"Stay away from him!" her voice echoed.
Snehwal turned around and his eyes fell on the woman—whose eyes sparkled so brightly that anyone would exclaim, "Wow, what beauty!"
She appeared tall, strong, and perfectly balanced. Broad shoulders, a slim waist, and every proportion flawless. Her skin was smooth and radiant, reflecting the strength and determination of a warrior.
Her attire was even more captivating—a deep red saree, sheer and flowing, adorned with intricate golden embroidery and patterns. The blouse was bronze-colored, with a carved, metal-like plate fitted over her chest. Her jewelry included a jeweled tikka on her forehead, large earrings, a multi-layered necklace around her neck, and numerous bangles on her arms—all adorned with gold and gemstones. Her long, thick hair flowed in the wind, enhancing her power and allure.
For a moment, she looked directly at Snehwal, reached out her hand, and said,
"My dear, you haven't been hurt, have you?"
Snehwal was startled and said thoughtfully,
"My dear…?"
She gave a slight smile and said,
"Heh… now, who are you?"
Then she grabbed Snehwal's hand, pulled him closer, and hugged him tightly. In that moment, Snehal's mind was filled with questions and confusion.
She was about to kiss Snehwal on the cheek—
"My Mithu… you're alive!"
But Snehwal stepped back.
"Who are you?" he asked, cautious and puzzled.
Then an excited, sweet voice echoed—
"My Mithu! How could you forget me like this?"
"I am… your Liora."
Snehwal was shocked and said,
"Liora…? Who is Liora?"
Seeing this, the injured Velika and Arshiyana on the ground were taken aback.
Velika said irritably,
"This can't be."
Arshiana groaned and said,
"Our queen Lith had already killed him."
"Is this really… him?"
Snehwal, panicking at that moment, stepped back and said, "He… Goddess! Who are you?"
A fire gleamed in Liora's eyes, and she said in a slow but firm voice, "I am Liora. How can you forget me?"
Snehwal stammered, "Look… Goddess, I don't know you."
At this, Velika did not remain silent—her laughter made the atmosphere even heavier.
Liora exploded with anger, her voice trembling,
"You don't know me… and there is a child of yours, as big as you!"
Snehwal's mind went blank. He almost shouted,
"Goddess… a child as big as me? I… I am still… you don't know me!"
A mix of fear and shame forced him to try to escape. He slowly began to step back.
Seizing this opportunity, Velika and Arshyiana immediately disappeared from the spot.
But Liora, with her swift movements, caught Snehwal. Questions and anger both glimmered in her eyes.
Snehwal put on a crying expression and muttered,
"Let me go… I haven't even seen you properly!"
Liora glared at him with cold eyes and said,
"I saved you, and you're trying to run away like this?"
Snehwal quickly said,
"Thank you for saving my life… and my life… is in Lily."
At that moment, he realized—it was a mistake. He shouldn't have mentioned Lily's name here.
Liora's anger reached its peak. She asked, her gaze sharp,
"Who is Lily? That Yakshini?"
Snehwal's soul shivered.
Liora's cheeks turned red with a mix of anger and fear.
"Are… are you her host?"
Liora's intense anger and the aura of her power gripped Snehwal. He realized that now he had only one option left—face the truth.
Snehwal said softly, "Tell me in detail… who am I really?"
A faint smile and a sharp gleam shone in Liora's eyes. She said in a serious tone, "You… I will even tell you that."
"You left a six-month-old child in my womb and ran away, and now look—your child has grown as big as you."
For a moment, surprise and hesitation spread through Snehwal's mind. He thought, I am still just a child myself… how did all this happen?
Then, carefully, it slipped from his lips, "Where is my child? I want to meet them."
A gleam of joy spread across Liora's eyes. Pride and satisfaction shone in her smile. She said, "Come, follow me."
And then, as she placed her hand in Snehwal's, she pulled him along with her.
At the same time, the air carried the slight chill of early morning, and the golden light gradually spread across the sky. Dawn was near.
As Snehwal walked with Liora, a slight movement was noticed in the distance. Searching, Lily arrived there, the fear of losing love visible in her eyes and tension clear on her face. She saw Snehwal and Liora together. Her heart shook, and she shouted,
"Snehwal! What are you doing here? And this… Liora?"
Snehwal froze at her words, and Liora looked at Lily with a calm, yet decisive gaze. Suddenly, silence filled the air—now a new game was about to begin between the three of them.
On the rough path, a little away from the graveyard, the three of them were in the sunlight of the rising sun.