70."Twin Sister"

{HAPPY DIWALI EVERYONE 🎇🪔}

[3RD PERSON POV]

[SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES]

Los Angeles embraced the late morning with a familiar, easy warmth. Sunlight filtered through a slight haze, spilling gold over the palm-lined streets and glinting off parked cars that lined the boulevard. The city was alive, but unhurried, exuding that unmistakable blend of energy and calm only L.A. could manage. Ocean air mingled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, drifting through the neighborhoods and open windows, carrying with it a sense of coastal freedom. The faint sound of waves hitting the distant shore pulsed like the city's heartbeat, a grounding rhythm beneath the hum of everyday life.

Through the gentle chaos of the city, an LAPD cruiser moved swiftly, weaving in and out of traffic with practiced precision. Behind the wheel was Sydney Burnett—known to her colleagues as "Syd"—her sharp hair framing her determined gaze as she focused on the road ahead. Seated beside her, Nancy Perez, her partner, scanned the streets with calm eyes. They were both LAPD detectives, but also an elite member's of Black Lotus.

As Syd navigated through the late-morning traffic, she glanced over at Nancy, who seemed lost in thought, her gaze distant as the city blurred by. A playful glint sparked in Syd's eyes as she broke the silence.

"Nancy," Syd said with a teasing grin, "are you… sexually frustrated?"

Nancy snapped out of her thoughts, rolling her eyes. "For god's sake, Syd," she sighed, exasperated yet amused. "I'm telling you for the last time, I am not sexually frustrated."

Syd chuckled, undeterred. "I just want what's best for you, Nancy. You know, if you want, I could set you up on a blind date. Someone exciting, maybe a mystery man," she said, the mischievous smile widening.

Nancy smirked, shaking her head. "How thoughtful of you," she replied dryly, "but no thanks. Besides, if anyone needs help in that department, it's probably you. Go find someone yourself if Mike isn't satisfying you."

Syd shot her a look, still smiling. "You're unbelievable. I'm just saying this because I care," she quipped, trying to keep a straight face.

"Yeah, yeah. I totally believe that," Nancy replied, smirking. The brief banter left a comfortable silence hanging between them, the kind of silence that only close friends could share.

A moment later, Syd broke the quiet again, her tone a little softer. "So, when did he last call you?"

Nancy's smile faded just a touch. "Five days ago," she said, looking out the window. "He was headed to a friend's wedding… with his girlfriend."

Syd glanced at her, reading the subtle shift in Nancy's expression. "That guy's an idiot," she murmured, her voice low but sincere.

Syd glanced at Nancy, piecing together the frustration that simmered just beneath her friend's usual cool exterior. She gave a small, knowing smile. "So, that's why you're frustrated, huh? Because he hasn't called you in five days, and you're here even though you're his girlfriend."

Nancy sighed, the weariness settling over her. "It's not that," she muttered, but the irritation in her voice was unmistakable.

Syd raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Then what is it? Don't tell me—"

Before Syd could finish, Nancy cut her off, her tone sharper. "Yes, it's about her," she said, bitterness seeping into her words. "Why is that bitch in New York, living the high life, while we're stuck here in L.A., Why couldn't it be me instead of her? Aren't I his girlfriend too? Then why send me here, doing grunt work, while she gets all the perks?"

Syd sighed, not unsympathetically. She reached out, resting a hand on the steering wheel as she mulled over Nancy's words. "So that's it. You're frustrated because she's out there reaping the rewards, while you're here," Syd said softly. "But let's be real, Nance. You don't know a thing about business—how to run it, manage it. You think you'd really be happy cooped up in some office, dealing with all those work instead of getting out here."

Nancy fell silent, her frustration fading into something more vulnerable. Syd glanced over, smiling softly. "You know, there's a reason behind everything he does," she said, trying to comfort her friend.

Nancy sighed, her voice dropping. "I know. I just… miss him. Why can't I go to India and see him, even just for a day?"

Syd shook her head slightly, still smiling. "You can't, But why don't you call him yourself?"

Nancy gave a small, defeated laugh. "Even if I tried, the call wouldn't connect unless he wanted it to. That's just how it is."

Syd's smile softened further. "Then just send him a message. You never know."

Nancy hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. Maybe you're right."

Before she could start typing, their phones buzzed with a notification. They both checked, and a black lotus symbol lit up on their screens. Syd arched an eyebrow, her lips quirking in a knowing smile. "Looks like he misses you too."

Nancy's face brightened, and her eyes softened, a rare warmth creeping into her usually composed demeanor. "Yeah… I guess he really does," she murmured, smiling like a lovesick fool.

Watching Nancy's expression, Syd chuckled to herself, shaking her head in amusement. She shifted her focus back to the road, letting the quiet between them settle into a comfortable silence as they drove through the city.

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[FLORIDA, MIAMI]

Miami basked in the vibrant glow of the afternoon sun, a city alive with a contagious energy that pulsed through its sun-kissed streets. The clear azure sky stretched endlessly above, and the air was thick with the intoxicating scent of saltwater mingling with the sweet aroma of tropical flowers. Laughter and music wafted from nearby beach bars, creating a lively soundtrack that harmonized with the gentle crash of waves on the shore.

Along Ocean Drive, colorful Art Deco buildings stood proudly, their pastel hues catching the sunlight and radiating a playful charm. Tourists ambled leisurely down the sidewalks, their sunglasses glinting like jewels against the bright backdrop. They stopped occasionally to capture memories, their cameras clicking to preserve the moments—children squealing with delight as they chased each other, couples stealing kisses, and friends posing in front of the iconic lifeguard towers.

Locals glided past on bicycles, effortlessly weaving through the throngs of visitors, a picture of everyday life in this sun-soaked paradise. The rhythm of the city echoed with the hum of engines and the occasional honk of a horn, a reminder of the vibrant pulse that kept Miami alive and bustling.

On the beach, sunbathers sprawled on soft, warm sand, their colorful umbrellas dotting the shoreline like a painter's palette. The sound of sizzling skin mingled with the distant calls of seagulls overhead, while children built castles, their laughter punctuating the serene background. A group of friends played beach volleyball nearby, their shouts of encouragement blending seamlessly with the sounds of the ocean, creating a lively atmosphere that felt almost electric.

Near the beach, two men sat comfortably, their feet nestled in the warm sand while the sun cast a golden hue over the late afternoon. They held drinks in their hands, sipping occasionally as the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the shore provided a soothing backdrop. These were no ordinary beachgoers; they were Miami PD detectives and elite members of BLACK LOTUS—Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett.

Marcus leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of his cold drink, the condensation dripping down the glass. He squinted at the horizon, where the sun began its descent, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. "Miami is quite calm these days," he remarked, his brow furrowing slightly as he studied the tranquil scene.

Mike, sitting across from him, nodded in agreement but with a hint of unease. "Yeah, you're right," he replied, his gaze fixed on the water. "But it feels off, don't you think?"

Marcus turned to him, sensing the seriousness behind his partner's casual tone. "Yeah, it feels off. Suddenly, everything's become silent—no drugs, no noise. What do you think the reason is?"

Mike leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "I don't know, but it feels like the calm before the storm." He took a swig from his drink, the cool liquid doing little to quell the rising tension in his gut. "Something's brewing, and I can't shake the feeling that we're missing something important."

Marcus nodded, a sense of foreboding creeping into his mind. "Yeah, me too. With no calls coming in, what do we do next? I didn't think we'd have this kind of downtime, especially not here."

"For now, nothing," Mike replied, trying to sound relaxed but unable to hide the concern that colored his voice. He scanned the beach, noting the carefree families and sunbathers, oblivious to the underlying tension in the air.

A moment of silence stretched between them, both men lost in thought as they considered the unpredictable nature of their work. The calm was unnerving, a stark contrast to their usually chaotic lives. It was during these quiet moments that danger often lurked, and they knew better than to let their guards down.

As they sat in their lounge chairs, the warm breeze tousled their hair, A comfortable silence settled between Mike and Marcus as they gazed out at the endless stretch of ocean. The horizon shimmered under the sun, calm and vast, offering a rare moment of peace in their otherwise chaotic lives.

Breaking the silence, Marcus leaned back, voice low and reflective. "I heard something's been stirring lately. Rumor is, some people are out there searching for someone."

Mike raised an eyebrow, glancing at his partner. "Yeah, I heard that, too. Think we should dig a little deeper?"

Marcus shrugged, a slight smirk forming. "Should we, though?"

Their eyes met, and suddenly both of them burst into grins.

"Why are you talking like that?" Marcus teased.

"Me? I'm talking like this because you're talking like this," Mike shot back, a playful glint in his eye.

Marcus scoffed, rolling his eyes. "No, no, I'm only talking like this because you started it."

Mike chuckled, throwing his hands up in mock surrender. "Alright, fine. Screw you, man."

"Screw you too," Marcus replied, their usual banter easing the tension, both of them laughing as they took long sips from their drinks.

The ocean waves continued their gentle dance as another moment of silence fell over them, one of ease and camaraderie—until the sound of a ringtone cut through the air. They exchanged a look, almost as if trying to savor one last second of peace, then pulled out their phones.

On each screen, a black lotus symbol appeared, bold and unmistakable. Marcus let out a deep sigh, watching the symbol glow, as if it held the weight of everything they were about to walk into.

"Well," Marcus muttered, glancing back at the tranquil shoreline with a wistful smile. "There goes our peaceful time."

Mike chuckled, slipping his phone into his pocket, his expression hardening with the readiness of someone who knew his place in the world. "Looks like it," he said, already mentally preparing himself for whatever awaited them.

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[NEW YORK]

New York pulsed with life, carrying an energy that felt almost electric under the bright midday sun. People streamed through the streets, weaving between one another in a practiced dance, each with their own purpose and pace. The towering skyscrapers, shining steel and glass sentinels, reflected slices of sunlight down onto the bustling sidewalks, creating a patchwork of warmth and shadow that seemed to breathe along with the city.

Yellow cabs surged forward in the flow of traffic, their blaring horns becoming the city's chaotic yet strangely rhythmic heartbeat. On street corners, café tables were crowded with people, some clutching coffee cups in one hand and typing on laptops with the other, others deep in conversation, leaning in as if they could block out the world around them for a moment. Every few feet, the tantalizing scents of street food lingered in the air: the warm dough of pretzels, the sweetness of roasted chestnuts, and the spicy tang of food carts offering dishes from all over the globe.

Somewhere nearby, the mournful tune of a saxophone drifted from a street performer's corner, its soulful notes rising and dipping, adding a hint of melancholy to the city's midday rush. The music wove into the fabric of New York's soundtrack, a reminder of the undercurrent of dreams, struggles, and quiet reflections nestled within the city's relentless drive.

In the sprawling luxury of her private estate, Fox swam alone in the shimmering pool, each stroke graceful and deliberate. The water, smooth and crystalline, mirrored her every movement, and for this moment, the world outside her sanctuary seemed far away. Fox, one of the wealthiest women on the planet and the CEO of Astara International, relished these rare minutes of solitude. Here, away from boardrooms and Black Lotus assignments, she could let go—if only briefly.

After several laps, she slowed, gliding to the edge of the pool before finally climbing the steps. As she climbed the stairs, her striking figure emerged slowly from the water. Droplets clung to her skin, tracing alluring paths down her body—from her damp hair to her full, red lips, where they lingered briefly before slipping down her neck. They continued, gliding between her breasts, accentuating each line as they traveled over her waist and dipped down her toned stomach. Just above her heart, a delicate tattoo of Krishna's name was visible, with another gracing her hip—marks that felt intimate, as though meant only for him.

Fox reached for a sheer wrap, tying it low around her waist. The fabric caught on the soft breeze as she walked toward a nearby lounge chair, her bare feet silent on the sun-warmed tile. Every step was a study in elegance, each movement controlled yet relaxed, embodying the quiet power that had taken her to the top.

As Fox settled into the plush lounge chair, she crossed one leg over the other, exuding an effortless allure. The warm sun kissed her skin, enhancing the soft glow of her figure. Reaching for a drink resting on the nearby table, she took a sip, savoring the refreshing taste while allowing herself to sink deeper into the moment.

With her eyes closed, she relished the peaceful ambiance, but her tranquility was soon interrupted by the unmistakable sound of her phone ringing. Opening her eyes, she glanced at the screen, and her heart skipped a beat as the emblem of BLACK LOTUS illuminated the display. A smile spread across her lips, reflecting a mixture of excitement and anticipation.

After a moment, she closed the phone, only to reopen it, revealing a picture of Krishna. The sight of him sent a rush of warmth through her, and her smile deepened, becoming more tender. She instinctively hugged herself, feeling a surge of affection as memories flooded her mind—laughter shared, whispered secrets, and the way he made her feel alive, connected.

In that brief pause, the world outside faded away, leaving just the two of them—her thoughts dancing around the idea of him, the bond they shared that transcended the usual constraints of their lives. It was a rare and powerful connection, one that both thrilled and comforted her, reminding her of why she had chosen to tattoo his name on her body, a symbol of her loyalty and passion for him.

Her gaze, heavy with longing, drifted to the image of Krishna, his face etched into her mind. A soft sigh escaped her lips as her fingertips traced the contours of her body, a silent conversation with the man she adored. A surge of desire, raw and intense, ignited within her, a flame that consumed her thoughts and senses.

Her eyes, filled with a thousand unspoken words, mirrored the passion that burned within her. With a delicate touch, she caressed her skin, each stroke a brushstroke on the canvas of her pleasure. A soft moan, a whisper of ecstasy, escaped her lips as her fingers danced over her sensitive flesh.

The image of Krishna, his eyes filled with love and desire, fueled her passion. She closed her eyes, lost in a world of sensation, where reality blurred and fantasy took hold. Her body, a vessel of pleasure, responded to the silent call of her desires. Every touch, every movement, was a tribute to the love she shared with Krishna.

As her fingers explored the depths of her pleasure, she felt a surge of euphoria, a wave of ecstasy that washed over her. Her body arched, her breath quickened, and her heart pounded in her chest. In that moment, she was lost in the intoxicating embrace of desire, a captive of her own passion.

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[AAMUKTA'S POV]

As I sat in Raji's room gallery, the warm night air carrying the faint sounds of laughter, I watched Krishna and the others—Anu, Ammu, and Raji—caught up in an intense game of Ludo on Krishna's phone. I didn't feel like playing, so I just stayed beside him, content to watch. It had been five days since we arrived, and I was already feeling at home. Everyone had been so welcoming, especially Aunt Bujji, Raji's mother, who treated us all like her own daughters. Her warmth and kindness were something rare, and I felt grateful.

My gaze shifted to Krishna, who was focused on the game. The soft glow of the moonlight highlighted his face, casting gentle shadows that made his features look even more captivating. In that moment, an urge surged within me—a longing to be closer to him. Without thinking twice, I got up and gently settled onto his lap.

Krishna looked at me with a playful smile. "What's up?" he asked softly, his eyes warm.

"Nothing," I murmured, returning his smile and wrapping my arms around him, pulling him into a hug.

He chuckled quietly, and I felt his hand find its way to my waist, his touch warm and comforting. His fingers brushed softly along my side, making me feel safe and wanted. Then, in a gesture that felt so natural, he drew me closer, pressing a gentle kiss on my forehead. For a moment, everything else faded away, leaving just the two of us in the quiet intimacy of that shared space.

After a moment, he turned his attention back to the game, but I stayed close, content to simply be there, nestled against him. Resting my head on Krishna's shoulder, I felt the warmth of his hand still on my waist, his fingers tracing gentle, soothing circles. A soft smile crept across my face as I wondered about his fascination with my waist—he always seemed to linger there, either with a kiss or a gentle touch. Maybe he did have a fondness for it, a quiet adoration he didn't need words to express. But honestly, I didn't mind. In fact, I cherished it. His every touch, his every gesture, made me feel more loved than I ever thought possible.

Holding him a bit tighter, I couldn't help but think about how deeply I loved him. Sometimes, the feelings overwhelmed me, an intensity that made my heart beat faster just at the thought of him. The idea of taking our relationship further was always at the back of my mind, but there was an understanding among us girls—a delicate balance we all shared, with each of us caring about Krishna in our own way. It was an unusual arrangement, but somehow it felt natural, almost comforting.

In this closeness, I realized I'd give anything for him. Maybe it was love; maybe it was something even stronger, an obsession that scared me at times. But being with Krishna felt like home, like every part of me was in harmony.

It's strange, really, how it all began. I was just scrolling through my phone late one night, mindlessly refreshing YouTube, when Krishna's music video popped up on my feed. The moment I heard his voice, something shifted deep inside me, an unexplainable feeling stirring that I couldn't ignore. At the time, I didn't know much about him—he was just a name and a face on a screen. But a few days later, my father started mentioning Krishna in conversation, almost out of the blue. It piqued my curiosity, so I searched him up on Google, and what I found surprised me. He wasn't just a musician; there was so much more to him, an aura that seemed to leap out even through a screen.

Not long after, my father announced he was going to meet Krishna. I saw my chance and couldn't hold back—I asked him if he'd introduce me to him. My father, who's always indulged my whims, agreed easily, though he asked why I wanted to meet him. I was about to come up with some excuse when my little sister, Shreya, blurted out that I had a crush on him.

At the time, I wasn't even sure if it was just a crush or if I was feeling something deeper. But hearing her say it out loud, I felt a strange vulnerability, like a confession I wasn't ready to make. My father chuckled but then grew serious, saying that Krishna wasn't exactly the "nice person" I might think he was. Yet, even with his warning, my heart couldn't be swayed. I felt drawn to Krishna, as if something about him was calling to a part of me I hadn't yet discovered.

After talking with Krishna, my father told me he'd be visiting. The excitement that filled me was beyond words. I prepared everything I could, choosing the best saree I had, and even planned to cook for him. I wanted everything to be perfect for his arrival, so much so that I could hardly sleep that night.

But then, just as my hopes were soaring, my father came back with a message: Krishna wasn't coming. My heart sank, and a wave of frustration rushed over me. I couldn't describe the feeling—it was like all my careful preparations had been swept away. But my father, noticing my reaction, quickly explained that Krishna had some urgent work that kept him from coming. Trying to understand, I took a deep breath and calmed myself, telling myself it wasn't his fault.

Not long after, I overheard a conversation—Krishna didn't just have a girlfriend, he had two. Instead of anger, I felt a twinge of jealousy. But strangely, it didn't make me want to let go. If anything, it deepened this longing in my heart, an unshakable feeling that connected me to him even more.

Then one night, out of nowhere, I received a notification. Krishna had uploaded a new music video, and I instantly played it. The song washed over me, its melody and lyrics wrapping around my heart. Even my little sister, who rarely liked the same things as me, became an instant fan after hearing it. Watching him sing with such passion made me think that maybe—just maybe—his work had finally settled, and he might be able to come now.

So I did what felt natural: I woke my father up and asked if Krishna would be coming soon. With a gentle smile, he told me Krishna was indeed coming tomorrow. Hearing those words, I felt happiness bubble up again, but this time, I kept my hopes tempered, knowing how unpredictable life can be.

To my surprise, he actually arrived the next morning. When I finally met Krishna face-to-face, we talked, and it was like everything clicked into place. The feeling I'd been wondering about bloomed into something undeniable—I was falling for him. He started calling me Cutie Pie, a nickname that might sound silly to others, but coming from him, it made my heart flutter in ways I hadn't expected.

After a while, Krishna asked me out on a date, and I accepted with a happiness that was almost too much to contain. That first date was like a glimpse into his world, showing me exactly what kind of person he was—someone genuine, caring, and warm. By the end of it, I realized my feelings were deeper than I'd thought, and it was clear he felt the same. When we said goodbye, I hugged him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. That small gesture felt huge to me.

Over the next few days, we went on two more dates, each one bringing us closer. By our third date, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I gathered my courage, took his hand, and confessed my feelings for him. To my delight, he smiled, saying he felt the same. Then, as we shared our first kiss, a wave of warmth and happiness washed over me. It was perfect, the kind of moment I'd only imagined before.

Later, I met his other girlfriends, and they were kind, making it easier for me to settle into this unusual relationship. But soon, I started noticing something that left a strange feeling in my heart—Krishna seemed to care about Anu a little more than the rest of us. It was subtle but hard to ignore.

One day, when Raji and I were alone, I decided to bring it up with her. I trusted her maturity, and knowing that she'd known Krishna since childhood, I felt she might understand his actions better than I did.

After hearing my concerns, Raji gave me a soft smile and said, "It's probably because Krishna has spent so much time with Anu over the years. They've gone to the same school since they were kids, while I only got to see him during summer breaks when they came back to the village. But once I started eighth standard, I moved in with Krishna's family and joined their school, so I got to be around him more."

I nodded, understanding her words, but then something she said piqued my curiosity—something heavier than the playful jealousy I'd felt moments ago. Raji continued, "You know, Satyam uncle, Prasad Uncle, Vishwanath Uncle, and Anu's father they're all friends from school." She seemed ready to say more, but I couldn't hold back my question.

"Wait, what do you mean 'Anu's father'?" I asked, puzzled. "I thought Vishwanath Uncle was Anu's dad."

Raji's expression grew somber, a flicker of something serious crossing her face. "Do you really want to know why Krishna cares so much about Anu?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Seeing my nod, Raji's gaze softened with a seriousness that made the air between us heavy. "What I'm about to tell you, never mention it in front of anyone—especially not Krishna, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a chill of anticipation as Raji took a deep breath, her voice hushed. "Vishwanath Uncle is Anu's adopted father. When we were four, there was a summer when everyone came to the village to spend their holidays together. That's when Anu's real father got an urgent call for work. He left that day with Anu's mother and... her twin sister."

(A/N: Yes a twin sister named Mugdha from Kartikeya 2. If you're wondering how and why, let me tell you that the details will come later. As for why, it's simply because I can, because I want to, and because why not? Anyway, I'd love to hear your opinions!)

My eyes widened in shock. "A twin sister? Anu had a twin?"

Raji's expression turned mournful, and she nodded. "Yes, her name was Mugdha. That summer, Anu stayed back because she wanted to be with Krishna. We didn't know then if it was her fortune or misfortune, but as her family traveled to Hyderabad, they got into a car accident. None of them survived... and we never even found their bodies."

The weight of her words hit me like a tidal wave, and a sad silence hung between us. Raji's voice wavered as she went on. "Anu and I were too young to understand, but we cried because everyone else was heartbroken."

Raji's voice softened as she continued, her words carrying a bittersweet weight. "After that day, Krishna went silent. Even at just four years old, he was sharp enough to understand what had happened, and it hit him hard. He, Anu, and Mugdha were always together—they'd been close since birth. Losing Mugdha like that…it was as if a part of him went with her."

She paused, the memory thick in the air. "Everyone tried to cheer him up, but he barely reacted. His smile, his laughter—it all faded. We ended up taking him to a doctor, and they said he was in shock from the incident. They told us it would take time for him to recover. But then, the next day, something miraculous happened. When we saw him, he was... different. It was like he'd accepted everything overnight. He was smiling again, acting as if nothing had happened."

I listened, drawn deeper into the story. "What brought him back to normal?"

Raji gave a small, thoughtful smile. "I don't know the full details, but… do you remember the story Anu once told us about Krishna's birth?"

I nodded, remembering the story Anu had shared, one she'd heard from Prasad Uncle himself. Raji continued, her voice low, like she was sharing a secret meant only for us.

"Ma told me," she began, "that the night we returned from the hospital, while I, Anu, and my brothers slept, the adults were sitting outside, talking. Suddenly, Krishna got up, almost as if he were sleepwalking, and walked straight out the gate. Everyone rushed after him, but what they saw next…they could never forget."

Her gaze grew distant, reliving the scene through her mother's words. "They saw Krishna standing in front of that same big ox that appeared the time he was born. The ox lowered its head, pressing its forehead gently against Krishna's. It was like they shared something, an understanding. And then, just as quickly, Krishna collapsed. By the time everyone ran to him, the ox had vanished. When he woke up, he was…himself again, as if the heaviness that haunted him was lifted."

I took it all in, finally understanding why Krishna's bond with Anu was so deep. I also couldn't ignore the mystery that seemed to follow him, surrounding everything about his life, like pieces of a puzzle yet to reveal their full picture. Even the strange things that had happened recently started to make sense, in a way. But Krishna had always said that everything would be revealed in time.

Lost in thought, I felt my grip around him loosen just slightly. Leaning in, I brushed a gentle kiss on his forehead, allowing myself a soft sigh. Maybe the mysteries didn't matter. I loved him, and that was enough.

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[KRISHNA'S POV]

As Aamukta kissed my forehead, I glanced up at her, unable to stop myself from smiling. "What's up, Cutie pie?" I asked, half-expecting her to say something was on her mind. But she just shook her head with a small smile. "Nothing," she replied, wrapping her arms around me again. I held her close, feeling her warmth before focusing back on the game.

We continued playing, laughter filling the gallery as Ammu won first, then Anu, leaving the final round between Raji and me. In the end, I lost, and everyone burst out laughing. The lighthearted moment was cut short when Aunt Bujji's voice called us for dinner. Aamukta stood up from my lap, and we all made our way downstairs together.

But as I reached the bottom step, the scene that awaited me on the TV screen stopped me in my tracks. The news anchor's voice filled the room, delivering the latest headline with urgency: "We've just received breaking news that the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Padmakanth Reddy, has passed away in the hospital."

My mind reeled as I processed the news. A hundred thoughts flooded through me, but only one rose clearly to the surface—'What the actual fuck just happened?'

(A/N: The Godfather arc will probably start in the next chapter)

(A/N: If you'd like to support me, please use this UPI: omgadekar29@oksbi "Om Gadekar". If you do, please let me know your webnovel name so I can recognize you.)

(Word's Count:-5375)