HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE 

" In a crowd of strangers, my soul still knows yours—though time has stolen your name from my lips, my heart whispers it in every beat. "

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Back in KGF -

The night sky burned with the glow of thousand flames. 

The kali puja had reached its peak, the air think with the scent of incense and camphor, the rhythmic chants of the priests merging with the rackling fire in front of the colossal statue of Goddess Kali. The people of KGF, clad in vibrant reds and golds, stood in reverence, their voices raised in prayer.

As the evening deepened and the first sliver of the moon rose into the sky, a new ritual began.

One by one, the people of KGF lit lanterns, their delicate frames flickering with fire, and released them into the night. A sea of golden orbs ascended, floating like lost souls seeking the divine, an offering to Maha Kali—a plea for strength, protection, and mercy.

Standing at the heart of it all, Rocky watched the lanterns rise, his golden eyes reflecting their glow as Yatharv settled on his arms raised his chubby arms and cooed at the flames in the night sky. 

Aadhya, Farmaan, Ravan, and Kajal stood beside him, their faces glowing under the soft lantern light. While Aadhya and Kajal took in the moment, Ravan and Farmaan stayed on high alert, their eyes scanning the area, making sure nothing went wrong this time.

. . . 

Few hours ago - After the arrival of Ramika Sen. 

The evening had started to settle over KGF, the golden hues of sunset mixing with the deepening blues of the night. The distant sounds of preparations for the festival could be heard—the clatter of decorations, the distant laughter of children, the rhythmic beating of drums.

Yet, inside the mansion, an unsettling silence loomed.

Rocky sat in his chair, fingers tapping against the armrest, his golden eyes fixed on the empire before him. The weight of Ramika's visit still lingered in his mind, but that wasn't the only thing pressing on him.

**Knock Knock**

Before Rocky could answer, the door creaked open, revealing Ravan and Farmaan. 

Rocky - I thought you were busy. 

Ravan stepped inside, arms crossed. 

Ravan - He was. But I figured an extra hand wouldn't hurt. 

Farmaan smirked, shutting the door behind them.

Farmaan - You know me, Na. Couldn't let Ravan have all the fun.

Rocky chuckled, shaking his head. 

Rocky - Fine. Let's get to it.

Ravan's expression grew serious as he leaned against the desk.

Ravan - Aadhya said Ramika was here.

Rocky's smirk faded, replaced by a sharp intensity.

Rocky - She was. 

Farmaan and Ravan exchanged glances.

Farmaan - What does she want this time?

Rocky exhaled, running a hand through his hair.

Rocky - A deal. She wants me to take down someone—a criminal as dangerous as me.

Farmaan let out a low whistle, shaking his head.

Farmaan - And here I thought she believed no one could match your sins.

Rocky leaned forward, resting his hands on the desk. His voice dropped, laced with something unreadable.

Rocky - She doesn't believe that person exists.

Silence stretched between them as realization sank in.

Ravan - Then it's a trap. 

Rocky's lips curled into a half-smile, but there was no humor in it.

Rocky – Or a challenge. She thinks she can push me into a corner, make me slip. 

Farmaan scoffed.

Farmaan - She really doesn't know you, does she?

Ravan's eyes darkened as he realized that Rocky's words contained more than mock amusement. 

Ravan - You think someone's making their move without us knowing, don't you?

Rocky nodded, his expression unreadable.

Farmaan frowned, arms crossing over his chest.

Farmaan - This have anything to do with that dove?

A brief silence followed.

Rocky exhaled, his fingers drumming against the desk.

Rocky - Ramika may be powerful, but she isn't clever. At least, not clever enough to know that something else is moving beneath her feet.

That blood dove along with that message already kept everyone on their toes and now with Ramika's arrival. For rocky, the timing felt too precise. 

Farmaan cracked his knuckles. 

Farmaan - Our men should've collected intel on that incident by now.

Ravan's jaw clenched.

Rocky - Either way, it means the same thing....And if that's the case...

He stood up straight, his golden gaze sharp and calculating.

Rocky - We shouldn't wait for them to strike first. 

Ravan - Do you think someone might act tonight?

Rocky - The girls shouldn't know anything about this. 

Ravan and Farmaan gave a firm nod, their expression set.

Outside, the first fireworks of the festival cracked through the sky, illuminating KGF in a burst of red and gold.

. . .

Present - KGF

Aadhya turned to Rocky, a knowing look in her eyes. She knew that deep down Rocky was still trying to figure out what was lying behind him. Something threating....something dangerous. 

She reached out, gently taking Yatharv from his arms.

Aadhya - You've been carrying him all day. Why don't you go and take some rest?

Rocky exhaled, shifting his gaze to his son. Yatharv, drowsy from the night's festivities, snuggled into Aadhya's embrace, his tiny fingers grasping the edge of her dupatta.

Rocky nodded. 

His eyes flickered to Ravan and Farmaan, exchanging a silent message.

. . . 

The porch outside Rocky's chamber overlooked the vast empire he had built with blood and steel. Seated at its edge, he took in the view of KGF, the lanterns still drifting in the sky, their glow casting an ethereal light over the land.

A moment of peace. 

A moment where he could think about Reena. Her alone. 

Or so he thought.

A faint rustling reached his ears. 

His sharp instincts kicked in instantly. His gaze snapped toward a dense bush near the boundary wall. At first, it seemed like the wind moving through the leaves. 

But then- a shadow. A slight shift. 

Someone was there. 

Rocky rose slowly, his muscles coiled, ready for anything. Stealthily, he moved toward the source of the noise. His fingers twitched, reaching for the knife hidden at his waist. 

With one swift motion, he grabbed the bush and yanked it aside.

Rocky - You? 

. . . 

The dim glow of an oil lamp flickered in the small room as Reena sat cross-legged on the cot, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the fabric of the blanket. Across from her, Veera stood with her arms folded, her eyes watching Reena carefully. 

Veera / Mallama - I'll say it one last time, miss. Do not leave this place tonight.

Reena tilted her head, her brows furrowing slightly. 

Reena - I don't understand why. It's just a festival, isn't it?

Veera sighed, rubbing her temples as if she had explained this a hundred times before.

Veera / Mallama - Because it's not just any festival—it's Kali Puja. And in KGF, that means the entire empire is outside. The streets will be packed with people and the place is heavily guarded with guards who'd recognize you from miles away. Especially him. You shouldn't be seen, at least not for now.

Reena frowned. 

Reena - You mean Rocky?

Veera shifted. 

Veera / Mallama - Yes. You should not come across him. 

Reena exhaled, leaning back against the wooden pillar. 

Reena - You keep saying that, but never tell me why.

Veera's lips pressed into a thin line. 

Veera / Mallama - Because there are people who might kill you and there's no certainty that Rocky can protect you. 

Reena sighed dramatically, throwing herself back onto the cot.

Reena - Fine. I won't leave.

Veera eyed her suspiciously, but before she could press further, a knock sounded at the door.

Veera / Mallama - Stay here. Don't even think about leaving. 

Reena raised her hands in surrender as Veera walked out. The moment the door shut behind her, Reena sat up, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.

Reena - I don't think. I know I'll be leaving but- ... but "Don't leave", she says. "Don't go out", she says. What's the harm in just looking around?

Her fingers twitched against her lap as she peeked out the small window, her eyes catching the golden lights from afar. The whole city seemed alive, filled with music, laughter, and flickering lanterns floating into the sky.

Reena - It's fine as long as I don't get caught.

She grinned and grabbed a dark cloth and wrapped it around her, covering her body completely, except for her eyes. With a deep breath, she slipped out the door.

The streets of KGF were unlike anything Reena had imagined.

The air buzzed with energy—people laughed, flames from torches danced, and the scent of burning incense filled her lungs. Everywhere she turned, there was something new to see.

As she wandered deeper, her eyes drifted toward the main temple grounds, where a group stood watching the floating lanterns.

Her steps slowed as she saw the baby which was held by a woman. 

Reena -  I wonder.

She whispered as she shrugged and passed them while looking around. 

For a brief moment, as Reena passed, the woman's eyes flickered toward her as she crossed them. 

Aadhya frowned. 

Farmaan - What's wrong?

He asked her. 

Aadhya - Nothing. Thought I saw someone. 

Aadhya turned slightly, as if trying to catch whatever had passed her.

But Reena was already gone.

Shrugging off the strange feeling, Aadhya looked back at the sky, watching as another lantern drifted upwards.

. . . 

Reena - This place is amazing!!

She exclaimed as she moved swiftly through the narrow paths. Then - she froze.

A few steps ahead, Veera stood speaking to another person, her stance cool and collected, her back turned to Reena. 

Reena - Damn it. If she sees me, I'm dead.

Her eyes darted around for an escape and jumped at the nearest place when she saw Veera turning towards her.  

Reena stood hidden as Veera passed her.  

Reena - That would've gone nasty. 

Her breath hitched as she looked around the place she was hidden. 

Gold and black pillars towered over her. Chandeliers hung like celestial bodies, casting an ethereal glow.

For a moment, she forgot why she was hiding.

Reena – What is this place...?

She whispered to herself, awestruck by the place. 

Her feet carried her deeper. She passed rooms adorned with rich tapestries, shelves stacked with weapons and treasures. And then, she saw it—the porch garden through a room. 

It was unlike anything she had seen. 

Vines curled around stone pillars, the faint scent of jasmine drifting in the air. KGF was stretched before her, visible from the porch's edge.

She stepped closer, her fingers brushing against the intricate railings.

Reena - No one will find me here...

She said softly to herself and smiled.

Then suddenly - 

**Flashes**

? - If you're gonna forget me why did you have to come back ?

**Flashes**

? - Love? Please....I beg you....Please come back..

**Flashes**

? - Your dad forgot about us bubba....

Reena - Argh!!

She groaned in pain as she held her head. The door outside creaked as she looked over to it and saw a shadow. 

Reena - I need to hide first. 

She staggered and made it behind a bush. Heavy footsteps echoed through the chamber. 

Reena -  What was that before? Who's voice was that? 

Her questions inside her head came to a stop when someone stepped inside the porch. 

Her breath hitched as she saw who that person was. 

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Reena - Rocky. 

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Happy reading and stay tuned everyone!

- Nini.