Chapter 7: In the Shadows: Unseen Guardians

                                    

                                          
Because of unexpected leave, Bhoomi decided to use the time to design the mask while her parents were busy with other things. For "The Shadows," she wanted something that conveyed mystery and authority. So, she decided to make the mask with the following elements:
Black Base: A sleek black base to represent the hidden, covert nature of the group.
Shadowy Patterns: Subtle, dark grey patterns that resembled shadows and fog, adding depth and an air of mystery.
Bold Eyes: Eyes highlighted with a metallic color (like silver or gold) to give a piercing, powerful look.
Minimalistic Emblem: A small, discreet emblem of "The Shadows" somewhere on the mask, like the forehead or cheek, to signify unity and identity.
Sharp Edges: Angular design elements around the eyes and cheeks to give a sense of sharpness and precision.
Comfort Fit: Adjustable straps and a comfortable interior to ensure the wearer could move and act without hindrance.
Although it was an underworld organization, Bhoomi and her friends aimed to bring down illegal activities like drugs, corruption, and terrorism, as these would lead to the downfall of any country. Their work had to be people-friendly but unnoticed by the government to avoid political turmoil and maintain peace, so they had to remain in the shadows.
While she was busy making the mask, she heard her brothers thudding up the stairs leading to her room. She quickly changed the interface to a video game. Her brothers burst open the door and said in unison that dinner was ready and she needed to come downstairs. Without moving her eyes from the laptop, she replied, "Five more minutes." But her brothers came to her and literally dragged her away from the working table and downstairs. Bhoomi made herself comfortable, as there was no need for all that walking.
All her family members sat around the dining table and started to eat, while her brothers and sister teased each other. The TV showed a countdown for the news, and her mother quietly listened as the newsreader talked about the discovery of the Higgs boson (God Particle). After some time, they all retired to their rooms for a good night's sleep.
The next day, Bhoomi went to school, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. When she turned around, no one was there. She wondered if it was her imagination or if she had become paranoid after the incident. When she told her friends, they joked, "Now you're turning into 'Alastor Moody'," mimicking his voice and saying, "CONSTANT VIGILANCE," making the group laugh. But Bhoomi still felt that nagging feeling. It increased over the following week, and her friends noticed it too. They decided to investigate by having Adam hack into the surveillance cameras at school and the surrounding three blocks to find the person watching them.
To their surprise, it was an old man in his 70s. They decided to find out what his deal was. Waiting near a coffee shop, they saw the same old man sitting at a different table facing them. They looked at each other and approached him with their drinks, while Adam adjusted the CCTV camera facing them using his laptop. Adil began to talk to the old man, using his charm, while Eli wore a serious face and Rosy looked a mixture of emotions. Rosy's motherly instinct was on overdrive, and her hands formed fists inside her bag where she kept an unauthorized gun she had made. She was ready to protect her friends at all costs, while Eli tried not to laugh at Rosy's intense expression.
The old man remained silent, drinking his coffee as if no one was talking to him. After finishing, he dabbed his lips with a napkin and turned to Adil, saying, "You have a talent for speech. Want to become a politician?" Adil looked completely offended, as Eli and Adam tried hard to contain their laughter. They often teased him about having a bright future in politics. Rosy's glare made them stop.
The old man continued, "Two weeks ago, I saw the way you fought against the criminal. I took an interest in you. How do you know about those acupoints?" he asked, looking at Bhoomi. The others looked alarmed, but Bhoomi raised her left eyebrow and said calmly, "School library book." The old man took a few seconds, then smiled and introduced himself as "Arivudai Nambi." The name shocked them. They had heard of Arivudai Nambi, known to be of Indian origin, and rumored to have "Divine Hands," capable of curing any ailment. It was said he lived in the Himalayan mountains, no longer taking patients. The group looked at him with wide-open mouths, unable to mask their expressions.
Rosy asked cautiously, "Why should we believe you?" The old man shook his head, saying, "Children nowadays don't believe their elders." Rosy replied, "It's strangers we shouldn't believe." The old man nodded and said, "I need to prove myself. Ask me about my career and patients. If I answer correctly, will you believe me?" Bhoomi, interested in the medical field, asked questions based on her research with Adam, and the old man answered each one correctly.
After confirming his identity, they felt embarrassed about their stunt, but the old man was happy. He saw the future in the younger generation, in good hands. He said he had his ways of knowing about them but assured them their plan was foolproof. He then asked Bhoomi, "Do you want to learn medicine from me?" Bhoomi asked, "Why me?" He replied, "You have great potential. My people will help you gain a foothold in the underworld if you agree to be my student. If you succeed, I will announce you as my successor to the world. Knowing acupoints will also help in combat, as you used earlier. I will teach you online, and we can discuss the timings later."
He also offered training for her friends based on their interests. The group nodded, still processing what was happening around them. They continued their training, carefully managing their activities without getting caught. As another year came to an end, they felt satisfied with the direction their plans were taking. The old man, whom they called "old man" to avoid any ruckus, took pride in his nickname and played a crucial role in their progress. With his guidance, they felt more prepared for the future and confident that their efforts would bring about the changes they aimed for.