of events.

Rishi's expression grew dark as he realised what Birju had conveyed to him.

'So basically this Neha's brother who is part of this extremist religious group knew that Ritesh broke up with his sister because i adviced him he brought a bunch of goons to beat me up yesterday but could not find me, right?'

'Yes, but then my boss told him about that Ayush guy you were close with, his waiting for that guy at the temple and once he gets to know you are here then he will come and find you here.'

This was bad, Rishi was just settling in the city and even made a decent amount in the 2 days he did card readings. Nothing he could do now, knowing this guy who's part of a religious bully group it would be hard for Rishi to stay and work in Mumbai from now on, time to leave.

'Okay Birju, i'll leave right now, you too return back otherwise you would be caught in the middle of this.'

Birju nodded and after a short farewell to Rishi left, once he was gone Rishi went back to his room and changed his clothes. Instead of his usual black jeans he wore blue and instead of black t shirt he wore a white one.

He put the white jacket inside his bagpack and checked everything before going to counter to check out.

'Hey salim, i'll be checking out, here.'

Rishi gave his keys to Salim and walked out of the hostel, he was deciding where to go when he was approacjed by a guy in an orange shirt.

'Excuse me brother, do you stay in this hostel?'

This guy was well built and tall, he also matched the description Birju gave him, he knew this person was Nehas brother, Rishi played it cool.

'Yes, i just checked out, how can i help you?'

Nahas brother cut to the chase, he was blunt and authoritative.

'I'm looking for a guy called Rishi, he does something called as tarot reading, is he in the hostel currently?'

Rishi played along with perfect emotions, he was the ace of his schools drama club after all.

'You mean the guy in a white jacket right? Im pretty sure i saw him go to the bathhouse down the street, about 20 minutes ago, its a 10 minutes walk so he should be in there right now.'

The big guy in orange shirt patted Rishi's shoulder, and walked past him afte thanking him.

He walked down the street and a couple of other guys joined him like they were in a Bollywood movie.

Rishi calmly walked until he took a right turn at the curb, then he ran, for about 5 minutes he ran until he was sure he could escape if anything out of the ordinary happens.

'What to do next? I need to get out of the city and fast, i also dont wish to leave any tracks so they cant follow me.'

Just as he was contempleting that Rishi saw that a cargo truck had been loaded at the othe side of the street, Rishi's mind flared up with a brilliant idea.

Rishi quickly crossed the road and called out to the driver.

'Excuse me, hello, are you going out of the city?'

The driver hearing Rishi's question peaked out the window, he was a dark skinned guy with thick brows and dark hair with streaks of white running from the sides. He was about 40 something.

'Yes kid, im going to a city called vijaypur, its at the south western part of MP(madhya pradesh).'

'Can i hitch a ride with you then sir? I'm travelling to Banaras in UP(Utter Pradesh) as a religious pilgrimage.'

'Religious pilgrimage, it's very refreshing to see young people take an interest in spirituality, fine, i'll drop you off at Vijaypur, hope in.'

Banaras, also known by the name Kashi or Varanashi is an ancient Indian city connected to spirituality and is a hub of spiritual pilgrimage and tourism.

Rishi knew it would be better to say something along this lines, people are more open to helping you if they know you are doing it for some religious purpose.

Rishi went to the other side of the truck and got in, he was sitting next to the driver, the seat wasn't like a normal seat, you could call it a mattress if you want, there was a lot of space behind and the seat was attached to it like a slope, easy to lay back and relax.

'I'm Rishi Arora, Whats your name? How many day would it take for us to reach Vijaypur?'

'Hoho nice to meet you young man, im raj, it should take us 3-4 days to reach Vijaypur, You came at just the right time, another minute late and i would have drove off already.'

Raj started the engine and the truck started to tremble and then the engine roared, once raj got the signal from the worker that had loaded up the truck he started driving, what caught Rishi's attention though was that raj was driving in the route Rishi came from.

Well Rishi did run in the south direction and MP was in the north direction, Rishi put his bagpack in the back seat that was like a mattress and laid down, it would be bad if he's seen by those guys who are looking for him.

After about 2 minutes the truck stopped by the side of the road, when Rishi slightly raised his sleeping body he could not help but laugh at his luck, the truck was parked right in front of the hostel Rishi had stayed at, the front passenger seat was on the side of the hostel while Raj's seat was on the right side, so Rishi could see through the side mirror everything that was happening near the hostel.

'Another person called Abhi is also going to be on this journey with us, he's staying in that hostel, let me call him.'

Fate has it's own plays, while Raj was calling this Abhi person Rishi saw the guy in orange shirt and his friends were outside the hostel and he could hear their conversation.

'Brother Mithun, that charlatan has escaped, also this muslim guy refuses to give us his details, damn this pig, from what he said it was the same person who told us to go to that bathhouse, surely he could not have gone far right? Let's go in that direction and follow him.'

'You are right, that man is responsible for ruining my sisters life, i will make sure he's not able to do anything like this ever again, just you watch.'

So this guys name is Mithun, what a name and to think he knew what Rishi looked like now, its a disaster for him, just as Rishi was processing all this Abhi came out the hostel with a duffle bag, he didn't come to greet Raj or him but instead climbed in the back of the truck and slammed at sided to let Raj know he was inside.

That was about all Rishi needed to worry for now, about 3 hours later they were on a highway outside mumbai, Rishi and Raj were talking about all kinds of things, Rishi told Raj about his tarot reading skills and his predictions actually impressed Raj.

Later that evening They had already crossed the border of Maharashtra (MH) and were in the state of Gujrat now, they had stopped at a dabha (An inn on the highway) where Rishi read cards for 5 guys and made about 750 rupees.

Later Rishi slept while Raj drove through the night.

-- day 13--

This day was spend travelling and Rishi got to meet Abhi, he was 28 and worked as Raj's henchman, both of them have been driving together for over 5 years now.

Rishi read a couple of cards for some people when they stopped to eat some food at a dabha, they had travelled the the south eastern border of Gujrat by then it was very likely that they would enter Madhya pradesh (MP) by evening.

--day 14--

This day marked the second week of Rishi's travels, they were already in MP right now and would reach their destination by tomorrow evening.

This was a great day for Rishi, he read a total of 15 cards today for other people, earning a bit over 2000 rupees.

--day 15--

'Well, we have reached our destination Rishi, our journey was short but it was memorable to me, keep up the good work and give people good advice okay.'

'Yeah Rishi, also dont get into unnecessary trouble and other people's business. Keep to yourself and stay safe.'

'I'll be sure to remember that mister Raj and Abhi thank you for your kind words, then guys, i'll take my leave now, dont worry i have found a good hostel for myself, its at the other side of the city on the outskirts.'

Rishi bid them a final farewell before he got in a Tuk-tuk its a three wheeled vehicle used to transport passengers.

The ride costed him 150 rupees, Vijaypur was a small scale city, about 100 thousand population, on the outer edge of this city there was a hostel called flower pot, an unique name.

At the counter Rishi was greeted by an old lady at the reception who was wearing a floral skirt and bright yellow color t shirt with colorful print on it.

'Welcome, are you Rishi? I have a room reserved for you, its 800 rupees night but you get it all to yourself with breakfast included.'

'Sounds good, are you the owner of this establishment?'

'Why yes, im Milly, how many days are you going to live here for?'

'3-4, maybe 5 it depends if i get any customers here.'

'Customers? Do you provide some kind of service young boy?'

Milly has always been the type to pry in gossips, she could not help but try to learn more about this man who's visiting the city for a few days.

'I read tarot, i'm very good at it too, could you tell me if there's place where people go to visit jyotish's(Astrologers) around here, i can read my cards there.'

Milly's Eyes lit up as Rishi explained more about his work, Milly who was a child at heart had been thoroughly captivated by Rishi's words.

'Then can you give me a reading about my business, i would like to bring in more customers.'

Rishi indulged Milly with her request, when Milly tried to pay he declined and instead asked to be given a bit more food for breakfast.

Its was evening and Rishi hadn't slept in a bed since the last few days, Milly had told Rishi about a temple outside the city, about an hour journey through bus which was a spot for spiritual pilgrimage for the locals.

--day 16--

On the evening of the this day Rishi had returned to the hostel after a slow day, he did about 15 readings today, its wasnt a bad day but a slow one instead, if he doesn't get more customers he might need to leave this city in a few days.

--day 17--

Unlike yesterday today Rishi had gained some attention, apparently the people who had their cards read told their friends about him and his accuracy.

All in all Rishi read about 28 cards today, almost making 4500 rupees, at the hostel Milly to did some changes in her hostel according to Rishi's reading and actually made some profit.

Rishi had pulled a card that told her to provide food for free to those who stay temporarily. She was skeptical at first but she had started to gain more customers since then.

--day 18--

This was the best so far almost 40 people had come to Rishi for a reading, he made somewhere north of 6 thousand that day.

--day 19--

In the evening when Rishi was returning home from the temple he was approached by the priest of the temple.

'Greetings, boy are you the one who reads cards on the premises of the temple?'

Rishi was not shocked that he was approached by someone, even back in his hometown this had happen a few times.

'Indeed sir, how can i help you?'

The priest had a neutral expression as he spoke in a soft tone.

'I will have to ask you to stop reading cards here, we have other astrologers in the vicinity who have a problem with your fortune telling. Also, you should have asked for permission first, i humbly request that you stop, seeing that you actually have talent to read fortune it's a pitty but i hope you will understand.'

Rishi didn't want to leave this quick but there wasn't much he could do about it.

'Of course sir, just as you said the fault lies in me, have a blessed day sir.'

Rishi had his fair share of interactions with priests in the past and knew how to handle them well.

Back at the hostel Rishi informed Milly that he would be checking out tomorrow, she was somewhat sad but knew that their relationship was only suppose to be till this point.

--day 20--

Rishi had left the hostel early in the morning, he travelled to the north part of the city and then walked along the highway, he got lift from a passing bullock cart until he reached a dabha on the highway, Rishi asked the owner for his permission before he put his banner up near a tree and opened his shop there.

By evening Rishi had read about 15 cards, then he ate at the dabha and had some food packed for him, he needed food for the journey of course.

Rishi was walking besides the highway and asking for lifts, then a black colored Jeep pulled up to him.

'Hey buddy, do you need some help?'

The man driving the jeep was a middle aged man wearing a black shirt and had a manly beard.

'I was going to Banaras while hitchhiking, can you drop me off somewhere along the way if your going that way?'

'Sure i can, while you will have to deviate a bit from the main road i can still help you get a good distance in.'

Rishi hoped in the Jeep, he had developed a good eye for people so he knew whom to trust.

Rishi learned that the guy who was helping him was called Mangesh, he was a civil engineer.

Rishi had already been tired from walking that day so he decided to sleep.

--day 21--

Rishi woke up around 9 am, Mangesh had been driving through the night and both of them decided to stop at a restaurant by the highway.

'Go on Rishi, its my treat, eat whatever you want.'

Rishi didn't hesitate to take Mangesh up on his offer, after breakfast both of them where again on the road, by early afternoon Rishi felt that Mangesh was somewhat troubled by something.

When Rishi urged him to talk then Mangesh spoke about his problems, he said that his company was facing some financial problem.

Rishi offered to do a reading for him, Mangesh didn't believe in all this spiritual things but Rishi convinced him saying it won't be a loss even if he does one.

Then Rishi predicted using his cards that someone at the position of controling money was embezzling it.

Mangesh didn't believe it at first but Rishi said that checking could not hurt right, Mangesh to thought about this and phoned one of his partners.

By late afternoon both Rishi and mangesh were speaking about their lives when Mangesh got a call from his partner. After talking to his partner Mangesh glanced at Rishi in shock.

'Told you didn't i, my readings are very accurate.'

Mangesh explained that someone in the financial department was indeed embezzling a lot of money, he was flabbergasted by Rishi's accuracy.

'So, that's the road that will lead to the highway?'

'Yeah, dude here, this is my business card, give me a call if you're ever in hyderabad okay, so long then, the Highways about 15 kms just follow this road, after about 10 km the road will take a turn around a hill for about a kilometre be careful there might be wild animals there.'

Saying so Mangesh had left Rishi on the intersection, he was still in the south western part of MP, the road was well maintained and had street lights.

'It's 7 pm right now, if i walk fast i can reach the highway by 9 pm.'

Rishi walked for an hour on the road which was basically a highway just that no one was using it, by 8:15 pm rish had almost reached the hill Mangesh had spoke about.

--- present day---

'Geez sigh, what am i thinking about that for? I can see the turn now, at least the street lights still work.'

Rishi saw the turn come into his view and was glad that the lights were working at the least, only after taking the turn did Rishi realize he had spoken too soon.

While the first half of the road was still under the illumination of the street lights the later parts were shrouded in darkness, today being a new moon didn't help this fact either.

'Haa, if i get out of this place i'll make sure that Mangesh guy regrets sending me here, still im glad i have my grandfather's old lamp he never trusted the new age technology anyway.'

Rishi took a black lamp out of his bagpack and lit a candle inside it, this should work for an hour or so.

Next Rishi broke a sturdy branch from a nearby tree, it was about 5 feet in lenght and 2 inched thick, then Rishi used a pocket knife to sharpen the edges and burned it using the candle until it was hard.

He could have used the knife and made a better spear but then he would have to risk loosing the knife if anything goes wrong.

Rishi walked slowly but steadily towards the dark road, at the last working street light Rishi stood between the light and the darkness taking a deep breath before he continued to walk, his steps where fast but careful, he kept an eye out for any unusual sounds and was very vigilant.

Crack! Rishi heard a twig snap behind him and turned around but he didnt see anything, thinking maybe it was a rabbit he kept of walking.

He heard it again this time he stopped in his track, right now he was in the middle of the lightless street, forward or backward it was the same distance, this was a perfect ambush laid by a predator.

Rishi had hung the lamp on the side of his bagpack and was holding his makeshift spear in both hands now.

He decided to walk forward, there was no point in going back it was a long deserted road behind him and the only way to get to the highway was forward.

CHAM! Rishi heard a sharp noice of ghungroo (ornaments worn by women in the ankles which makes cham sounds)

Rishi's pupils shrank as he turned half of his body around to see where that sound came from, there was nothing behind him.

Rishi was about to turn back when a hand swiftly came from behind and held his chin.

Rishi felt someone touching his face and froze in fear, he had heard a lot of storied about Witches and spirits, he too was a spiritualist, where there is light there is also darkness.

'W-who?'

Somehow Rishi was able to blurt out that one word.

From behind came an aged and eeri voice.

'So, it's you. The boy who predicts.'

Goosebumps and chills ran down Rishi's spine as he forcefully turned back again, but the hand holding his chin and the person who should be there wasn't there.

Instead what greeted Rishi was dark silence, only the lamp on his bagpack gave some light to him. Rishi was breathing Haggardly, his heartbeat elavated and sweat dripping down his face.

But then rishi recalled everything that he learned about situation like this. He calmed his breathing and took in multiple deep breaths.

He calmed his heart and spoke in a firm voice.

'I ask who is it that is toying with me, please show yourself, if i am unwelcomed and have intruded on your territory i will leave without any resistance. If you want something from me show yourself and talk to me please.'

There was no reply for a while, Rishi thought that he was just seeing things because of the fear in his heart.

Blitzz-Blitzz one of the street lights in the distance had some electricity run through it, Bam! It Litt up with a bam, it was very eery but also looked mystical.

When Rishi tried to get a better view of the surrounding and it was then that he saw a pair of yellow eyes howering around about 3 feet high in the air.

Rishi tightened his grip on his spear, the eyes slowly aapproached the street light until Rishi could make out a feline face.

Once the beast can in the middle of the light Rishi could clearly make out the circular patterns on its yellow bady, this was a jaguar.

Just when Rishi thought the beast would pounce at him the leopard instead sat down under the street light, it was like a big dog sitting down very gracefully.

'The hand that touched my chin was clearly human or human like, can't be this thing.'

Just as Rishi muttered this under his breath he heard more sounds of a ghungroo and taps of a walking stick from behind the leopard.

Slowly a human figure came under the illumination of the light.

What came out the dark was an old lady clad in black saree(a long peice of cloth drooped and wrapped around the body by women)

She had tribal tattoo's on her face and arms, she wore silver rings around her neck and was wearing a lot of silver jewelry.

She looked very old with thin arms and wrinkled shagging skin, the leopard as well looked like it was very old, almost at its witts end on a closer look.

'Who are you? What do you want from me?'

Rishi, not willing to be strung along in someone elses flow decided to take the lead in the conversation.

The old lady laughed before talking in the same eery voice as before.

'Hohoho, young man quit daring, to think you will speak first. You must be very confident in your backing.'

She avoided both of Rishi's questions but he didn't give up.

'Who are you and what do you want from me?'

Seeing as Rishi wasn't going to spill any info the old lady spoke.

'I am, someone who is here to make you an offer.'

ROOAARRRRRR!!!

______________________

AUTHOR :MISTER MYSTERIOUS

hey guys this is basically 2 and a half chapters i will try to write 4-5 chapters a week and hope to see you all in the next chapter.

P. S. I plan to make this a long webnovel series like the wuxia and xianxia novels so this is a long endeavor i hope you guys will support me.