The quiet training hall of Aditya Varma and Kabir Rathore's secluded estate had always been a place of discipline, learning, and absolute focus. Yet today, a ripple of tension hung in the air—a shadow that even the most meticulously trained guardians could feel.
Mukul, now officially Avni Raichand, was practicing advanced internal energy control techniques when the alert came. The masters had detected an anomaly—an intruder capable of threatening even a child of his caliber.
Aditya Varma, leader of the Celestial Forge, narrowed his eyes. "Mukul, remain calm. This is your first true test beyond the lessons. Your masters and your family are prepared, but you must rely on your own judgment as well."
Kabir Rathore, leader of the Shadow Dominion, stepped forward. "You have been trained for this. Every skill, every technique you have learned exists for moments like this. Trust yourself—and remember, your instincts are your greatest weapon."
The Threat Emerges
Moments later, a dark figure moved silently through the compound—skilled, precise, and dangerous. Mukul's eyes narrowed, sensing the intruder's intent before a single movement was made. The boy's small frame radiated a calm power, yet the aura of fear he instilled in the intruder was unmistakable.
With a swift movement, Mukul deflected an attack, his energy flowing like liquid steel. Each action was measured, precise, and lethal in its subtlety. The intruder faltered, taken aback by the power of a child seemingly no more than ten, yet already commanding skills beyond most adults.
Veer, Vanya, and Varun—cousins in training under Avni's guidance—watched in awe as Mukul handled the situation flawlessly. The boy's reputation as prodigy, strategist, and warrior was not an exaggeration.
The Masters' Decision
After the threat was neutralized, the masters convened in the inner chamber. Ishita Varma, Aditya's wife, spoke first. "Mukul has passed his first real test. His growth is extraordinary. But it is not just power we must guide—his heart, his alliances, and his future must also be carefully shaped."
Anaya Rathore, Kabir's wife and Ishita's sister, nodded. "He is destined to lead, to unite, and to build an empire far beyond what we see now. For that, he must have a bond with those who will share his journey."
Aditya Varma's expression was resolute. "It is decided. Our daughters—Vanya, Kiara, Sakura, Aarohi, Liya, and Sirisha—will be destined as Mukul's future companions. Each has been trained with purpose, in all fields: strategy, martial arts, intelligence, arts, diplomacy, and leadership. Together, they will form a force unmatched."
Kabir Rathore added, "Their union is not merely marital—it is strategic, emotional, and spiritual. Mukul's growth, the protection of our families, and the stability of his empire depend on these bonds."
Mukul's Understanding
Mukul, though young, listened quietly as the adults spoke. He understood the weight of the decision—not as a boy thinking of marriage, but as a future leader whose life was entwined with duty, strategy, and destiny. He nodded, calm and resolute.
"I understand," he said simply. "I will honor the guidance of my masters and the strength of the families. Together, we will ensure nothing threatens our world or my family."
Aditya Varma and Kabir Rathore exchanged a satisfied glance. Their pupil was ready—not just to face threats, but to embrace the responsibilities that came with being Avni Raichand, the heir, and the central figure of a growing empire.
The Shadow of Expansion
Meanwhile, across continents, Avni Raichand's network continued to expand, stretching into every corner of the globe. Intelligence operatives, diplomats, and strategists reported back in real-time, mapping the world's undercurrents, uncovering hidden threats, and locating leads on her missing children.
In this delicate balance, Mukul trained, matured, and faced the first of many dangers—a reminder that his life, power, and destiny were already entwined with war, strategy, and the unyielding ambition of the Raichand legacy.
And though the world had yet to see his full potential, one truth was clear: Mukul—the child of exile, trained in secret—was no ordinary heir. He was a force to be reckoned with.