THE RULERS OF KHANSAAR ( PART 1 COMPLETED, PART 2 IS LOADING )

Varadha sat in his study, his sharp eyes scanning through the stacks of files scattered across his desk. The room was dimly lit, the scent of old paper and ink filling the air. He was searching for one particular file, something of importance until his hand accidentally knocked over a pile.

A single file slid to the floor, its corner slightly torn, its cover stained with dried blood.

Varadha froze. His breath hitched as his gaze locked onto the crimson smear. His fingers clenched involuntarily before he hesitantly bent down and picked it up. As soon as his hands touched the worn-out pages, flashes of the past struck his mind like a raging storm.

The echoes of brutal violence, the metallic scent of blood in the air, the haunting screams of ware.

And then, 

Deva.

His blood splattered across this very file.

Varadha inhaled sharply, forcing himself back to the present. His grip tightened before he abruptly shoved the file back into its place, shutting away the ghosts that threatened to consume him.

He pushed his chair back and strode out of the study, trying to steady his mind. As he stepped into the open courtyard, the sight before him brought an unexpected warmth to his chest.

Shivadha, his little daughter, sat on the grass, giggling as she spoke animatedly to Baachi's one-year-old son. The little boy clapped his hands in delight, completely engrossed in her words.

Varadha walked closer, his voice calm yet curious. 

Varadha : What are you doing, Shivadha ?

Shivadha looked up, her eyes twinkling. 

Shivadha : I'm telling stories to my little brother, Nanna ! 

she said proudly.

A small smile tugged at Varadha's lips. He knelt beside them, brushing his fingers gently through his daughter's hair.

Before he could say anything, a soft voice interrupted.

Vindhya : Bava garu ... ( Respected Brother-in-law ) 

Varadha turned to see Vindhya, Baachi's wife, standing a few feet away. She held herself with grace, but there was something urgent in her expression.

Varadha : What is it, Vindhya ? 

Varadha asked, rising to his full height.

Vindhya clasped her hands together. 

Vindhya : Baachi sent me to inform you... someone has come to meet you.

Varadha's eyes narrowed slightly. 

Varadha : Who ? 

She hesitated for a second before answering, 

Vindhya : Baachi didn't say much. Just that it's important.

Varadha glanced toward his daughter, then back at Vindhya. Without another word, he gave a slight nod and started walking toward the entrance of the palace, his mind already bracing for whatever or whoever awaited him.

Varadha walked towards the entrance of the palace, his mind already calculating the possibilities of who had come to meet him. As he stepped into the grand hall, his eyes fell on an elderly man waiting patiently. The moment their gazes met, a rare smile crossed Varadha's face.

Varadha : My dear old friend !  

Varadha called out with warmth, striding forward.

The dealer grinned, his wrinkled face lighting up.