The Queen’s Farewell

As Kartik spoke, Bella looked up, confused. "Why are we suddenly going to Britain? And these black clothes…"

Before she could finish, Kartik said in a low, emotionless voice, "Grandma has passed away."

Bella froze, her hands stilling mid-motion as she reached for a garment. Kartik's grandmother was no ordinary person—she was the Queen of Britain. Her passing was not just a personal loss but a significant event in itself.

Though her illness and old age had long prepared everyone for this moment, the finality of her departure still felt profound.

"When did this happen?" Bella asked softly.

"Half an hour ago," Kartik replied. "You should get ready. I'll have Vimal prepare the jet."

Bella gave a faint nod. "Alright. Go."

But Kartik didn't move. Instead, he leaned casually against the wall, engrossed in his phone. His presence lingered in the room, an inexplicable tension hanging in the air.

Bella's eyes narrowed. She had endured enough of his antics, even in the most inappropriate situations, and now his refusal to leave was testing her patience. With a resigned sigh, she turned her back to him and began to change.

Once she was dressed, she turned, expecting Kartik to have left by now. Instead, she found him leaning against the wall, his piercing gaze fixed on her.

Bella had chosen a fitted black high-neck dress paired with a sleek overcoat—a simple yet elegant ensemble befitting the solemnity of the occasion. The all-black attire accentuated her graceful demeanor, giving her an air of quiet sophistication.

Kartik's gaze didn't waver. His admiration was unapologetic.

"The show's over. Now it's your turn to change," Bella said, her voice laced with irritation.

As she turned to leave the walk-in closet, Kartik grabbed her wrist, pulling her close. Her face collided with his chest, leaving a faint blush on her delicate nose.

Tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, Kartik murmured, "I wasn't done watching. This show has become my favorite, wifey. Perhaps an encore?"

Bella shoved him away, her sharp glare meeting his amused expression. "Shameless! Get dressed. Your grandmother has just passed away, and here you are... Imagine what people would say if they knew the great Kartik Kapoor was busy flirting instead of mourning."

Unbothered, Kartik smirked. "So what? Grandma was old. Death is inevitable. Why dwell on it? I'd rather admire my wife's captivating charms than wallow in sorrow."

His cold detachment left Bella momentarily speechless. She wanted to argue, to reprimand him for his callousness, but she knew it would be futile. Kartik cared for very few people in this world.

Taking a deep breath, Bella changed the subject. "What about Bartika, Ray, and Adi? They'll need to be here for the funeral."

"They're coming," Kartik replied casually. "I've sent Rocky to the Royal Academy. Akshat will bring Bartika and Mom."

"Good," Bella said curtly. "Now go and change."

Kartik leaned closer, his tone low and teasing. "But I don't feel like leaving you, wifey. How can I?"

Bella's patience snapped. She turned her back to him, unwilling to indulge his provocations any longer.

Somewhere in a Dense Forest

In the heart of a shadowy forest, a group of twenty children, aged between eight and fourteen, silently approached a mysterious cave. Each child held a candle, their soft glow casting flickering shadows amidst the surrounding darkness.

Clad in long white robes, the children's solemn procession moved steadily forward, their path accompanied by the eerie chorus of nocturnal creatures.

The cave loomed ahead, its entrance adorned with strange carvings. Among them, an ancient depiction of a duck stood out, its oddity unsettling.

The eldest among the children gestured, and without a word, the group entered the cavern.

Inside, the children encountered an unusual sight—twenty coffins, each constructed from a peculiar, otherworldly material. Engraved with numbers and marked with the same duck symbol seen outside, the coffins seemed to radiate an air of foreboding.

One by one, the children approached their designated coffins. Laying their candles aside, they climbed in, closing the lids behind them.

Tibet, Royal Academy

In the dimly lit basement of the prestigious Royal Academy, a series of monitors displayed detailed maps and live feeds of various locations around the globe.

Seated in a leather swivel chair was a strikingly handsome twelve-year-old boy. Despite his youthful face, his eyes were cold, his gaze sharp and calculating—an enigma of maturity far beyond his years.

The screens suddenly blinked, drawing his attention. A red light appeared on one of the maps.

The boy picked up a phone and spoke in a measured, icy tone. "Moscow. Freddy is in Moscow."

A voice on the other end replied, "Are you sure, young master?"

"Are you questioning my skills?" the boy countered, his tone laced with quiet menace.

"No, no!" the caller stammered. "Forgive me, Reyansh. Freddy's been a thorn in my side for months. This time, I'll ensure he doesn't escape."

Reyansh's indifference was palpable. "Transfer the payment to a different account. You'll receive the details shortly."

The caller hesitated. "Must you always charge me, Reyansh? I'm your uncle! A little family discount wouldn't hurt, would it?"

Unmoved, Reyansh replied coldly, "If you value our business relationship, pay in full."

Without another word, Reyansh ended the call, switched off the monitors, and walked out of the basement. His steps were unhurried, his demeanor as composed as ever—a figure both intimidating and captivating.

Britain, Buckingham Palace

The preparations for the Queen's funeral were in full swing.

Kartik stood in front of the mirror, fastening his cufflinks. His face was impassive, his movements precise.

Bella sat on a nearby couch, engrossed in emails on her tablet.

Her phone rang, breaking the silence. Seeing the caller ID, Bella's brows furrowed slightly—it was Akira, her most trusted subordinate.

She answered the call, and Akira's anxious voice filled the room. "Boss, Emma is dead."

Bella's eyes widened in shock. "What?"

_____________________________

Who were the children in the forest?

How did Emma die?

To know…

To be continued...