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Chapter 6 - Reunion and Ambition: The City of Desai

The city stretched endlessly, a mixture of towering buildings, bustling streets, and the hum of life that made Mukul feel both small and invigorated. After years in the village, he now had the means and determination to find his family. Without hesitation, he walked straight into the city police station. His small but confident frame drew curious looks, but Mukul ignored them. His goal was clear.

At the reception desk, he explained his situation. "I'm Mukul Desai," he said, keeping his voice calm. "I was separated from my family when I was five. I don't know who they are or what they look like. The only thing I know is a small red star-shaped birthmark on my right upper hand. I also have a photo of myself from that age." He handed over the tiny photo, showing a round-faced, ten-year-old boy with curious eyes.

The police inspector studied Mukul carefully. "That's not much to go on," he said slowly. "But we do have DNA records of families who have registered missing children. We can take a sample and see if it matches."

Mukul nodded and offered his hand without hesitation. "Do whatever is needed."

Blood was drawn, forms were signed, and Mukul gave the police the address of the hotel he had booked, along with his contact number. "Please contact me as soon as you find anything," he said calmly, though excitement bubbled inside him.

For the next two days, Mukul stayed at the hotel, balancing his cultivation, studies, and overseeing his guild operations through secure online channels. Even while waiting, he never let his skills rest. Meditation, divination, and energy practice sharpened his mind and strengthened his body. He felt closer to the path of knowledge than ever, but the thought of his family kept him focused differently — this time, for love, not survival.

On the second evening, the police called. They had located his family. Mukul felt a rush of warmth and anxiety. The officers asked the Desai family and Mukul to come to the station for confirmation. Within an hour, Mukul was sitting in the waiting room, scanning the room silently. He had imagined this moment for years, but seeing it close made his heart race.

A woman entered first, her steps confident, her presence commanding. She was tall and elegant, with sharp features softened by a warm smile. Her hair was dark brown, tied in a neat bun, and her eyes carried intelligence and authority. This was his third sister, Shreya Desai, CEO of the Desai Group. She walked toward him slowly, her gaze meeting his.

Mukul stood up. Ten years had passed since he had last known his family, but he still recognised the aura of care and strength she carried. His own appearance had changed — fifteen years old in body, but with a maturity far beyond his years. His dark hair was neatly kept, his eyes sharp and observant, and his posture confident.

Shreya stopped in front of him. For a moment, there was silence. Then, without a word, she dropped her briefcase and hugged him tightly. Mukul froze, surprised by the intensity of her embrace. The warmth, the familiarity, the rush of memories he had never lived fully — it overwhelmed him.

Tears ran down her cheeks as she whispered, "Mukul… my little brother… you're finally here."

People in the police station watched the reunion quietly, some murmuring in surprise. Mukul's face turned red with embarrassment, but he allowed himself to feel the moment. He returned her hug, holding her tightly as if anchoring himself in the reality he had longed for.

Shreya finally pulled back, brushing her tears away. "You've grown so much… but to me, you'll always be my little brother," she said, smiling through her tears. Her voice was soft now, maternal, filled with a protective warmth.

After the DNA and formal confirmation procedures, Shreya made a decision. "Mukul, you need a home here. Our family house… It's large, and you deserve a place to stay. Come with me."

Mukul followed her through the city streets, his heart pounding in anticipation. The Desai house stood at the end of a quiet lane, surrounded by manicured gardens and tall walls. Its design was a blend of modern elegance and timeless grandeur — a sprawling estate with white pillars, large windows, and a terrace that overlooked the city.

As he stepped onto the polished stone pathway, Mukul's eyes widened. The house was far beyond anything he had ever imagined, even compared to the wealth he had amassed in his past life. Yet he felt no envy — only gratitude.

"This… is my home?" Mukul asked quietly, almost to himself.

Shreya nodded. "Yes, Mukul. It's yours too now. Welcome home." She placed a hand gently on his shoulder, as if reassuring him that he was finally where he belonged.

Mukul looked around, taking in the spacious hallways, the carefully decorated rooms, and the warm light filtering through large windows. For the first time, he felt complete — not with money, power, or knowledge, but with family.

And as he walked alongside Shreya toward the house, he felt a new fire within him — a determination to not only protect this family but to grow stronger, master his abilities, and build a life that no betrayal or enemy could ever destroy.

For Mukul Desai, this was not the end of his journey — it was the beginning of a new chapter.

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