TPQ One Shots

10 years ago... (Part 2)

A/N - WE JS HIT 20K. I CANNOT THANK ALL OF YOU ENOUGH OML. being here and writing is actually one of the best feelings and i can gladly say this is probably one of my safe spaces. thank you so so so much for reading my book and i literally cannot thank any of you enough. sooo in celebration of 20k and 60 chapters, here's the long-awaited part two! enjoy!

- Vee

Note: 'Divya Sabha' means Divine Hall in Sanskrit (I think)

"Took you two long enough," grumbled Brynne. "I thought I'd need to drag you here myself."

Usually, Aru would've said something to counter her sister's snide remark, but right now, she couldn't bring to say anything.

From the moment she and Aiden had entered the Divya Sabha, Aru's stomach churned uncomfortably.

The hall itself was gorgeous, a shimmering display of light and colour that felt at odds with the sombre tone of the event. A long banner hung above the stage, proclaiming: 10 Years of Peace: Honouring the Heroes of the Otherworld.

Aru's heartbeat quickened as the crowd turned toward them, whispers rippling through the room.

"Welcome, lovely citizens of the Otherworld in our celebration to honour 10 years of peace," said Urvashi at the front of the hall.

Her dark skin glowed and her emerald green Kanchipuram Saree shimmered, perfectly matching her gold temple jewellery. Urvashi's dark hair was pinned back into an elegant bun, wrapped in fresh jasmine and her eyes were lined with dark kajal.

Aru's fingers tightened around the folds of her citron dress as she scanned the room. The Divya Sabha was packed with celestial beings, Otherworldly leaders, and mortals who had played a role in the restoration of peace.

Yet, amidst the glimmering jewellery and vibrant silks, Aru felt weirdly exposed.

"You alright?" Aiden's voice was low and steady, a grounding force against the rising storm in her chest.

She glanced at him, his warm, concerned gaze soothing the edges of her unease. "I'm fine," she lied.

Aiden didn't look convinced, but he didn't push. Instead, he rested a reassuring hand on the small of her back.

"Today, we gather not only to honour the heroes who brought peace to the Otherworld," Urvashi continued, her voice commanding yet melodic, "but to reflect on the sacrifices made to reach this moment."

Aru's breath hitched at the word sacrifices.

"For too long, the narrative has been one-sided," Urvashi said, her gaze sweeping the crowd. "Tonight, we will remember not just the victories but the complexities-the humanity of those we once deemed villains."

Aru's eyes widened. What if Urvashi was trying to shift the narrative?

As Urvashi concluded her speech and invited guests to mingle before the next segment of the program, Brynne nudged Aru. "You're up soon, Shah."

"Don't remind me," Aru muttered, her palms clammy.

"You'll do great," Mini piped in, appearing by her side with a beaming smile. She held a tray of sweets that she somehow always managed to procure, offering one to Aru. "Rasgulla for courage?"

"I thought you were against these," said Aru, smirking.

"Having sugar once in a while isn't totally bad for you, Aru," huffed Mini.

"Yes, Doctor," teased Aru, taking a rasgulla from her tray. Aru immediately regretted her decision as eating the sweet only made her stomach churn further.