Chapter 8: The Second Vati

7

And Guruji, after thanking the Grand Elder, handed me the ‘elixir’,

saying, “Aryan, take it. This time you will surely reach the next stage.”

I looked at the golden insect egg.

A bead of cold sweat seeped from my brow. My legs threatened to give way, but I forced myself to stand, remembering Amma’s warning: Never show your fear to those who wish to control you.

I pressed my palms together, feeling the stickiness of my own fear. My heart pounded as if a tabla was being played inside my chest—out of rhythm, too fast.