- In KGF...

Veera and Reena stood at the gates of KGF, the towering empire bathed in the golden glow of lanterns. The walls, massive and impenetrable, seemed to radiate both power and history, making Reena feel a strange pull in her chest. It was like a dream she couldn't quite wake from—familiar yet unrecognizable.

Guard 1 - State your name and business. 

Veera, calm and authoritative, stepped forward and approached one of the guards stationed at the gate. She whispered something, her voice low but firm.

The guard glanced at her, his expression one of surprise.

Guard 1 - Does Rocky bhai know?

He asked cautiously. Veera removed the veil covering her face, revealing her identity. The guard's eyes widened in recognition, and a smile broke across his stern face. 

Guard 1 - Mallama, It's you!

Guard 2 - Have you been back from your village? You could've taken more time with your family.

Mallama / Veera - Yes but...Since tomorrow is the kali puja as someone who has been here for too long I can't miss it..

Guard 1 - True...Oh! Is this the niece you've been talking about?

Reena flinched slightly as the guards mentioned her. Mallama nodded as she gave them a warm smile. 

Veera / Mallama - Yes. She's unwell and has a condition that make her avoid showing her face. I hope you'll respect her privacy. 

She explained, her voice steady but laced with subtle urgency. The guards nodded immediately, their respect for Veera apparent. 

Guards - Of course, Mallama. You've served KGF for too long for us to question you. Please go in. 

He turned toward the outpost, yelling for the gates to be lowered. The heavy, iron-clad gates groaned as they descended, granting them entry.

Veera turned back to Reena, her expression sharp and serious. Leaning in close, she whispered.

Mallama / Veera - Do not show your face to anyone, miss. Not until I say otherwise. 

Reena nodded, clutching the edges of her veil tightly. The weight of Veera's words pressed down on her, but so did the pull of curiosity. This place, this empire—why did it make her heart race?

As they entered the gates, the grandeur of KGF unfolded before them. The bustling heart of the kingdom was alive even at this late hour. The streets were lined with glowing lamps, their light reflecting off the gold accents that seemed to adorn every structure. The people moved with purpose, their faces filled with pride and determination.

Veera kept her pace brisk, guiding Reena through the crowded streets with practiced ease. Reena couldn't help but glance around, the faintest echoes of memories stirring within her. 

There was something about the imposing palace at the center of it all, its silhouette towering against the night sky. Her head throbbed as fragmented images flashed before her eyes—huge grand halls, a garden filled with flowers, and a man whose face remained just out of reach.

? - Mallama!

Another voice called out as they neared the inner gates. A young man ran up to them, bowing slightly out of respect. 

? - I thought you would be spending time with your family in bombay.

Veera stiffened at the sight of the young man but quickly masked her unease with a polite smile. 

Mallama / Veera - Oh Farmaan.....Yes. I was supposed to be but since tomorrow is the Kali puja, I had to return. 

Farmaan gave a warm smile and nodded. He ruffled his hair with a sigh before continuing. 

Farmaan - True...You've been here for the last two time haven't you? One with Rocky Na and other with....her. 

He gave a pause as the memories of him with his sister-in-law came rushing back while Veera started to have cold sweats with the very woman whom Farmaan was talking about right behind her back. 

Mallama / Veera - Yes....Well, looks like you're quite busy...I should probably go and leave you to it. 

Farmaan - Ah, yes......Wait.

Before Reena and Veera could get away, Farmaan stopped them. 

Farmaan - Who is this? I haven't seen her here before. 

Reena trembled slightly seeing the way Veera acted. That man is definitely someone who shouldn't know about her. Not yet. 

Veera / Mallama - Ah yes! This is my niece...She wanted to see the outside world so I brought her here for a nice change. I hope that's alright since I've already Rocky Bhai about this. 

Farmaan - Yeah yeah, that's alright. But why is covering her face, It's the night time. 

Veera/ Mallama - She has a condition where she really doesn't want to show her face and It must be covered all the time so....

Farmaan - Of course. Will she be working in the mansion along with you? I can ask Rocky Na to - 

 Veera / Mallama - That won't be necessary...I have -

- Farmaan? There you are. 

A female voice broke their conversation as they all turned their attention to it. 

Farmaan - Aadhya?

Aadhya - Where have you been? I'm looking all over the place for you. 

Farmaan - Sorry. Na told me to handle some things before the Puja starts tomorrow. 

Aadhya - Oh mallama! Welcome back. 

Veera pulled Reena behind her as she passed a warm smile to Aadhya. 

Veera / Mallama - Yes, thank you mam. 

Farmaan and Aadhya was discussing something and Veera took this time to move Reena away from them. 

Aadhya - Wait!

Veera / Mallama - Not again.

She panicked internally. Farmaan might not recognize Reena straight away but not Aadhya. One look and everything might crumble. Everything she worked so hard to hid for might crumble.

Aadhya - You dropped something. 

She said as she handed a piece of cloth to Reena as Reena bowed slightly before turning her back towards them. 

Veera / Mallama - Then we'll be on our way. 

Aadhya and Farmaan nodded as they smiled at Veera as she and Reena left the place. 

Aadhya - Hm....She seems familiar.. 

Farmaan - You've met her before?

Aadhya - No....I don't even know who she is but it feels familiar. 

She shrugged off her thoughts as they went towards the mansion. Reena noticed the tension in Veera's posture as they moved deeper into the kingdom.

Reena - Um....Who's Rocky?

She whispered hesitantly, her voice muffled under the veil. Veera's expression hardened slightly, but she didn't slow down.

Veera / Mallama - A man who must not know you're here. Not yet. And so do the ones you met earlier. When the time comes, you'll understand. 

Reena frowned but said nothing, her thoughts swirling. The name felt oddly significant, though she couldn't place why.

They finally reached a quiet, secluded section of the palace grounds, away from prying eyes. Veera led her into a modest yet secure chamber. The room was simple but comfortable, with thick curtains and a single lamp casting a warm glow.

Veera / Mallama - You'll stay here....No one but me will come to see you, miss. The fewer people who know you're here, the safer you'll be. 

Reena sat down on the edge of the bed, her head still spinning from the journey and the memories that seemed to dance just out of reach.

Reena - Can I ask you something?

She asked softly as Veera nodded. 

Reena - I had these visions or something and there is someone named Yatharv.....Do you know who he is? Is he also one of the people who shouldn't know that I'm here? It feels familiar...   

Veera's face hardened, her eyes welled up some tears without her knowing. How can it not? Yatharv is someone she gave birth to and she does not even remember that.

Reena - Sorry...It's just that....That name is keep on circling in my head for quite some time. That's why I wanted to know. 

Veera knelt in front of her, placing a firm hand on her shoulder.

Veera / Mallama - Miss, Do you know why we're hiding? 

Reena shook her head as no. 

Veera / Mallama -  Because the world outside these walls is dangerous for you, especially with Adheera hunting you. Until you remember who you are and what's at stake, you need to trust me. Can you be able to do that?

Reena nodded slowly, though her unease didn't waver.

Reena - I'll try. 

As Veera left the room, she pulled the door shut behind her, leaning against it for a moment. She took a deep breath, her mind racing.

Veera - I'm sorry, miss. I can't do anything until you remember. Until then you shouldn't know.....not yet. 

Rocky couldn't know....not yet. Not until Reena's memories returned. Because if he found out now about everything, everything Veera had carefully planned to protect the lost queen of KGF might unravel in an instant.

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Next chapter - 

. . . . . 

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

. . . 

Rocky's grip on Yatharv tightened as his eyes became wary of what's going to come.

. . . 

? - If you don't want me to arrest you, Mr. Raja Krishnappa Bhairya, Bring me another criminal to fill your place. 

. . . 

Rocky - You're testing my waters...

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- Ramika Sen. 

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Happy Reading and Stay tuned ! ! 

Happy Christmas Eve ! !

- Nini...