Anmol agreed to Viren's request without even a second thought.
There was no hesitation—just a quiet nod, as if something deep inside him already knew this was the path he had to follow.
While the others were still talking, Shapra stood quietly, lost in thought. Something was bugging him—a strange feeling he couldn't shake. It started that day, right after he'd swallowed that mysterious gem. He remembered looking at an old photo—one with Viren and two unfamiliar faces. They were Sarvani and Ridhir.
He'd also noticed something strange about Sarvani recently when she was in the form of Shradha. Something off. And now he was sure:
Sarvani was a demi-monster.
That thought led him straight to Ridhir.
Shapra walked up to Viren, his expression tense. Without wasting time, he told everything-the gem, the photo, the feeling about Sarvani, and his suspicion about Ridhir.
Viren listened silently, arms folded, his eyes fixed on the ground. After a moment, he spoke.
"I don't know anything about the gem," he said slowly. "But yes... Ridhir is a demi-monster."
"Hey old man we have a proper name, Astrakhans!", said Ridhir.
"I know, I know", mumbled Viren.
Shapra didn't react much. He had expected it. It still felt strange, but not surprising.
Just then, a voice cut through the air.
"What's going on?"
Everyone turned toward the door. A woman stood there, brushing dust off her dress. She had soft, shoulder-length brown hair that shone in the light, and warm, thoughtful eyes that noticed everything. Her figure was graceful yet striking, with a well-proportioned build and a full chest that added to her mature beauty. She moved with quiet confidence, her presence both calming and powerful. Her smile was gentle, and there was a quiet strength in the way she carried herself, like someone who had seen a lot but still chose kindness. She said that she'd gone to check the backyard and had just returned.
Shapra recognized her immediately. She was the woman who had been walking with Ridhir, the day when Ridhir mistook Shapra for Siddarth on the road.
Ridhir glanced at her and sighed. "Oh you are back. We were just…."
And so, he told her, everything.
The Woman was surprised.
"Wait," Anmol said, pointing. "But who is she?"
"She's my wife," Ridhir said with a small smile. "Her name is Anvitha."
Anvitha gave a nervous wave. Shapra and Anmol just nodded. Surprisingly, it didn't feel that shocking anymore.
Then Shapra turned to Ridhir. "You once said my dad was your childhood friend. How did that even happen?"
Ridhir leaned back against the wall, his voice softer now. "I was five when our clan moved from Pokhara to Jhapa. My father was the clan leader of the Astrakhans. One day, while walking near a river, I saw a kid drowning. I jumped in and pulled him out. He said his name was Siddarth."
"You could swim at five?" Anmol asked.
"Of course," Ridhir chuckled. "Astrakhans have natural abilities like that. After that day, Siddarth and I met often. I taught him to swim, and he learned so fast. We introduced our families to each other. That's how it all began."
Shapra blinked. "So… how old are you now?"
"I'm Thirty-seven," Ridhir replied.
"Same as dad?"
"Yeah," Ridhir nodded.
Shapra turned to look at Viren, sitting nearby—calm and composed, white beard flowing in the breeze, looking like a warrior who had seen a hundred winters and still had fight left in him.
"And you, Grandpa?"
Viren grinned. "I am almost Sixty."
"What?! You don't even look that old, You almost look like in you are in your 30s or may be 20s," Shapra muttered.
Viren chuckled. "Zarians don't look that old."
Viren turned back to Anmol. "Alright. Let's get moving to Arvind's place."
Anmol nodded. "Yeah, yeah, let's go."
Before they could leave, Anvitha stepped forward. "If there's anything I can do… I'll help too."
And just then, Sarvani appeared in the doorway with her usual grace. "Lunch is ready," she said with a smile.
Everyone gathered around the table, sharing food, laughter, and stories that helped soften the heaviness in the air. The food was delicious, and they couldn't stop praising it.
After lunch, it was time to go their separate ways-at least for now.
Ridhir, Anvitha, and Shivansh headed to the backyard which was really huge.
Viren and Anmol packed up, getting ready to head to the taxi stand. Arvind's house was about 10 kilometers away.
Before they left, Sarvani handed Anmol a small package, carefully wrapped in cloth.
"A souvenir," she said gently. "For Arvind and his family."
Anmol nodded with a grateful smile, tucking it safely in his bag.
The sun shone warmly as the group parted. Each step was taking them closer to a future full of buried truths, ancient ties, and choices that would change everything.
To be continued….