Dawn had arrived over the village as the first rays of sunlight painted the sky in shades of gold and orange. Everyone was already awake. Weapons were being checked carefully. Guns were cleaned and loaded. Knives were sharpened. The atmosphere felt calm on the surface, but underneath it was filled with tension.
Nikolai remained asleep for another hour before finally opening his eyes.
"Morning Boss," several men greeted.
"Morning," Nikolai replied calmly.
Nearby Noor was sitting beside Hassan. She looked at him curiously.
"What wrong Jaan (love)?" Hassan asked.
Noor hesitated before speaking.
"You all use a knife to eat?"
Hassan immediately choked on his drink.
Noor quickly rubbed his back.
He finally recovered and started laughing.
"Let me show you."
He gently took her hands and began teaching her step by step how to properly use the knife and fork.
Noor followed every movement carefully.
She looked completely amazed.
Hassan glanced at her for a second and smiled warmly.
Her head was covered with a traditional veil.
Meanwhile Nikolai carried breakfast to Lily.
She was dressed beautifully in a dark green Salwar Kameez.
After helping her eat, he carefully dried her hair.
He styled it gently until it looked perfect.
Lily giggled happily.
Nikolai smiled before placing her wedding necklace around her neck.
Afterward he changed into his usual outfit.
A plain black shirt.
Black pants.
A silver Rolex.
Simple.
Elegant.
Dangerous.
Outside everyone else had already dressed.
Some of the women wore short skirts and short dresses.
Albert checked everything before speaking.
"It is a two hour journey. We packed the food and everything."
Everyone nodded.
Nikolai sat beside Lily.
He grabbed an orange blanket and covered her carefully.
Lily smiled softly.
Then she took his hand and placed it on her bump.
Nikolai looked confused.
Suddenly—
Kick.
His eyes widened.
Another kick.
Shock filled his face.
"Beanie kicking tummy Nikki."
Lily smiled.
Nikolai froze.
Slowly he lowered his head onto her bump.
Tears formed in his eyes.
His daughter.
Their daughter.
Beanie.
He held Lily's hand tightly as the convoy finally drove off.
In another car Kalma sat quietly while staring outside the window.
"Boss are you happy?" Astraea asked.
Kalma nodded slowly.
"I am."
She smiled sadly.
"And also I let him go."
Astraea remained silent.
"He is very happy with Lily."
Kalma wrapped her arms around Astraea and hugged her.
Inside another vehicle Brandon was speaking on the phone.
"Bye Mama. I love you too."
He ended the call.
"Mama boy," Emil teased.
"Shut up."
Adrian chuckled.
The journey continued.
After an hour and a half Nikolai was speaking on the phone.
The caller was Sohan.
"I have also been having the same dream too Father," Nikolai said.
"That is why I made a global plan. I contacted all the best agents too."
"Me too. Got a lot of accommodations ready just in case and emergency money too."
Father and son discussed preparations and contingency plans.
Neither of them trusted the strange dreams.
Thirty minutes later the convoy finally arrived.
Nikolai looked through the window.
A large signboard stood proudly near the road.
WELCOME TO MULLANPUR DAKHA
He looked beside him.
Lily was peacefully watching a Disney movie.
The convoy continued until they reached the mansion.
Immediately they heard drums.
Loud.
Powerful.
Traditional.
People had gathered everywhere.
Celebrations filled the entire area.
The vehicles parked.
Everyone stepped outside.
Family members were already waiting.
The sound of drums echoed through the estate.
Nikolai sighed before looking at Lily.
"Bambi look at me."
Lily immediately looked at him.
Nikolai held both her hands.
"Bambi if anyone does anything say it."
She nodded.
"If you see anything bad tell us."
Another nod.
"And stay closer to the family and Kalma too."
"Okay."
"You trust me don't you?"
"Lily do a lot!"
Nikolai smiled.
"Good girl."
He kissed her forehead.
"And if anyone treats you badly ignore them and be happy for me and for Beanie right?"
Lily reached up.
She cupped his face.
Then placed her forehead against his.
"My sweetheart. I love you so much."
"Lily loves you very much."
His heart melted.
Nikolai handed her Teddy.
"Keep Teddy with you."
Lily hugged the teddy bear.
"No matter how much Lily go far from me Teddy stay with Lily."
"Okay Bambi?"
"Mkay Nikki."
Nikolai kissed her slowly.
As he looked into her eyes his thoughts whispered.
(God please keep this love stronger than ever. These eyes are filled with so much love for me. I beg you let it be like this forever.)
"There are here!" Karolina shouted.
Everyone came outside.
Many women descended from the vehicles.
Half of them wore tight shorts and dresses.
Several aunties immediately stared.
"Oh my Lord what are they wearing?"
Whispers spread everywhere.
"Hi Mom!"
Yulian waved excitedly at Mrs Francesca.
She walked forward.
The drums continued beating loudly.
Mrs Francesca noticed Lily.
She immediately hugged her.
"Welcome sweetheart. How is Beanie?"
She gently tapped Lily's bump.
Lily giggled.
Mrs Francesca held Lily's hand and guided her forward.
People were stunned.
Her beauty was breathtaking.
"She is absolutely gorgeous."
A woman whispered.
"Welcome Lily."
An elderly woman smiled.
Lilith respectfully touched her feet.
"Bless you."
The woman smiled.
"Where is Kaal?"
One auntie asked.
"Nikki there."
Lilith pointed.
Everyone looked.
Nikolai slowly approached his wife.
The crowd fell silent.
Their eyes widened.
He stood at an astonishing eight feet nine inches tall.
Messy dark hair.
Dark blue eyes.
A powerful frame.
People whispered immediately.
Handsome.
Dangerous.
Magnificent.
While Lily looked like a goddess beside him.
"Welcome home Kaal."
The elderly woman smiled.
Her name was Surinder Devi.
Nikolai bent respectfully and touched her feet.
"Bless you dear."
He stood.
Then he looked up at the mansion.
The mansion he had read about in his grandfather's diary.
A very very expensive ultra luxurious traditional Punjabi village mansion.
Built from white ivory white gold and dark walnut wood.
Containing over three hundred lavish rooms.
A palace in every sense.
A grand marble courtyard stood at the center.
Elegant arches surrounded a beautiful fountain.
A carved wooden pavilion sheltered a traditional Punjabi swing.
Enormous gardens stretched across the estate.
Flowers bloomed everywhere.
Ancient trees shaded winding stone pathways.
Decorative fountains sparkled beneath the sun.
A luxurious swimming pool sat nearby.
Traditional charpais rested beneath covered verandas.
Intricately carved Jharokha windows overlooked the grounds.
Handcrafted rugs decorated every hallway.
Magnificent dark walnut furniture displayed exceptional Punjabi craftsmanship.
Brass utensil collections honored family traditions.
The family lounge contained luxurious seating and crystal chandeliers.
A prestigious library housed rare books.
A sophisticated home office provided executive workspace.
An entertainment room and private theater offered world class leisure.
The traditional Punjabi kitchen contained clay ovens and vast preparation spaces.
Indoor courtyards brought natural light throughout the mansion.
A family gallery displayed generations of history.
A peaceful shrine provided space for prayer and blessings.
The rooftop terrace overlooked the village and countryside.
For security the estate contained CCTV systems guard quarters reinforced walls controlled gates and twenty four hour surveillance.
The mansion embodied Punjabi royalty.
Luxury.
Heritage.
Family.
Power.
Tradition.
Everything existed within its walls.
Nikolai eventually looked away.
Lily was tapping her bump again.
Meghan smiled before kissing her cheeks.
"Come in everyone."
Surinder carried a prayer plate.
All the women covered their heads with veils according to tradition.
The welcoming ceremony began.
Prayers were offered.
Blessings were given.
The family entered.
Nikolai never released Lily's hand.
Inside they entered a large living room.
The men sat.
The women remained standing.
Nikolai studied every face.
Many eyes burned with judgment.
Many men openly stared at the women.
Surinder had once had nine children.
After Nikolai's grandfather died only eight remained.
The women:
Gurleen.
Sanjot.
Afsana.
Japleen.
Falak.
The men:
Diler.
Pratap.
Balraj.
All stood behind Surinder.
Watching.
Judging.
Waiting.
Nikolai smirked.
(Now it begins.)
Silence dominated the room.
Minutes passed.
Finally Surinder cleared her throat.
"So Kaal. How are you?"
"I am fine and you?"
"Good."
She nodded.
"Please introduce her to us."
Nikolai immediately took Lily's hand.
"This is my dearest wife Mrs Lilith Mahira Baneva Nikolai Devereaux."
"Wait. She Indian?" Falak asked.
"Half Indian. Her mother is Bengali and her father is half American half Indian."
"Ohhhh."
The family nodded.
"Mahira come here dear."
Yulian gently guided Lily toward Surinder.
She sat beside the elderly woman.
"She is pregnant?" Diler asked.
"Yes she is," Yulian answered.
Zhanna covered Lily's ears protectively.
Nikolai's voice turned cold.
"My wife is in a childlike state. So please. I say please now. Mind your words around her."
Everyone nodded.
"Why marry her then?" Sanjot asked.
The room froze.
Nikolai slowly looked at her.
A deadly look.
Everyone immediately became nervous.
"Uhmm…"
No one spoke.
"So Mahira. Who is her father?" Afsana asked.
"Quiet everyone."
Surinder intervened.
Silence returned.
Farhan sighed.
Nimra rubbed his hand gently.
Surinder touched Lily's bump.
"It is a baby girl."
"We haven't done a scan yet Boss," Nathan said.
"Yes."
Nikolai nodded.
"But it is a girl."
Surinder smiled slightly.
"Why not a boy huh?" Pratap asked arrogantly.
Immediately Albina stood.
"Lily come love. Let me show you the garden. You love flowers right baby?"
Without waiting she quickly took Lily away.
Surinder smiled knowingly.
The second Lily disappeared—
Nikolai pulled out his gun.
Every single member of his family pulled out theirs too.
The atmosphere exploded.
"Listen old man and all of you."
His voice became terrifying.
"I hate bullshit."
Silence.
"Especially when it comes to Lilith."
Everyone remained frozen.
"I don't care if my child is a boy or girl."
His voice grew colder.
"I am okay with anyone I get."
"My wife can have baby girls if she wants."
"Nine kids."
"Four kids."
"Eight girls and one boy."
"Whatever she wants."
"Lilith is my wife."
"Mind your disgusting toxic words around her."
"Do I make myself clear?"
His demon voice filled the room.
Several people stepped backward.
The bearded men in turbans looked genuinely afraid.
"Thank you."
Nikolai lowered his gun.
"Uhmm but Kaal. We already got a good marriage proposal for you and—"
Falak never finished.
"I don't care."
Nikolai interrupted.
"I am married."
"Happily married."
"So no."
"Now stop."
Falak clenched her fist.
Pratap scoffed.
"Is this how you talk to your elders? You all clearly don't have respect."
Everyone laughed.
"Yeah we don't care."
Daira shrugged.
"And we don't need respect unless it is necessary."
Leonid rubbed her arm affectionately.
Surinder changed the topic.
"Taran my boy. How are you doing?"
"I am fine Par Dādī (Great Grandma)."
"You got married right?"
"Yes."
He smiled.
"This is my wife Elena and my son Dylan."
"You married a divorced woman?" Afsana asked.
"It is none of your business."
Taran answered instantly.
"And her husband was killed."
"So yes."
"We are married."
Whispers spread again.
Nikolai ignored them.
Outside he saw Lily.
She was holding flowers.
Butterflies sat on her fingers.
Her adorable pout appeared as she admired them.
Nikolai smiled.
Upstairs a woman watched from a window.
Her eyes never left Nikolai.
"He is so handsome."
She giggled.
She watched the way he spoke.
The gun in his hand.
His confidence.
His power.
She blushed.
Then she noticed Lily.
The tiny pregnant woman beside him.
Her expression darkened.
"He is mine."
Her voice turned poisonous.
"I will make him mine."
She stared at Lily's bump.
"Make sure she is out of the way."
Her eyes widened further.
"Let's see how long your marriage lasts."
"You are mentally unstable."
"I will get you out of the way."
Her name was Kehar Lal Singh.
And her obsession had already begun.
Later during lunch everyone sat together.
The women served food.
"So who is her father?" Surinder asked.
Farhan looked toward Nikolai and shook his head slightly.
"He is a businessman in New York," Yulian answered.
"What kind of business?" Falak asked.
"The kind of work I do."
Nikolai looked directly at her.
"And it is none of your business."
Falak immediately lowered her gaze.
Everyone continued eating.
Suddenly Lily tugged on Nikolai's shirt.
"Yes Bambi?"
"Baba buy Lily ice cream yesterday Nikki?"
Nikolai blinked.
"What?"
Lily squeezed her eyes shut.
A memory flashed.
Sohan carrying a basket.
Ice cream.
Laughter.
Friends.
Then her eyes opened.
"Baba hold L…L…Lily B…B…Basket and Lily eat ice cream together with Nihu Rim Hani Riz Rav Fan Rey Z and Rav fell my ice cream and I cry."
The room went silent.
Nikolai stared.
Then realization struck.
"You remember something?"
Lily nodded.
"Ice cream."
Nikolai immediately stood.
"Leonid. Please come check Lily."
The doctors rushed over.
Farhan followed.
In the hallway Nikolai explained everything.
"Lily just had a flashback."
"Aarav dropped her ice cream."
"She remembered it clearly."
Farhan grabbed Lily's hand.
Another memory hit.
"Nikki b…b…Big car."
"Mama."
"Ice cream."
"Snow."
"P…P…Pretty flowers."
"Nani cookies."
Everyone watched carefully.
No blood.
No nosebleed.
Nothing.
Dr Kelvin smiled.
"No blood Boss."
"We are progressing."
Nikolai broke into a huge grin.
"She is healing," Dr Leonid said.
"Yes!"
Farhan hugged Nikolai tightly.
"What happened?" Kalma asked.
"She is healing."
Dr Liv smiled.
"She remembers everything."
"No blood."
"No pressure spikes."
"Her brain levels are becoming stable."
Cheers erupted.
Finally.
After years.
Finally.
Farhan wiped tears from his eyes.
"Nunu Hani Lily buy other ice cream for Hani."
Everyone laughed.
Lily hugged her brother.
"I felt a kick this morning."
Nikolai smiled proudly.
"Beanie has been kicking all morning."
"Really brother?" Meghan gasped.
"Why didn't you tell us?"
"My bad."
"No cry no cry."
Lily patted everyone.
The family laughed warmly.
For a brief moment everything felt perfect.
Peaceful.
Happy.
Whole.
But upstairs—
Kehar watched everything.
A cruel smile spread across her face.
"Your doom begins now."
And as laughter echoed through the mansion halls, an unseen storm quietly began gathering over the love and peace that Nikolai and Lilith had fought so hard to build.