Last lord of the 3rd eye

[The Morning After ]

Jilpa woke up to the faint glow of sunlight streaming through his curtains. As he stretched and sat up, he felt a strange weight on his shoulders.

Jilpa (thinking): Weird... I feel different.

Brushing off the thought, he got dressed and headed downstairs. His mom was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The moment she turned to look at him, her eyes widened, and the spatula fell from her hand.

Mom (stammering): J-Jilpa...

Her voice faltered, and she quickly turned back to the stove, her movements hurried and tense.

Jilpa (confused): Mom? What's wrong?

Mom (forcing a smile): Nothing, sweetheart. Just... just go eat.

Jilpa frowned but didn't press further. As he grabbed a piece of toast, he caught his reflection in the glass door of the oven. Something seemed off, but before he could inspect it, his mom hurried him out of the house.

Mom: You're going to be late! Go, go!

[The Walk to School]

As Jilpa walked through the neighborhood, he noticed people staring at him. Their eyes lingered, filled with a strange fascination. A group of kids playing soccer stopped mid-game to gawk at him. An elderly man watering his plants froze, the hose slipping from his grip.

Neighbor: Wow...

Jilpa (thinking): What's with everyone today?

Even the passing cars slowed down, drivers craning their necks to get a better look. Jilpa felt a twinge of unease.

Jilpa (muttering): Did I grow a second head or something?

[At School]

When Jilpa entered his classroom, the usual chatter fell silent. His classmates stared at him with wide eyes, some whispering among themselves.

Classmate 1 (whispering): Who is that?

Classmate 2: I don't know... Is he new?

Jilpa froze, his confusion deepening.

Jilpa (thinking): What the hell? Why are they looking at me like they don't even know who I am?

Rivaan was the only one who reacted differently. He stormed over to Jilpa, his face a mix of disbelief and concern.

Rivaan: Bro, what the hell happened to you?!

Jilpa (frowning): What do you mean?

Rivaan gestured wildly at Jilpa's head.

Rivaan: Your hair, man! And your eyes!

Jilpa blinked, now fully alarmed.

Jilpa: What are you talking about?

Rivaan grabbed his arm and dragged him toward the bathroom.

[The Bathroom – A New Look]

Standing in front of the mirror, Jilpa finally saw what everyone else had been seeing. His hair, once short and black, now cascaded down to his shoulders in streaks of red and white. His eyes were no longer their usual brown—they glowed with an unnatural red and white hue, shimmering like molten fire and ice.

Jilpa (staring): What... the... hell?

He ran his fingers through his hair, tugging at the strands as if they might somehow return to normal.

Jilpa (muttering): This... this isn't real. It can't be.

Rivaan leaned against the sink, arms crossed, his expression serious.

Rivaan: Bro, what's going on? Did something happen to you?

Jilpa hesitated, flashes of the chains and the spirits from the night before racing through his mind.

Jilpa (thinking): Should I tell him? Will he even believe me? nah I can't if he know he also might get into danger. 

[Back to Class]

Jilpa and Rivaan walked back to the classroom, the tension between them thick. Rivaan kept glancing at Jilpa, his expression a mix of curiosity and unease.

Rivaan (whispering): Bro, you look... unreal. Like, you stepped out of some anime or something.

Jilpa (grumbling): Yeah, thanks for pointing that out again. Real helpful.

They entered the classroom, and immediately, all eyes turned to Jilpa. The teacher, Ms. Ài li, paused mid-sentence, her eyes narrowing in confusion. She set down a stack of test papers and squinted at him.

Ms. Ài li: Excuse me, young man, who are you?

Jilpa froze, his heart skipping a beat.

Jilpa: Uh... it's me, ma'am. Jilpa.

The room erupted in murmurs, students exchanging shocked glances.

Classmate 1 (whispering): No way that's Jilpa.

Classmate 2: He looks like a completely different person!

Miss Ài li stared at him, her expression shifting from confusion to disbelief.

Miss Ài li: Jilpa? Are you serious?

Jilpa sighed, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.

Jilpa: Yes, ma'am. It's me. I just... had a bit of a makeover.

The class burst into laughter, though it was laced with nervous energy.

Classmate 3: A makeover? More like you walked through a magical portal or something!

Miss Ài li (still bewildered): Well... I don't know what's going on, but if you're Jilpa, then take your seat.

[The Test Results]

Ms. Sharma resumed handing out the test results, though she kept stealing glances at Jilpa, her frown deepening.

Miss Ài li (thinking): What happened to that boy? This is beyond strange.

When she finally reached Jilpa's desk, she hesitated before handing him his paper.

Miss Sharma: I don't know what's going on with you, but we'll talk after class.

Jilpa nodded, feeling the weight of her suspicion. Rivaan leaned over, whispering under his breath.

Rivaan: Bro, this is wild. You've got everyone freaked out.

Jilpa (muttering): Yeah, no kidding.

As he stared at his test paper, his mind wasn't on his grades. The reactions of everyone around him only deepened his confusion—and his growing sense that something far bigger was happening.

[During Class ]

The buzz in the classroom didn't die down for the rest of the period. Jilpa could feel the stares drilling into him from every direction. By the time Ms. Ài Li finished the lesson and stepped out of the room for a short break, his classmates swarmed his desk.

Classmate 1 (excited): Jilpa, is that really you? I swear you don't even look like the same person!

Jilpa (sighing): Yeah, it's me. I didn't get replaced by some alien or something.

Classmate 2: But your hair! And your eyes! How did this happen?

Classmate 3: Did you dye your hair? Is it some kind of fancy contacts?

Jilpa shifted uncomfortably, trying to come up with a plausible explanation.

Jilpa: Uh... I guess I just wanted a change. You know, new look and all.

Classmate 4 (skeptical): Come on, Jilpa. No one grows their hair that long overnight. And those colors? They're like... glowing.

Rivaan finally stepped in, his tone protective.

Rivaan: Look, guys, it's none of your business. Just let him be, alright?

The group reluctantly backed off, but their whispers continued as they returned to their seats.

Classmate 2 (whispering): This is so weird. Do you think something's wrong with him?

Jilpa glanced at Rivaan, grateful for his support.

Jilpa (quietly): Thanks, man.

Rivaan (grinning): No problem. But seriously, we're talking about this after school.

[After School – Miss Ài Li's Request]

The final bell rang, and students began packing up their things. As Jilpa slung his bag over his shoulder, Miss Ài Li stepped into the room and called out.

Miss Ài Li: Jilpa, can I see you for a moment?

The classroom grew quiet, everyone glancing between Jilpa and the teacher.

Rivaan (whispering): Uh-oh. What did you do now?

Jilpa (muttering): I have no idea.

He followed Miss Ài Li to the front of the class, where she waited patiently. Once the other students had cleared out, she gestured for him to take a seat.

Miss Ài Li (calmly): Jilpa, I need to ask you something, and I want you to be honest with me.

Jilpa (nervous): Okay...

She studied him for a long moment, her sharp eyes scanning his face.

Miss Ài Li: You've changed. Not just your appearance, but something about your presence. It's... unsettling.

Jilpa swallowed hard, unsure how to respond.

Miss Ài Li: I've been teaching for over twenty years, and I've never seen anything like this. Whatever is happening to you, it's not normal.

Jilpa (defensive): I'm still me, Miss Ài Li. I swear.

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.

Miss Ài Li: If there's something you need to tell me—something dangerous—you can trust me.

Jilpa hesitated, torn between the truth and the need to keep his situation a secret.

Jilpa (quietly): I don't think you'd believe me even if I told you.

Miss Ài Li sighed, leaning back in her chair.

Miss Ài Li: Maybe not. But if you ever feel like you're in over your head, you know where to find me.

She dismissed him with a nod, her expression thoughtful as he walked out of the room.

[After School – The Truth Comes Out]

Jilpa waited for Rivaan outside the school gates, leaning against the fence. His mind was a whirlpool of confusion, frustration, and unease. When Rivaan finally showed up, he didn't waste any time.

Rivaan (smirking): Bro, you've been acting weird all day. Spill it. What's going on?

Jilpa (sighing): Let's walk. I don't want anyone overhearing.

They started down the sidewalk, weaving through the crowds of students heading home.

Rivaan: Alright, out with it. What's up with your hair, your eyes, and... let's be real, your whole vibe?

Jilpa: I... I don't even know where to start, man.

Rivaan (encouraging): Just start somewhere. I've known you too long to let this slide.

Jilpa hesitated, then took a deep breath.

Jilpa: Remember when I said I wasn't feeling great last week?

Rivaan: Yeah. You locked yourself up for, like, two weeks. Thought you were just avoiding summer homework.

Jilpa (quietly): It wasn't that.

Rivaan raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

Jilpa: I... started seeing things. Like... creatures. Demons.

Rivaan stopped in his tracks, staring at him.

Rivaan: Demons? Like... horns, tails, fire-and-brimstone demons?

Jilpa: Sort of. They weren't all like that, but yeah, they were... terrifying.

Rivaan: And? What, they just showed up for fun?

Jilpa: No. They came after me. Every single night, they'd torment me. Over and over again, in my head. It was like... they were killing me, but I kept waking up.

Rivaan's expression shifted from skepticism to concern.

Rivaan: Those fuckers why on fucking earth did you not tell me before man. 

Jilpa (shaking his head): Who would believe me?

They walked in silence for a moment, the weight of Jilpa's words sinking in.

Rivaan: So... what happened? How'd you stop them?

Jilpa: I didn't. Something... snapped inside me. On the last night, these chains—like, actual chains—came out of my back. They grabbed the demons and... suffocated them.

Rivaan stopped again, turning to face Jilpa.

Rivaan: Chains? Out of your back? Dude, what are you even saying?

Jilpa pulled Rivaan to a quieter spot under a row of trees, away from prying eyes.

Jilpa (serious): I'm not making this up, Rivaan. Look.

He turned around, lifting the back of his shirt slightly. Dark, faintly glowing scars ran across his shoulder blades, resembling jagged chain links.

Rivaan (wide-eyed): Holy crap...

Jilpa: It's real. All of it.

Rivaan ran a hand through his hair, trying to process everything.

Rivaan: Okay... so what now? Are those demons gone for good?

Jilpa (grimly): I don't think so. And there's more.

Rivaan: More? How could there possibly be more?

Jilpa: Today, I saw something on the backs of our classmates. Evil spirits. They're not the same as the demons, but they're trying to possess people.

Rivaan leaned against a tree, his face pale.

Rivaan: This is insane. You're saying there are spirits, demons, and you... what? Fight them with chains?

Jilpa (nodding): It's called "Slave Chain." That's what the spirits I captured called it. It only works on lesser demons and spirits—not the big ones.

Rivaan took a deep breath, trying to wrap his head around the situation.

Rivaan: Alright What's the plan?

Jilpa (determined): I don't know yet. But if they're after me—or anyone else—I have to figure out how to stop them.

Rivaan: You're serious about this, aren't you?

Jilpa: Dead serious.

Rivaan nodded slowly, his usual joking demeanor replaced by a rare look of resolve.

Rivaan: Alright, man. If you're in, I'm in. Just... don't get us both killed, okay?

Jilpa managed a small smile, the weight on his shoulders feeling just a little lighter.

Jilpa: I'll try.

[Home – A Mother's Concern]

Jilpa opened the door to his house, the familiar creak of the hinges sounding strangely comforting after the whirlwind of his day. The scent of freshly cooked rice and vegetables wafted through the air, and he found his mother in the kitchen, humming softly as she prepared dinner.

Jilpa's Mom (turning around): Ah, you're back. How was school?

Jilpa (shrugging): It was... fine, I guess.

She narrowed her eyes, wiping her hands on her apron.

Jilpa's Mom: "Fine, I guess" doesn't sound very convincing. Did something happen?

Jilpa: Uh, not really. Just... you know, the usual stuff.

She raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. Instead, she walked over to the dining table and gestured for him to sit.

Jilpa's Mom: Before we eat, let's get this over with. Your teacher emailed me about the exam results.

Jilpa froze, his heart sinking. He had completely forgotten about his grades amidst everything else.

Jilpa: Oh.

She pulled out a sheet of paper and slid it across the table toward him.

Jilpa's Mom: Look.

Jilpa reluctantly glanced at the paper. The marks were as bad as he expected: barely passing in a few subjects and outright failing in others.

Jilpa (quietly): I guess... I messed up.

His mom leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms.

Jilpa's Mom: You think I didn't expect this? I knew you weren't studying.

Jilpa looked down, guilt washing over him.

Jilpa's Mom (sighing): But honestly, I don't really care about this this

Jilpa (surprised): Wait, really?

Jilpa's Mom: Of course. Do I want you to do better? Yes. But I'm more worried about what's going on with you.

Jilpa blinked, caught off guard.

Jilpa: What do you mean?

Jilpa's Mom (gesturing at him): Look at yourself, Jilpa. Your hair, your eyes—everything about you has changed.

She reached out, running a hand through his long, flowing hair.

Jilpa's Mom: This... isn't normal. What happened to you?

Jilpa shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze.

Jilpa: I don't know. I woke up like this.

Her eyes searched his face, looking for any sign of deception.

Jilpa's Mom: You're not in trouble or anything, but I need you to be honest with me. Is there something you're not telling me?

Jilpa (hesitating): No. I mean, I really don't know what's going on.

She frowned, clearly not satisfied with his answer but choosing to let it go for now.

Jilpa's Mom (softly): If something's wrong—anything at all—you can come to me. Okay?

Jilpa nodded, guilt gnawing at him for hiding the truth.

Jilpa: Okay.

She smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair out of his face.

Jilpa's Mom: Well, I can't say I like the red and white look, but I guess it suits you in a strange way.

Jilpa managed a small laugh, the tension in the room easing slightly.

Jilpa's Mom (teasing): But if you're going to keep it, we might need to get you some new clothes. That school uniform doesn't match at all.

Jilpa (grinning): Yeah, maybe.

As they moved to the dining table, Jilpa felt a flicker of warmth amidst the chaos in his life. For a moment, it almost felt like everything was normal again.

THANK YOU FOR READING

TO BE CONTINUED