Unleashing Your Inner Superpower - Grandfather's Challenge

“What superpower would you like to have?” Grandpa asked us one afternoon, his voice as soothing as the breeze that rustled through the banyan leaves above.

We were seated on an old wooden bench under the vast canopy of the tree, its roots twisting and curling into the earth like a hundred ancient hands. There were four of us that day: my cousin Rohan, always bursting with restless energy; my sister Shreya, as dramatic as the summer monsoon; Kali, the girl from next door with her thoughtful hazel eyes; and me, a quiet observer of the world around me.

Grandpa fished out a shiny coin from his pocket, letting it catch the sunlight. “Think carefully,” he said. “One superpower to make the lives of others better. The best idea wins this.” He tucked the coin back into his pocket with a wink, leaving us all in suspense.

Rohan was the first to speak, leaping off the cot with his usual enthusiasm. “Superman’s flying power!” he declared, extending one arm like a hero in flight. He dashed around the tree, dodging roots and scattering dry leaves.

“And what would you do with it?” Grandpa asked, leaning back against the tree trunk.

“I’d fly anywhere I wanted!” Rohan said, as if the answer were obvious.

“But why?” Grandpa persisted, the corners of his mouth twitching in amusement. “Wouldn’t an airplane do just as well?”

“Airplanes don’t go everywhere,” Rohan retorted, his enthusiasm dimming slightly.

Grandpa’s eyes twinkled. “And why do you need to go everywhere? How does that help anyone else?”

“I’d stop bad guys!” Rohan exclaimed, grasping for a loftier reason. “With x-ray vision and flying, I’d catch criminals and save the day.”

“Ah, but you can only have one superpower,” Kali interjected softly, her voice steady and measured. “That’s the rule, isn’t it, Grandpa?”

Grandpa nodded, smiling at her. “That’s right.”

“I’ll be Aqua Girl!” Shreya announced, sitting up straight. “I’ll control water and rescue people from drowning!”

“Very noble,” Grandpa said, nodding thoughtfully. “But how will you reach the drowning people? They don’t always live nearby.”

“I could carry her!” Rohan offered, resuming his Superman pose.

“No teaming up,” Kali said firmly, her tone unshakable. “This is about what we can do alone.”

I glanced at Kali, curious. “And what would you choose?”

“The power to calm people’s minds,” she said simply, her words carrying an unexpected weight.

Rohan and I couldn’t help but laugh. “What kind of superpower is that?” I asked. “Are you planning to start a traveling circus for grumpy folks?”

Kali didn’t laugh. She met Grandpa’s eyes, and he nodded for her to continue.

“If I can calm my mind,” she explained, “I’ll know how to calm others. Most people don’t know how to find peace. They’re always rushing, worrying, or getting angry. That’s what gets them into trouble.”

Rohan, never one to back down from an argument, started to object. “That’s not—”

“Calm down,” Kali said gently, raising her finger.

And then, something remarkable happened. Rohan, mid-sentence, paused. His furrowed brow smoothed, and a smile crept onto his face. “I’m sorry, Kali,” he said softly. “I didn’t mean to shout.”

I stared at her, astonished. It was as though the banyan tree itself had passed some of its ancient wisdom into her. I began to imagine all the ways I could use that power: soothing my parents when they argued, helping a nervous friend before exams, or even calming the stray dog that barked outside my window every night.

Grandpa’s voice broke my reverie. “Your turn now. What superpower would you choose?”

I didn’t hesitate. “The same as Kali’s. The power to calm people’s minds.”

Grandpa’s face lit up with a wide smile. He reached into his pocket and handed the shiny coin to Kali. “Well deserved,” he said, his voice filled with warmth.

Kali turned to me, her hazel eyes sparkling in the golden light. “Do you want to learn how to unlock this superpower?” she asked, her tone both serious and inviting.

I nodded. And in that moment, under the shade of the old banyan tree, the world felt quieter, gentler, and just a little more magical.

‘To learn more about Kali, check out "Chronicles of Kali – The Secret Book of Asurs” available on Amazon