When the lava-faced creature questioned him, Dhundal lifted his voice and answered with a hint of defiance,
"I think... we should stop stealing human souls for now."
He barely finished his sentence when the creature's face blazed brighter with fury.
"How dare you say that?" the lava face thundered. "The only way we can overpower the gods is by consuming human souls! Without them, how else will we grow stronger?"
The sheer rage radiating from the lava face made Dhundal's heart pound against his ribs. He began to tremble visibly, his voice quivering as he tried to explain,
"I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean it that way. I only wanted to suggest... we pause this for a few days. It's not the gods I fear—they're not on Earth. But today... today I saw an angel. One strong enough to rival the gods themselves. He captured one of our comrades, and if I hadn't fled in time, he would have uncovered our secrets. He could have alerted the gods—and if they were forced to descend upon Earth... they could destroy us all in an instant."
The lava face fell silent, the flames around him dimming slightly as he stared at Dhundal in astonishment.
Prithvi Lok — Earth
Manya returned to the abandoned house, tightly holding Vaibhav's small hand, her heart brimming with affection. In her mind, this home was his—poor, lonely Aarav's.
Gently, she brushed her fingers through Vaibhav's hair and whispered with a tender smile,
"My sweet little Aarav... you're such a darling. Let me fix you something to eat."
Vaibhav, feeling her soft touch, almost rolled his eyes but kept his expression innocent.
Girl, I'm no 'sweet little boy,' he thought wryly, I'm a handsome angel trapped in a child's form.
Manya, unaware of his inner grumbling, headed to the kitchen. She flung open the fridge, only to find it utterly barren. Desperately, she searched every shelf and cabinet, but there was nothing—no food, not even a crumb.
A pang of sorrow struck her heart.
Maybe... that's why he asked me for food, she thought, her chest tightening. He must be starving... and alone. If there were anything here, he wouldn't have come to me. From now on, this child is my responsibility. I have to protect him.
Determined, she returned to where Vaibhav stood quietly.
Smiling warmly, she bent down and asked,
"Sweetheart, would you like to come out with me?"
Vaibhav stared up at her, sighing internally.
I have no desire to roam around with you, girl... but duty calls. I must stay close to you.
As he mulled over his fate, Manya chuckled and tapped his forehead lightly,
"Why are you so quiet? Thinking so deeply again? I know you're a wise little man, but when elders ask you something, you must answer."
Vaibhav nearly choked.
Elders? he thought indignantly. You silly girl, I'm centuries older than you!
Still lost in thought, Vaibhav didn't react quickly enough. Manya grabbed his ear playfully and tugged it, scolding,
"Stop staring at me like that and move!"
Wincing, Vaibhav finally snapped,
"Okay, okay! I'll come with you! Just don't pull my ear again!"
Manya released him, her eyes narrowing in mock sternness.
"Good. From now on, answer when I talk to you. Or else!"
Seeing her feisty glare, Vaibhav instinctively hugged her around the neck to shield himself from further ear-tugging.
Manya laughed softly and clasped his hand again, leading him away from the bungalow into the bright afternoon sun.
As they walked side by side, Vaibhav brooded internally.
How can I—an angel—be afraid of a mere human girl? he thought in disbelief. But she's... different. Strange. No one's ever dared to pull an angel's ear before!
Lost in his thoughts, he nearly bumped into Manya, who had stopped suddenly.
Ahead, a grand mango tree towered, its branches heavy with golden, ripe fruit. But the mangoes hung high—far beyond reach.
Manya's mouth watered at the sight. Hunger gnawed at her stomach, and she thought desperately,
Oh no, why are the best mangoes always so high up? But I must get them for Aarav. And... for myself too. I can't give up!
Turning to Vaibhav with determination blazing in her eyes, she declared,
"Aarav, don't you worry! I'll get those mangoes for you."
Vaibhav stared at her, utterly bewildered.
This girl has lost her mind, he thought. How does she expect to climb that monster of a tree?
Before he could even protest, Manya was already scaling the trunk.
Halfway up, her heart pounded against her chest, and her legs trembled.
Oh gods, I'm terrified of heights! What was I thinking, dreaming about jumping off mountains?!
Vaibhav watched in horror—and fascination.
She's shaking like a leaf. If she's not careful, she'll—
Before he could finish the thought, Manya slipped—and tumbled down.
Vaibhav gasped. For a moment, he forgot everything. Then, seeing her land in a messy heap—but unharmed—he burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Red with embarrassment and anger, Manya scowled at him.
"You're laughing?! At me?!"
But Vaibhav couldn't stop. Tears streamed from his eyes as he doubled over with laughter.
And for the first time in a very long while, the air between the angel and the human was filled with something beautiful—something beyond duty and missions—an unexpected, silly, very human connection.