KGF Spin-Off (Garuda x Sonal)

Chapter 6

I was in the back seat of the car with Papa. We were on our way to El Dorado and I was seeing Bangalore through a passing window. Yesterday I was so busy talking to Papa that I did not get the chance to see my hometown properly. So many things had stayed the same and so many things had changed. 

"Papa, There use to be a flower shop over there right beside the Kathi roll shop. What happened to those shops? " I asked Papa. " I remember you used to like kathi roll from that shop quite a lot. But beta that shop closed around a year ago some builders wanted to make a new nightclub there." Rajendra Desai answered while looking at the sad face of his daughter. " We will find a new place for you to eat kathi roll beta. Don't be sad, how about this both of us will go to different kathi roll shoppes next Sunday ?"

 After hearing this I got happy as I will get to spend a whole day with Papa. But still, it was a bit upsetting that the shop got sold off as I had gotten familiar with the shop owners. I am wondering where they are now as I was looking out the window.

 Sonal shared with her father about her studies and what she had learned, along with her plans for implementing her knowledge once she completes her studies and joins her father's business. Her father mentioned how she could also assist her husband in running the business or even start her own, citing Rani's plan to open her own clothing and shoe shops.

 Kamal wasn't particularly pleased about this prospect, but he refrained from expressing dissent as Rani had already received permission from their father, granted as a promise for any gift on her 18th birthday. Rani had sought permission and funding to kick start her own business as her birthday gift. Sonal found it puzzling how Kamal, her own brother or uncle, could have any reservations about her running a business, especially given her excellent knowledge of fashion. She knew Rani was planning to combine traditional Indian embroidery with Western comfort in her clothing designs.

Sonal's father was supportive of Rani's business endeavors, having granted her permission as her future father-in-law. With such backing, Kamal found himself powerless to intervene. Initially, Sonal expressed her desire to work alongside her father and brother in the family business, deferring any decisions about her own ventures until later. She conveyed this sentiment to her father, stating, "I want to first gain experience with you and my brother, and afterward, I will decide what I want to do."

Sonal also told her father about some of the new friends she had made in London and their activities. Unbeknownst to her, her father kept a vigilant eye on her circle of friends, mindful of the potential for someone to take advantage of his naive and innocent daughter. However, Sonal remained unaware of his protective scrutiny.

It took us about 4 hours to reach Uncle Suryavardhan's home or should I say the palace. Uncle has earned a lot from limestone mining. I can count on my fingers how many times I had came here as my uncle does not like visitors at his home. Whenever I come the place always amazes me but I also never feel comfortable or at ease here. I don't know the reason why I feel like there is a big black cloud hovering over this beautiful palace.  As I climbed out of the car I see like always there were guards standing at every corner of the house. I know they were watching us closely and I never liked it that so many people's eyes were on me.

A servant escorted us to Uncle's room. I have never seen his room before as in any event I meet him in the living room right beside the entrance hall. His room is big with a high ceiling. I see him with his back resting against the headboard of the bed, he is looking pale and tired not at all like the intimidating man he was the last time I saw him.

 As he sees me he says " How are you, Beti?" He says this without any change of expression on his face. I was never able to read his face but I can see a little of happiness in his eyes as he is happy to see me. " I am fine uncle. How is your health ?" I said this while I went near him and touched his feet lightly to take his blessings.

 He puts his hand on my head and says " I have missed you beta." I sit near him on a chair beside the bed with sadness in my eyes while saying " I missed you too uncle." Papa went to sit on the chair at the back of the room giving us some space to talk. " How is your health uncle?" I asked again. He answered " I am feeling much better now as I have seen you. When did you get back from London?" Sonal - " I just got back yesterday, Uncle."

Right then Uncle started coughing and I pass him some water from the bedside table. I was feeling downhearted seeing him in this condition. After drinking some water he then calls a servant and says " Tell Garuda I want to see him." The servant bows his head and then leaves the room. Then me and uncle started talking about many random things. As I was telling him about my favorite places that visited in London Garuda enters the room.