chapter 5:recognition at its highest

The gates creaked open with a groan, revealing the sprawling estate of DNS's ancestral home. Tall, wrought-iron bars tipped with fleur-de-lis designs gave way to an expansive courtyard flanked by ancient banyan trees whose sprawling branches cast shadows across the cobblestones. The air was thick with the scent of jasmine and damp earth, a nostalgic mix that clung to DNS like a distant memory clawing its way back to the surface.

As DNS stepped through the gates, the chatter of voices died down, replaced by the sharp whisper of recognition. The dozens of people gathered in the courtyard—family retainers, house staff, and old acquaintances—turned their heads in unison. Their eyes bore into him, carrying an array of emotions: awe, curiosity, fear, and a hint of reverence.

"Is it really him?" someone whispered.

"It has to be," another replied.

DNS felt the weight of their gazes, the unspoken stories they seemed to carry. He took a slow drag from his cigarette, the ember glowing defiantly in the twilight, and exhaled a plume of smoke that curled lazily into the air.

Neel, walking just behind him, leaned in. "They're staring at you like you're some kind of god."

DNS didn't respond. His hand rested lightly on the hilt of Vajra, the weapon humming faintly at his side as if it, too, could sense the charged atmosphere.

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A Sea of Familiar Faces

The courtyard seemed to stretch endlessly, its perimeter lined with faces DNS hadn't seen in years. Some were etched into his memory—old friends and distant relatives—while others were unfamiliar, their expressions marked by cautious curiosity.

From the far side of the courtyard, a figure stepped forward. An elderly man with a hunched back and a face weathered by time approached slowly, his cane tapping against the stone with each step. DNS recognized him instantly: Raghu, the family steward who had served his household for decades.

"Master DNS," Raghu said, his voice trembling with a mix of joy and disbelief. "You've returned… after all these years."

DNS nodded, flicking the remains of his cigarette to the ground and crushing it beneath his boot. "It's been a long time, Raghu."

Raghu's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he bowed deeply. "Your father would have been so proud to see this day. You carry his legacy well."

Lily, standing silently at DNS's side, placed a comforting hand on his arm. She could feel the tension in him, the unspoken grief and memories bubbling beneath his stoic exterior.

"Let's not make a scene," DNS said gruffly, gesturing for Raghu to rise. "There's still work to be done."

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A Walk Through Memory Lane

The group was ushered through the courtyard, past rows of servants who bowed respectfully as DNS passed. The main house loomed ahead, an architectural marvel of stone and teakwood, its intricate carvings depicting scenes from ancient Indian epics.

As they ascended the marble steps leading to the entrance, DNS couldn't help but notice the small details that had remained unchanged: the faint aroma of incense drifting from the doorways, the faint echo of footsteps against the polished floors, and the familiar creak of the heavy wooden doors as they swung open.

Inside, the hall was a grand display of opulence and tradition. Chandeliers hung like celestial constellations, their crystals refracting light into a thousand shimmering hues. The walls were adorned with tapestries and portraits of ancestors, their stern faces watching over the proceedings like silent sentinels.

Neel let out a low whistle, his eyes scanning the room. "Didn't peg you for the royal type, boss."

DNS shot him a look but couldn't suppress a faint smirk. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Neel."

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The Gathering

In the main hall, a large crowd had assembled. It was a mix of old allies, childhood friends, and extended family members, all waiting for DNS's arrival. The energy in the room was electric, a mixture of excitement and unease.

From the crowd emerged a young woman with sharp eyes and a confident stride. She wore a traditional silk saree but carried herself with the poise of a warrior. DNS recognized her instantly: Meera, a childhood friend who had once been as close to him as a sister.

"Dharma," she said, her voice firm but tinged with emotion. "You're late."

"Better late than never," DNS replied, a rare hint of warmth in his tone.

Meera crossed her arms, her gaze flicking to Vajra at his side. "Still carrying that thing around?"

"It's more than just a thing," DNS said, his hand resting on the weapon.

Neel whispered in a questioning tone,"why is she using your actual name?."

DNS whispered back,"she does not nlonow the name DNS".Neel was confused but as he turned back neel saw lily was pouting.DNS also turned back to introduce lily to meera but lily was furious and turned away by saying "hmm" in an angry tone.DNS saw jealously in her eyes.

Meeras' expression softened, and she stepped forward to embrace him. "It's good to have you back."

"DNS…" a voice called, soft but filled with familiarity.

He turned to see a figure stepping out of the crowd—an older man, his hair streaked with gray but his posture as straight as a soldier's. It was someone DNS had once considered family: Arjun, a mentor from his youth.

"Arjun," DNS said, his voice low.

Arjun extended a hand, his eyes betraying a flicker of unease as they glanced at the weapon strapped to DNS's side. "It's been a long time. You've… changed."

"You haven't," DNS replied curtly, shaking his hand.

Arjun hesitated, then smiled faintly. "Come. There's much to discuss."

Reconnecting with the Past

Arjun led DNS and his team to a private alcove at the edge of the hall. Once seated, servers appeared almost instantly, pouring glasses of amber liquid and presenting trays of appetizers.

Neel leaned closer to DNS, whispering, "This guy doesn't feel right. You trust him?"

"I don't trust anyone," DNS murmured back.

Arjun cleared his throat, his gaze shifting between DNS and Lily. "You've built quite the reputation overseas. The Vajra Syndicate… the stories we've heard are extraordinary."

"They're exaggerated," DNS replied, his tone flat.

Arjun chuckled nervously. "Perhaps. But your presence here has stirred many old memories. There are people who've been waiting to see you again, DNS. Friends. Family."

DNS's jaw tightened. He took a slow drag from his cigarette, letting the smoke curl upward before responding. "Family?"

Arjun nodded. "Not everyone you left behind has forgotten you."

The Warning

Before the conversation could go further, a commotion at the main entrance drew everyone's attention. A group of men in black suits entered, their movements precise and purposeful. They scanned the room before splitting into pairs, taking up positions near the exits.

DNS's eyes narrowed. The faint hum of Vajra at his side grew stronger, as if sensing the shift in atmosphere.

"They're not here to enjoy the food," Neel muttered, his hand brushing the hilt of his knife.

Lily frowned, leaning closer to DNS. "Do you think they're after us?"

DNS didn't answer immediately. His gaze followed the men as they subtly positioned themselves around the room. "Stay close. If anything happens, we fight our way out."

Arjun seemed oblivious to the tension, sipping his drink and continuing his small talk. But DNS's focus had shifted entirely.

A Dangerous Encounter

It wasn't long before one of the men in black approached their table. His expression was unreadable, his posture stiff.

"Mr. DNS," the man said, his voice low and formal. "Our employer wishes to speak with you. Privately."

DNS took a drag from his cigarette, exhaling a plume of smoke that seemed to hang in the air like a warning. "And who is your employer?"

The man hesitated, then reached into his jacket pocket. Neel tensed, his knife half-drawn, but the man merely produced a small, intricately carved medallion.

DNS recognized the symbol immediately—a hodded man with money around it . It was the insignia of an organization he hadn't encountered in years: The merchants, a faction once allied with his father's syndicate.

"Lead the way," DNS said, rising from his seat.

Lily grabbed his arm. "Are you sure about this?"

DNS glanced down at her, his expression unreadable. "Stay here. Keep Neel with you. If I'm not back in ten minutes, get out."

The merchants Message

DNS followed the man through a series of winding corridors until they reached a secluded lounge. Inside, a figure sat waiting—a woman with sharp features and piercing eyes. Her hair was tied back in a sleek bun, and she wore a crimson dress that matched the medallion's color.

"DNS," she said, her voice smooth and confident. "It's an honor to finally meet you."

"And you are?" DNS asked, lighting another cigarette.

"Amara," she replied. "I represent the interests of the Crimson Serpents. Your presence here has not gone unnoticed, and we have… concerns."

"Concerns?" DNS echoed, leaning back against the wall.

Amara smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Your rise in Japan has disrupted certain balances. Alliances have shifted, and old debts have been called in. Now, you return to India, and suddenly, whispers of war are in the air."

DNS took a slow drag from his cigarette, the embers glowing brightly in the dim light. "If you have something to say, say it."

Amara's smile faded. "Be careful, DNS. Not everyone here wants to see you succeed. And some of us… won't let you."

A Narrow Escape

The conversation ended abruptly when a loud crash echoed from the banquet hall. DNS was on his feet in an instant, his cigarette falling to the floor as he drew Vajra.

"What's going on?" he demanded.

Amara's expression hardened. "You'll find out soon enough."

DNS didn't wait for an explanation. He bolted back toward the main hall, the weapon in his hand pulsing with energy.

As he burst into the room, chaos greeted him. The men in black suits had drawn weapons, their guns aimed at various guests. Neel stood in the center of the room, his knives glinting as he faced off against three attackers. Lily was crouched behind a table, her medical kit clutched tightly.

The sight ignited a fire within DNS. The hum of Vajra grew into a low roar, and as he stepped forward, the very air seemed to shift. A pulse of raw energy emanated from the weapon, sending a ripple through the room.

Everyone froze. The men in black faltered, their weapons lowering slightly as they instinctively backed away from the overwhelming presence of DNS and Vajra.

"Drop your weapons," DNS ordered, his voice like steel.

One of the men hesitated, then raised his gun. DNS didn't give him a chance. In a flash, he closed the distance, Vajra slicing through the air with a deadly hum. The man fell, his weapon clattering to the ground.

The room erupted into chaos once more, but DNS and his team fought with precision and fury. Neel moved like a shadow, his knives striking with lethal accuracy. Lily stayed low, providing cover and tending to the injured as the battle raged around her.

The Aftermath

When the dust settled, the banquet hall was a mess of overturned tables and broken glass. The remaining attackers had fled, leaving behind a trail of bodies.

DNS stood in the center of the room, Vajra still glowing faintly in his hand. His breathing was heavy, but his eyes were sharp, scanning for any remaining threats.

Neel approached, wiping blood from one of his knives. "What the hell was that about?"

DNS shook his head. "I don't know. But this banquet was never about reconciliation. Someone wanted us here for a reason."

Lily joined them, her hands stained with blood but her expression determined. "What now?"

"Now," DNS said, sheathing Vajra, "we find out who's pulling the strings. And we make them pay."

The First Night

As the evening wore on, DNS and his team were shown to their quarters. The rooms were spacious and luxurious, each one furnished with antique furniture and decorated with intricate artwork.

DNS's room was at the far end of the hall, a sprawling suite with a private balcony overlooking the gardens. Lily followed him inside, setting her medical kit on the table.

"You didn't have to come," DNS said, removing his coat and tossing it onto a chair.

"Someone has to make sure you're not falling apart," Lily replied, her tone teasing. She opened the kit and began unpacking supplies. "Sit."

DNS sighed but obeyed, sitting on the edge of the bed as Lily knelt in front of him. She carefully rolled up his sleeves, inspecting the fresh bruises and cuts from their recent battles.

"You need to take better care of yourself," she scolded, dabbing at a particularly nasty gash on his arm.

"I have you for that," DNS said, smirking faintly.

Lily shook her head but couldn't hide the smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible."

For a moment, the room was silent except for the soft rustle of bandages and the distant chirping of crickets. Lily's touch was gentle but firm, her focus entirely on her task.

"Thank you," DNS said quietly, breaking the silence.

Lily looked up, surprised. "For what?"

"For being here," he said simply.

Lily's cheeks flushed, but she quickly looked away, focusing on wrapping his arm. "Someone has to keep you in line. And yes I don't think that meera girl is no good at all don't talk to her again"DHARMA"."in an angry tone. DNS in an happy tone "yea sure as your wish, your highness".Both of them burst into laughter. As they where having a great time. Outside the door a spy was hearing it all.DNS knew that someone was there but didn't mined it since it was meera. But why though?