Chapter 217 - Magical Focii! Part-2

{Saanjh Silks, Thane, Mumbai}

{12th July 1991} 

{Rigel's POV}

Slipping quietly through the curtains, the gentle ripple of my invisibility hiding me from the world, I exhaled softly. My heart softly pounding from my encounter with Parvati, I did leave her in the stall, she did look hot slumped over with a thoroughly fucked look on her face, my sperm dripping down her thighs. But a fresh wave of anxiety did hit me as I realized Ginny might suspect something was amiss. After a brief hesitation, I quickly ducked into the men’s section, glancing around at rows of traditional kurtas and sherwanis, trying to appear engrossed in the fabrics. Hopefully, my brief detour here will serve as a believable excuse.

Satisfied with my cover story, I didn't wait long as I dispelled the charm and walked back towards the front of the shop, mentally bracing myself. Ginny was sharp, and a side effect of my trying to gain her affection was that her attention had been focused on me a lot this past week.

Yet, as I emerged into the main area, I was startled by an entirely different sight. Ginny stood near the front counter, dressed elegantly in a sleek, black saree that hugged her slender frame. My breath caught, and for a moment, all my worries faded. Her vibrant red hair stood out vividly against the dark silk, and the fabric accentuated the gentle curve of her waist and shoulders. The subtle sparkle in her eyes as she excitedly spoke to the attendant held me spellbound for a moment.

'Her hair, it's a thing that I stand out so well in contrast...'

Ginny noticed me approaching quite quickly. Her eyes lit up further as she realized that I was indeed checking her out, and a pleased smile appeared on her face. Before I could say anything, she rushed toward me, enthusiasm practically radiating off her.

“Rigel, you’re not going to believe this!” she began eagerly, gripping my arm. “The attendant—the woman who helped me with my saree—she cast magic with a ring! No wand, Rigel, just a ring! Do you think we could learn that as well?”

I blinked, momentarily surprised by her enthusiasm. Then the words sank in, and a thrill of curiosity surged within me. “A ring? Like, an actual ring and not a staff like the book mentioned?”

“Yes!” Ginny exclaimed. She looked pleased at having caught my full attention, both at the conversation and with her looks. “It had a magical gemstone embedded into it—some kind of ‘focus ring,’ she said. I think they might use these rings here instead of wands or a staff. Or maybe alongside them?”

It was interesting, from the guide that we bought, I had read that most of the magical population in India used staffs, where did this focus ring come from? Still, it did allow me to think about what else could be different from what we know—new forms of magic, unexplored methods of using mana, a local runic language. Even Ginny seemed excited at the idea, though I think she's into it for a chance to use magic before she gets her wand.

“Which attendant?” I asked a little eagerly.

Ginny tugged me forward, grinning triumphantly. “I knew you’d love this!”

The attendant greeted me with the same practiced smile she’d given Ginny. I quickly introduced myself and asked, “Could you tell us more about these rings? Are they common here?”

The woman nodded politely, her dark eyes brightening slightly at our obvious interest. “Ah, the focus rings. They’re common here, yes, particularly among those who prefer subtlety in their casting, and over the last half-decade since they became popular. Staff are effective but very conspicuous. Rings blend more easily into everyday life.”

Ginny squeezed my arm in excitement as I pressed on, curiosity driving me. “Is there a place nearby where we can find these rings? And possibly books or scrolls on the magic behind them?”

The woman’s smile widened, clearly pleased by our genuine enthusiasm. “There’s a well-known magical shop called ‘Jyoti’s Staff & Rings,’ just down the street. They specialize in custom-made rings and staves, along with many books on local magic practices.”

“Perfect,” I breathed, exchanging an enthusiastic look with Ginny. “We’ll visit there next.”

Our conversation was interrupted by familiar laughter echoing through the shop. I turned as Sirius, Harry, Ron, and the twins swaggered toward us, carrying on loudly about their recent exploration of the local broomsticks. Fred was mimicking a daring maneuver with exaggerated arm movements, while George nodded approvingly, feigning seriousness.

“You missed it, Rigel!” Fred crowed, slapping my shoulder cheerfully. “Local broomsticks—fast as lightning, and they corner like nothing back home.”

George chuckled heartily. “Almost got Ron here to test-fly one, but he chickened out.”

Ron scowled, turning red. “Did not!”

Harry grinned, nudging Ron playfully. “Sure, mate. Whatever helps you sleep tonight.”

Sirius just shook his head, amused. “You lot are hopeless.”

Parvati joined our laughter as she gracefully stepped forward, wearing a deep red saree that complemented her complexion perfectly. She had a perfect smile plastered on her face, and for a moment, I couldn't help but compare her expressions from moments before. Fred whistled appreciatively, and even Ron managed an impressed nod.

“Wow, you two look incredible,” Harry said sincerely, nodding towards Ginny and Parvati.

Ginny blushed slightly, her eyes meeting mine briefly before quickly looking away again. I smiled at her warmly, unable to help myself.

Parvati beamed, enjoying the attention. “Thank you. We decided we might as well wear them—everyone else outside is dressed similarly.” Ginny shifted a little, a trace of nervousness in her expression as I patted her back softly to show support.

Fred shrugged dramatically. “Well, we could try on some of the kutas, that's what they are called, right? But I fear we’ll never look as elegant as the ladies.”

“Never stopped you before,” George teased, earning a shove from Fred.

As the twins continued their banter, Ginny leaned closer to me, her voice soft. “So, this shop with the rings and books… Are we going there now?”

I nodded eagerly, feeling the familiar excitement of exploration stirring. “Absolutely. I can’t wait.”

She grinned again, clearly pleased. The genuine excitement in her expression eased the awkwardness that still lingered from earlier. For now, at least, it seemed nothing was amiss.

'Did she really not notice anything? I mean, I did try to minimize Parvati's movements with my thrusts, but still...'

“Alright, let’s head out,” Sirius announced decisively, taking charge as usual. “Jyoti’s Staff & Rings, you said?”

I nodded, already anticipating what we’d find there. “Just down the street. Apparently, it’s the best place around.”

Fred and George exchanged eager glances. “You heard him—onward to new magical toys!” Fred declared grandly.

With laughter and teasing echoing around us, we exited the silk shop and entered the vibrant sunlight, Ginny and Parvati walking gracefully ahead in their stunning sarees. I paused briefly, letting my eyes linger on the elegant silhouette Ginny made in the black silk, feeling a warm flutter of anticipation as my eyes lingered on her naked waist and the elegant curves of the pair of dancing hips.

Then, refocusing my mind, I caught up with the others, anticipation quickening my steps. This was precisely why I’d wanted to visit India—new magical discoveries awaited, and I was finally about to uncover them.

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AN- Plot for the summer starts soon, I'm finally going to try some action scenes soon with Rigel and the gang exploring some mysteries.