chapter 4 : rest and reflection

The aftermath of the shrine fight hung heavily in the air as DNS walked through the dimly lit streets toward the Vajra Syndicate headquarters. The weight of the battle clung to him like the dried blood on his clothes, his body aching from countless bruises and cuts. Yet, despite the physical toll, his mind burned with thoughts of what lay ahead—both the victories won and the wars still to come.

As DNS approached the headquarters, the large iron gates swung open, and the familiar hum of activity greeted him. Members of his syndicate stood at attention, their faces lighting up at the sight of their leader. Cheers erupted as DNS stepped inside, his presence a testament to their triumph.

"Boss, you did it!" shouted one of the younger recruits, his voice filled with admiration. Others followed suit, clapping and shouting praises.

DNS raised a hand, signaling them to quiet down. "We won, but we're far from finished. Celebrate tonight, but be ready for what comes next."

The crowd murmured their understanding, but the pride in their faces was unmistakable. Neel appeared from the shadows, his knives still tucked into his belt. "Good speech," he said, smirking.

DNS shook his head, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Save the sarcasm, Neel. Where's Lily?"

"She's been waiting for you," Neel replied, gesturing toward the main building. "You look like hell. Let her patch you up before you keel over."

DNS nodded, the fatigue creeping into his every step as he made his way inside.

The halls of the headquarters were quieter than usual, the buzz of activity replaced by a subdued calm. DNS pushed open the door to his quarters, where a single warm light glowed from a lamp on the bedside table. Lily sat there, her head resting on her hand as she dozed off, a book open on her lap.

DNS stood in the doorway for a moment, the sight of her grounding him in a way nothing else could. Her presence was a sanctuary, a reminder of why he fought so fiercely. He cleared his throat softly, and her eyes fluttered open.

"DNS!" she exclaimed, jumping to her feet. Her gaze traveled over him, taking in the torn clothes and the dried blood. "You're hurt."

"It's nothing I can't handle," DNS said, his voice low but steady.

Lily crossed the room in a few quick steps, her hands brushing over his shoulders and down his arms, inspecting the injuries. "Sit down," she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument.

DNS obeyed, sinking into the chair by the bed. Lily disappeared for a moment and returned with a first-aid kit. She knelt in front of him, her fingers gentle as she cleaned the wounds on his face and arms.

"This isn't nothing," she said, her voice soft but firm. "You keep pushing yourself like this, and one day you won't come back."

DNS tilted his head, his lips curving into a faint smile. "I always come back. To you."

Lily paused, her eyes meeting his. There was a vulnerability in her gaze that DNS rarely allowed himself to see. "Don't make promises you can't keep," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

DNS reached out, his calloused fingers brushing against her cheek. "This is one promise I intend to keep."

As the night deepened, DNS and Lily lay side by side in the large bed. The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing, a rare moment of peace in their chaotic lives.

Lily rested her head on DNS's chest, her fingers tracing the scars that marked his skin. "You carry so much," she said softly.

"It comes with the territory," DNS replied, his voice a low rumble.

She lifted her head to look at him, her eyes searching his. "You don't have to carry it alone."

DNS hesitated, the weight of her words settling over him. He wasn't used to sharing his burdens, but with Lily, it felt natural. "I know," he said finally. "But it's not just about me. It's about all of us—Neel, Goku, everyone in the syndicate. If I falter, they falter."

Lily leaned closer, her lips brushing against his. "You're stronger than you think, DNS. But even the strongest need someone to lean on."

Her words lingered in the air as DNS pulled her closer, their connection deepening in the quiet of the night.

The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. DNS woke to the sound of soft knocking at the door. He groaned, reluctant to leave the comfort of the bed and Lily's embrace.

"Do you have to get up?" Lily mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

"Probably," DNS replied, running a hand through his hair.

He slid out of bed, pulling on a shirt as he went to answer the door. Neel stood on the other side, a sealed letter in his hand.

"Sorry to interrupt," Neel said, his tone making it clear he wasn't sorry at all. "But this just came in. Thought you'd want to see it."

DNS took the letter, his eyes narrowing at the familiar seal. Breaking it open, he scanned the contents quickly.

"What is it?" Lily asked, sitting up in bed.

DNS turned to her, his expression unreadable. "An invitation. From India. A banquet in Bengaluru."

Suspicion and Preparation

The flight to India was quiet but tense. DNS sat in his seat, a cigarette dangling from his lips as he stared out the window. Neel was beside him, sharpening his knives with a practiced ease. Lily sat across the aisle, her medical kit tucked neatly under her seat.

"You've been quiet," Neel said, breaking the silence.

"Just thinking," DNS replied, exhaling a plume of smoke.

"About the banquet?"

"About why we're being invited in the first place."

Neel smirked, flicking his knife shut. "Always the skeptic."

"It's kept us alive this long," DNS retorted, his voice low.

Arrival and Unease

As the plane touched down in Bengaluru, DNS's senses were on high alert. The letter had been clear about the invitation, but the timing felt off.

Outside the airport, a convoy of black cars awaited them. Men in black suits stood at attention, their faces impassive.

One of them stepped forward, holding up a medallion with the same seal as the letter. "Mr. DNS, we're here to escort you to the venue."

DNS's gaze hardened. "Proof?"

The man handed over another letter, identical to the one DNS had received. He studied it carefully before nodding. "Fine. But we're keeping our weapons."

The man inclined his head. "As you wish."

The team climbed into the cars, their weapons concealed but ready. DNS sat in the lead car, his fingers drumming against the hilt of Vajra. The weapon hummed faintly, its energy a constant reminder of its power.

The Convoy

The ride through Bengaluru was uneventful, but the tension in the air was palpable. DNS watched the city pass by, his cigarette burning slowly between his fingers.

"You've got that look again," Neel said from beside him.

"What look?"

"The one that says you're about to start a fight."

DNS smirked, taking a drag from his cigarette. "Just being cautious."

Lily glanced over from her seat, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Do you always have to assume the worst?"

DNS exhaled, the smoke curling around him. "When you've seen as much as I have, you learn not to trust appearances."

The convoy pulled up to an opulent estate, its gates flanked by guards in traditional attire. As DNS stepped out of the car, the hum of Vajra intensified, a subtle warning he couldn't ignore.

"Stay sharp," he murmured to his team, his gaze sweeping over the estate. "Something doesn't feel right."

Neel's fingers brushed the hilt of his knife, and Lily tightened her grip on her bag. The banquet awaited, but so did the shadows of DNS's past, lurking just beyond the gates.