The morning sun painted Delhi in gold and amber, yet the streets roared with life. Vendors shouted: "Chole bhature, fresh and hot!"; "Samosa, one rupee!"; and the aroma of frying pakoras and spices lingered in the air.
The twins moved silently through the chaos. Arin, full of energy, nudged Aaditya. "Race you to the school gate!"
Aaditya glanced at him, expression calm but sharp. "You'll trip before halfway. But go ahead and try."
"You just don't want to lose," Arin replied, already sprinting.
"Not lose. Observing." Aaditya's tone was even, almost cold, yet carried a faint smirk. "Humans rarely notice patterns, but I do."
Classroom – History Comes Alive
"Good morning, Aaditya. Arin," called Mr. Verma, adjusting his spectacles. "Today we explore Akbar's reign—his strategies, his diplomacy, and his cultural integration."
"Good morning, sir," the twins responded in unison.
Rohan leaned over to Arin, whispering, "How do you guys stay so calm?"
Arin shrugged. "We were born calm… sometimes."
Aaditya leaned closer. "Notice the way he emphasizes trade agreements. Power often hides in details, not swords."
Rohan blinked. "You… think too much."
"Or just think better," Aaditya muttered under his breath.
Mr. Verma continued, "Akbar integrated scholars, poets, and advisors from multiple faiths—strength paired with wisdom. That balance is what made his empire last."
Aaditya nodded silently, internalizing the lesson, while also noting subtle things about classmates' reactions. Who was paying attention? Who might be manipulated? The world revealed itself quietly if you knew how to look.
At lunch on the rooftop, Arin held up a samosa. "Victory!"
Aaditya took a bite of khichdi and commented dryly, "Victory tastes better when earned, not shouted about."
"Cheer up," Arin said. "You always act like victory is homework."
"I prefer homework that doesn't fail me," Aaditya replied with a faint grin.
Field – Running and Cricket
After school, the twins reached the field. The grass glowed under the late afternoon sun. They ran laps, side by side. Aaditya's strides were controlled, precise. Arin's were wild and energetic.
"Faster!" Arin challenged.
"You'll exhaust yourself," Aaditya said, eyes flicking to the other runners. "Fast is useless if you can't control it."
"You're scared I'll beat you," Arin teased.
"Try again. But slower. Precision matters more than speed."
Rohan joined, puffing. "Mind if I run too?"
Aaditya glanced at him, smirk playing on his lips. "Keep up, or you'll be my shadow by the third lap."
Later, cricket. Arin's reflexes saved a ball no human should have caught, but no one noticed. Aaditya's throw curved perfectly, teasing his twin.
"You always try to impress, don't you?" Aaditya said.
"You always notice, don't you?" Arin replied, grinning.
"Nine minds, remember. Don't waste one on distraction," Aaditya muttered, almost like a warning.
The twins laughed together—two boys, one mind, two souls, moving like a single entity. Humans below remained oblivious.
Evening – Rooftop Exercises
As the sun dipped, the twins climbed to their secret rooftop. Here, no human gaze could touch them.
"Time to stretch," Aaditya said. He rolled his shoulders, extended his arms, every motion precise, deliberate.
Arin mirrored him, more chaotic, laughing. "Watch me!"
They ran in place, performed push-ups, stretches, and calisthenics. Subtle mantras slipped from their lips almost unconsciously:
"Om Namah Shivaya… Hreem… Shreem…"
Not prayers. Not chants. Rhythms of energy, vibrations that only the universe could hear. Shadows bent, dust spiraled faintly.
"You're not tired yet?" Arin asked, panting.
"Discipline matters," Aaditya replied. "Strength without control is useless."
Arin laughed. "You always have to be serious, don't you?"
"Someone has to," Aaditya said. "Even the wind listens if you're precise enough."
They ran faster, flipped lightly, arms moving fluidly. Humans below saw only ordinary exercise, but above, energy pulsed, subtle and alive.
Brotherly Reflection
Sitting on the edge of the rooftop, watching Delhi glow, Arin asked, "Do you think humans will ever know what we really are?"
Aaditya's gaze fixed on the horizon. "No. Not today. Not tomorrow. And that is exactly how it must be."
Arin smiled. "We've been hiding for so long… sometimes I forget what it's like to just… be ordinary."
"Ordinary keeps you alive," Aaditya said. "Extraordinary kills those who aren't ready."
The city hummed below, oblivious. Arin's three inner voices whispered: "Sixteen. Just sixteen. Then everything changes."
Aaditya placed a hand on his twin's shoulder. "Together, always. Everything else can wait."
And some destinies do not need witnesses… only patience, preparation… and time.