Chapter 16 Flowers for God
Ivikaa stepped out of her room and made her way to the breakfast table where the rest of the family had gathered. Her father looked up from his plate and asked gently, "Feeling any better, beta? How's your headache?"
"It's better now, Papa," she said, managing a small smile.
Vayu walked in next, still yawning, and immediately began helping himself to breakfast. Between bites, he asked, "Where's Virya?"
"He must be around here somewhere," Rudra replied casually.
Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway. Everyone turned as Virya rushed into the dining area, breathless and visibly distressed.
"Here comes Virya," Vayu muttered with mild confusion-until he saw his brother's face.
"Papa! Ritika-Ritika's missing. I can't find her!" Virya blurted out, voice cracking with panic.
The room froze for a split second. Silence, shock, and stillness hung in the air.
"Missing?" Viren Ambani stood up abruptly. "Where did you last see her?"
"In the forest. I've been searching for her for over an hour. She is not anywhere-I've looked everywhere!" Virya's voice rose with desperation, his hands shaking.
"What the hell were you both doing in the forest so early?" Viren asked in anger.
"I just stepped out for network coverage-I have a crucial meeting this evening. Ritika got upset, said I was ruining her personal time. She stormed off in anger, and now she's... just gone." Virya looked like he was on the verge of breaking down.
Abhay and Rudra immediately ask manager to inform the local police.
Within minutes, a senior officer arrived with a few team members. "Hamari team ready hai, sir. Bas kuch local log chahiye honge-unko iss forest ka achha gyaan hota hai," he informed them, instructing one of his men to gather some experienced locals.
(Our team is ready, sir. We'll just need a few local people-they know this forest well.)
"Adwait bhaiya knows this forest like the back of his hand," Raha said suddenly. As soon as the words left her mouth, Ivikaa's chest tightened with urgency. Her first instinct was to call him-but she couldn't. The thought only made her more frustrated.
"Martin, get Adwait," Devaki Agnivanshi ordered. Martin nodded and immediately left.
Outside, a small group of locals had already gathered with the police. They began asking Virya for specifics.
Everyone moved out of the house, hoping they could be of some help-even just by being present.
Moments later, Adwait arrived with Martin, his expression unreadable. The locals immediately greeted him with familiarity.
"Kem chho, Adwait bhai?" someone asked. He simply nodded in acknowledgment.
(How are you Adwait Brother?)
"Adwait bhai, tamari jarurat chhe," the officer said respectfully, then turned to point at Virya. "Kaunsi direction mein aur kaha tak sath the?" Adwait asked in his usual calm, direct tone.
("Adwait brother, we need you," the officer said respectfully, then turned to point at Virya.
"Which direction did you go, and how far were you together?" Adwait asked in his usual calm, direct tone.)
Virya gave him every detail he could remember. Iva instinctively stepped forward, ready to go with the search party.
"Iva, you're not going," Viren Ambani said firmly. "Virya and Vayu will go."
"Zyada log hone se dikkat hogi," a police officer added. Rudra also agreed to stay back.
(It'll be a problem if there are too many people.)
But Iva didn't move. Her voice was steady. "I'll cooperate completely. I won't be a burden. I promise to follow every instruction."
Adwait looked at her, his gaze unreadable.
"Don't be stubborn, Iva," Viren warned.
But she had already slid into the jeep beside Vayu. Her voice was quiet but resolute. "Right now, my family needs me."
In jeep, police and locals were discussing and Virya got frustrated as he was hardly able to understand the Gujarati they were speaking.
"Stop speaking in Gujarati. Atleast speak in Hindi.", he shouted and Iva held his hand to calm him.
As the jeep rumbled through the rough forest path, Adwait sat at the edge of the vehicle, eyes scanning the terrain with a piercing intensity. He wasn't panicking. He wasn't even talking much. But his silence spoke volumes-it was the stillness of a mind calculating a hundred possibilities at once.
The moment they reached the edge of the area where Virya last saw Ritika, Adwait jumped down and began circling slowly, crouching once to inspect a broken twig, another time to examine faint impressions in the soil.
He looked nothing like a man in a crisis. He looked like a tracker-methodical, hyper-aware, almost animalistic in how in tune he was with the forest.
As Adwait examined the forest floor, moving like he belonged to the landscape, Iva stood quietly beside Vayu. Her eyes followed his every movement-the way he paused, squinted at a broken branch, then crouched low to touch a disturbed patch of soil.
She had seen him angry, calm, cryptic, playful... but this version of Adwait was unfamiliar. Focused. Precise. Stripped of any drama or display. Every gesture had purpose.
He hadn't spoken more than a few sentences since arriving, but he had already taken control of the entire situation-without raising his voice, without asserting authority. People just listened.
He knelt down near a patch of disturbed soil, brushed his fingers over a faint trail, then stood up and turned toward the group.
"She went this way," he said with quiet certainty.
Adwait pointed to the ground. "The shoe print is light, narrow.
Someone not used to walking in the forest. She slipped slightly on this slope-see here, the mud's dragged.
The pattern's fresh. She changed direction once-maybe uncertain.
But mostly she was walking straight, angry, not scared. Yet."
She had always thought Adwait was enigmatic, even wild at times. But this... this was something else. There was method behind the mystery. A strange, terrifying clarity in his eyes.
"Should we... ?" Virya asked, uncertain.
Adwait heard him and turned. "Too many people will mess up the trail. Stay here. I'll call out if I find anything."
Then he looked at Iva. Just one glance. She couldn't explain what passed between them in that second-it wasn't emotion, exactly.
And without another word, Adwait stepped deeper into the forest, his form slowly swallowed by green and shadow.
After what felt like an eternity, Adwait returned from the thickets, sweat glistening on his forehead but his eyes razor sharp.
"She's nearby," he said, brushing leaves off his shoulder. "We'll split paths. Officers-take that road around the bend. Locals know it well. You'll cover the rear."
The police nodded and moved as instructed.
"you're with me.", he said to Virya, Vayu and Iva.
They followed him into a darker stretch of the forest. The canopy thickened above them, letting in only streaks of green-gold sunlight. The terrain was uneven and wild.
Suddenly, Adwait leapt up-one foot on the trunk, the other gripping a low branch.
In seconds, he was climbing with an ease that stunned them.
From one branch to another, agile as a panther, he moved upward.
It didn't feel like effort-it felt like instinct.
As if his muscles had done this all their life.
Like gravity didn't apply to him in this world.
From above, he scanned the area. He paused. Looked. Listened.
Then he signaled to Vayu: Move forward. It's safe.
"Adwait, is she there?" Virya called, desperation creeping into his voice.
"She's close," Adwait replied. "Call her name-but not too loud."
Virya cupped his hands and shouted, "Ritika!"
No reply.
Then Adwait spotted something-a shoe. Half-buried in leaves, just ahead.
"There," he said, pointing. "Call again-louder this time."
Just as Virya opened his mouth, one of the locals stepped forward, worry in his voice. "Adwait bhai... yeh 'Raja' ka ilaaka hai. Paani pine aata hai yaha. Ho sakta hai abhi bhi yahi ho."
(Adwait bhai... this is 'Raja's' territory. He comes here to drink water. He might still be around.)
The mention of Raja-the local name for a lion-sent a shiver down everyone's spine.
Vayu's face paled. Iva felt her stomach twist. Virya looked like he couldn't breathe.
Adwait's tone shifted, calm but firm. "Main dekh lunga."
(I will see.)
He pointed to a thicker branch.
"Virya-climb up there. Shout once more. The locals will help."
With shaky hands, Virya was helped up, and he shouted again, "Ritika!"
Suddenly, from the other side of the grove, something flew through the air-thud. Her other shoe.
"There!" Vayu shouted.
"No," Adwait said sharply, raising a hand. "Not yet."
From tree to tree, Adwait moved with stealth, then paused-his eyes narrowing.
Beneath a large banyan tree, hidden under its roots and vines, was Ritika. Trembling. Crying. Trying not to make a sound.
She looked up-and met Adwait's eyes. Her entire face crumpled with relief.
But she didn't speak. She only raised a shaking finger-pointing behind him.
Adwait turned slightly.
There, just twenty meters away, a lion drank from a muddy watering hole.
His jaw tightened.
He raised a hand: Stay quiet.
Carefully, he backed up onto a higher branch and waved to the locals in silence.
"Ranchhod bhai-cover pichhe se chahiye," he whispered once close enough. "Virya, she's right under the tree. Come-climb here."
(Ranchhod bhai-we need cover from the back.)
With local help, Virya reached the adjacent tree. When Ritika saw him, a fresh wave of tears flooded her cheeks. But this time, it wasn't fear-it was relief.
Adwait reached his hand down, whispering, "Give me your hand."
With trembling fingers, Ritika reached up. In one smooth motion, he pulled her onto the branch. Virya grasped her next, pulling her to him, holding her tight.
Then, with Adwait's help, they slid down the other side of the tree, careful not to make noise. The lion, unaware or uninterested, continued drinking.
Once their feet hit the ground, Virya and Ritika clung to each other in a quiet, tearful embrace. Iva and Vayu hugged her so tightly.
Adwait dropped down from the tree silently. His boots barely made a sound on the earth.
Iva moved to him, her eyes filled with emotion. She didn't say anything-just looked at him, overwhelmed.
He offered her a small, tired smile. That was enough.
Ranchhod bhai stepped forward. "Mera ghar paas mein hi hai. Inki chot dekh lete hain. Jungle mein kaafi samay ho gaya hai."
(My house is nearby. Let's check their injuries. She has been in the forest for quite a while.)
Virya nodded immediately. "Let's go."
As they began walking toward the small village home tucked within the forest's edge, Iva noticed something odd.
Adwait, walking slightly apart, began picking flowers along the way.
As if the forest had shifted in his presence.
As if saving someone's life, facing a lion, and then noticing a blooming petal were all just part of the same ordinary rhythm-for a man like him.
They stepped into Ranchhod bhai's modest mud-walled home, the comforting scent of neem smoke and turmeric wafting through the cool interior. A soft yellow light filtered through cotton curtains, and the air inside was quiet-almost sacred.
Shanti kaki appeared from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her pallu. The moment she saw Adwait, her face lit up with both warmth and reverence.
"Jai Shree Krishna, Adwait," she said, folding her hands.
Adwait smiled back, gently. "Jai Shree Krishna, Shanti kaki."
He tilted his head slightly toward Ritika, wordlessly asking for help.
"Shanti kaki..." he said softly.
(Kaaki = aunty)
Virya guided Ritika to a worn but sturdy charpai near the wall. Her hands were still trembling, eyes wide, but her breathing had steadied.
Shanti kaki examined her with care, pressing her forehead, checking her arms, whispering soothing words.
"Kai nathi thayu... bas khali darr chhe," she said in Gujarati with a reassuring pat on Ritika's back.
(Nothing has happened, she just got scared.)
Ranchhod bhai echoed, "Unko kuchh nahi hua... bas thoda dar gayi hai."
(Nothing has happened, she just got scared.)
Adwait crouched beside Shanti kaki. "Kaki, tame ghaav joyo?" he asked quietly.
(Aunty, did you check the wound?)
She nodded. "Joi lidho, Adwait. Chinta no vishay nathi." Her smile was motherly, calm. Nothing wrong happened in forest it was just she got while running.
(Have checked. Adwait. Nothing to worry.)
Adwait stood up and turned to Virya. "Unhone dekh liya hai. Koi chot nahi hai-fikar karne ki baat nahi."
(She has checked the wound, nothing to worry.)
Virya exhaled in relief and sat beside Ritika, taking her hand in his. Her fingers closed around his, tight.
Then Adwait glanced toward Iva.
Ranchhod bhai said, "Aap baithiye... main paani lekar aata hoon."
(You sit, I will bring water for you.)
Iva gave a faint nod, watching as he walked across the room with quiet purpose.
Adwait turned to the corner of the room-toward a small, serene shrine. There, nestled against the wall, was a simple yet beautiful idol of Krishna, carved from dark stone, adorned with fresh peacock feathers and little garlands that had begun to dry.
Adwait gently placed the flowers he had gathered on the forest path before the idol-each one set down with quiet care. Then he folded his hands, bowing his head in prayer.
No theatrics. No whispered mantra. Just presence.
Iva, sitting nearby, watched him silently. The chaos of the morning, the terror, the rush-it all seemed to fade for a moment.
There was something grounding about him in that moment. As if he carried a stillness that no forest, no fear, no lion could shake.
She smiled faintly. Not out of amusement. Out of something closer to peace.
And perhaps... admiration.
---------
Later -
With the police escort leading the way, the convoy reached Agnivanshi Villa just as the golden afternoon melted into early dusk. The gates swung open, and household staff rushed forward. Viren Ambani, along with the Agnivanshi family, was already at the entrance, faces tight with concern.
The moment Ritika stepped out of the jeep, everyone gathered around her.
"Are you okay?" "What happened?" "Tell us everything!"
Ritika, still a little shaken, leaned into Virya's side for support as she recounted everything-how she'd stormed off into the forest, gotten lost, and then how the lion had come too close for comfort. Her voice wavered when she described hiding under the tree, unsure if she would make it out.
As she spoke, Adwait stepped out of the last jeep, his expression unreadable, almost casual-as if the entire jungle ordeal had been nothing more than a morning jog. He quietly walked to the side and stood with his arms folded, gaze fixed somewhere on the horizon.
Virya walked over to him-his steps fast, purposeful-and without a word, pulled Adwait into a tight hug.
"You saved her," he said, voice thick with gratitude. "You saved me, Adwait. You've no idea..."
Adwait returned the hug with a light pat on his back, then offered only a small smile. "It's okay."
From across the courtyard, Raha caught his eye-and gave him a secret, mischievous wink. Adwait's calm face cracked into a broader smile.
Just then, Viren walked up to him. He stopped in front of Adwait, and for a moment, he just looked at him-really looked.
Then he extended his hand.
"Thank you," Viren said, the words heavy, heartfelt. Not like a formal gesture. But like a father whose child had been returned to him whole.
Adwait shook his hand, firm and grounded.
"You are?" Viren asked, his brow faintly furrowed in curiosity.
Adwait looked him in the eye. His voice, when he spoke, was low and composed.
"Adwait."
Then, after a pause-his tone neutral, but clear.
"Just... Adwait."
"And what do you do, young man?" Viren asked, his curiosity genuine.
Before Adwait could answer, Rudra casually cut in, "He takes care of the forest... and the Agnivanshi property."
A heavy pause followed.
Everyone turned to look at Rudra, stunned.
But no one more than Iva. Her jaw tightened instantly. What the hell is he doing? She stared daggers at Rudra-if looks could kill, he'd have turned to ash on the spot.
Adwait, on the other hand, remained unfazed. Calm as ever.
"Yeah," he said, flashing a genuine smile toward Viren. "I take care of all these."
Viren looked at him with even deeper respect now. "You saved the daughter of our house. I can't thank you enough."
"No need for it, uncle-" Rudra interrupted again, tone clipped.
Viren held up a hand, silencing him. "Of course not, Rudra," he said with subtle edge, then turned to Adwait. "You saved my life, whether you realize it or not. If you ever need anything-anything-I'd be honored to help you in return."
He stepped forward and hugged Adwait.
With the police reports finalized and emotions finally settling, the group began to head inside the villa. But two people stayed behind.
Ivikaa and Adwait.
Leaning against the pillar of the portico, Iva crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow at him.
"What are you waiting for? My thanks?" she asked coolly. "Don't hold your breath. I won't say you're my friend-it's your duty to help me."
She tossed her hair as if that settled the matter.
Adwait let out a soft chuckle.
"But," she added, stepping closer, "you should be sorry."
His brows lifted slightly.
"I tried contacting you, and couldn't." Her tone turned sharp, sarcastic. "Oh wait-yeah-I should've sent a handwritten letter, you caveman."
Her voice rose in mock outrage, but it cracked slightly beneath the sarcasm. There was something real beneath the performance.
Without a word, Adwait reached into his side pocket and pulled out a phone.
Iva blinked. "You have a phone?!"
He casually held it out, gesturing for her to enter her number.
Iva snatched the phone, eyebrows still raised, and typed in her contact. Her own phone started ringing. She looked at the screen. Network? Really?
"Private number." She narrowed her eyes. "Really? Who are you-Prime Minister of Lala Land?"
Adwait didn't answer. Just smiled faintly.
"Or wait," she stepped closer again, her voice softer but more piercing, "...is it because of Rudra? He did this, didn't he?"
No answer. Iva thought not to nag further.
She exhaled in frustration, then shifted tracks. "So-those flowers. They were for God?" she asked, folding her arms again, tone less biting this time.
Adwait met her gaze and nodded. "Yeah. They were."
Before she could say anything else, her name echoed through the courtyard.
"Iva!" It was her father, calling from the doorway.
Viren walked over once more and placed a gentle hand on Adwait's shoulder. "Thank you, again," he said, before turning to Iva. "Let's go inside, beta."
Adwait only whispered, "Take care."
Iva turned without another word and began walking beside her father toward the villa. But after a few steps, she felt it.
A soft touch-light, almost like a breeze.
Adwait's fingers brushed against her hand for the briefest moment... and something slipped into her palm secretly.
Startled, she looked down.
A flower.
Delicate.
The same he offered to God.
She didn't stop. Didn't turn.
But her fingers curled around it instinctively. And as she stepped into the villa, her lips betrayed her. That small, rare smile bloomed anyway.
A sacred flower, a near-death rescue, and a private number-yep, totally normal friendship behavior.
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