Yogi Witch, page 28
‘Sheila Maasi, it’s simple. A transgender person is someone who may have been assigned a sex at birth but identifies with another gender. Basically, their internal sense of who they are does not match the sex they are assigned at birth. The term “transsexual” is used to convey that an individual’s experience with gender involves undergoing hormone treatment or gender-reassignment surgery. They are both valid terms, but we must not call someone transsexual unless they ask to be referred to in that way.’
‘Hey bhagwan!’ Sheila Maasi cried as she shook her head. ‘So complicated!’
I smiled to myself. It would take many more afternoon teas to help her understand terms like non-binary, genderqueer, intersex and the many other colours of the rainbow. But hey—at least she was willing to learn. Slowly, but surely, she’ll get there.
Of course, I survived that night, as I am here to tell my story. I guess swallowing St. Sebastian’s blood that night at the chapel gifted me with the ability to regenerate. Just like Lucifer too regenerated himself after that mighty battle. Venus, after all, does have the power to bring the dead back to life.
And like Lucifer, the Cabal still exists. The battle between the devas and the asuras is indeed an eternal one. I didn’t care though, because Vir was safe with me.
We had tickets to see Birds of Prey at PVR Director’s Cut, but he was late. They always played thirty minutes of commercials before the movie started, but I wanted to see all the trailers—especially the one for the upcoming Wonder Woman sequel. I kept calling his phone, but it was not reachable.
Not in the mood to hear the Airtel lady telling me to call again later, I decided to walk around the food court. Not that I was hungry or anything, but crowded spaces were the best to read auras.
Oh yeah, remember when I began my story, I told you that I’d teach you how to read a person’s aura? If you can’t, that’s okay, no better time like the present. Okay, pick someone. Anyone around you. Doesn’t have to be a friend or family member, but I suppose they wouldn’t mind giving you their consent. Remember, consent is important for all magical activities. Picked? Cool! Now just stare at them. No, not like a creep! Just take a deep relaxing breath and stare at them. If your heart and mind are open to even the possibility of magic, you’ll slowly see a silvery halo around their body. That’s the etheric body, the layer that connects the physical body with the aura. Its brightness depends on how much you practice, and how much faith you have in yourself. Once you see the etheric body, seeing the aura is a breeze.
‘Jai!’ A voice called out from one of the stalls at the food court. I turned and saw a vaguely familiar face waving frantically. As I approached closer, my eyes widened with delight.
‘Tempa?’ I shouted as I rushed over to him. He looked so different now that he had grown his hair. His eyes still had that lovely sparkle as he flashed his pearly whites.
‘Oh my god! What are you doing here?’ I asked as I reached over the counter and gave him a big hug.
‘Oh, I’ve expanded our little café into a chain!’ Tempa beamed with pride. ‘I guess Babaji did kick the laziness outta me!’
I couldn’t but laugh at that. ‘How’s Babaji?’
‘He’s good! Being a badass as usual!’
‘I bet!’
‘Tempa sir,’ the chef called out from the little kitchen window. ‘We need you in here!’
‘Coming!’ Tempa called. ‘Listen, you gotta try these new stuffed cheese momos that are our new speciality—’
‘Maybe later? My movie is about to start!’
‘Tempa sir!’ called the chef again.
‘Ugh!’ Tempa shook his head. ‘Okay, after the movie then. My treat!’
‘For sure!’
‘And don’t stuff yourself with popcorn!’ Tempa shouted as he rushed into the kitchen. I couldn’t help but wonder if he was treating his staff the way Babaji would treat him. I hope not! I thought.
Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah! Are you able to see the silvery etheric body? No? Don’t worry, it just takes practice. Once you’re able to see the etheric body, just keep patiently staring. Soon, you’ll see a cloudy mass surrounding the etheric body. That’s the aura.
The colours may not be apparent at first, but with practice you’ll be able to see them, and they’ll reveal everything you need to know about the person. A red aura surrounds one who is strong-willed, while adventurous souls tend to have orange auras. Creative ones have bright yellow auras, while nurturers have a green aura. If it’s a light blue aura, the person is a free-thinker, while more darker blues tend to be gentle and thoughtful. Violet ones are rare and they are spiritually inclined, while pink auras surround people who love to love …
‘Jai?’ It was a different voice. I turned to see someone vaguely familiar.
‘I guess you don’t remember me, huh?’ asked the man with a grin. He was cute, for sure, but for the life of me, I couldn’t place him.
‘Sorry …’ I said with an apologetic smile.
‘Well, it’s been a long time, and man, you’ve totally grown!’ he said as he extended his hand. ‘It’s Nikhil!’
My jaw dropped in surprise. ‘Nikhil Sahni?’ ‘Oh my god! Fuck! Quickly snapping out of my daze, I took his hand and he pulled me into a weird bro-hug-handshake thingy that was rather clumsily awkward.
‘Wow!’ I said, feeling weird. ‘This is a surprise!’
‘Yeah! Tell me about it!’
‘What are you doing here?’ I asked. I wondered where Vir was.
‘Oh, I’m here with my boyfriend, Kunal!’ He turned to wave at a guy standing in queue at the KFC. He waved back at us.
‘Wow, when did that happen?’
Nikhil smiled sheepishly and said, ‘Well, it’s a long story. It took me a while to come to terms with what I was, but Kunal really helped me through it.’
‘Wow … that’s amazing!’ Nikhil Sahni had come out of the closet and found himself a boyfriend!
‘Yeah, my parents freaked out when I came out to them. We’re all in family therapy now. Kunal recommended a good shrink.’
‘That’s really nice,’ I said. ‘I’m happy for you.’ I truly was.
‘Listen,’ Nikhil began. ‘I know it’s probably not the best place or time to say this, but … I truly am sorry for what happened that day—’
‘Hey, it’s okay, I—’
‘No, it’s not okay. I still feel so incredibly guilty about everything. I guess there was so much anger in me because I hated myself so much. Every day I was filled with so much shame and guilt because …’ Nikhil sighed as he trailed off, before continuing, ‘I know nothing I say can justify what I did, but all I ask is that you find it in your heart to—’
‘Sorry! Sorry!’ I heard Vir’s voice call. ‘I know I’m late!’ He arrived and gave me a tender kiss on the cheek. Before I could introduce the two of them, Vir extended his hand to Nikhil and said, ‘Hey, I’m Vir!’
‘Nikhil,’ he said and they shook hands. Vir’s look asked me silently if this was the same Nikhil. I nodded in confirmation.
I grabbed Nikhil’s hand, gently looked into his eyes and said, ‘I forgive you.’ Just by saying those words, I could feel a gentle wave of energy flow through us and make our bodies lighter as though a mighty burden had been lifted off us. I understood then that to forgive truly is divine.
‘Well, we had better hurry,’ said Vir impatiently. ‘They’ve probably begun playing the national anthem. It was nice meeting you,’ he added tersely to Nikhil.
I was proud of how Vir had bounced back after his ordeal at the hands of the Cabal. He was eager to get back to normalcy and Mr Gupta had helped him get an internship with his son at a branch of his firm. Vir had also begun studying for MBA, but had chosen an online course despite me encouraging him to go and study full-time. He told me that he didn’t want to be far away from me, but I could tell that he was afraid that the Cabal would get their hands on him again.
He would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night screaming and covered in a cold sweat. He didn’t have the luxury of a magical recovery from trauma so I wanted him to visit a good therapist.
‘I don’t know why you always have to wait till the credits end?’ Vir rolled his eyes as we left the theatre. It was almost one in the morning, and the cleaning crew had already begun mopping the lobby. I guess we’ll have to visit Tempa’s stall another time, I thought to myself before answering, ‘Because there’s always a special scene that tells us what to expect in the sequel!’
‘You can just look it up online!’
‘I could, but you know much fun it is to play “spot the Indian” whenever the end credits roll. Especially in the VFX section!’
Vir rolled his eyes as he shook his head. But I knew he found my quirks adorable.
‘Shall we?’
‘Wait, I gotta go pee!’ I announced.
‘Oh, come on!’ cried Vir, exasperated.
‘I’ll be back in a jiff!’ Before Vir could protest, I gave him a quick peck as I ran towards the men’s room that was now empty. I guess even the attendant had gone home. Who could blame him?
As I splashed water on my face after washing my hand, I grabbed the heated face towel and began dabbing my face with it. Before I could even finish, my phone began to chime. Vir definitely was getting impatient. Turning it off, I tossed the towel into the bin and headed out. However, just as I grabbed on to the handle, a sinister laugh echoed throughout the gilded men’s room.
My eyes widened with horror when I saw my great-grandfather in the mirror, his black hood covering his face. I stood frozen with fear as his laugh continued to echo thunderously.
‘You thought you could get away from me, did you?’ he roared as his hands emerged through the glass, rushing towards me. ‘I’ll have you! Your soul shall be mine! Even if it’s the last thing that I do!’ His deafening cackle caused my heart to almost burst as he began to choke me. I could feel his dark presence squeeze the life force out of me.
‘What’s taking you so … hey, you okay?’
I snapped out of my daze and turned around to see Vir standing at the door. I quickly turned to look at the mirror, but only my reflection looked back at me.
‘Jai, is everything okay?’ Vir asked, sounding concerned.
‘I’m okay!’ I said, forcing a smile. I wasn’t sure what to make of what happened.
‘You sure?’
I wasn’t, but it wasn’t the time to worry Vir. ‘Yeah, let’s go!’
I doubt that would be the last time I’d be haunted like that. But I guess that’s the path I was born to walk on. I’ll just have to focus on the joy of the present moment. It’s better than dwelling on the past that once was or worry about a future that’s yet to come.
Despite this little bubble of joy I live in now, a part of me knows that the curse of love will hit me eventually. Till that happens, I’m determined to live every moment to the fullest. Happiness, after all, is in our own hands. Right?
Welcome to my world.
Gratitude
I first thank the divine muses, who inspired me to create this work during perhaps what were the darkest times in our world’s history, as well as, my own personal turmoil. A big thank you to Anuja Chauhan who out of the kindness of her magnanimous heart, opened doors that even in my wildest dreams I would have never thought were possible for me to walk through. I’m so grateful that Ananth Padmanabhan took a chance on a new author with a story that had never been told before. Words can’t begin to describe how much Swati Daftuar not only believed in me and Jai’s story, but also how she went above and beyond to nurture me throughout the editorial process. Thank you Shalini Agarwal and Tanima Saha, for helping to turn my manuscript into this finished book we have with us today. They say a we should never judge a book by it’s cover, but I’m so thankful to Ramnika Sehrawat and the extremely talented design team for gifting me the fruits of their incredibly creative labour. I still have to pinch myself because it’s such an honour to be part of the Harper Collins family.
Thank you Shibani Bedi, for encouraging me night after night to deliver her a chapter for her reading pleasure. Thank you Sumiran Annamaria Kashyap, for being a magical source of inspiration. Thank you Rayman Gill, for being part of the journey from the minute it was a vague idea that I pondered upon during a cocktail-fueled lunch after a yoga class. The three of you have been so instrumental in my journey, as well as, keeping me sane before, during, and (hopefully) after the pandemic.
My skills as a story-teller have their roots in the theatre, as my very first play was written and performed at the Akshara Theatre, to rave reviews and thunderous applause. To the divine Jalabala Vaidya, for being such an iconic force and encouraging me to push my artistic boundaries to new heights. To Anasuya Vaidya, for her immense patience and sheer force of will, and ever supportive spirit. To Nisa Shetty for being my ‘Belle’ and for your love, trust, and friendship, Dhruv Shetty for your compassionate spirit, and Yashna Shetty whom I can’t wait to see how she dazzles the world. Thank you to the entire Akshara family for accepting me and making a special place for me within your hearts.
Words cannot express the deep gratitude in my heart to my fabulous yoga teacher, Seema Sondhi, who not only inspired me to first step foot on a yoga mat, but lovingly nurtured my journey along the way. Thank you for giving my feet roots, my arms wings, and opening my heart to the wonders of the yogic path. The incredible Anuška Ilijić for teaching me how to be kind to my body and be mindful as a whole. The lovely Bindiya Sabharwal for being such a force of strength without compromising on kindness. There would be no Yogi Witch without the three of you helping me rediscovering my body, mind, and soul – on and off the mat!
A special thank you to Bharath Shetty and the entire team at Indea Yoga, Mysore – for not only helping me take my practice to a whole different level, but for also helping me fight my own personal demons during those spartan, but lovely, five hundred hours.
Rodger Shawn Christopher, thank you for being a yogic inspiration, and sharing a deep love for our Queen!
Thank you Roma Singh, for helping me discover magic within this and many other universes across numerous lifetimes.
Thank you Nishant Singh for his invaluable ‘straight man’ take on the story. Special shoutout to Akshat Sharma, Isha Vajpeyi, Dhruv Gupta, Chiragg Khatri, and Mark McCaul.
This novel wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the amazing team at Café Bokan, for providing me with a comfortable haven that enabled me to write into the wee hours of the morning. Thank you for treating me like a princess!
A special thanks to my sister, for being the first person who accepted me when I came out, and for forever being a protective force that’s constantly watching out for me every step along the way. I probably wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for you. Thank you!
About the Book
By day, Jai Gill teaches yoga, reads tarot and, like many young gay men, obsesses over a pop diva. By night, he slays demons. He is a witch, after all!
Orphaned at birth, Jai was raised by his grandmother and maternal aunts, from whom he inherited his magical legacy. Their family home is an ivy-covered mansion in the heart of Lutyen’s Delhi that doubles as a yoga studio for the city’s elite, as well as the headquarters of their family coven.
All is going well till a handsome boy moves in next door. His family secrets are far more sinister than Jai could have ever imagined. Love, after all, is a curse for witches.
Myths become real and the mundane becomes enchanting as Jai and his witchy family remove the veil that separates reality from fantasy, while enjoying endless cups of lavender tea and sinfully delicious baked goodies that are magically removed of all guilt.
About the Author
Zorian Cross is a multi-award-winning theatre professional based in New Delhi. Since 2009, he’s acted in over thirty-five productions, written over fifteen scripts, and directed ten productions – including a jukebox musical, a cabaret, and an original ballet that he conceived. His plays have been performed in over thirteen cities across the world, including Sydney, Brisbane, Chicago, and Dubai. His short play, ‘The Coming Out’ is still regularly performed in Bangalore. Along with that, Zorian’s also been a guest writer with numerous publications, including ScoopWhoop, iDiva, NDTV, and is currently writing a weekly column withLifestyle Asia India. Along with this, Zorian is also a certified Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga teacher, as well as, an Occultist – specialising in Tarot, Astrology (Vedic and Western), Kabbalah, Eastern and Western Schools of Mythology and Mysticism. As an ardent activist for the LGBTQIA+ community, and feminism on the whole, Zorian has appeared frequently on various news channels to share his point of view, as well as, doing his bit in the quest for equality, equity, and liberation. Don’t be surprised to find him performing stand up at one of the various comedy clubs across the city – tickling your funny bone with love, and a naughty twinkle in his eye.
At HarperCollins, we believe in telling the best stories and finding the widest possible readership for our books in every format possible. We started publishing 30 years ago; a great deal has changed since then, but what has remained constant is the passion with which our authors write their books, the love with which readers receive them, and the sheer joy and excitement that we as publishers feel in being a part of the publishing process.
Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of publishing some of the finest writing from the subcontinent and around the world, and some of the biggest bestsellers in India’s publishing history. Our books and authors have won a phenomenal range of awards, and we ourselves have been named Publisher of the Year the greatest number of times. But nothing has meant more to us than the fact that millions of people have read the books we published, and somewhere, a book of ours might have made a difference.
As we step into our fourth decade, we go back to that one word – a word which has been a driving force for us all these years.
