Moonlight streamed through the tall glass window of Vyra’s room, its silver glow tracing the bruises on her back like ghostly fingers. The raw welts from her father’s whip still burned, but the deeper wounds—the ones carved into her very soul—hurt far more.

She sat on the edge of her bed, her posture rigid, her breathing measured. Not a single tear had fallen. Not because the pain wasn’t unbearable, but because she refused to give her father the satisfaction of seeing her break.

Each strike had been deliberate, each lash a lesson in obedience. A reminder.

Stay in line. Do not question. Do not defy.

Her father’s voice had been colder than the leather that tore through her flesh.

"Your duty is to the family, to Alok. You are not a child anymore, Vyra. You are a soldier. A blade must not waver."

Her fingers curled into fists, nails digging into her palm until they left crescent-shaped marks.

A blade.

That’s all she was to him. Not a daughter. Not a person. Just a weapon, sharpened by silence, wielded by his hand.

Her thoughts drifted back to Aryan, to the words he had spoken the night before.

"Di, I envy those people. They have something we never will."

Vyra understood that jealousy all too well.

Pawan, Krishna, Vikram—they had something she had never been allowed to taste.

Freedom.

The freedom to laugh without fear. To fight for themselves, not for an institution. To dream without shackles.

Her golden eyes flickered toward the dazzling skyline of Alok City beyond the glass. A city of illusions—grand, untouchable, shimmering with perfection on the outside but rotting from within.

She took a slow, sharp breath, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Not forever."

One day, she would break free.

Not as her father’s soldier.

Not as a pawn in his grand political game.

But as herself.

The grand hotel stood bathed in the golden hues of dawn, its elegance untouched by the whirlwind of chaos brewing inside.

Vikram leaned against the hallway wall, arms crossed, his patience hanging by a thread.

He had been awake for hours. Bags packed. Schedule memorized. Checklists complete. Punctual. Efficient. Responsible.

Unlike his companions.

With a long, suffering sigh, he marched toward Krishna’s room first. Raising his hand, he clapped loudly—once, twice, then again.

"Krishna, get up! We need to leave for the airship!"

A groggy groan came from beneath a tangle of blankets.

"Bhai, five more minutes… is the Grim Reaper waiting outside or what?"

Vikram rolled his eyes. "If you don’t get up in five minutes, I will be the Grim Reaper."

Ignoring Krishna’s lazy protests, he moved to Pawan’s room. He didn’t even knock this time—just pushed the door open.

Unsurprisingly, the scene was identical. Pawan was sprawled across the bed, buried under layers of blankets, mumbling sleepily.

"Why so early? We still have time…"

Vikram’s patience finally snapped.

"Time? Your five minutes more is the reason we’re always running late! GET UP!"

It took precisely ten minutes, two death threats, and Krishna getting thrown off his bed before both of them finally stumbled out of their rooms.

Pawan’s hair was a disaster.

Krishna still looked half-asleep.

And Vikram? Vikram looked like a man questioning every decision that had led him to this moment.

As they dragged themselves toward the dining hall, Krishna muttered under his breath,

"Bhai, I swear, if there’s an award for time management at Gurukul, Vikram is taking it home."

Pawan smirked. "And us?"

Krishna grinned, stretching lazily. "We’ll take home the Master of Laziness award."

Vikram exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Neither of you deserves anything except an alarm clock that kicks you out of bed."

Their laughter echoed through the grand dining hall as they finally sat down for breakfast. Despite Vikram’s constant grumbling, despite the stress of managing two walking disasters, the truth was simple.

He wouldn’t trade these two idiots for anything.

With an hour to spare before their departure, the trio wandered through the elite district of Alok City one last time. The streets gleamed under the soft morning sun, their surfaces pristine, untouched. Towering skyscrapers wrapped in green terraces and shimmering glass reflected the golden light, casting an ethereal glow over the district. Below, silver rivers wove through the city, mirroring the sky above, their gentle currents whispering secrets of a world both ancient and new.

Pawan stretched his arms, inhaling the crisp air, his gaze sweeping across the breathtaking scenery.

"Man, this city really is something else."

Krishna, ever the foodie, nodded in agreement but added with a dramatic sigh,

"Yeah, but something’s missing—street food!"

Vikram groaned, already dreading what was coming next.

"No! Not again! The last time you tried some exotic experiment, you ended up with a stomachache and nearly missed our schedule!"

Krishna smirked, completely unbothered.

"Bhai, life is about taking risks."

Pawan, always ready to back Krishna’s antics, grinned.

"He’s got a point. Tomorrow, Gurukul’s discipline starts. Shouldn’t we enjoy our last moments of freedom?"

Despite Vikram’s visible reluctance, he followed them—if only to make sure they didn’t poison themselves again.

Before long, they found themselves at a bustling street corner where rows of vibrant food stalls lined the path. The scent of sizzling spices and freshly baked bread filled the air, while vendors skillfully flipped skewers over open flames, their hands moving with practiced precision. Dishes shimmered with enchanted frost, and steaming bowls of aromatic broths promised flavors beyond imagination.

Krishna wasted no time, ordering a spicy flame-dusted kebab that crackled with magic-infused heat. Pawan opted for a fragrant rice dish, its aroma so inviting that even Vikram—despite his protests—ended up buying a fruit-infused drink, knowing full well that he might need to save his friends from the aftermath of their reckless choices.

As they ate, an unusual silence settled over them—not one of discomfort, but of unspoken understanding. Each of them felt the weight of what lay ahead.

Krishna, licking the lingering spice from his fingers, finally broke the quiet.

"I don’t know why, but I feel like everything is about to change once we step into Gurukul."

Pawan chuckled, but his gaze was distant, thoughtful.

"Maybe. But whatever comes our way, we’ll face it head-on."

Vikram, ever the realist, took a slow sip of his drink before nodding.

"This is just the beginning. The real journey starts now."

For a moment, they stood there, watching as the golden light bathed the cityscape of Alok, committing the sight to memory. By nightfall, this place would be behind them, nothing more than a chapter in their ever-growing story.

The walk toward the airship terminal was quieter than before. The playful banter had softened, replaced by a hum of anticipation and uncertainty.

None of them knew what awaited them at Triveni Gurukul.

Would it be the paradise of knowledge they had been promised?

Or a battlefield where only the strongest would survive?

The unknown stretched before them like a winding path shrouded in mist.

One thing, however, was certain—

The world they thought they knew was about to change forever.

The illusions of peace were fading.

And the true Omniverse was about to begin.

The Alok City Airship Terminal was nothing short of breathtaking—a seamless blend of nature and technology, where towering glass domes stretched toward the heavens, their surfaces kissed by the morning sun. Sprawling green vines and vertical gardens wove through the futuristic masterpiece, giving the entire structure a pulse of life. Below, artificial streams ran alongside the gleaming floors, their waters reflecting the soft golden light filtering through expansive skylights. The air thrummed with a quiet hum of efficiency, punctuated by the steady murmur of travelers moving with purpose.

Sleek android attendants glided between the crowds, their silent yet efficient movements ensuring seamless order in the controlled chaos. Hovercrafts zipped overhead, ferrying VIPs and officials to their exclusive lounges. The entire terminal felt less like a mere transport hub and more like a gateway to another world.

As the trio stepped out of their AI-driven car, the sheer vastness of the terminal swallowed them whole.

Pawan adjusted the strap of his bag and let out a low whistle. “Bhai, this place looks like something straight out of a dream.”

Krishna’s eyes swept across the grandeur before them. “It feels like we’ve walked onto the set of a sci-fi movie.”

Pawan smirked, elbowing him. “Not a movie set, you idiot. This is real life.”

Vikram, ever the responsible one, barely spared the stunning surroundings a second glance. His focus was singular—getting their boarding passes and making it onto the airship on time.

“Come on, let’s find the check-in counter. If I leave it to you two, we’ll still be wandering around here next year.”

Krishna scoffed. “Wow, that was a little uncalled for, don’t you think?”

Pawan slung an arm around him with a chuckle. “Get used to it, bhai. This is your entire Gurukul life now.”

And with that, the trio set off, stepping deeper into their next adventure.

The terminal was a living, breathing marvel—a place where cutting-edge technology and human ingenuity existed in perfect harmony.

Towering holographic displays shimmered overhead, displaying real-time flight schedules and travel advisories in sleek, shifting letters. Floating drones buzzed around, relaying announcements in crystal-clear voices, while hovering pods zipped overhead, seamlessly transporting VIPs to their private lounges.

Luggage conveyors moved on their own, snaking through the crowds like trained creatures, never bumping into a single traveler. Meanwhile, android attendants, their metallic forms wrapped in elegant uniforms, moved with an eerie precision, their synthetic voices calm and polite as they assisted passengers.

Vikram, spotting one such android standing near an information panel, stepped forward.

"Excuse me, we need to get to the reserved check-in counter. We have a booking."

The android’s glowing blue eyes flickered momentarily as it processed his request. Then, in a smooth, synthesized tone, it responded:

“Of course, sir. Please follow me. I will guide you.”

The trio exchanged glances before following the android, their footsteps muffled against the polished marble floors.

Krishna nudged Pawan, whispering, “Bhai, are we really getting VIP treatment, or did we accidentally hijack someone else’s booking?”

Pawan grinned. “Maybe the Gurukul took a loan just to make us feel special.”

Vikram sighed, rubbing his temple. “Whether they took a loan or not, that’s not our problem. Just take your boarding pass and try not to cause any trouble.”

Moments later, they arrived at an exclusive reserved reception counter, where a human receptionist handed over their boarding passes with almost surreal efficiency. The process was so seamless, so effortless, it felt like magic.

Krishna turned his pass over between his fingers, frowning slightly. “This doesn’t look like a regular ticket.”

Pawan inspected his own, running a thumb over the shimmering emblem embedded in its surface. “Must be something special for Gurukul students.”

Vikram pocketed his pass and adjusted his bag. “We’ll figure it out later. For now, let’s just find our boarding gate.”

And with that, they stepped forward—toward the unknown, toward Triveni Gurukul, and toward a future that none of them could yet comprehend.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Vyra: A Silent Storm in the Corridors of Power

Across the vast city of Alok, within the cold corridors of power, Vyra moved with an unshaken grace—a silent storm, contained yet seething beneath the surface.

The pain from last night’s punishment still lingered, raw and unrelenting, etched into her skin like a brand. Each step she took was a reminder of the gilded prison she lived in, a cage dressed in luxury and privilege. Yet, her expression remained unreadable, her posture poised, a mask she had long perfected.

She had no time for weakness.

Just as she was slipping into her familiar routine of silent endurance, a knock echoed through the cold morning air.

"Di… can I come in?"

Aryan’s hesitant voice cut through the silence.

Vyra took a slow breath before responding. "Come in."

The door creaked open, revealing Aryan’s concerned face. He hesitated at the threshold before stepping inside, his eyes scanning her carefully.

"Di… are you okay?" His voice was soft, laced with an unspoken fear.

Vyra forced a small, measured smile—one that revealed nothing, one she had given him countless times before. "I’m fine. Don’t worry."

But Aryan wasn’t convinced. He sat beside her, his fingers curling into fists. "Di, I feel terrible… If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have—"

Vyra placed a firm yet gentle hand on his shoulder, cutting him off. "Aryan, this isn’t your fault. It never was." Her voice was steady, though beneath it lay an undercurrent of unspoken defiance. "This is because of the system, because of the rules that were written long before either of us was born. But I promise you…" her fingers tightened slightly, "One day, it will all change."

Aryan’s eyes burned with admiration. "Di, you’re incredible. I don’t know how you stay so strong."

Vyra studied him for a long moment, her golden eyes softer than usual. "And you, Aryan… You are this family’s real hope. Never change. Never lose that part of yourself."

As Aryan finally left, Vyra turned toward the mirror, staring at her own reflection.

If only she could believe in herself the way he did.

The Departure: The End of One Journey, The Beginning of Another

The airship terminal’s boarding gate loomed ahead, an architectural masterpiece bathed in ethereal blue light. Beyond it, suspended in the sky, was the vessel that would take them to Triveni Gurukul—a floating titan, sleek and formidable, crafted for the elite, for those chosen to carve their destinies.

This was the moment.

The moment when illusions were left behind, and the truth of their journey began.

Vikram led the way, his steps precise and unwavering, a man always prepared for what lay ahead.

Krishna, for once, had fallen quiet. The air had changed—his usual excitement now laced with a nervous energy he couldn’t quite shake.

Pawan lingered for a second longer, his gaze drifting back toward the glowing cityscape of Alok. He had arrived here wide-eyed, enchanted by its futuristic splendor. Now, as he was leaving, the illusion had cracked.

This wasn’t paradise.

It was a beautiful lie.

A hushed announcement echoed overhead. The final boarding call.

"Let’s go," Vikram’s voice pulled him back to reality. "From here on out, a new journey begins."

Pawan inhaled deeply, adjusting the strap of his bag.

Then, without another word, he stepped forward.

Ahead of them lay Triveni Gurukul—the unknown, the trials, the truths they had yet to uncover.

Behind them?

The illusion of peace they had lived in was beginning to crumble.

The real Omniverse had begun.

With time to spare before boarding, the trio wandered through the sprawling Alok City Airship Terminal, marveling at its seamless fusion of nature and technology. The sheer scale of the terminal was breathtaking—a futuristic sanctuary where lush greenery intertwined with gleaming metallic structures, artificial waterfalls cascaded over polished stone, and suspended walkways stretched between towering glass domes.

Everywhere they looked, innovation and elegance danced in perfect harmony. Automated cafés buzzed with life, their holographic menus displaying an array of artisanal drinks and exotic snacks. With a simple tap, steaming cups of coffee and delicacies appeared as if by magic. Open lounges lined the terminal’s upper decks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Alok City's golden skyline, where the futuristic cityscape shimmered beneath the setting sun.

Krishna's eyes gleamed as they passed a food stall, its glowing sign advertising exotic delicacies from across the continent.

"Bhai, I’m starving. Let’s grab something to eat," he nudged Pawan eagerly.

Pawan sighed, shaking his head. "Why is food always your first priority?"

Krishna shrugged, unbothered. "A full stomach means a working brain."

Vikram, who stood a few steps ahead, rolled his eyes. "You two will never change, will you?"

Despite his usual reluctance, Pawan found himself following Krishna to the stall. Moments later, they were savoring a plate of spicy dumplings paired with chilled beverages, the rich aroma of fragrant spices filling the air. The warmth of the food melted seamlessly into the cool, refreshing aftertaste of their drinks.

Vikram, ever the responsible one, barely touched his snack. His focus remained on their itinerary, ensuring they stayed on track for their flight.

The Call to Adventure

As they enjoyed their meal, a crisp, automated voice echoed through the hidden speakers spread throughout the terminal.

"Attention, passengers. Boarding for Uri City airship is now open at Gateways 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9, 10, 11, 12. Please proceed to your designated gates."

Vikram immediately checked their boarding passes. "Gate 2. We need to move now, or we’ll be late."

Pawan groaned dramatically, dragging his feet like a man headed toward his own execution. "Bhai, why the rush? Relax. This airship isn't going to leave without us."

Vikram shot him a deadpan look. "If I left things to you, we’d miss every flight, every time."

Without further argument, he marched ahead, forcing Krishna and Pawan to reluctantly pick up the pace.

Boarding the Airship: A Floating Marvel

As they approached Gateway 2, their steps slowed, awe settling over them. Through the massive glass walls of the terminal, the airship loomed before them—a magnificent titan of steel and sky, floating effortlessly in the golden hues of twilight.

Its sleek metallic body shimmered like liquid silver, reflecting the world around it in a polished mirror sheen. Its wings extended outward, lined with a subtle blue glow, the faint hum of its levitation engines resonating through the air.

Passengers gathered near the boarding bridge, their excitement palpable in the excited murmurs and scattered laughter that filled the space.

The moment they stepped inside, the transition was seamless—as if crossing into another world.

The first thing to greet them was the open deck, an expansive panoramic space of glass and steel that offered an unobstructed view of the endless sky. The floor hummed gently beneath their feet, a constant reminder of the advanced technology keeping them afloat. A soft breeze drifted through the space, carrying with it the crisp, invigorating scent of the open air.

Krishna leaned against the glass railing, his eyes reflecting the boundless sky. "Bhai, this… this is like a dream."

Pawan exhaled deeply, letting the moment settle over him. "A dream coming true, Krishna. Enjoy every second of it."

Even Vikram, ever the realist, couldn't hide the subtle glint of admiration in his eyes. "Compared to what awaits us at Triveni Gurukul… this is nothing."

As the airship prepared for takeoff, the trio stood at the edge of the sky, their hearts pounding—not just with anticipation, but with the weight of everything yet to come.

Because this wasn’t just a journey.

It was the beginning of a new world.

A Fateful Encounter in the Skies

The trio stood in quiet awe, absorbing the breathtaking view around them. The vast sky stretched endlessly beyond the glass railing, painted in shades of gold and crimson as the sun dipped toward the horizon. The air hummed with an almost ethereal stillness, as if the world itself were holding its breath in anticipation of the journey ahead.

Then—Krishna suddenly froze in place, his wide eyes flickering with shock before lighting up with excitement.

He grabbed Pawan’s arm, shaking him with uncontained energy.

"Bhai! Look over there—it's Vyra!"

Pawan followed Krishna’s gaze, his expression shifting from curiosity to intrigue.

Standing near the railing, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, was Vyra. The warm light kissed the edges of her long, auburn hair, streaked with shimmering red—flames caught mid-dance in the evening breeze. Her stance was poised, rigid yet effortless, exuding the kind of presence that demanded attention without asking for it.

A lone ember against the vast sky.

Before Pawan could react, Krishna was already darting forward.

Pawan and Vikram exchanged knowing glances before reluctantly following suit.

A Reunion at the Edge of the World

Krishna called out, his voice carrying over the low hum of the airship.

"Di! Here too?! What are the chances?!"

Vyra turned slowly, her expression calm—almost unreadable—but for the briefest moment, her sharp eyes flickered with something unspoken. Surprise.

Her gaze swept over the three of them, lingering just long enough to register their presence before she spoke.

"What are you all doing here?" Her voice was measured, calculated—as if already anticipating an answer before they could give it.

Krishna grinned, his excitement woven into his words. "We’re going to the same Gurukul as you! Would you believe that?"

Pawan leaned against the cool metal of the railing, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Fate seems to enjoy making us run into you, Di."

Vyra studied him for a moment, her golden eyes unreadable. Then—just for a fleeting second—the corner of her lips twitched upward, the closest thing to a smile they had ever seen from her.

Gone as quickly as it appeared.

"Let’s see," she said, her tone carrying the hint of a challenge, "how many times fate manages to save you in Gurukul."

A smirk glinted across Pawan’s face, his intrigue only deepening. "We trust our fate, Di. It’s always been good to us."

Vyra held his gaze for a beat longer, a silent storm brewing in her eyes before she turned her attention back toward the endless sky.

A deep tremor ran through the airship, a low hum turning into a full-bodied roar as the engines came to life. The soft murmurs of passengers quieted, replaced by the growing anticipation of departure.

This was it.

The airship had begun its ascent, lifting off into the unknown.

Their journey to Triveni Gurukul had officially begun.

And for better or worse, their paths were now entwined by fate itself.

The airship, now in motion, carried them higher into the skies. The shimmering city of Alok faded into the distance, replaced by a vast expanse of clouds and the promise of new adventures. Unbeknownst to them, the path ahead would intertwine their fates in ways none of them could foresee.

Before leaving Vyra turned slowly, her sharp gaze sweeping over the trio. Her expression remained unreadable—neither welcoming nor hostile. She acknowledged Vikram’s polite nod with the barest tilt of her head but didn’t utter a word.

Pawan, however, barely spared her a glance. His silence wasn’t just indifference—it was deliberate. A cold wall that did not go unnoticed.

Vyra’s golden eyes lingered on him for a moment longer, but she said nothing. Instead, she turned on her heel and walked away, heading toward the airship’s interior without another word.

Krishna, never one to let things be, immediately followed after her, throwing out question after question in an attempt to strike up a conversation. Vikram and Pawan exchanged glances, then sighed in unison before following at a more measured pace.

The group soon arrived at a grand hall inside the airship—a lounge reserved for the elite-class passengers.

The chandeliers glittered with a soft, golden glow, their intricate crystals casting fractured light across the polished floors. Elegant figures clad in tailored suits and flowing gowns moved about the hall, their conversations hushed and refined. The air smelled of expensive wine, exotic spices, and quiet arrogance.

Pawan, Krishna, and Vikram, in their casual attire and relaxed demeanor, stood out like sore thumbs.

But if that bothered them, they didn’t show it.

Krishna’s eyes immediately locked onto the lavish buffet at the far end of the hall. Plates stacked high with succulent meats, delicately spiced curries, golden-crusted pastries, and sparkling beverages lined the long, polished table.

His face lit up like a child at a festival.

Grabbing Pawan’s arm, he practically dragged him forward. “Bhai, look at this feast! This is straight out of a king’s palace!”

Pawan, initially hesitant, sniffed the air—and that was all it took. The rich, mouthwatering aroma was too much to resist.

Without a second thought, the two stormed the buffet like men who hadn’t eaten in days. In seconds, their plates were stacked high, and they were sampling every exotic dish in sight, completely oblivious to the disapproving stares of the elite passengers around them.

From across the hall, Vyra sighed, shaking her head before turning to Vikram. “This is the VIP lounge. Regular passengers board through Gates 4-8. How exactly did they get in here?”

Vikram opened his mouth to explain, but before he could, a familiar, arrogant voice sliced through the air like a blade.

“How did these peasants get in here?”

A hush fell over the room as the words rang out, thick with condescension.

Pawan and Krishna barely flinched, continuing to enjoy their meal in blissful ignorance.

From the far side of the lounge, Ravi Kumar approached, his ever-present lackeys trailing behind him like obedient shadows. His smirk radiated pure superiority, his eyes gleaming with unmasked arrogance.

“Who let these beggars in?” Ravi sneered, ensuring his voice carried through the hall, catching the attention of curious onlookers.

Pawan and Krishna exchanged a silent glance.

Pawan’s expression: “Not interested. Keep eating.”

Krishna’s smirk: “Agreed. This food is way more important.”

And just like that, they both turned back to their plates, resuming their meal as if Ravi didn’t exist.

The utter lack of acknowledgment made Ravi’s blood boil. He wasn’t just being ignored—he was being dismissed. Nothing infuriated him more.

The Aggravation

“You deaf or just dumb?” Ravi snapped, stepping closer. “I’m talking to you!”

Krishna, still chewing, didn’t even bother looking up. “Oh? You’re still here? I thought you got carried away by the wind.”

A ripple of suppressed laughter spread through the elite guests. Even those who had initially looked down on the trio found themselves entertained.

Ravi’s jaw tightened. His gaze flickered toward Vyra, who stood nearby, arms crossed, watching in silence.

She had always despised him. But seeing her standing among them—outsiders—made something in him snap.

“You lot don’t belong here,” Ravi spat, his voice coiled with frustration. “People like you ruin the prestige of this place.”

For the first time, Pawan sighed, placing his fork down and wiping his mouth with deliberate slowness.

Then, he leaned back, his green eyes locking onto Ravi’s with quiet amusement.

“And you belong here?” Pawan asked lazily. “Because if we’re judging by your lack of manners, you seem more like a street thug than an elite.”

Krishna grinned. “Exactly! Look at him—he admitted it himself. Ravi, don’t worry. You can be the official clown of the VIP section.”

More laughter erupted from nearby guests. Some of them—who had previously dismissed the newcomers—were now smirking at Ravi’s predicament.

The Breaking Point

Ravi’s face turned red, his ego cracking under the public humiliation.

“How dare you insult me?” he snarled, his hands clenching into fists.

Then—he raised his hand. A reckless, rage-driven reaction.

A mistake.

Before he could take another step, Vikram moved.

With swift, measured precision, he stepped between Ravi and his friends. His stance was calm yet unshakable, his imposing presence alone sending a silent warning.

“Enough, Ravi.” Vikram’s voice was deep and steady, carrying the weight of finality. “If you want to save whatever is left of your reputation, walk away now.”

For a second, Ravi hesitated.

He knew that continuing this fight would only embarrass him further.

His hands remained clenched, but after a tense beat, he forced himself to step back.

“This isn’t over,” he muttered venomously. “You may have escaped today, but I’ll make sure this was the last time.”

With that, he turned sharply on his heel, storming away with his lackeys scrambling to follow.

An Unlikely Impression

As the tension dissolved, Pawan stretched his arms lazily.

“Finally. Now we can eat in peace.”

Vyra, who had watched the entire exchange without a word, finally spoke.

“Your approach to situations is… unusual.” She paused for a moment. “But interesting.”

She turned toward Aryan, her expression softening slightly. “Come on, let’s find our seats.”

Krishna leaned over to Pawan with a mischievous grin. “Bhai, I have to admit—teasing Ravi is way too much fun.”

Pawan chuckled, picking up his fork again. “You’re not wrong, Krishna. But let’s be honest—this trip? It’s only getting started.”

As the airship soared toward Uri City, the trio knew this was just the beginning.

An adventure awaited.

And the world would never be the same again.

The tension in the airship’s luxurious hall was thick enough to cut with a knife. Ravi Kumar, still fuming from his repeated humiliation at Pawan and Krishna’s hands, refused to let them have the last laugh. His ego wouldn’t allow it.

His lips curled into a sneer, and his voice rang out loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Is there no one here to maintain order?” he barked, ensuring the attention of the attendants and every curious bystander nearby.

The impeccably dressed airship attendants, who had been gracefully serving the elite passengers, immediately hurried over. One of them—a young man with a calm and professional demeanor—stepped forward and bowed slightly.

“What seems to be the issue, sir?” he asked politely.

Ravi, savoring the attention, dramatically gestured toward Pawan and Krishna, his voice dripping with contempt.

“Who let these lowlifes in here?”

A wave of murmurs rippled through the lounge. Some passengers turned their eyes toward the trio, their curiosity piqued by the commotion. Others—clearly familiar with Ravi’s tantrums—exchanged tired glances but remained silent, watching how things would unfold.

The lead attendant, maintaining his composed expression, turned to Pawan and Krishna. With a respectful nod, he asked,

“Sir, may I see your boarding passes?”

Before Pawan or Krishna could even reach for their pockets, Vikram, who had been watching the situation unfold from a short distance away, stepped in. His sharp eyes met the attendant’s, and without hesitation, he retrieved their boarding passes and handed them over.

The attendant scanned the tickets—and froze.

His neutral expression morphed into pure disbelief.

The golden shimmer of the Royal Class Boarding Passes practically glowed under the lounge’s soft lighting.

A stunned silence settled over the room. The scattered murmurs grew into a hushed roar as the realization hit.

These three young men—mocked and ridiculed just moments ago—weren’t just regular passengers. They belonged to the highest travel class on this airship.

A delicious irony swept through the air.

Ravi’s smug expression wavered. His eyes flickered rapidly between the golden boarding passes and the trio standing in front of him, as if his brain was struggling to process this new reality.

Pawan and Krishna… were VIPs?

The same Pawan and Krishna he had just called lowlifes?

The attendant straightened immediately, his previously neutral demeanor shifting into one of pure professionalism and respect. He lowered his head slightly, his voice carrying the weight of a sincere apology.

“My deepest apologies, sir. I regret any misunderstanding. Please forgive my mistake.”

Then, with a practiced bow, he gestured toward the private suites.

“Would you like me to escort you to your quarters?”

Pawan, who had been watching the entire exchange with mild amusement, finally smirked. He turned to Krishna, whose grin was already wide enough to rival the Cheshire Cat’s.

Krishna stepped forward, placing a mock-sympathetic hand on Ravi’s shoulder.

“Dude, we tried to warn you,” he sighed, shaking his head dramatically. “We can’t adopt you. We’re rich, sure, but we’re still not old enough to be your parents.”

The room erupted in laughter.

Some passengers chuckled under their breath, while others openly laughed, enjoying the spectacle of Ravi’s latest downfall.

Ravi’s face flushed a deep red, his fists clenching at his sides. But what could he say?

No comeback. No insult. Just a crushing silence as the weight of his humiliation settled in.

Pawan, Krishna, and Vikram—victorious and utterly entertained—casually strolled away, following the attendant toward their luxurious private suites.

But just as they reached the exit, Krishna couldn’t resist one last jab.

He turned back, flashing Ravi one final smirk.

“Nice meeting you, buddy. Next time we see you, just hand over your parents’ contact details—we’ll get the adoption papers ready.”

The laughter that followed was deafening.

Ravi, utterly defeated and burning with rage, stormed off in the opposite direction, his lackeys trailing behind him like lost puppies.

As the trio entered the private wing, Pawan stretched lazily, letting out a relaxed sigh.

“Finally. Now we can actually enjoy this trip in peace.”

Krishna grinned, flashing his boarding pass like a trophy. “Bhai, I never thought this trip would be this entertaining. We haven’t even reached Gurukul yet!”

Vikram shook his head, amused but unsurprised. “Let’s just hope you two don’t cause any international incidents before we land.”

The airship soared high above the clouds, carrying them toward their destined future at Triveni Gurukul.

And though they didn’t know it yet, this was only the beginning of a much larger game—one that would test their strength, their bonds, and their very identities.

But for now?

For now, they would savor this small but satisfying victory.

Vyra, who had silently observed the entire encounter, couldn't help but be slightly impressed. Though their methods were unconventional, these three certainly had a way of turning situations in their favor.

Her lips twitched in amusement.

The night stretched infinitely beyond the transparent walls of Pawan’s Royal Class suite aboard the Airship Luxor. Below, the vast Alok-Uri Oceanic Border shimmered under the moonlight, its endless waters glowing like liquid silver. The airship, a marvel of modern engineering, cut through the high-altitude currents at supersonic speed, a silent guardian of the night sky.

Pawan lay sprawled across the plush, silk-laden king-sized bed, his gaze tracing the intricate patterns of the holographic starfield projected onto the ceiling. His suite was nothing short of a floating palace, blending opulence with advanced technology.

The marble-textured floors, gold-embroidered furnishings, and adaptive walls—capable of turning transparent at his command—offered an uninterrupted view of the vast expanse beyond. Yet, despite the overwhelming luxury, a strange emptiness lingered in his chest.

"So, this is it…" The thought echoed in his mind.

By sunrise, he would be in Uri City—far from Singh House, far from his parents, Govind, and little Puja. The realization left an unsettling void in him.

But then, his thoughts drifted to the one presence that never left his side.

“I’m not alone… Chee is with me.”

A soft smile touched his lips. The thought of her unwavering loyalty, her quiet yet comforting presence, anchored his heart.

“As long as she’s with me, anywhere can feel like home.”

With that thought, exhaustion finally settled in. His eyelids grew heavy, and within moments, the rhythmic hum of the airship’s engines cradled him into sleep.

Midnight Over the Alok-Uri Border

As the Airship Luxor continued its journey, it crossed the Alok-Uri Continental Barrier precisely at midnight.

The transition was seamless to those asleep, but for Uri’s high-ranking officials, this was a moment of absolute vigilance.

Uri City, known for its technological supremacy and military precision, maintained an unparalleled surveillance network. Unseen to the naked eye, thousands of AI drones, military-grade satellites, and high-energy scanners continuously monitored the airspace, analyzing every incoming vessel in real time.

But the Airship Luxor carried clearance codes authorized by Triveni Gurukul, allowing it to pass without hindrance.

Still, in the shadows, unseen forces observed, calculated, and prepared for every possible contingency.

Dawn Over Uri City

At exactly 5:00 AM, as the first golden rays of dawn kissed the horizon, the Airship Luxor began its descent toward the Uri City Mega-Terminal.

The terminal was unlike anything seen before—a floating metropolis, suspended by an advanced gravity-defying system. It hovered thousands of feet above the ground, serving as the gateway to the most powerful city on the continent.

Beneath it, a labyrinth of sky highways, magnetic rail systems, and aerial transport stations weaved together in perfect synchronization. Millions of people flowed through the city like a living, breathing machine, each movement calculated, efficient, and seamless.

With laser precision, the Airship Luxor docked. A soft, automated voice filled the halls:

> "Welcome to Uri City Air Terminal. Please disembark in an orderly manner. We hope you had a pleasant journey."

The First Glimpse of Uri City

Inside the Royal Class suites, a gentle chime stirred its passengers awake.

Pawan’s eyes fluttered open, momentarily disoriented. For a brief second, he had forgotten where he was.

Then, his gaze drifted toward the floor-to-ceiling window—and his breath hitched.

Uri City wasn’t just a city—it was the future, brought to life.

Towering skyscrapers of reinforced crystal-glass stretched endlessly into the heavens, their surfaces reflecting neon holograms and digital landscapes. Suspended platforms floated effortlessly between colossal bridges, connecting the city’s layers in a seamless network of gravity-defying engineering.

It wasn’t just advanced. It was unreal.

A soft knock at the door snapped him out of his trance.

"They must be awake."

Shaking off the last remnants of sleep, Pawan stepped out, just as Vikram and Krishna exited their suites.

Krishna stretched lazily, rubbing his eyes. "Bhai, you said airship travel was supposed to be relaxing… but it feels like I’ve lost years of sleep."

Pawan smirked, adjusting his jacket. "I think the airship enjoyed the journey more than us."

Vikram, already dressed and fully alert, glanced at them with his usual no-nonsense expression. "Enough talking. Our guide will be arriving soon."

As they walked through the grand hallway toward the exit, the reality settled in—

This wasn’t Alok City.

This was Uri City—the beating heart of power, technology, and the unknown.

And their real journey?

It had just begun.

Welcome to Uri City.

To be continued.....