The Councils Of Paranormal

Moksh dove, a blur of motion, intercepting the kidnapper's blow aimed at the child. The force of the impact reverberated through the air, a sickening thud that sent the man reeling. But as Moksh seized the child, a searing pain ripped through his own body. He glanced down to see a crimson stain blooming on his shirt, the kidnapper's bullet finding its mark.

A wave of dizziness washed over him, the world tilting on its axis. He stumbled, his grip on the child faltering. Inspector Vikesh, his face etched with concern, rushed forward, scooping the child into his arms. But Moksh was already falling, his vision blurring as darkness consumed him.

The hospital room hummed with a low, sterile thrum. Moksh's eyelids fluttered open, his gaze landing on Tara's tear-streaked face. Her hand gripped his, trembling. "Why the waterworks?" he rasped, his voice rough. "Not kicking the bucket just yet."

Tara's relief warred with anger. Her brow furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line, then softened. "What was the point of all this, Moksh?"

A voice boomed, "This boy saved a life!" Moksh turned to see a man he didn't recognize. "The child is alright," Moksh murmured, a wave of exhaustion washing over him.

"You took a bullet!" the man exclaimed. "And you're worried about the kid? The kidnapper's been charged. They need your testimony."

"I'll testify," Moksh stated, his eyes hardening.

"Are you crazy?" Tara cried, her voice rising.

"If he doesn't testify," Vikash interjected, his voice low and dangerous, "those animals will walk free." He looked intently at Moksh. "He's crucial to the case."

"I'll do it," Moksh repeated, "on one condition."

Tara stepped forward, her eyes flashing. "If brother stays home and gets the rest he needs, then, and only then, will I consider him a witness." Her voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

"But the shop..." Tara protested.

"I'll cover his expenses," Vikash said smoothly. "And if he loses his job, I'll find him a new one." He turned back to Moksh. "We'll see you on the 17th September. 12:30 PM. High Court." He paused, his gaze lingering. "And pick up your bike from the station when you can."

As Vikash left the hospital, a nagging feeling tugged at him. Moksh... I've seen him somewhere... He couldn't place it. He shook his head, dismissing the thought, and drove away.

Inside, the doctor confirmed Moksh's injuries. "The bullet's out. Two months of bed rest. No exceptions."

Suddenly, the door burst open. "Moksh! Are you alright?" Rashed Bhai rushed in, his face etched with worry. "I ran here the moment I heard!"

Moksh managed a weak smile. "Calm down, Rashed Bhai. I'm fine."

"Fine? You were shot!" Rashed Bhai's concern was palpable. "You're eating at our place tonight. Sabina's cooking."

And so, Moksh found himself at Rashed Bhai's house, the aroma of home-cooked food filling the air. As they ate, Rashed Bhai spoke, his voice tinged with sadness. "You know, we have no children. We think of you and Tara as our own. When you disappeared all those years ago..." His voice trailed off. "If you had stayed..."

Moksh's smile faltered. "Yes," he said softly. "We could stay." He paused. "But our house... it's empty. And there have been thefts..."

"What kind of thefts?" Sabina asked, her brow furrowed.

"Small things, mostly," Moksh explained. "Jewelry, some of Tara's old toys... things that don't have much monetary value, but... they feel like a violation."

"We'd be happy to have you," Rashed Bhai said. He changed the subject. "I've given you two months' leave from the shop."

Sabina entered, her brow furrowed. "What's this about court?" she asked. "Tara said you agreed to go on the 17th. Inspector Vikash must be a heartless man, making you go after what happened."

The next day, a policeman arrived at Rashed Bhai's shop. "Does Moksh work here?"

"Yes," Rashed Bhai replied. "But he's at my house. Been injured." He gave the officer his address.

Later, the doorbell rang. It was Inspector Vikash. He asked for Moksh. They led him to his room.

Moksh, seeing Vikash, sat up. "How are you feeling?" Vikash asked.

"Much better," Moksh replied.

"They go to court tomorrow," Vikash said. "12:30 PM."

"I'll be there," Moksh confirmed.

Vikash paused. Moksh then noticed a book lying on his bed - THE PARADOX FORGE. Vikash paused. "Moksh, have you or anyone in your family ever been in the police?"

Moksh's eyes flickered. "No. Why?"

"Just a feeling," Vikash said. "I thought I recognized you. I never forget faces or cases." He smiled. "See you tomorrow."

As Vikash left, Moksh's mind raced. Did he recognize me? A dark premonition settled in his stomach. The past, it seemed, was not ready to stay buried. The thefts... were they random, or was someone looking for something specific? And could it be connected to why Vikash thought he recognized him?