[Arc 1] Guilt

Evening, 14th Bloomcrest, 327

Siddharth sat calmly at his desk, filling out his academy admission test form. The form was complete now—details written neatly, and the required parental signatures forged by Sam. He folded it carefully and placed it into his bag.

Then he took out another document—a fake school consent form, crafted to look exactly like the official one. He filled in his personal details, then held it up, examining it for flaws.

Now the only thing left… is getting my parents' signatures on this fake form, he thought. If they believe I’m going on a school picnic, they’ll let me go without questions. With luck, they’ll stay busy tomorrow, and I’ll be back before sunrise on the 17th. In the morning, I’ll give this academy form to Miss Dhwani and tell her my parents agreed. She trusts me—if I tell her they approved, she won’t doubt it.

5.1

That night, during dinner when everyone was sitting on the dining table, Siddharth spoke up.

“Mom? Dad? Can I go on a picnic?” The nervousness visible in his eyes.

“Picnic?” Karm asked. “With whom?” raising his eyebrows out of curiosity.

“Miss Dhwani. She’s taking us for a one-day outing. Here,” he handed them the forged consent form. “She gave me this. I wanted to ask you both, but I hesitated after what happened last time when you refused to let me apply for the academy test.”

He knew it was risky saying that, but he needed to sell the act.

Nidhi’s eyes softened with concern. Covering her mouth with hands.
“Oh, sweetie... Did you really feel that way? That we were unfair to you?”
She looked hurt. Gripping the edge of table with a frustrated look, “I’m sorry if it came across that way. We just didn’t want to risk you taking that test—it’s not that we’re trying to control you. You can do anything else you want, just... not that. We were scared, that’s all.” averting her gaze.

“No, no,” Siddharth replied quickly approaching her with one of his hands but stopping in mid, “I didn’t mean it like that. I just... got scared too…”

He paused.
Am I doing this all wrong? he thought clenching his fists. She looks so sad. I didn’t want this guilt… Why does this feel worse than lying to anyone else?

Karm leaned forward. “But your finals are around the corner. Why is she taking you on a picnic now?”

Damn it! I didn’t prepare for this!

“She thought it’d help us relax…” He paused, scrambling for words. Come on, think! THINK! “Everyone’s been kind of… stressed about finals. She said it’d be good for us.”

That sounded so fake. I’m ten years old! What stress? Please don’t catch me… He lowered his gaze a bit.

Nidhi smiled gently. “She’s such a thoughtful teacher. I always knew she cared about her students.” She took the form and signed it.

“If this is what you want, then alright.” Gently smiling.
Karm added his signature as well. “Enjoy yourself—and hey, maybe make a friend or two.”

“Y-Yeah,” Siddharth replied with a nervous grin, taking the signed paper and hurrying to his room.

He locked the door.

“Maybe that’s why he’s been so excited lately,” Karm said, relieved.

Nidhi nodded. “Hmm. I’m sure of it.” resting her head on his shoulder.

Inside his room, Siddharth paced. His heart thumped in his chest.

Damn it. My brain completely blanked back there. What now? Am I really doing this wrong?

No.
I can’t stop now. Eyes filled with determination.
I have to go! I have to take the test!

Elemental telekinesis… I want it more than anything. If my parents really want me to do what I want, they should’ve let me take the test in the first place!

I’ll prove them wrong. This time, I’ll lie. But next time… they’ll see me win.
They’ll see I’m not just an ordinary child.

5.2

Morning, 15th Bloomcrest, 327

Siddharth sat quietly in his classroom during the final math period before lunch break. The teacher was explaining the last lesson of the year, reminding everyone to start revising for the upcoming final exams.

“From now on, it's all on you,” the teacher said. “Revise well, don’t waste time. Finals won’t wait for you to be ready.”

Siddharth wasn’t really listening. His mind was elsewhere—focused on the form in his pocket and the steps he needed to take.

The bell rang.

Finally! Serious and determined.

The teacher walked out, and Siddharth stood up immediately, heading for the door.

But before he could step out—

“Hey, Siddharth! Where are you going?” Varsha called out, stopping him with a smile.

He turned to look. She was already there—leaning against the first desk by the exit, one hand braced behind her on the tabletop. The windows at the far-left side of the classroom, while they were near the exit on the right.

“To Miss Dhwani. Why?” he replied, eyes narrowing slightly.

She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she looked out the window. “The view outside looks beautiful, doesn’t it?”

He tilted his head, confused.

“It’s so peaceful... for everyone,” she added softly, her eyes back on him, smiling.

He stared at her for a second.
What is she talking about? What does she mean by that?

“I don’t have time for this,” he muttered.

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out, pulling the folded form from his pocket. His steps were quick and determined as he made his way straight to the office.

Sure, do well… on the test, she thought with a grin, watching Siddharth leave the classroom. Then she quietly returned to her seat. You’ll find one more surprise today evening heh…

Siddharth reached the office and found Miss Dhwani sitting at her desk, reviewing some files. He stepped closer and asked,
“May I come in?”

She glanced up, her eyes shifting to the folded paper in his hands.
“Sure, come in,” she said, adjusting a stack of books.
“Did you get your parents’ signatures?”

“Yeah! I did,” he replied, flashing a bright smile.

She paused, observing his face.
He’s smiling so confidently… looks like he’s telling the truth, she thought.
“Then let me see it.”

He handed her the form. She looked it over carefully.
Hmm… the signatures seem genuine, she noted internally. She glanced back at him—still smiling, just like any other excited student.

“Well then,” she said, handing the form back, “be ready by 16’o clock today. We’ll leave for the test center by train. Meet me in the classroom before that, alright?”

“Yeah!” he replied, and turned to leave, heart pounding just a little faster.

As he returned to class, Sam caught a glimpse of him walking in.
I’m sorry, Siddharth, Sam thought silently, eyes following him for a moment before looking away.