"Welcome the thirteenth member of our group, Mia," I said as I introduced Mia to our coven in the dark forest.

Everyone was already in awe of her gifts.

"It's nice to meet you," A woman shook Mia's hand but Mia was indifferent.

"Well," I said, "We all know that dark forces have returned."

Everyone gasped.

"We can't hide away from truth forever; it's clear that they are back in Nemtenh and we have to fight them." Kriti took a step back in fear whereas I could see anticipation in Mia's eyes. 

"Will the past repeat itself?" An older Wiccan asked me with fear. His hair were white as milk and he used a stick to support his frail body.

"I don't know," I said, "But we must be ready."

"Are you planning to teach us the concept of soulmates?" The older Wiccan asked me again.

"No," I said, with an effort to hide the bitterness accumulated in my heart,"The concept of soulmate is not needed and brings unnecessary complications."

"So, let's begin," I said, "The first step to defeat the dark forces is to increase our vibration."

"But how will we do that?" Mia asked.

"Do whatever makes you happy," I said, "Read your favorite book, hum a song, dance until you fall on the floor, take a bubble bath, walk with your beloved, etc., etc."

"It's all bullshit," Mia said, "Why don't you teach us some advanced defence techniques?"

I said, "The most powerful things are the simplest ones. Once you embrace simplicity, magic will come to you naturally."

I turned to the coven, "Everyone should keep a black tourmaline with them. Burn incense each evening and hang wind chimes in the windows. And for those who have pets, if your pet is behaving abnormally, immediately leave the place and contact me. Now, let's do white light meditation."

"Everyone please be seated," I said.

Everyone sat down cross-legged on the ground.

"Close your eyes and focus on your breath," I said. The cool breeze would help everyone to calm their minds.

Everyone did as I told them.

"Imagine a white light around you. This white light is your shield against the dark energy. Feel the minutest details of the light. Is it cold or do you feel its warmth. Experience it touching your body, heart and soul."

But I myself could not concentrate. Thoughts were hovering over my mind like dark clouds. They had come back to reclaim the dark forest, but where was Aashim? It was clear that he was back but he had not shown himself yet. Where was he now? How did Rohan know that I was with Ryan in the dark forest? I had only told Mia about it...

I opened my eyes and called, "Mia, come here."

Everyone started looking at me. "You keep doing the meditation," I said.

Mia came and said, "What?"

"Rohan Mukherji," I said, "Have you heard that name?"

"Yes," she said. Now I was not expecting so direct answer.

"Great," I said, smiling, "How do you know him?"

Mia said, looking at ground,  "Why should I not know him? He is my brother."

I wanted to shout, "Bullshit!" but I calmed myself. I knew that Rohan never had a sister. What was the game that Rohan was playing? But whatever it was, I could not trust Mia.

At night, when the town was still, after meditating for an hour, I closed my eyes and tried to access Mia's memories. But all I could see was void? Damn, she had put a spell to protect her memories. Aparajita must have told Rohan about my gift of dream-walking and Rohan must have warned Mia about it. But why Mia was helping Rohan? For power or for....No, I could not rely on my imagination. I had to find out the truth, the human way.

The next day, when the college was over, I disguised myself as an old man and followed Mia. Once she looked behind, but I hid myself behind a tree. She knocked at a door. Rohan opened the door. Were Mia and Rohan living together? What the hell...

After fifteen minutes, after I was sure that my fake beard was at the correct place, and I had a perfect hunchback, I knocked at the door.

Mia opened the door. "Why are your bothering us?" she said.

"Daughter," I said in a quivering voice, "I am hungry since two days. Please give me some food." My habit of mimicking people at school was my savior now.

"Go somewhere else," Mia said, ready to slam the door at my face.

"Who is there?" I heard Rohan's voice.

"Some hungry beggar wants food," Mia said with contempt.

"Let him come inside," Rohan said.

"Thank you," I said, "May God keep your family safe and prosperous." The house was too big for two people but its interior reminded me of Aparajita's flat. It was as if Aparajita had decorated each nook and corner of the house. But the house was painted gray- alluring but mysterious gray, as if it was reflecting Rohan's personality.

When I sat on the floor, Rohan said, bringing a packet of chips, "I'm sorry. We don't have anything else to eat now except this. Baba! Why are you sitting here? Come, sit on the sofa." Of course, vampires don't need any food. I was surprised what was the packet of chips doing there?

Rohan's kindness reminded me of the day when he had helped me to reach Aparajita's house when I was lost.

"Have I seen you somewhere?" Rohan asked, as I was taking a bite of a chip, "You remind me a lot of somebody."

"No," I said, "We've never met. Are you close to that someone?"

Rohan just smiled.

Mia said to Rohan, "Do you know what I have to tell Anika? That you were my brother...Ridiculous. For how long we have to hide the relation between us, Papa? Why can't we just attack Aashim?"

What? Why had Mia called Rohan Papa? Rohan was just 19 and Mia was 17. How could Rohan be the father of Mia? He could be if he was not a vampire and had aged like a human. But nothing of that sort had happened between Rohan and Aparajita fifteen years ago. I have seen all the memories of Aparajita at that time, Aparajita and Rohan...

"It's not the right time, Mia," Rohan said, "Revenge is a dish best served cold."

"Is this because of that girl, Anika," Mia said, "If you don't want to avenge Mummy's death, then let me kill Aashim."

"Don't you dare go near Aashim," Rohan said sharply, "I am your father. You will do as I say."

"I must go now," I said in the old beggar's voice.

"Is there something else you want to know," Rohan turned towards me, "Anika?"

"What?" Mia's eyes widened.

"Nice try, Anika," Rohan said, coming close to me, "But I can never fail recognizing you."

"Is Mia really your daughter?" I stammered.

"Yes," he said, pulling out my fake beard and moustache with care so that I might not get hurt, "She is my and Aparajita's daughter.".

"But how can it be possible?" I said.

"Now, Anika," Rohan said with seriousness in his voice, "I don't think we are close enough for me to discuss my family matters with you. And now, if you please..." Rohan showed me the way to door.

I went out of his house. I felt that the pieces of my broken heart ached more than usual.