Adarsh gazed at Iram Rai and said calmly,
"I examined your body with my divine sense. It's steadily succumbing to death. The one who attacked you used a powerful poison. That's why, even though your soul has awakened, your body lacks the strength to heal."
Iram Rai, her voice steady despite the gravity of his words, replied,
"I am well aware of my own condition. But tell me—why did you save my soul from that evil spirit?"
She thought silently,
No one helps another without expecting something in return. Unless they are bound by deep ties, such kindness is rare. This child saving me for nothing feels almost impossible.
After a brief pause, Adarsh spoke,
"I saved your soul because I have a purpose to fulfill within your soul's world. I needed to tell you about my goal."
Adarsh added silently,
I could have acted without informing you, but that might have caused trouble later. Now that you know, I hope no misunderstandings will arise.
He continued aloud,
"My soul, too, is on the verge of moving to the afterlife. With the last of my divine power, I must be reborn as a human. And for that, I need your help."
Hearing this, Iram Rai stared at him in disbelief.
"But you are a soul," she said. "How can you be reborn as a human?"
A faint blush rose to Adarsh's cheeks as he confessed,
"I wish to be born from your womb... as your child."
Iram Rai was utterly stunned. She couldn't decide whether to laugh or be angry; she simply stood there, staring at him. Adarsh pressed on, his voice trembling slightly,
"There is... another condition. The woman who gives birth to me must be a virgin. If not, my soul will lose its purity and be destroyed."
As he hurriedly explained, he kept stealing glances at her, unable to meet her eyes for long, clearly embarrassed.
After a long silence, Iram Rai said softly,
"I am still a virgin."
The corners of her lips twitched slightly in embarrassment as she spoke.
"But look at the state of my body," she added, "how can you hope to use it?"
Hearing this, a radiant joy lit up Adarsh's face. It was as if a tremendous burden had been lifted from his heart, and a gentle smile broke across his features.
Seeing his smile, Iram Rai narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously.
"Why are you smiling?" she demanded.
Adarsh answered with disarming honesty,
"I was afraid... that you might not be a virgin. My divine sense couldn't detect any other woman nearby, and I was worried."
Iram Rai was taken aback but said nothing. After a moment, she asked,
"Even so, my body is poisoned and dying. How could I possibly carry you?"
Adarsh replied reassuringly,
"With the divine energy I still possess, I can purge the poison from your body. Then, by using the body of this Blood Lotus flower, I will merge with your womb."
He looked at her with intense seriousness.
"I have told you everything. Now, it's your decision. I don't have much time left... please, let me know soon."
He waited, his gaze locked on hers, filled with hope.
Iram Rai thought deeply,
I am already standing at the edge of death, and so is he. After all the betrayals I suffered, trust is a hard thing to give. But this child has come to me with nothing but hope, asking to be born from my womb.
I have no family left. No descendants. I had vowed never to trust another man... but this is no man. This is a child, seeking a mother.
The greatest pride of a woman is to be called 'Mother.' Hearing that word from the lips of her child brings a peace beyond all else.
Her decision made, she set her own condition.
"I agree," she said, looking into his eyes. "But only if you fulfill one condition."
Adarsh leaned forward eagerly.
"What is it? I will agree to anything. Time is short."
"You must truly accept me as your mother—with your soul," she said solemnly.
Without hesitation, Adarsh answered,
"I accept."
But she raised her hand and added,
"You must swear it with your soul."
A warm smile lit Adarsh's face.
"Then you too must swear with your soul... that you will accept me as your only child."
Iram Rai blinked in surprise at his counter-condition. But after a moment's thought, she nodded.
Together, they swore an oath from the depths of their souls. An invisible thread of connection wove itself between them, binding them in a bond stronger than blood.
The soul oath has been fulfilled, Adarsh thought, feeling its power settle within him.
He smiled at Iram Rai and said,
"From today onward, I will call you 'Mother.'"
"Mother," he continued warmly, "I have a request."
"Tell me, my child," she said gently.
"I would like to be named Adarsh," he said, his voice shy.
But Iram Rai shook her head with a teasing smile.
"I will name you myself. I cannot fulfill your first request."
Adarsh looked crestfallen.
"Then what name will you give me?" he asked.
"I will think carefully," she said with affection. "Since you are mine, your name must be chosen with care."
Noticing his unease, she said softly,
"You seem worried. But don't be. I promise—I will choose a beautiful name for you. Though I cannot grant this first wish, I vow to fulfill all your other requests after your birth."
Hearing this, Adarsh nodded trustingly.
"Then I will believe in your words, Mother."
Adarsh then said seriously,
"Before I cleanse your body and enter your womb, I must tell you something important. After my rebirth, I will be like any ordinary human child... but far more intelligent. I will be able to learn very quickly. I hope you will guide me through those years."
He paused before adding,
"Until I turn nine, none of my past divine powers or knowledge will awaken. Only the abilities tied to my soul's system will remain with me. Please stay by my side until then."
Adarsh had already discovered through his power system that until the age of nine, he could not use the powers of his Blood Lotus body—but the system's support would still remain, hidden and secret.
He vowed silently,
No matter what happens, even if people learn of my Blood Lotus form, I will never reveal the existence of my system.
Iram Rai, hearing this, felt a deep relief.
"That's good," she said warmly. "It gives me nine precious years to raise you properly—as my own."