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Sangeetha Rao Homechef @ Little Treats Instagram When Sheetal first arrived in Mumbai, she carried two suitcases and a heart determined to be brave. The city was overwhelming — loud trains, crowded streets, unfamiliar faces — but she was ready. A new job at a well-established bank awaited her, and she had found a decent PG in Bandra. Single, independent, and quietly introverted, she convinced herself she needed nothing more. Then she met Natasha, her colleague. Warm, outspoken, and effortlessly radiant. Married with two beautiful daughters, yet separated from her husband, she carried life’s complexities with a grace that impressed Sheetal. Where Sheetal was cautious, Natasha was bold. Where Sheetal was reserved, Natasha was expressive. They were opposites in every way. And yet, they fit. It began with shared lunch breaks and casual conversations. Soon, Natasha became Nat. Weekends became sacred. Sunday church, laughter echoing through Nat’s home, her daughters curling up beside “Aunty Sheetal,” and the comforting aroma of Nat’s cooking filling the air. There was always room at the table — and in their hearts. In a city that once felt foreign, Sheetal found family. And Nat found something equally precious — a steady, understanding presence. A support only another woman can truly give without explanation. Years passed. Their friendship did not fade with time; it deepened. It matured through life’s changing seasons. When Nat struggled with single motherhood, Sheetal stood quietly beside her. When Sheetal married and stepped into the unfamiliar world of in-laws and expectations, it was Nat she confided in. Through pregnancies, sleepless nights, career shifts, disappointments, and small triumphs — they remained each other’s constant. There were disagreements, of course. Hurt feelings. Days when silence lingered longer than it should have. But they always found their way back — because some bonds refuse to break. Then came the day that changed everything. Cancer. The word fell heavy and merciless into Sheetal’s life. In that moment of fear — when the future felt uncertain, and her strength wavered — it was Nat who sat beside her in the oncologist’s office, her hand firmly wrapped around hers. Through chemotherapy and weakness, through hair loss and quiet tears, Nat was there. She cared for Sheetal’s children as if they were her own. Packed their lunches. Helped with homework, kept their world steady while their mother fought to heal. Not once did she make it seem like a sacrifice. Not once did she ask for thanks. She simply loved. Now, twenty years from the day they first met, Sheetal sits by her window with a cup of tea, watching the steam curl upward. She once believed she had been Nat’s unseen support — the strong one, the steady one. But time has a way of revealing the truth. It was Nat who had been her anchor. Through marriage, motherhood, heartbreak, and illness. Through the quiet battles no one else saw. Sheetal picked up her phone and scrolled to Nat’s name. Before she can call, it rings. Nat. “I was just about to call you,” Nat says, her voice unchanged by the years. Sheetal smiles, tears gathering softly in her eyes. “I know,” she whispers. There is a pause — not awkward, not empty — but full. Full of shared history, shared pain. “We’ve grown old,” Nat says lightly. “Yes,” Sheetal replied, her voice warm. “But we’ve grown old together.” And that, she realises, is the greatest blessing of all. Because some friendships are not loud, they do not demand attention. They are built quietly — in hospital corridors, over Sunday lunches, in whispered midnight conversations, and in steady hands held in fear. They’re the only thing in the room that isn’t pretending. And as long as there is breath in her body, Sheetal knows this truth: Life gave her many roles — daughter, wife, mother. But in Nat, it gave her something rare. A sister of the heart. A love that time only made stronger. A friendship she would carry, gently and gratefully, into old age. And as long as they can still call each other just to say “I’m here,” Sheetal knows — with quiet certainty — that some friendships are not just part of your story. They are the love story.

Real Growth is Subtle and hidden Deepalakshmi P Yoga Teacher Email ; Instagram Creative writing & Illustrations by: Harinath During my yoga teacher training, I was introduced to the teachings of Patanjali. In Chapter 1 of the Yogasutras , he mentions two powerful tools required to achieve any goal: Abhyasa (Practice)  and Vairagya (Detachment). The idea of Abhyasa  felt natural to me. Practice, discipline, and hard work are principles we are all familiar with. They form the backbone of progress in any field—whether it is fitness, learning, or personal growth. But the concept of Vairagya ( vi + raga = without desire)  puzzled me. If passion drives us forward, why should we detach from the goal? Doesn’t a strong desire to achieve something push us to work harder? When we see progress, we feel encouraged to aim higher. That attachment to the result often becomes the fuel that keeps us moving. Then why would Patanjali emphasize detachment ? Wouldn’t detachment make us slow down or lose our drive? These questions stayed with me for many years. Throughout my fitness journey, passion for my goals has always been a powerful motivator. It helped me stay disciplined, step out of my comfort zone, and persist through challenges. Naturally, the idea of detachment felt almost contradictory. Yet, the wisdom of the sage suggested otherwise. Recently, while studying Physics with my daughter, I stumbled upon an idea that unexpectedly answered this question. In a lesson on heat energy, we learned about latent heat —specifically, latent heat of fusion and latent heat of vaporisation. Simply put, when a substance changes its state—say from solid to liquid  or liquid to gas —its temperature remains constant for some time. During this phase, energy is still being absorbed, but the thermometer shows no change. The transformation is happening at a deeper level—at the molecular structure—but it is not immediately visible. This concept struck me deeply. Perhaps our personal journeys are similar. When we consistently work towards a meaningful goal—especially in areas like spiritual growth, fitness, or self-development—there may be phases when visible progress seems to pause. Nothing appears to change externally. But internally, something profound may be unfolding. If we are strongly attached to the outcome during such phases, two things can happen—and both can hinder our progress. First, we may feel discouraged. Seeing no visible results, we may assume our efforts are wasted and give up too soon. Second, we may become anxious. Believing that our efforts are insufficient, we may push ourselves excessively. Overexertion often leads to fatigue, injury, or burnout, which can delay the very progress we seek. This is where Vairagya—detachment—becomes essential. When change is latent , detachment allows us to remain patient. It helps us trust the process and continue the journey without unnecessary anxiety about results. Just as the transformation in matter continues silently until the state changes completely, the transformation within us may also be unfolding quietly. Progress has not stopped—it is simply hidden. And that is why Abhyasa and Vairagya must go together . Practice keeps us moving forward. Detachment keeps our mind steady during the invisible phases of growth. So we continue—patiently and consistently—trusting that the change is happening, even when we cannot yet see it. Keep practising. Stay healthy. Stay happy.

Umme Salmaa Bharmal Your Artist friend & Art facilator Linkedin Profile Substack Blog Contact me at: 9920492453 Confidence, persistence, emotional calm — the quiet lessons hidden inside drawing When people hear that I teach art, they usually imagine paint, brushes, sketchbooks, and colourful mess. Yes — those things are part of it. But what I witness in an art session is something much deeper. Art class becomes a quiet space where children and sometimes adults learn how to: Slow down Observe carefully Face mistakes without panic and Trust their own thinking Over the years of teaching, I’ve realised that some of the most important things students learn in my studio have very little to do with art itself. Interestingly, this idea is not just something teachers feel intuitively. Research in art education has also shown that engaging in visual art strengthens self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, and creative confidence. You can read the research here: Click When I read studies like this, I realise they are describing something I see every week in my classes. Let me explain what I mean. Confidence In art, things rarely work perfectly the first time. A line goes wrong. A colour mixes into something unexpected. A drawing looks nothing like what we imagined. But students try again. They adjust. They change something. And slowly they realise something powerful: “I can fail and still make something beautiful.” Confidence grows quietly through this process. Not from praise. But from experience. Problem Solving Every artwork becomes a series of small decisions. Where should this line go? What colour balances this space? How do I fix something that doesn’t feel right? Students learn to pause and think. Research on creative learning shows that participating in visual art can strengthen problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility, helping children adapt and find solutions in uncertain situations. In art class, this looks simple. But what’s really happening is that the brain is learning how to say: “Let me try another way.” Persistence & Grit Many drawings become difficult halfway through. Students feel frustrated. They want to start again. They want to give up. But art teaches a different response. Stay with it. Make one small change. Then another. Education research also highlights that strong art programs help develop attention, grit, and empathy in students. Source: Finishing a drawing becomes a quiet lesson in resilience. Creative Thinking One of the most freeing things about art is this: There is no single correct answer. A sky can be purple. A tree can be red. A house can float. Art allows children to imagine possibilities instead of searching for the one “right” response. This freedom builds creative confidence — the belief that your ideas matter. Emotional Regulation This is something I notice almost every class. A child arrives restless or distracted. After ten minutes of drawing, their breathing slows. Their hands move gently. Their attention settles. Research in arts education has also linked creative activity with stronger emotional regulation and empathy in students. Art becomes a safe place for feelings to move. Sometimes colours express what words cannot. What I Try to Teach When I teach drawing, I am not only teaching technique. I am teaching attention. How to look carefully. How to notice light and shadow. How to be patient with your own progress. Drawing becomes a practice in learning how to see the world more deeply. And sometimes also how to see ourselves more gently. Art in Our Life Art doesn’t have to live only in museums. It can exist in: a sketchbook on a table a quiet Sunday drawing session a moment of noticing colour in the sky Art is not only about becoming an artist. It is about becoming more aware, curious, and present. An Invitation If you or your child would like to explore drawing in a calm, thoughtful way, I run small art sessions focused on: Observation Creativity Patience and Learning to truly see These are not rushed classes. They are spaces where students slowly develop confidence, focus, and creative thinking — one drawing at a time. If you are curious about joining, feel free to reach out. I would love to welcome you into the studio. Warmly, Umme Salmaa

Dr. Devyani Rozario Website When your bank balance looks great, the title on the business card is impressive, and your talent seems to open every door, it is easy to feel invincible and fall into the trap of obsession with yourself. You begin to believe that only your thoughts matter and for everyone surrounding you, there is only your way or no way! This is the “false security” of thinking you are the sole author of your achievements, is a mindset that inevitably leads to a bloated ego and a sharpened sense of arrogance. When you look at the word EGO as an acronym for Edging God Out, do you see the human fallacy? When you push the Divine to the periphery, you lose our connection with reality. You begin to live in a house of cards, convinced that you command the wind. The Trap of "I’ve Got It All" The most dangerous moment for any high achiever is the moment you believe you are truly self-made. This “false security” is a form of ego. We forget the “unseen hands”- the help that came at the right moment, the mentors who poured in, and the Grace that kept you from disasters you nearly stepped into. Arrogance is essentially a defence mechanism you adopt believing that offence is the best form of defence. You use power and money as armour because, deep down, you are perhaps insecure about your own fragility. By E dging G od O ut, you take on the exhausting burden of being your own sustainer. That is a heavy, lonely way to live. It is the primary driver of the eventual downfall that so many leaders experience. The Consequences of “Ego” Pride and arrogance act as “the great blinders,” distorting your perception of reality. When you Edge God Out, you decide to operate the complex machine of your lives without the manufacturer’s manual. In the Workplace: Arrogance creates an “Echo Chamber.” Leaders suffer from confirmation bias, seeking only information that proves them right. This leads to a Talent Drain , where high performers leave because they refuse to be mere tools for someone else’s ego. In the Work Itself: The quality of work suffers as others are in fear of contradicting you. The best solutions from others get missed out because of your Ego. People are made to believe by you that, “it is my way or no way!” Hence, they stop giving their best. At Home: The ego creates an “Emotional Distance.” If you are “God” at the office, it is nearly impossible to be a “Servant” at home. Relationships with family members become transactional. Communication breaks down as family members fear speaking with you because anything they say turns into debates rather than conversation. Practical Steps Towards a Humble Life Cultivating humility isn’t about self-beating; it is an “accurate self-assessment.” In a professional context, arrogance is a form of incompetence because it blinds you to your weaknesses as you feel “you know it all” and makes you uncoachable. Humility, conversely, is a powerful move. It allows you to say, “I don’t know,” which is the prerequisite for learning. To maintain this perspective, the first step is to be honest with yourself. Next look at a Weekly Humility Audit which acts as a Reality Check. Just three questions: The Spotlight Test: Did I give the credit to someone else or acknowledge the “unseen hands”? The Teachable Moment: Did I listen to someone “below” me on the organisation hierarchy? The Home Check: Was I a support to my family, or did I bring my office ego to the dinner table? Use The P.A.U.S.E. Method to Cultivate Humility To anchor the humility mode, use the P.A.U.S.E. method as a mental circuit breaker whenever you feel a surge of pride or the pressure to hang on to your ego: P – Ponder: Is it my achievement or God’s grace? A – Assess: Is my ego trying to “win” or “edging out” the truth? U – Understand: Be humble enough to accept the reality of the situation. S – Submit: Look up to God for guidance rather than relying on self-will. E – Exhale: Breathe out the pressure caused by ego and breathe in the peace of being blessed by the Divine. The Power of Trusting the Source When you trust in God, you are released from the need to be “The Source” yourself. This is where wonders happen. A leader who doesn’t care who gets the credit – because they know their value comes from a higher place rather than a quarterly report. They cannot be shamed by failure, because they aren’t intoxicated by success. By putting your trust in God, you don’t lose your power; you finally find a power that won’t fail you when the money runs out or the talents fade. Trusting in the Divine makes you a conduit for a level of impact that no amount of ego could ever produce. Give up the fragile “False Security” of the world for the unshakeable security with humility for a relationship with God. Allow the grace of God to flow through you. Be the channel of his love to everyone around you.

Samith Radhakrishnan SVP Analytics Head LinkedIn Profile Article Link From previous simple tool kept going - built a portfolio simulator for Indian mutual funds. From scratch. Here's the full architecture. Start with data. 890 schemes. 38 categories. Returns across 9 timeframes (1W → 10Y), AUM, ratings. Large Cap, Mid Cap, Debt, Hybrid, Index — the full universe. Then score every fund on four dimensions: → Return Score — 5Y CAGR. Falls back to 3Y. Long-term is the only honest signal. → Volatility Score — std deviation. Lower wins. → Sharpe Ratio — return per unit of risk. The only way to compare across buckets. → Consistency Score — stability from 1W to 10Y. 14% every year beats 20-4-18%. One Composite Score. No star ratings. No distributor bias. Clean the universe ruthlessly. Dropped sectoral funds (timing risk dressed as alpha), Gold/silver ETFs (inflating passive returns to 32%), FoFs, and lock-in products. What remained: a rankable, honest universe. Top N per sub-category — configurable at 3, 5, 7, or 10. Map into four asset class buckets: Asset ClassRole Return Profile Equity --- Growth ---- ~17-19% Hybrid ---- Cushion----- ~12% Debt ------ Stability----- ~8% Passive ----Low-cost-- ~13% Four risk profiles — Conservative to Very Aggressive — define the mix. Equity weight runs from 20% to 75%. Then run 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations. Each path: monthly returns drawn from Normal(μ/12, σ/√12), compounded with SIP additions. 10,000 futures. Every month. Every year of your horizon. From those paths, extract: → P10 — Worst case (bottom 10%) → P50 — Median, most likely outcome → P90 — Best case (top 10%) → XIRR on the median path → FIRE year — first year your corpus crosses your target The full architecture in one flow: 890 funds → Scoring → Composite Score → Top N per sub-category → Risk Profile → Asset class weights → Blended return + volatility → Monte Carlo (10,000 paths × monthly SIP) → P10 / P50 / P90 + FIRE year → Streamlit Dashboard → Live Most financial tools show you the past. This one simulates 10,000 versions of your future — and tells you which one is most likely. → Try MF Wealth Lab live:-  https://lnkd.in/gN4jnDdF Built for anyone who wants to think clearly about wealth, not just track it.

Janhvi Goel 8 Years

Parv Dasani 9 years Holi, the Festival of Colours, is a joyous Indian celebration marking the victory of good over evil. The festival originates from the story of Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, who was saved from his evil father Hiranyakashyap and aunt Holika's attempt to kill him in fire. Holika was burned instead due to misusing her fire-immunity boon. Famously known as the festival of colours, Holi is a joyous festival, celebrated across India. It marks the victory of good over evil. Holi is truly a source of joy for everyone. It is also known as the festival of happiness and prosperity. Children bring water guns and colours to the garden. They take great joy in splashing people with water. Colours brighten the place and everyone is really happy. Holi has a great story behind it, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Now, I will share this story with you. Long, long ago there was an evil demon called Hiranyakashyap. He had a son called Prahlad. He was the king of demons at that time. In his kingdom, worshipping God was a crime. Yet, Prahlad always worshipped Lord Vishnu. So, Hiranyakashyap tried to call him in any ways. But every time Prahlad was about to get killed, Lord Vishnu saved him all the time. One day, Hiranyakashyap got an idea. Since his elder sister Holika had gotten a boon to be immune to fire, he decided to convince Prahlad to sit in a fire with Holika. What a cruel act, isn’t it ? Well, he had forgotten one thing- this boon could only be used for a good cause. So, Lord Vishnu again helped Prahlad and Holika was burnt. Also, Hirankashyap was also killed by lord Vishnu for this cruel act. Each state in India has their own way of celebrating holi. Now I will tell you how holi is celebrated in few states of India: Uttar Pradesh- In Uttar Pradesh, Lathmar holi is famous in Banaras where women pretend to beat men with sticks. In Vrindavan, Phoolon ki holi (playing with flowers instead of colours) is played instead of colours West Bengal – Holi in West Bengal is known as Dal Jatra, involving music, dance and Dr Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry. Processions are also carried out with idols of Radha and Krishna Maharashtra- Holi is known as Rang Panchmi, celebrated with water and dry powded called Gulal. Punjab- In Punjab, Holi Mohalla is organised which is a 3- day sikh festival, featuring martial arts, horse riding and mock battles Gujarat- Holi is a two day vibrant festival in Gujarat, featuring Dhuleti on second day which is essentially playing with colours. Across all states, common tradition is a bonfire which is called Holika Dahan on the day of Holi, symbolizing the death of Holika. It depicts the victory of good over evil. So that’s all I have to share with all of You. Wish you all a very happy holi, may our lives be as colourful as the colours of Holi.

Parv Dasani 9 years The journey of knowledge, the magic of books, and the wisdom they provide. I got the most of my knowledge, from inside the pages of a book When I did not read, to settle me, a lot of time it took Before, I did nothing except to read a story When I was bored, I’d just read an exciting mystery To me, books are really efficient They’re just another way of studying anything important From books, you don’t only get knowledge, you also get entertained So when you’re bored, take a book, and you’ll be sustained It’s not only studies, there’s a load of other things too There’s things like autobiographies, where everything is true Then also fictional books, where the mystery starts These are always special for me, since with books, they were my start Books teach me a lot Bad things, they taught me how to spot Apart from that, there is also something else The ability to think smart when there is no one else So this is why I love reading books Whatever genre it may be, I’ll be satisfied with a good book And remember, books can be your source of wisdom Regardless of whatever happens

Harinath Poet EI Outlook Editor , Linkedin Profile , Blog From sidelines to center pitch—rage, grit, and joy collided. We didn’t play alone; we moved as one force. Sweat, pride, noise, silence—all bound into one unforgettable day

Ritika Saxena I’m so glad to be a part of the EI community. A big hats off to the EIEC team for organizing such a wonderful event so smoothly! The Holi celebration was truly memorable. From the vibrant atmosphere and energetic rain dance to the delicious breakfast and lunch, every moment was filled with joy and laughter. The Phoolon Ki Holi was especially beautiful and unique—it added such a lovely touch to the celebration. I shared the pictures with my family, and my mom absolutely loved the Phoolon Ki Holi concept. She also appreciated the organizers for putting together such a thoughtful and delightful experience. Thank you once again for creating such a joyful celebration. We had an amazing time!

Neha Suradkar Co- Founder of YOGEE Beauty   & Wellness Pvt Ltd Assistant Professor (Fashion History, Styling) LinkedIn Fashion and Design Educator, Entrepreneur, Style Coach™ and Advocate of Timeless Thinking One evening, I was sitting on a bench in the garden. It was that time in the evening when the compound is alive with children racing their bicycles around the pathway, some residents taking a stroll alone, while others walk with their buddies. On the opposite bench, a group of four young mothers sat chatting while keeping an eye on their children playing nearby. After a few minutes, I heard one of them say, almost wearily, “I really need a break… but there’s just so much to do.” The others nodded in agreement. Soon the conversation moved to everything that is part of their day-to-day routine- school, work, errands, cooking, helping with homework, managing the home, and so on and so forth. One of them laughed and said, “Sometimes I feel like I’m doing things for everyone all the time… and there’s not even a thank you.” Another added, “And if I sit down for five minutes, I feel guilty. Like I should be doing something useful.” They all laughed again. The kind of laughter that carries both humour and exhaustion. It sounded like a usual conversation. The one, many of us have heard, or perhaps even been part of. Yet something about it stayed with me. A few minutes later, one of them said something that caught my attention, “If I take time for myself, I feel selfish.” That word lingered in my mind- Selfish. It is interesting how easily we attach that word to the idea of caring for ourselves. Somewhere along the way, many of us seem to have learned that taking care of ourselves should come last. Work, family, responsibilities, expectations, everything else comes first. And when we do think about ourselves, a small voice inside often asks, “Isn’t that selfish?” But self-love and selfishness are not the same thing. Selfishness is about ignoring the needs of others. Self-love is about respecting your own well-being so that you can show up better for others. In fact, when we constantly run on empty, it becomes harder to be patient parents, supportive partners, thoughtful colleagues, or even kind neighbours. We become irritable, tired, and overwhelmed. Perhaps self-love is not indulgence, it is maintenance! Self-love rarely appears in dramatic ways. It is usually evident in small, everyday choices. It could be taking an evening walk instead of scrolling endlessly on the phone. Or, saying “no” to something that drains your energy. It could also be putting your phone aside and allowing yourself a few minutes of stillness. Sometimes self-love is about creating small rituals that soften the day. It could be watering plants, listening to music, reading a few pages of a book, or even enjoying a cup of tea without rushing. These small acts may look insignificant, but they gently remind us that our own well-being matters too. Another important part of self-love is learning to set boundaries. Many of us struggle with this. We agree to things even when we are exhausted. We say yes when we really mean no. But we have to understand that boundaries are not walls. They are just ways to protect our time and energy so we don’t lose ourselves while trying to take care of everything else. Today, when social media constantly shows us carefully curated glimpses of other people’s lives, their achievements, celebrations, travels, and milestones, practising self-love has become even more challenging. It is easy to fall into the comparison trap. But real life is far more layered than what appears on a screen. Everyone carries unseen struggles and moments of uncertainty. Learning to appreciate our own pace, rather than measuring it against someone else’s highlight reel, is one of the most powerful forms of self-respect. Self-love is not the same for everyone. It evolves as we do. From learning not to constantly seek validation to allowing yourself moments of pause without guilt. From remembering that rest is not laziness to rediscovering hobbies. Everything that you do for yourself is self-love! By then, the mothers on the opposite bench had gathered their children and were getting ready to head home. The bicycles were slowing down, the evening light had softened, and the garden was beginning to grow quieter. As I got up from my bench, I wondered how many of us sitting in that garden quietly believe that caring for ourselves is selfish. Perhaps it isn’t. Perhaps it is simply the beginning of a healthier relationship. The one we have with ourselves. Because sometimes the beginning of self-love is not a dramatic transformation. It is just a small shift in perspective. It might start with a simple question: “If I were my best friend, how would I treat myself today?” The answer might be surprisingly simple. And perhaps that is exactly where it begins. Learning, slowly and gently, to be on our own side. Because love, in many ways, begins within.

Kaalika-The Rise of Raktbeej Poonam Desai Author   In the previous chapters, we saw Hiranya Kashyap and his aide Swarbhanu discover the resurrection stone at Kalimath and manage to find the blood stones. They resurrect demon Raktbeej while Sharvari, Dhaigham, Kasar and Dilan fail to stop them. As Raktbeej comes to power, chaos reins in the entire country. Mr. Raghav Sinha from the disaster management office is contacted by Hiranya under guise of Bija financials. The PM asks Mr. Sinha to contact DIG Pandey. They have a meeting with Sharvari and Kasar. Mr Sinha and DIG Pandey are shocked to learn about who was behind Raktbeej. Chapter 14 The room was silent for a while after Sharvari and Kasar hadrelated all the details to everyone present. Raghav Sinha rubbed his forehead and leaned back in his chair. “In my entire career I had never experienced nor expected this sort of a crisis. DIG Pandey, Sharvari what do you suggest, how should we proceed?” Sharvari sighed. “Sir we don’t have a clear answer either. But talking to Dhaigham and Dilan would be a beginning. They are looking at the history of their tribe to figure out a way to stop Hiranya.” It was almost midnight. DIG Pandey walked to a cabinet next to his desk and pulled out a bottle of whiskey and raised it to the room. “I need a drink after this. Anyone else care to join?” Raghav Sinha walked to the cabinet and picked a glass. Sharvari and Kasar excused themselves. Far from there, Raktbeej sat in meditation. He opened his eyes as soon as Hiranya entered the house. Hiranya asked Swarbhanu, “How has master been? Has his food been arranged? Is he comfortable?” “Master is satisfied Saaheb. However, he hasn’t been out of the room or eaten today.” Hiranya hurried to the room. Beyond the door the room was a black vortex and floating at its center. As soon as he felt Hiranya at the door, the vortex disappeared and the light returned. He motioned Hiranya to sit before him. “Hiranya, the days to come, you have to raise the chaos. The Simhas and the Devi have begun gathering reinforcements. Its time we unleash our full power.” Hiranya bowed his head and said, “Your wish is my command master.” He walked to his office leaving master in his meditation and began placing phone calls. Next morning, Kasar poured tea and bit into his toast whilst flicking through channels on TV. ‘…..Reporting from Ahmedabad live. The hospitals are overflowing with patients with skin rashes and blisters. Authorities are still investigating the source of the reaction; however, our TV channel has the inside story. The chemical industries which belong to the family of a known politician have been dumping questionable waste into the water resources……’ He flicked to the next channel. ‘…..a man has taken 22 children hostage at a audition in Mumbai. He has posted a video message asking the government for compensation for loosing his land and family to a road widening project…” The more channels he flicked, more such news showed up. He picked up the phone to call Sharvari and it rang. It was Sharvari. “Did you see the news?” they both said in chorus. Sharvari sighed and continued. “DIG sir had called. The random disasters have turned to being targeted ones and he is suspecting this is arm twisting.” “By whom?” “We know who.” “Damn. How does a thug get around the whole country creating so much chaos?” Sharvari nibbled on her thumbnail. “I think he influences people and their circumstances. He plays on their fear, anxiety and greed and it bolsters the negative sentiment. He is trying to corner the government.” Kasar scratched his chin. “But why? What will he achieve?” Sharvari straightened. “Isn’t he demanding to meet the Prime minister. If he controls the head of the country, he controls everything.” “Shit. I think we better call Dhaigham and Dilan. We need a solution faster than we thought.” “Lets meet at my office tomorrow and call them.” Next day Sharvari and Kasar met at her office in the morning. They dialed Dilan’s number. “Dilan? How are you?” “I am fine.” “Any progress?” “The scriptures describe the war between Devi Durga and Raktbeej. He was the most powerful foe; every drop of his blood that fell to the ground gave rise to his clones making him indestructible. That is when Devi summoned Maa Kaali. She swallowed his blood and licked every drop of his blood and ate his clones. Finally, he was defeated and banished to Paataal Lok.” Sharvari’s eyes widened and she grunted, “Ugh! That was the mythology. We aren’t dealing with Raktbeej’s physical clones and neither do we have a Kaali to swallow his blood and devour his clones. How do we deal with him now?” Dhaigham spoke. “Though the physical battle may not happen, the fear, the anxiety, the greed and jealousy that we are seeing are representative of his clones. The discord he is sowing are his blood drops. Hiranya is the vessel he is using to spread this chaos. If we want to defeat him we need to curb the chaos and find a way to get rid of Hiranya. With him gone, the demon will have to step out himself.” Sharvari and Kasar stared at each other. Even with Hiranya out of the way, how did one stop a demon?