Secrets Hidden In Time (Time #1)

41 | The Hued Reflection

Hinduja corrected the position of her specs on the bridge of her nose, with the tip of her forefinger. Her eyes traipsed around the whole place as she fished out a shawl from her satchel to cover her head while getting out the SUV.

The religious ancient establishment was virtuously erect on it's foundation, the enormous off-white cross still coruscating at its steeple under the gentle rays of sun.

The ends of her saree along with the shawl danced in the direction of the wind as she unfolded it to wrap it around her head and shoulders. Hinduja looked ahead. For some reason, the miniscule tendrils of hair on her arms and the back of her neck stood up, all of a sudden. She felt chilly.

The massive Neo-Gothic style edifice stared back at her as if it knew something that she didn't, as if it was house to someone she was searching for.

"Let's go ma'am." She heard the ASP say from behind.

Nodding her head, she quietly matched steps with the officer. Meanwhile, Rukmini covered her head with a dupatta she had brought along.

Suddenly, it felt as if the heavens wrecked havoc. Gone was the sun behind an array of rain filled clouds following a loud crack of thunder, as a greyish-dark sphere formed right on top of the Cross on the steeple. The firmament turned gloomy while the air current grew even more harsh than before.

Hinduja gulped, staring up at the cross. "Take out your umbrella." She extracted one from her own satchel.

"Yes."

As both of them entered the episcopacy, the atmosphere turned gloomier. It didn't rain though.

Seconds later, they strode through the vestibule of the colossal gothic revival building. It was exactly as they had seen before, the familiar looking arches, arcades and tourelles, all elegant and refined. The archaic brass wall lamps cast a yellowish light upon the greyish-black hued stones that were the building blocks of the episcopacy.

The walk extended further into the endless vestibule.

"Officer Rao!" A loud call erupted from behind. Hinduja instantly turned around followed by Rukmini.

Father Emmanuel Alberto promptly walked towards where both of them were on halt. "Good afternoon." He wished.

"Good afternoon." The profiler went ahead with a greeting as well. Rukmini just passed a light nod.

"His Excellency is waiting for you both in his chamber." He smiled. Raising his left hand up, he respectfully gesticulated at them to follow him. "Let me guide you."

"Sure." The corners of Hinduja's colorless lips lifted up. "Thank you."

Shortly after, the clergyman walked ahead as the two feminine frames followed him to the Bishop's office. Taking a right turn from the long corridor, all three of them entered into another lengthy passageway.

Hinduja recognized the path they were walking on as her gaze meandered upon the pristine white water lilies floating on top of a half-filled water pit. Water bounced on the their wax-coated leaves just like last time. But there was a clear difference-no sun beams were falling on the lilies from the square-shaped sieved vent on the ceiling above, like the last time, courtesy of the gloomy weather they had witnessed outside sometime ago.

The father kept on walking, so did they, finally stopping in the terminus of the long and wide corridor-with a massive door in front of them, and two on their left and right sides respectively.

Father Alberto inched closer to the wooden door on the right side, raised his hand up and knocked twice and then quietly walked in, leaving them behind.