Author's POV:-

"Holy Sh- ..... URGHHHHHHHH.... Holy Shrimp!"

"Hahaha Ved, how much ever you try I don't think you can stop those words from coming out of your mouth.", Yudhi whispered earning a glare from the former.

"C'mon boys, we should focus on how to make her forget the d-word Aadhi said, not bicker among yourself!", Arun stated.

"Why did this shit- urghhh.. no! Why did this poophead say it? Now we are suffering!", Yudhi whined.

"I didn't mean to say it! It just came out on flow! Okay?", Aadhi explained, defending himself.

"Arti dear, drink this!", Arun said, motioning the glass of water which he held out.

"You pessimistic cat, why are you giving her WATER?!?", Ved yelled, dramatically placing his hands on his chest, while Arti sat there - staring at the grown crackhead men.

"Because it will flush that bad word out of her system?!"

"And who are you tell this?"

"I am the great Arun Agnihotri!"

"Yeah, the one who drew Vincent Van Gogh as a whining clown!", Ved countered, sass dripping his tongue.

"Yah! Mine was better! You drew Mahatma Gandhi with the most misappropriated body proportions that I thought was a munching popcorn! "

"You son of a gun, now I became the wrong person, didn't I??? AAAAAAAAHHHH, This is so unfair!!!!!", he whined, stomping on his feet.

"If I am the son of a gun, you are the son of a monkey!"

"You know what? I could drink a whole ocean of codes and cyphers and pee out a smarter statement than what you just said!", Ved said, crossing his arms across his chest, trying to give his most intimidating pose.

"Wow, it must be very difficult for you to empty your entire vocabulary in this one sentence. Tsk tsk....", Arun replied, rubbing his chin making the other more annoyed.

"If you don't shut up, I will make sure to boil your teeth!", he retorted.

"I would call you a donkey, but it would be offensive to donkeys!"

"You brat-"

"What's going on here?", A loud voice boomed drawing the attention of the bickering crowd.

"Uncle..-", Yudhi stammered who was immediately cut off by none other than Deepak.

"Did you finish the assigned work?"

"No uncle-"

"Why?", he questioned, maintaining a stoic posture scaring even the fly that was roaming about in the room.

"Because-"

"Because you all were bickering. Weren't you?", he said while walking towards them - his hands folded behind him giving off a dominating aura.

"But unclee-"

"No buts Aadhi, now all of you get out!", he ordered making the four shuffle their way out.

A soft click resounded across the room - a sign that the four problem-makers were out, giving enough privacy for Arti and Deepak.

"Hi beta! Did they disturb you a lot?", Deepak asked softly, causing a smile to break out on her face.

"No Dad! They were just doing what you told them to do so! It was fun watching them bicker! Guess I have some more company!", she giggled in the end, while Deepak sat on the bed.

"Hahhaa. I know. Those boys........ It became their habit to talk nonsense. Please don't take it seriously."

"No, dad. They are awesome. And they did it by mistake, please don't scold them.", she said giving her best puppy eyes.

Everyone must've heard this saying, every Dad's greatest strength is their Daughter, while the same daughters are their weakness. No father, I repeat - No father can say 'No' to their daughter. Cause seeing them sad, will only make them sad. Seeing them happy, makes them happy. Seeing them cry, makes them cry.

And now ladies and gentlemen, The great Deepak Malhotra who never listens to others, gave in to his daughter. Yeah, his daughter!

He would do anything for her. Even if it meant crossing the five oceans and the seven continents.

Anything, just to make her smile....

"Aaaaaahhhh!!!!! Fineeeee..... Ohkay! I won't scold them. Okay baccha?", he asked, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"Thank youuuuuuu!!", she squealed.

"Oh and by the way....... Here....... This is for you.......", he said, holding out a big, beige coloured shopping bag which she didn't notice before. "What are you looking at? Take it!", he ushered.

"Uh..... Um... Yeah sure!", she said, taking the paper bag in her hands - peeping her head into it to take a look at the contents. Carefully inserting her hand in the bag, she pulled out a neatly gift-wrapped box, the red colour of the paper glittering ever so slightly in the light.

Roaming her eyes over the glimmering box, she shot a questioning glance at her father who only shrugged in response. But deep inside, only he knew the struggle his heart was going through. Between his sweaty palms and the fast thumping of his heart, he couldn't help but think of the gift that he specially prepared for his daughter.

After all, this is the first-ever gift he is ever giving her......

'It has to be special, he thought.

Slowly tearing the generous amount of cello tape that was used to hold the wrapping, time seems to move very slowly like the ancient movies. With every passing second, his heart only beat faster - which was certainly not helping!

Arti could feel his eyes boring into her head. The fact that her father gave her a gift was itself overwhelming. Not that she didn't like it, but she felt she didn't deserve it.

'Damn the cello tapes!', she thought.

After what seemed like a millennium, the red covering was neatly folded and kept by her side - the way she always kept her gift wrappers. Looking down at the brown cardboard box with a distinctive 'M' symbol on it, she was more than excited to open and take a look at the contents. With one last glance towards her father, she didn't hesitate before removing the lid.

And boy, there laid the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. A gasp escaped her mouth as she saw the intricately carved out clothing, gently folded and placed in the box. Running her hand over the design, she raised her eyes to meet that of Deepak's who's expressions transformed from the fear of rejection to pride.

"Dad, you don't have to this. This must've cost a lot! I-"

"Shh.... It's okay beta, this is my first gift and I wanted it to be special. And don't have to worry about the cost. You are the daughter of the great Deepak Malhotra, how can I be without pampering you?", he said, making her tear up.

Without a second thought, she dropped the dress on her lap and lunged forward to hug him which he gladly returned.

"Thank you, Dad! It means a lot to me! I love this!", she whispered - hoping she doesn't break down all too much.

"It's okay dear! It's the least I can do! And by the way, we have to visit a temple this evening. Wear this dress, hmm?", he asked, breaking the hug.

"Sure dad! Again thank you!"

"Look, don't thank me ever. I am your father and I have to pamper you. This is just the beginning.", he said while she began giggling, wiping a few stray tears with the back of her hand.

Guess having a father is not bad after all!?

~•~•~

'One stair up, turn to the left and three rooms to the right!'

'One stair up, turn to the left and three rooms to the right'

'Wait a second, did I bring my pencil-box?'

'Huff... Yeah, I bought it!'

'One stair up, turn to the right and three rooms to the left!'

'Or is it one stair up, turn to the left and three rooms to the right?'

'Holy God! Why did they have to build such a big estate and make me search for a library? All I ever wanted was to complete my assignments! Guess I should go to my room! Hmph!'

"Arti? What are you doing here?", a voice asked making her jump which resulted in her dropping her notebooks and pencil box. She turned around to see Arvind who was hurriedly running towards her.

"Oh my God! You are such a clumsy girl! Here, let me help you!", he said while bending down to pick up the dropped items. Arti followed suit as she too began picking up her belongings.

After a minute, they picked up all the things that were previously scattered on the floor. "Why are you here?", he asked, straightening himself while balancing the books in his arms.

"Uhh... I want to go to the library. Dad told me it's somewhere here...... But I forgot!", she added sheepishly.

"Ohh it's just here. Wait let me help you carry these."

"But Bhai! You don't need to. It's perfectly alright. Just tell me where the library is."

"What did you call me?", he asked.

"Bhai?"

"Exactly. I am your Bhai and I have no problem carrying these books. Now c'mon!", he said dragging her along the long corridor.

"But Bhai-"

"No buts. Just follow me!", he said while leading across rooms and finally stepping outside a room while was probably the library.

"This is the library. Its opened. I guess Vijay bhaiya must be inside cause Abhi and Vikku Bhaiya are out. Let me knock on the door!", he said, raising his hands to knock on the polished door. After a second, a deep authoritative 'come in' resounded which sent shivers down her spine.

'Great, now I have a study session with this big pillar!', she mentally scoffed at her state.

"Arti come let's go!", Arvind said while pulling her inside. There sat Vijay in all his glory, his eyes trained on a thick, bulky book which rested in his hands. He didn't do anything rather than glaring at the poor book, but the sight alone intimidated Arti to the point that she was ready to run away from the current situation.

"Huff... There you go! You sit and do your homework. Okay? And bhai?"

"Hmmm?", Vijay hummed.

"Please take care of her!", he said as if he was handing over his daughter to his son-in-law.

"I will, now get out!", he ordered, whilst he stuck his tongue out, turning around to face Arti - mumbling something under his breath which were in the words of 'moody brother'.

"Okay Bye, I am going to play Mario with Aarav. You can finish this and join us. And we can also watch Lion King or Moana if you want!!! Is that okay?!?!", he asked, with excitement edged in his face.

"Can't you stay here Bhai?"

"Sorry, dear. I bet Aarav that I will win this game. That dummy is taking advantage of me! I have to show him who I am!", he said, raising his fist in the air.

"Okay fine! Bye, all the best!", she wished to which he mouthed a thank you before speeding down the hallway.

'I am now left with this hulk! Oh God, may this day go good!'

"H...hi B..bh...Bhai!", she stuttered, silently cursing at her. The said person looked up at her and then again resumed reading the book - completely ignoring her.

"Y..you.. are Vij...Vijay right?", she asked, to which he didn't bother responding.

"Uh...... Um... We.. have...haven't rea..really talked t..to each other! I am Artika b...by the way!", she said while holding out her hand. The little amount of confidence that she had was slowly slipping away as he didn't respond.

'What is he made of? Stone?'

"Uh... It's okay.. If y..you don't w..want to! M..my f..fav..ourite colour is Violet and yours?", she asked excitedly, expecting his answer.

"Sit there and do your homework in silence. Don't. Disturb. Me. Understood?", he asked making her flinch at his voice.

"U..u.uhh... Y..ye..yeah.. Su..sure..ee I wo..won't d..dis..disturb y..you!", she did, stuttering badly while rushing to her seat.

Well, that was a bad attempt. But who said she isn't going to give it another try?

~•~•~

A smell of metal shot through the air as blood splattered on the four-walled room. A bullet punched its way through the head of the middle-aged man, as he limped and fell on the dusty ground. The dim yellow light cast over his dead body as dark chuckles erupted from the other person, wielding the gun as if it was a piece of cake.

"Going to the police it seems. Now I sent you to God! Rest in peace!", he said, psychopathically laughing at his own words.

"Bo..boss!", a voice stuttered as he rotated his head to find his assistant, standing with a strained expression on his face.

"What?", he answered.

"I have news for you!"

"Is it good or bad?", he asked.

"B...bad new...s boss!", he replied.

"Uh-huh? Tell me the news, let me judge whether it's good or bad! Now c'mon c'mon, hurry up!", he said, placing the tip of the gun under his chin, carefully studying his assistant's expressions.

"Bb..boss.. The guy we sent last week to spy, is.... Dead!", he whispered. "We found him today!"

"Do you think he would've said my name?", he asked, placing his hand over his shoulder.

"He..... was one of our trusted men. I doubt that he would've said it!"

"Aaaaah Mukesh! You are wrong here. That guy has a family - a weakness. Do you think he wouldn't have said my name! Tsk tsk.. I expected a lot from you!", he sighed leaning over the table which was right beside the wall.

"I...if that's the case, then.......... what should we do now Boss?", he asked.

"Kill Him!", he ordered, a dark gaze looming over his eyes.

"B..bo..boss?"

"I SAID KILL HIM. AND DON'T FUCKING STUTTER!", He yelled, eyes turning red.

"Sure boss. Right away!", he replied before running away.

~•~•~

The daylight has dwindled into a barely perceptible gloom. Dusk came sooner than expected, the last rays of the sun cosseted behind the soft-grey clouds. Slowly the view begins to fade into darkness as the night settles in. The trees form a crazy silhouette against the night sky, their branches sway in the wind - creaking into the gusting wind.

Loud chants were heard in the Temple of Chhatarpur, situated in the south of Delhi - a temple dedicated to Goddess Katyayani (a manifestation of Goddess Durga).

Chhatarpur Temple or Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeet Mandir.

(Info source: Wikipedia. I have been there when I was a little, so I hardly remember anything. Forgive me if anything goes wrong)

Mantras ranging from Durga stotram to Hanuman Chalisa were chanted, giving off a religious vibe.

"Who is the Goddess, Ma?", a 5-year-old boy asked his mother, while tugging at the pallu.

"This is the Goddess Katyayani, Abhi! She is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. She destroys evil and protects the good. Now join your hands and pray to her, she always fulfils whatever you want!", the mother of the child said.

"Oh really? Then I will ask her to make Papa come home soon!", little Abhi said, joining his small eyes and shutting down his eyes before vociferously starting to pray.

"Abhi? Come, let's pray!", Devika called out to Abhi, who spaced out the moment he stepped into the temple. Memories began flooding into his mind - the memories of his beautiful mother, his small brothers who were in her arms, and his father who was off with a call.

'To hell with my memory!', he thought.

Slowly walking behind his family, he couldn't help but wonder - how would it be if his mother were here, how would it be if his family never fell apart, how would it be if-

-if they never died!

"HakunaMaTaTa~~ What a wonderful phraseeeee~~", Arti sang, trying to make her voice gruff - mimicking the character.

"HakunaMaTaTa~~~ It ain't no passing craaazzeee~~", Aarav sang along with her.

"Aarav, Arvind and Artika! This is not the place to sing cinema songs. You should pray to God here!", Devika scolded.

"It's okay, leave them! They are just children!", Deepak tried convincing his wife who wasn't having any of this.

"No Deepak! You don't understand! They---------"

The rest of the conversation faded away as he enjoyed the breeze, the chants, the positive vibe, and the memories that kept flooding in his mind.

'They were good times!', he thought.

They were currently walking out of the temple after finishing their prayers. Just then he heard the rustling of a nearby bush. His ears perked up on the sound. Snapping his head towards the direction, he couldn't see anything rather than a few bushes and trees.

'Must be a cat!', he assumed.

The rustling of the leaves and hushed voices were again heard, which only made his suspicion grow. With his increasing gut feeling and sudden speeding of his heart, he felt a fear grip his heart and tear its way through it.

He tapped Vikram shoulder who turned to his brother with a questioning look, only to see different emotions lurking on his face.

"What happened bhai?", he questioned.

"Speak low, I guess someone is behind us!", he said, looking forward to see his family - happily chatting and making their way to the cars.

"Bhai! Yes, someone is following us. Let me warn our security team!"

"Do it quick!", he motioned his brother, who quickly tapped his earpiece - mumbling instructions to the person on the other side of the line.

Without wasting another second, Abhi rushed to the group, "Pa, please go and settle in the car quickly! Take Mom and the others with you!"

"What happened Abhi, why are you panting?", Devika questioned.

"Uh... Please get inside! I and Vikram will come home in half an hour! Please go all of you!", He stated.

"Devika! Go inside dear, let me talk to him! Take the rest with you!", Deepak said while dragging Abhi away from the group.

"What happened Abhi? Why are you behaving like this?", Deepak asked when he created a safe distance from his family.

Throwing a glance towards the questioning looks from his family he answered, "Pa, there are attackers!", he whispered.

"What?!"

"Yes, Pa. We need to get you home safely. Me and Vikram will handle-"

"I am coming too!", he interjected.

"But Pa. What if they are dangerous?-"

"I know what I am getting myself into Abhi!"

"But-", before he could finish his sentence, Deepak left him there and sped towards the car. "Vijay!", he called.

"Take everyone home! I will come as soon as possible."

"Deepak, what's happening?", Devika asked, a slight feeling of uneasiness settling in her stomach.

"Nothing dear. I have some works to complete. Remember the new branch I opened in UAE? I have to sign some documents. I will be back home in half an hour. Be safe, okay? Vijay, now get in the car and drive them home safely.", he ordered, to which he obeyed.

When everyone was inside the car, Vijay wasted no time in starting the engine - making his way outside the temple premises with five to six cars trailing behind them.

~•~•~

The blue lights were flickering in the basement of Malhotra Corporation as shrill screams cut through the silent night, sending shivers down the spine of whoever hears it.

"Where are they?"

"They are coming Pa!", Abhi replied, kicking the man near his foot

"Hmm..", he hummed, moving towards one of the four men, who were groaning in pain.

"I will give you one last chance! Tell me who sent you?", he asked, grabbing a fist full of his hair to which he groaned out in pain.

"Tell me!", he growled.

"I... Won't!", the man answered, smirking a bit.

And that's when the hell broke loose.

______________________________________

Author's Section:-

Huff... Look who decided to update after three weeks.

I know, I know - I am a lazy person, but please don't throw rotten tomatoes at me!

Anyways, I am sorry for the late update. Watty decided to delete my chapter which took me a whole week to write. And now, I wrote this chapter again. Like, what does it think it is? I want to give a Hi-five on its face!

And...... TLG reached 2.5k+ views and I am so flipping thankful. 😭😭🤧🤧
Cheers to you!

🍾 🥂

Thank you to all those who were patiently waiting for this update. I hope I didn't disappoint you! Take care dears!

Vote • Comment • Follow

______________________________________

Updated:- 08/07/2021
Word count:- 3400 to 3500

Heya, thank you so much for reading this book till now. Don't forget to click the star button❤❤