1 Year later - In Koliwada, Bombay...

The moon shone brightly, a striking contrast to the dark night sky, as the village came alive with the joyful sounds of singing and dancing. It was the eve of the grand pooja dedicated to Goddess Kali. 

Unlike the grand celebrations in the kingdom of KGF, the villagers had chosen to honor the goddess with an early festival. The melodic chime of anklets resonated through the air, blending seamlessly with the rhythmic chants and vibrant energy of the crowd.

Her hair flowed gracefully down her back, catching the soft moonlight, while the hem of her choli swirled with her movements. In her hands, she carried a plate of small clay lamps, their gentle glow illuminating her face, lending her an almost ethereal radiance as she joined the devotion-filled celebration.

The villagers' jubilant chants echoed around her, but she couldn't fully immerse herself in their joy. For the past year, life had been a haze of confusion and emptiness, a gaping void she couldn't explain. Every face, every place, every custom here in this village felt foreign yet oddly familiar, like a melody she couldn't place.

The doctor, who had saved her life, stood nearby, observing her from the shadow of a banyan tree. Dr. Aryan, a kind but reserved man, had brought her back from the brink of death after the accident. But that's all she knows, not on how she came to that state or whatever, when she woke up she was in this village. 

She glanced at the clay lamps in her hands, the flickering flames steady and warm. Tonight was different. She felt a spark within her, a quiet resolve to let go of the fog of sadness that had gripped her for so long. Her heart ached with unanswered questions, but she had decided it was time to stop chasing shadows and embrace the life she had now.

Dr. Aryan approached her with a soft smile, his voice steady and warm.

Doctor - You look more at peace now than you did a year ago...Reena.

Reena - I think I'm ready....

Dr. Aryan's eyes widened, not sure which she was referring to. 

Doctor - You..You rem-

Reena - To live, to move on. I still don't what happened nor I can remember no matter how hard I try to. I can't keep being this ghost of myself anymore.

Doctor - I'm happy for you, my dear.

His smile widened, but a trace of hesitation lingered in his eyes. She didn't notice. Her gaze had shifted to the horizon, where the moon hung like a watchful guardian.

The celebration swelled around them, but for Dr. Aryan, the moment was bittersweet. He had always known there was more to her than the quiet, withdrawn woman she had become. 

But how could he tell her? How could he shatter the fragile peace she was beginning to find by revealing the truth—that she wasn't simply an ordinary villager, but the lost queen of the great kingdom of KGF?

The night carried on, the festival unfolding in vibrant colors and sacred rituals. She joined the villagers in the dance, the anklets on her feet ringing in harmony with the drums. For the first time in what felt like forever, she smiled—a smile that reached her eyes, her spirit.

Dr. Aryan stayed at the edge of the crowd, a storm of thoughts swirling within him. He had made a promise to himself to protect her, to wait for the right time to tell her the truth. But the right time had been elusive, and now he feared that when she discovered her past, she might lose the fragile happiness she was beginning to rebuild.

As the night deepened, the temple bells rang out, signaling the goddess's blessing. She paused, staring at the towering idol of Kali, a strange sensation tugging at her heart. A memory flickered at the edge of her mind—half-formed, elusive. A grand palace, golden arches, and a man with piercing eyes.

- Shona?

She turned back at the familiar tug of her heart, but turned back when there was no one. She blinked, her hand trembling slightly as she gripped the plate of lamps. 

What was that?....

A dream?.....

A fragment of something real?.....

She looked over her shoulder at Dr. Aryan, who quickly averted his gaze, his expression unreadable.

The night was alive with chants and prayers as the villagers gathered before the towering statue of Goddess Kali. 

Each held their lamps high, their flames a symbol of devotion and unity. The air hummed with energy, but amidst the joy, an unsettling stillness crept into the atmosphere, like a predator lurking in the dark.

Without warning, gunfire erupted, shattering the serenity of the moment. The villagers screamed and scattered, their lamps tumbling to the ground, extinguishing one by one. 

Reena froze, her heart pounding as she clutched the plate of lamps. Chaos spread through the crowd as armed men stormed the square, their faces shadowed but their intent clear.

At the center of it all stood the man. Dressed in dark leather armor adorned with intricate silver designs, his presence was both menacing and regal. His smirk was cold as his sharp gaze scanned the terrified villagers, finally landing on Reena.

Reena's body went rigid as flashes of fragmented memories overwhelmed her. A grand all, a shadowy figure standing tall before her and another man with a huge gun, her white dress was painted with Red as explosions burst all around her. A piercing laugh that echoed with cruelty—it was him. 

- I love you....

- Shona...

She stumbled back, clutching her head as the images blurred and collided in her mind.

- Amma Varaporanga...

- Yatharv Bhairya...

The man began to approach her, his heavy boots echoing ominously against the stone.

? - So, this is where you've been hiding...

He said, his voice a dark melody of mockery and triumph. Reena crouched down, her hands gripping her head as the world spun. She couldn't fully grasp what she was remembering, but the fragments were enough to send shivers down her spine.

? - My little queen. 

He yelled and raised the gun towards her as the surroundings burst with explosions and screams.

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The night was quiet within the grand chambers of KGF's palace. The golden glow of a single lamp cast soft shadows on the walls, illuminating the room where Rocky lay in a restless sleep. 

Beside him, his one-year-old son, Yatharv, slept soundly, his small chest rising and falling in rhythm with peaceful dreams.

But for Rocky, peace was elusive. His brow furrowed as the nightmare took hold. Images flashed through his mind—flames engulfing the palace, the sound of screams echoing in the air, and Reena's face, pale and distant, reaching out to him.

- Rocky...

Her voice called out in his dream, filled with desperation. He reached for her, his heart pounding as he ran toward her figure, only for her to vanish into the smoke. Then came that man's laugh—cold and mocking—followed by the piercing sound of a gunshot.

Rocky - NO!

Rocky bolted upright, his body drenched in sweat, his voice echoing through the quiet room.

The sudden shout startled Yatharv awake. The baby's wide eyes filled with tears, and within moments, his cries filled the chamber. Rocky's breathing was ragged as he tried to steady himself, his nightmare still vivid in his mind.

He turned to Yatharv, guilt washing over him as he reached out to comfort his son.

Rocky - Hey, hey....shhhh, bubba. It's okay....I'm here. 

He whispered, pulling Yatharv into his arms. The baby clung to him, his tiny hands grasping Rocky's shirt as his cries gradually softened into sniffles.

Rocky cradled Yatharv, gently rocking him back and forth, his mind a storm of emotions. He pressed a kiss to the child's forehead, his voice soft but filled with determination.

Rocky - I'm sorry, Yatharv. I didn't mean to scare you....It's just....she's always there in my dreams. I can't...I failed to protect her....

Yatharv looked up at him with innocent eyes, his small fingers reaching for Rocky's face. Rocky let out a shaky breath, the weight of the nightmare still heavy on his chest.

Rocky - You look so much like her, It amazes me to see how much you two look alike. 

He murmured, his voice breaking. He held Yatharv securely in his arms as the baby was now fully awake and walked towards the huge portrait of Reena.  

Rocky - She would've loved you so much, little one. 

The baby babbled as Rocky felt his memories with Reena rushing to him as a warm smile flashed across his face. 

Yatharv - Mmmma.

Rocky's eyes widened as his head turned towards the little one in his arms. 

Rocky - What did you say?

Yatharv - Mma...mama....ma....

Yatharv babbled as he sucked on his little thumb and held the other arm towards Reena and said it again. Rocky laughed at Yatharv in amusement as the door burst open. 

? - Who's there, what happened?

The girl yelled as Rocky turned around with a smile as he looked at Yatharv. 

- Calm down, Kajal. Seems like nothing really happened. 

The man beside Kajal said as he looked inside the room and made a quick scan just to make sure nothing happened. 

Kajal looked disheveled, clearly half-asleep, while Ravan, on the other hand, was fully awake and alert. The faint sound of Yatharv's earlier cries had reached him, setting his nerves on edge.

Kajal yawned. 

Kajal - I thought I could sleep for another hour but then I heard Yatharv cry.

She said, half -asleep. Rocky made his way towards them as another couple decided to join them in. 

? - This is why you should sleep early when there is a pooja the next day. Same goes to you Farmaan.

Aadhya chuckled as she stepped in while Kajal made her way towards the couch and laid down on it. Ravan walked towards Yatharv and Rocky and checked on Yatharv. 

Farmaan entered behind Aadhya looking like a bear who just woke up from it's hibernation. 

Farmaan - You got ready and all? How do you even do that?

He spoke while Yawning and made his way towards Rocky's other couch. He shot a disgusted look at Kajal who was literally snoring a little before sleeping down. 

Ravan - What was that before?

Rocky - Nothing....Just a dream. What are you all doing up at this time of the hour?

He asked as Aadhya picked up Yatharv from Rocky and played a little with him. 

Ravan - It's the pooja. 

Aadhya - Shouldn't we get ready for the pooja? Yes...Yes we do. Atleast someone is fully awake aren't you little one? Yes...Yes you are.

She spoke in a baby voice as Yatharv laughed before she shot a glance at the two sleepyheads sleeping on the couch. 

Ravan - Rocky....

He called out as Rocky turned his attention towards him. His demeanor changing as Ravan looked a little serious. 

Ravan - It's about that note. 

Rocky's eyes darkened as he and Ravan made their way to the halls of the mansion. The sky was dark with a little bit of color to it. It was 4 in the morning, and the first hints of dawn crept over the horizon as KGF began to stir in preparation for the grand Kali Pooja. The air was crisp, and a quiet hum of anticipation buzzed through the kingdom. 

Rocky - Did you find him yet? It's been two months. 

Ravan - It's confusing. The note was definitely from someone we both knew but that person is already dead. 

Rocky - Who?

Ravan - Andrews. 

Rocky - What?

Ravan - Yes. It's Andrews but yes I already know that he's dead and that you killed him and I think someone is making it look like he's still alive. 

Rocky - Look into it and make sure you do it thoroughly. 

Ravan nodded. 

- You both still haven't gotten ready? We still have to the early ritual. 

They both turned towards the woman who just entered the hall. 

Rocky - Yes. 

Ravan - Yes, Mrs. Desai. 

Mrs. Desai - Good. Now go and get ready.  Everyone now. 

She yelled as the maids and guards rushed in with flowers, clothes. and everything necessary while Ravan and Rocky exchanged looks. 

The echoes of the people preparing for the pooja filled the air, and for the first time in a long time, there was a flicker of something brighter—a spark of possibility, a chance at redemption. The future of KGF, and its people, was about to be shaped once more.

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Next chapter - 

**Flashes**

? - Find her.....I want her alive. 

**Flashes**

Doctor - You must survive.... Reena.

**Flashes**

Mallama - The fewer people who know you're here, the safer you'll be.

**Flashes**

Reena - Who is Yatharv?

. . . . .

Happy reading and Do vote! 

Stay tuned...! 

- Nini.