CHAPTER 2: The Family Entrance & The Principal's Nightmare
Outside, the three women—Ananya, Shweta, and Rekha—chatted amongst themselves. "Why doesn't he ever bring his parents out?" Rekha mused. "Still, he has such an amazing presence, doesn't he? A truly captivating physique, like Manmadha himself, always at the centre of everyone's thoughts." They whispered amongst themselves, their gazes fixed on the house.
Just then, they caught a glimpse of Kalki bathing. Water poured over him from the hot shower, the steam momentarily veiling his form. The warmth seemed to be absorbed by his very being. On his right hand, a mark resembling a Vishnu Chakra, adorned with the symbols of the five elements, shone brightly. As the water hit it, the mark truly glowed with a vibrant, living energy. His smooth skin and well-defined physique indeed gave him the appearance of Manmadha.
Meanwhile, Rekha continued her conversation outside. "Back when we were studying, his popularity among the girls at our university was on another level. You and I were certainly captivated by him, too. He had a way of charming everyone."
Every life begins with a struggle, but some lives are on another level. Perhaps this is what the increasing injustice in the Kali Yuga means. No one knew who was behind it, but a mysterious organisation called "Series Company" had started attracting people, promising good money. They would admit students to a hidden university, teach them some war skills, put them through a test, and then make them disappear. They would then pay off the families who came asking for their children, claiming they had become employees of the company.
Amidst these incidents, a small event unfolded. Kalki, ever the meticulous one, attached a small camera-like device to his shirt before entering the university. The Principal greeted him and his mothers with great respect and politeness and then led the young man to a place with advanced technology—a transparent, seemingly invisible mirror, laser lights, and various other high-tech gadgets that detected and scanned every person. Any new items like cameras or weapons were confiscated at the entrance, and individuals were guided inside, where the strict rules were laid out.
Yet, one figure managed to bypass all defences, reaching a vast expanse where the ocean stretched to the horizon. All the students embarking on this initial journey boarded boats, heading out to sea. However, once the last boat had departed, a group of newly arrived students were seized from behind. "Who sent you, you fools? This isn't how you uncover the owners of the Series Company! If you have the guts, tell them to come themselves!" their captors roared. With brutal efficiency, they struck one of the students down, his body falling into the churning waves. Beneath the surface, unseen creatures swiftly pulled the form into the depths, leaving no trace. A small camera, lost in the commotion, sank unnoticed to the ocean floor. Deep within the currents, an extraordinary, diamond-shaped gem pulsed with multicoloured light. Fish swam near it but could not approach, for an unseen power emanated from its depths, keeping it eternally untouched by any eye. The gem's connection to the Series Company's dark work, Kalki's mission, or the wider cosmic balance was a mystery yet to be revealed.
Outside, Ananya, Rekha, and Shweta stood watching. Rekha nudged the others. "What are you staring at? Do you think he's finally coming out?" Ananya and Shweta spoke in unison, their voices filled with anticipation. "Yes, he looks like he's about to!"
Just then, Kalki appeared from upstairs, half-dressed, his hair still wet and water droplets clinging to his skin. He glanced at Shweta, Rekha, and Ananya. "I'm coming," he called out. "You all go ahead. I might be a little late. Let's meet at the university!" As he raised his hand to wave, the sun's rays caught the mark on his palm, making it glow gently. Everyone knew of this mark, simply assuming it was a tattoo. Kalki himself didn't understand its origin, but he liked its appearance and gave it little thought.
