19. Painted Storks

"Storks were believed to be harbingers of luck in many cultures. In fact, it is often associated with springtime and fertility. The Hebrew name for it, 'hasida' could be roughly translated to 'God-fearing' or 'devoted to god'", Gunny chatted away while Mira drove the car.

Gunny had insisted on driving, swearing that he was over 18, but Mira didn't budge. Mira was sharing her dream of painted storks from the night before when he started this soliloquy on storks and their cultural representations. Mira had no complaints, of course. She loved such discussions, in fact. She never really had anybody to chat with, before. She felt happy and sad at once. She remembered her estranged brother and heaved a sigh.

She was surprised this morning as she left for work to see a wine red Aston Martin V8 standing at the doorstep. Kris said it was her 'get well soon gift', but she knew he was worried about her. Driving with her injured hand wasn't easy but she didn't want to get into trouble with the kid driving. He seemed precious enough to be spoiled thus; he needed to be taught to abide the laws, to live as a conscientious citizen.

When they reached the shop, Mira handed over the keys to Gunny and went to park the car in the basement. By the time she got back, the shop was functional. Mira looked at the diligent face behind the counter. Thanks to Kris, she now had a family. This was almost...a family.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Hello Mr. Nadet. It's a pleasure to meet you. To what does one owe this honour?"

Argus Alexopoulos was the newly appointed Head of the Greco-Roman Council for Heavenly and Mythical Affairs. It was not a rare incident for him to come face to face with a god. He himself was a descendant of a god, and thereby found this place in the council. But it was not every day that a god from another civilization visited, that too with a complaint.

"Helen. Do I need to say more?"

"She..Did she put anyone in harm's way?" Argus could feel his own chest tightening. This woman had a way of inviting trouble. The council had ousted her from all power positions, yet she did whatever she wanted to, thanks to the goodwill of her once-suitors. She was a heavenly beauty, after all.

"Yes, my betrothed."

Damn, thought Argus, just the kind of case I needed on my first month. This was sheer bad luck.

"We will try to contact Ms. Truoy, but please do understand that she has gone rogue on us over the past few years. We will definitely put our best people at work on this issue, but please do take the necessary precautions as well. She's can be rash."

"I am aware of her impulsive nature. She's indeed famous for it. Never imagined I'd have to be at the receiving end of her 'fancy'."

"I understand it's like a curse, and our people would help in lifting this one. Please rest assured."

Argus extended a hand. Kris merely nodded and walked out.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

"Will you be coming to the cafe tomorrow?" Leibniz asked Nietz as he played with the tassles of the blanket.

"No. I don't want to be sported by JS around Kris. He'd suspect something or the other. Shouldn't give him a heads up. That's best."

"Aww. You've thought it through. I'm impressed."

"I'm sure you have too. But you're too reckless."

"Hell-O! You shouldn't be the one to say this. Ha ha. You're such a naughty boy!"

"Ha ha! What, me? I'm an angel.. With fangs", he bit Leibniz playfully and the other moaned sweetly, invoking the tender pleasures of the night.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Kris, I'm hungry, come out!" Pama was screaming at the top of her voice. Gunny took charge of the kitchen once they got back from the bookshop. Mira helped with the cutting and cleaning of vegetables. Pama was reading entertainment news and sharing sensational items and juicy gossips. Mira smiled and handed the chopped carrots to Gunny. He, in turn, handed over three glasses of virgin mojito on a tray. Pama took a sip and cooed,

"Ooh, coconut flavoured. Perfect. I love it. Does this make it a cojito?"

"Hehe, yes," Gunny replied.

Mira was puzzled. "Cogito? Like ergo sum?"

The other two doubled up with laughter.

"No, princess, Co-jito, like Mo-jito, the other one is pronounced differently." Pama corrected her.

Mira felt like a dunce but it was ok, she was among friends.

"Stop making fun of me, you two." She blushed as she said this.

"Who's making fun of my girl?" Kris walked down the stairs after taking a bath.

"Ooh, possessive boyfriend. We need to be careful around here, Gunnyboy." Pama acted scared and then roared into another laughter.

Mira got up and hugged Kris.

"Guys, you know what? I love you. All of you. And thank you for making me feel like I have people of my own, people on whom I can bet my life. This is new to me. All of this." Mira didn't know what brought this on; perhaps because she was thinking about this the whole day. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

" Hey sweetheart, don't cry, come sit.. Listen", Pama felt concerned, "I am sorry if I made you sad. I was just kidding around."

"No, no, no. I really.. I really liked it. I never had anybody who did this. Or what Gunny is doing. It feels like I have found myself a friend and a little brother. This feels like a home now."

"If they're friends and siblings, who am I?"

"Umm.. My pet?"

The room grew quiet and then all four of them filled the room with the thunder of mirthful laughs.

This was home for all of them, indeed. Even to the newcomer.

Outside, the blue car watched everything with much intrigue.

"Smile and laugh all you want, 'cause tomorrow's going to be a different day."

She drew a blue card from her wallet and licked the edges of it. Then blew her cold breath onto it. Frost formed on the card. In a quick movement, she flicked the card into the garden and the hedges caught blue fire. The loud dining room did not notice this. Helen smirked and rolled the window up. The blue dashed into the brilliant night.