When Life Gives You Tang.......

Hizashi No Kage
 
Chapter - 30 ( End of Season 1 )
 
When 21 days of the holidays had already passed, one morning Akash opened his eyes. He found Ramya sitting right beside him. She was asleep.
 
“Ramya?” Akash said.
 
Ramya immediately opened her eyes and saw that Akash had regained consciousness. She burst into tears. She quickly called out to Tara Ma’am.
 
Just then, Akash asked, “What happened with the tournament? Who won?”
 
“The tournament ended many days ago. The holidays are going on,” Ramya told him.
 
The moment he heard this, Akash tried to get up. The first thought that came to his mind was about his parents. Ramya gently made him sit back and informed him that his parents didn’t know anything about what had happened. Only after learning the full details did Akash calm down.
 
Soon after, Tara Ma’am also arrived. She examined Akash’s body carefully for a while. Then she said, “Yes, he’s fine now. We can give him the healing potions.”
 
Ramya immediately took out a Super Healing Potion from her pocket and handed it to Akash. He drank it with a smile.
 
“Now listen to me very carefully, Akash,” Tara Ma’am said. Then, in a scolding tone, she warned him, “You cannot keep putting your body in such danger again and again. First Mana Overflow and now Rage? Do you want to die? There were others like you who pushed their bodies beyond their limits. Do you know what happened to all of them? Death by entering Mana Void!
 
(Mana Void — This is the stage beyond Overflow. You get an extremely powerful boost, but you die instantly. Right at that moment. 100% guaranteed death.)”
 
Tara Ma’am gave one final warning, “From now on, you will neither enter Overflow nor Rage. Understood?”
 
Akash immediately replied, “Yes, Ma’am.”
 
Tara Ma’am started to leave. At that moment, Akash asked, “Ma’am, can I go home now?”
 
Tara Ma’am laughed and said, “Are you crazy? Your stitches will be removed after one week, and even after that, you need complete rest. Ramya, don’t let him go anywhere.”
 
Ma’am left. Akash sat quietly for a while. Then suddenly he jumped up, “My locket! Where is my locket?” He looked almost frantic.
 
Ramya opened a drawer, took out his locket, and gave it to him. Akash immediately wore it and started thanking Ramya. At the same time, he remembered that Ramya had stayed by his side all these days instead of going home. He thanked her even more profusely.
 
“Okay, okay, that’s enough. Be quiet now,” Ramya said shyly.
 
---
 
Akash was now completely recovered. His stitches had also been removed. He had thought it would be very painful when the stitches were removed, but Tara Ma’am had made him unconscious before cutting them, so he didn’t feel anything.
 
Only two days were left for the holidays to end.
Today, Akash, Neelu, and Ramya were going to explore the city. Ramya was very surprised to learn that Akash had never wandered around the city before.
 
That’s why Ramya showed him the most beautiful parts of the city — the Elfo Palace, statues, rivers, gardens, and orchards… Akash reacted to everything like a small child. Ramya felt happy seeing his excitement.
 
In the end, the two of them went to a very large restaurant. It was Ramya’s favorite place. She believed it served the best food in the world.
 
Akash couldn’t even remember how much he ate, but he knew he would never forget those flavors. Onion soup, countless types of bread, different kinds of cheese, various salads, the highest quality meat (he had no idea what kind it was), and desserts… Akash ate so many chocolates, so many creamy cakes, and ice creams!!!!
 
For Akash, this day was nothing short of heaven. In the end, he thanked Ramya profusely, and both returned to their respective rooms.
 
---
 
The holidays ended.
 
Akash was now a second-year Knight Student. Today was the first day of the second year. He was eager to meet his new class teacher, but once again, he got lost. The second-year classes were held in a different building. While searching for that building, Akash ended up getting completely lost. He felt angry at himself for not knowing his way around the academy even after spending a whole year there.
 
Anyway, while searching for his new classroom, Akash reached a deserted room. The moment he entered, he saw Zavier and Lily kissing each other. Both of them noticed Akash as well. Zavier’s eyes widened in shock. Akash’s mouth hung open.
 
‘Manjula loves him so much, and he’s cheating on her!!!’ he thought to himself.
 
Akash immediately turned around and left. Zavier and Lily couldn’t even stop him.
 
Somehow, Akash managed to find his new classroom. He wasn’t late. The new class teacher was Jacob Sir — which was good news for Akash, but he couldn’t feel happy. The entire day, he kept thinking about what he should do now.
 
During this time, all the students were also informed that the officials from Omalia had made their final decision. The students they wanted to take to their academy for one year were — Manjula, Zavier, and Akash.
 
This news didn’t affect Akash much. He didn’t want to leave the academy and go anywhere. He was still thinking only about Manjula. One thought kept repeating in his mind — breaking Manjula’s engagement. That was what he wanted, but now that he actually had the chance, Manjula’s sad face kept appearing before his eyes. Could he really cause her such great pain by breaking her marriage?
 
Akash thought about it a lot.
 
And then, during lunch, he went to Zavier.
Zavier was eating with Manjula and the other friends.
 
“Zavier, come with me,” Akash said in a very rude tone.
 
Manjula got offended, but before she could say anything, Zavier stood up and went with Akash. No one understood what was happening.
 
When they reached a secluded corner of the ground, Akash said to Zavier, “You will break up with Lily and stay loyal to Manjula. If you don’t, I will tell Manjula everything right now.”
 
Zavier immediately started laughing shamelessly, “Who are you threatening? Do you really think Manjula will believe you? Who do you think you are? Ha!! Threatening me!!! Bastard!!! You think just because you found out one of my secrets, you can blackmail me? Go ahead, tell Manjula everything. She’s so madly in love with me that she won’t believe a single word you say. Go!!” Zavier taunted him.
 
Akash immediately went to Manjula. She was still in the canteen, wondering what conversation had taken place between Zavier and Akash. Just then, Akash arrived.
 
“Manjula, will you come with me? I need to tell you something very important,” Akash said.
 
“Where is Zavier?” Manjula asked.
 
“In the ground,” Akash replied.
 
Manjula got up and started walking towards the ground.
 
“This is about you and Zavier’s relationship,” Akash said from behind.
 
Manjula stopped in her tracks. Both of them went to the training area.
 
“Tell me quickly,” Manjula said.
 
“Today morning, I saw Zavier and Lily… kissing… Zavier is—”
 
Before Akash could finish, a loud slap landed on his face.
 
“I never expected you to stoop so low. Zavier was right. You just want to ruin our relationship,” Manjula’s eyes and words were filled with disgust.
 
Akash was stunned. He tried again, “But Manjula, it’s true—”
 
“Shut up!!!!!” Manjula shouted and walked away.
 
Akash stood there like a statue. It was the first time he had seen this side of Manjula.
 
After being slapped by Manjula, Akash couldn’t attend any classes. He went to his room and lay down. He kept staring at the ceiling for who knows how long. In his mind, he kept repeating one thing — Manjula now hates me. Tears kept flowing from the corners of his eyes.
 
The next day in class, Manjula didn’t even look at Akash. Akash also couldn’t meet her eyes. The whole day passed like this.
 
When Akash went for practice, he was still thinking about what he should do next. Should he just leave Manjula to her fate? After all, what more could he do? He had done everything he possibly could. In return, he had even received a slap…
 
While he was lost in these thoughts someone knocked on his training room.
 
When Akash went out, he saw it was Zavier.
 
“What happened? Tried your best? Got slapped? I told you, woodcutter.” Zavier was humiliating Akash badly. Akash didn’t say anything.
 
Zavier continued, “Maybe your parents forgot to give you any brains. Ha!! They probably don’t have any themselves—”
 
“Oye!!” Akash shouted.
 
But Zavier grabbed his collar and, looking straight into his eyes, said, “Do you know what I’m going to do with Manjula now? I’ll make her my mistress. Not just mine, but my friends’ too. And she’s so stupid that she’ll happily agree to everything.”
 
Hearing this, Akash lost his mind. He immediately punched Zavier hard, then punched him again… Akash kept beating him. Zavier fell down. Akash started kicking him. He had gone completely mad with rage. He didn’t even realize that Zavier was deliberately letting him hit him.
 
Suddenly, Akash’s body slammed against the wall. He was pinned to the wall using Shadow Bindings. Manjula had arrived at the scene.
 
This was all Zavier’s plan.
 
The moment Akash saw Manjula, he came back to his senses. And then he understood why Zavier had done all this.
 
“Manjula, he is just using you—
 
Akash’s mouth was sealed shut with Shadow Bindings. Manjula looked at him with eyes burning with anger and said, “You will not be able to stay in this academy anymore. How dare you raise your hand on Zavier!!”
 
At that moment, Zavier spoke up, “Let it go, Manjula. I don’t hold any grudge against him. I just came to make him understand to stop interfering between us. But he… anyway, forget it.”
 
Zavier left with Manjula. Before leaving, he taunted Akash one last time.
 
After struggling for a while, Akash freed himself from the Shadow Bindings. He immediately went looking for Manjula, but he couldn’t find her or Zavier anywhere. They had already left the academy.
 
Akash was now completely trapped. He had no idea how to bring the truth before Manjula.
 
---
 
The next day, as Akash was going to class early in the morning, Manjula blocked his path. Her eyes were still filled with anger.
 
They went to a secluded place.
 
“You should thank Zavier. After yesterday’s incident, I wanted to get you expelled from the academy. But Zavier didn’t want to destroy your dream of becoming a Knight. That’s why we have—
 
Before she could finish, Akash interrupted, “Manjula, can’t you see that Zavier is just using you? Don’t be so blind. Since when did Zavier start caring about me?”
 
“I have never seen a more disgusting person than you. We are doing you a favor and on top of that—
 
Akash interrupted her again, “I don’t need your favor. If you want to expel me, then do it. But that won’t change the truth. And the truth is that Zavier doesn’t love you at all. He is just—
 
“And you love me, right?” Manjula suddenly asked.
 
Akash couldn’t answer.
 
“Speak up, why are you silent?” Manjula said.
 
Akash took a deep breath. He looked into her eyes and said, “Yes.”
 
“Then will you do one thing for me - After today, never show me your ugly face again.” Manjula’s words dripped with venomous hatred.
 
Akash’s heart shattered. With a choked voice, he said, “Manjula please—
 
But Manjula continued, “Let me tell you clearly today, Akash. I HATE you. Do you know how disgusted I feel when you take my name with that filthy mouth of yours? How would you feel if a dirty worm from a filthy drain kept following you around? That’s what you are. You should never have come to this academy. Ever since you arrived, my relationship with Zavier started getting ruined. But not anymore.” Manjula said all this in one breath.
 
Akash started crying. He was completely broken and shattered.
 
Manjula then said, “I’ll tell you what you have to do. You will accept the invitation from Omalia Academy. This way, all three of us can be happy. Tell me, will you listen to me? If you really love me, then agree.”
 
Akash fell to his knees and said while crying, “Please Manjula, don’t do this.”
 
“You left me no other choice.” - Manjula showed no mercy.
 
Akash thought for a moment and said, "When Zavier’s truth comes before you—
 
“Shut up!!!!! Zavier loves me and I love Zavier. That is the truth.” Manjula shouted.
 
After thinking, Akash said, “But Zara?”
 
“You always take Zara’s support, don’t you? But not anymore. I will explain to him that Zavier is his real father. Don’t worry about Zara. Just quietly give your name to Jacob Sir. Today itself.” Saying this, Manjula left.
 
The ground slipped from under Akash’s feet, and the sky came crashing down.
 
Now what would he do…
 
---
 
After a long journey of four days, Akash had reached Than City from Elfo City. Along with him were the officials who were taking him to the Omalia continent. Akash felt as if he were a prisoner being taken to another country as punishment.
 
He was afraid to say goodbye, so he had left without telling Bob, Ramya, and Zara anything. He carried a bag containing his axe, flute, some clothes, and some food. Neelu was sitting in his lap.
 
From Than City, they had to travel to the Omalia continent by ship. Right now, Akash was sitting at the port. His ship was scheduled to depart in one hour.
 
Akash no longer had any hope of ever meeting Manjula again. By the time he returned after one year, Manjula and Zavier would already be married.
 
On the other side, in the academy, Zavier was extremely happy. One obstacle in his path had been removed. To share this happiness, he went to Lily, since she was the one who had orchestrated the entire game from the beginning.
 
The two met secretly in a hidden room. First, they embraced each other and kissed passionately. Then Zavier began speaking, “Finally, that woodcutter has left. You should have seen his face today. You know, before leaving, he even came to my room. Crying, he kept saying — Zavier please don’t hurt Manjula. She loves you so much. And he said so many other things. I told him — ‘Fuck off, bitch!!!!!’ Now I’ll show Manjula. Once we get married, if I don’t turn her into a doormat, then my name is not Zavier Flameheart.”
 
In his rage, Zavier said many things. Lily kept encouraging him and agreeing with everything he said.
 
But the color drained from both their faces when Manjula suddenly stepped out from behind them!!!
 
What had happened was that Manjula had secretly seen Lily sneaking off somewhere. She had no particular connection with Lily, but she grew suspicious. So she followed Lily and…
 
Before Zavier could say anything, Manjula removed her engagement ring and threw it at his face.
 
The very next moment, Manjula created Shadow Wings and flew towards Than City at full speed.
 
While flying, only one sentence kept echoing in her mind — "What have I done? What have I done to him?"
 
The journey was very long, but Manjula covered it in about one hour.
 
Manjula immediately landed at the port and started searching for Akash. But Akash was not at the port.
 
Then her eyes fell on the ship.
 
The ship had already left. It had gone very far. So far that Manjula could only see its tiny silhouette.
 
Meanwhile, several security personnel also arrived and surrounded Manjula.
 
But Manjula didn’t give up. She quickly dodged the security and took flight again. But then she fell. She had exhausted all her mana just to reach here. She couldn’t create Shadow Wings anymore.
 
“No! No!! No!!! I will never be able to forgive myself.” Manjula became frantic.
 
She had lost all hope. But then she decided to make one last attempt. She shouted at the top of her voice —
 
“Aa!! Ka!!! Sh!!!!!! Come baaaaaack!!! Aa!!! Kaash!!!!!!”
 
The security personnel were also confused about what had happened to this girl. The ship had gone so far that her voice couldn’t possibly reach it.
 
Shouting continuously, Manjula started coughing. Her eyes filled with tears. But she kept staring fixedly at the ship.
 
The ship continued moving away.
 
Manjula gave up.
 
“He kept crying, he kept trying to tell me, but I said such horrible things to him!!!” Manjula was completely consumed by guilt.
 
Just then, one security guard said, “What is that? What is that?! There, on the water!!!!!”
 
Manjula looked up — Akash was running on the water, coming towards her!!!!!!
 
Manjula couldn’t believe her eyes. But Akash had really heard her voice and had come back.
 
But then he lost his balance and fell into the water with a loud splash. Manjula’s eyes widened in shock.
 
But the next moment, Akash started swimming and moved towards the port.
Finally, swimming all the way, he reached the port.
 
He climbed up and walked straight to Manjula and said,
 
“You called me, Manjula?”