Days passed since the last time the 4 kids carried out any mischief. That was enough to keep  me up at night and it's been weeks since I have taken a calming bath. Everytime I step into the water, I keep a lookout in case the mischievous 4 decide to carry out some mischief. 

Summer was coming to an end and autumn was making the surroundings more bare and raw every passing day. One of these days, Guruji summoned me in the afternoon near the huge banyan tree that was now shedding its leaves. 

"Ah, Adarsh, come here, sit down." Guruji said as he saw me and pointed to the small mat placed by his side. 

"Good afternoon, Guruji."

"Good afternoon, dear one. I needed to talk to you about something."

"What is it, Guruji? Is everything okay?" I asked, a little worried. It is rare that Guruji summons anyone in the afternoon. Afternoon is normally the time when everyone is taking a nap, including Guruji.

"Yes, yes, Adarsh," he said coughing a little. I have been asking him to drink turmeric water every day, but he simply refuses, and his cough doesn't seem to go away. 

"Well, I think I should start drinking your turmeric water from tomorrow," He said chuckling a little bit.

Finally!

"I will make some for you tomorrow morning." I said.

"Adarsh...." he said, with a voice hinting that something very serious is about to come out next.

"The remedy is ready." He said, looking dead into my eyes. 

I have been waiting for this remedy since such a long time, but now that it is finally ready, I am not feeling so good about it. 

What if it is too harsh for the kids? What if it has a life long affect on them? 

Should I have ever complained to Guruji about the kids at all ?

"Guruji, what, what is it?"

"Tomorrow, everybody will find it out tomorrow. Till then, Adarsh?" 

"Yes, Guruji?" I asked, expecting him to give me some urgent task. 

"Tomorrow they are going to prank you again, let them." He said as if it's the easiest thing on Earth. 

"WHAT?!"

"Yes, I overheard them planning to do something tomorrow, the details of which I will let you find out yourself tomorrow, but till then, you have to act like you never knew the prank was coming."

Never knew the prank was coming? That is actually worse than not knowing the prank was coming! The heck, Guruji?

"But why though?" I asked, flustered that my life has come to this point where I have to willingly get pranked by those boys. 

"So that it will seem natural and normal for them when I summon them for the remedy." Guruji said calmly. 

Of course he's calm as a cucumber, he's not going to have to sleep with the knowledge that he will be getting pranked tomorrow! Because HE isn't getting pranked tomorrow, I bloody am!

"Guruji, I.... can't we think of another way for that? I really don't want to end up clothless in the pond when I am bathing, or tied to a tree upside down, or whatever worse prank they are planning!" I pleaded. 

"Relax Adarsh..."

Like I am gonna....

"One of our men will be nearby to help you once their prank has finished and the kids are not nearby. You will not be left stranded alone. I promise. Till then , you have to go through with this, it's the only way."

It's the only way. My foot !

But obviously I obliged to Guruji's suggestion, and then later that night, I went to sleep, worried about what in the world the prank would be, and how I ended up in this position where I had to voluntarily get pranked by a bunch of children that I hated. 

The only thing I wished for was tomorrow to be over soon so that we all find out what this remedy is!

***********

DUN DUN DUUUUN!!

I know, I know, I have updated another chapter after almost forever, but I apologize. I think I will be updating this book sooner now. Thank you for your patience.

Now, the remedy is ready, and we will see what the remedy is soon!

Are you excited for it?

Till then, do vote, comment and share.

All my love,

~Inolas.