- In KGF....

The rhythmic pounding of the drums filled the air, their deep, resonant beats reverberating through the grand kingdom of KGF, the place where Rocky was crowned as the next sultan of KGF not by a throne or anything but by the people themselves. 

The entire area was bathed in shades of red, from the vibrant hues of flower petals scattered on the ground to the glowing torches that lined the paths. A sense of festivity mingled with reverence as the people danced, their faces lit with joy.

The morning sun bathed the entire temple courtyard in a golden glow, but the fires blazing around the towering statue of Goddess Kali refused to be outshone. 

The immense figure loomed above, her fierce eyes seemingly alive as they reflected the flickering flames. Thick smoke from the torches coiled upward, mingling with the sunlight that streamed through the gaps in the surrounding cliffs, creating an ethereal aura.

The nāgasvara and drums resounded once again, their rhythm sharp and unrelenting, echoing through the towering cliffs of KGF. The ground beneath seemed to tremble with their power as the devotees swayed in unison. 

The air smelled of incense and burning wood, mixing with the metallic tang of the red-stained soil that marked the sanctity of the ritual grounds.

Kajal, Aadhya, Farmaan, Ravan, and the others stood near the outer ring of the gathering, watching with solemn awe as the morning ritual reached its crescendo. The flames danced on the towering pillars around the goddess, casting moving shadows that seemed to come alive with every beat of the drums.

Rocky emerged from the shadows of the inner sanctum, holding Yatharv close to him. The bright red suit he wore seemed to glow in the morning light, matching the fiery hue of the surroundings. Yatharv, dressed identically to his father, looked around with wide, curious eyes, his little hand clutching Rocky's collar tightly.

Rocky's face was a mixture of pride and pain, his steps heavy yet determined as he approached the altar. He climbed the steps slowly, each footfall deliberate, his presence commanding the attention of everyone gathered. At the top of the stairs, he paused before the fire-lit statue of Kali.

He bent down, placing one hand on the blood-red earth as his eyes locked onto the fierce gaze of the goddess. His lips moved in a whisper, almost inaudible amidst the thunderous beats of the drums.

Rocky - You gave me everything I asked for....Gold....Power but you took away one thing....her. 

Tears threatened to fill his eyes as memories of the last time Reena stood beside him during this very pooja came rushing back. It was a time when their love was growing, blossoming into something unbreakable—something blessed by the goddess herself. The echoes of her laughter, the warmth of her presence, and the joy they shared felt so close, yet so painfully out of reach.

But before he could drown in the waves of his memories, a soft touch brought him back to the present. Yatharv's tiny hands reached up to his face, his curious eyes searching his father's with innocent concern. 

Rocky blinked, his trance breaking, as he gazed into the wide, questioning eyes of his son. The little one tilted his head, as if silently asking what was wrong, his small fingers brushing away a tear that threatened to escape.

Rocky's heart clenched. Yatharv's touch was a lifeline, grounding him in the now—a reminder that, despite the pain of the past, there was still something precious to protect and cherish.

Rocky - Nothing bubba. Daddy's okay. 

He assured him and deep down not only Yatharv but also himself. He wondered whether he had gone soft after Yatharv's birth, that the great Rocky was now disappeared into Yatharv's father and even though it seemed wrong to him, he actually liked this side of him. 

Everyone raised their hands to the goddess as the pujari started the rituals and raised the fire to the goddess. 

Rocky - I wish....she could be back now....I really do....

He whispered while silently praying to the goddess as the fire was distributed to everyone present.  Mrs. Desai and Fatimama held the plate filled with sindoor as Aadhya, Farmaan, Kajal and Ravan dipped it and kept it in their foreheads. 

Rocky and Yatharv went towards them as Fatimama smiled warmly and kept it on theirs. 

Fatimama - May your life be filled with peace and let the chaos be completely destroyed from both of your lives. 

Rocky knelt down and touched her toes as a form of receiving blessing. The fire was now being distributed among the rest of the people in the crowds as Aadhya sneaked towards Rocky. 

Aadhya - It was exactly the same as last time this happened. Except that you were here in the form of a surprise. 

Rocky sighed and nodded.

Aadhya - I really hope something similar might happen this time too.

Farmaan - Na, It's time. 

Rocky nodded as the rest of the people raised their hands in solitude. The drums intensified, matching the fire that flared higher, as if the goddess herself was responding to his prayer. Rocky rose, lifting Yatharv higher in his arms, a symbolic gesture of gratitude to the deity. The crowd erupted in cheers, their hands raised high as they chanted prayers of devotion.

But the moment of unity and celebration was interrupted by a sudden wave of murmurs rippling through the crowd. The cheers faded into stunned silence as all eyes turned to the temple's entrance.

From the golden haze of morning light that poured into the temple grounds, a figure emerged. She moved gracefully, her feet barely seeming to touch the ground as she stepped into the sacred space. Her crimson sari, illuminated by the interplay of sunlight and firelight, flowed around her like a living flame.

The sound of drums faltered and then ceased altogether, leaving only the crackling of the fires and the collective gasps of the people. Rocky froze at the altar, his breath hitching as his eyes fell on her.

Kajal - No way....Is that..

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The night before - In Koliwada, Bombay. 

The masked 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.

? - My little queen..

He yelled as he raised his gun towards her. 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.

Before that man could reach her, one of the villagers, a stout man with fiery determination in his eyes, stepped forward. He lunged at the man, landing a solid punch on his jaw. The man staggered slightly, his smirk turning into a sneer. Without hesitation, he retaliated, striking the villager with a brutal blow that sent him crashing to the ground.

By the time the man turned back, Reena was gone. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the area, his expression darkening with irritation. 

? - Find her. 

He growled to his men. 

? - Bring me alive. 

Meanwhile, Reena was hurriedly led away by Dr. Aryan, who had seen the commotion from a distance. His heart raced as he pieced together what was happening. 

Whoever that man was, he wasn't here for revenge—he was here for her. Not to return her to KGF, but to claim her for himself.

Inside the doctor's small home, he hastily shut the door and lit a single lamp. Reena was trembling, her face pale as she struggled to make sense of the flashes of memory.

Reena - Who was that?

She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. 

Reena - Why do I feel like I know him?

The doctor hesitated, knowing the time for silence was over.

Doctor - He's dangerous, Reena. And he's here for you. I thought keeping you away from him  might help you regain everything. 

Reena - What do you mean everything? Didn't my memories of how my family died is the only thing I forgot? 

Her eyes widened, seeing the doctor bit his lip, his face screaming guilt. 

Reena - I didn't lose my memories in the fire that caused my family to die....Did I?

Before she could get the answer, a woman dressed entirely in black stepped into the room. Her eyes was happy and sad seeing Reena. 

Doctor - Veera.

The woman turned her attention towards the doctor. 

Doctor - She needs to leave. He will tear this village apart to find her. Disguise her and get to KGF....He must know. 

Reena stared at him in confusion. 

Reena - KGF? Why there? What's happening?

The doctor turned to her, his expression serious. 

Doctor - Trust me one last time. Your answers are there. But right now, you must leave or he will find you. 

Veera stepped forwards and began to work swiftly, handing Reena dark robes and veils to cover themselves. 

Reena's hands trembled as she donned the disguise, her mind racing with questions she couldn't yet articulate.

Before they slipped out into the night, the village behind them was still in chaos. Reena turned to the doctor. 

Reena - Who was that man earlier? 

The doctor hesitated. 

Reena - Doctor. If I want to keep myself safe then I need to know who's after me. 

Before the doctor could respond, voices of the men earlier started to get closer. 

Doctor - Remember this Reena....

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Doctor - Adheera is here for you. Tell Rocky as soon as you meet him and I will come later to explain everything. 

Before she could ask any further question, Veera pulled her back and left there. Adheera's men were searching every corner, their torches casting eerie shadows.

But Aryan and Veera knew the terrain better, guiding Reena through hidden paths toward the outskirts.

With every step, Reena felt the weight of the unknown pressing down on her. Who was she? What did Adheera want with her? And why did the name KGF send a shiver through her very soul?

One thing was clear: her past wasn't just a mystery it was a storm waiting to break. . . 

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Happy reading and stay tuned !!

Happy Christmas Eve Everyone !!

- Nini.