The morning sun shone brightly on the grand campus of IIT Global Academy. Students filled the garden paths, talking, laughing, and hurrying to classes. Mukul walked calmly beside Elina, his hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the environment as if memorising every detail. After days of reconnecting with the Desai family and balancing his hidden guild work, he finally started feeling a sense of peace.
Elina, on the other hand, was cheerful as always. Her soft brown eyes sparkled when she spoke, and her laughter carried a warmth that reminded Mukul of a distant time — a time when love had bloomed only to be crushed by betrayal. In his past life, Elina had been his light, the one who brought colour to his dark world, until Anya's lies had destroyed everything between them. This time, Mukul silently promised himself: No one will hurt her again. Not in this life.
"Hey Mukul," Elina said as they walked through the central plaza, "you've been too quiet today. Thinking about something?"
Mukul smiled faintly. "Just about how peaceful everything feels. It's… nice."
Before Elina could reply, a sudden sound of heels clicking echoed from behind. Someone was calling his name — softly at first, then louder.
"Mukul… Mukul Desai?"
Both Mukul and Elina turned around. A young woman in a white coat, elegant and graceful, walked toward them. Her presence was commanding yet warm — the kind of aura that made people stop and look. Her long black hair was neatly tied in a ponytail, her deep blue eyes sharp and kind at the same time.
The woman stopped right in front of him, eyes glistening. For a moment, she just stared — as if confirming what her heart already knew. Then suddenly, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms tightly around Mukul.
"Mukul… you really came back…" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Mukul froze for a second, then awkwardly tried to speak, "Umm… who are you?"
The woman laughed softly through her tears and pulled back just enough to look at him. "You really don't remember me? I'm Sanya… Sanya Desai — your second sister."
Mukul blinked, trying to process the words. Second sister… Sanya… The name felt familiar, buried somewhere deep in his childhood memories. Slowly, his expression softened. "Sanya… Di?"
Sanya smiled widely, tears in her eyes, and before Mukul could react, she hugged him again — tighter this time — and kissed his cheek and forehead. "You've grown so much… my little brother," she said emotionally.
The entire plaza turned silent for a moment. Students stared at them, whispering among themselves. Elina stood beside Mukul, stunned. She couldn't believe what she was seeing.
That woman — Dr Sanya Desai! Dr Sanya Desai, the youngest multi-specialist surgeon in India, is world-renowned for her surgical innovations. Elina's eyes widened in disbelief. She had admired Sanya for years, followed every article and research paper she had written. To meet her idol in person was one thing — but to find out that Mukul, the quiet boy she had just started getting close to, was her younger brother? It was too much to take in.
Elina's lips parted in shock. "Y-you're Dr Sanya Desai…?"
Sanya turned to her with a kind smile. "Yes, that's me. And you must be Mukul's friend?"
Elina nodded quickly, flustered. "Yes! I mean— I'm Elina! I've read all your research on neural surgery and cell reconstruction! You're my inspiration! I can't believe I'm meeting you like this…"
Sanya chuckled softly. "You're sweet. Thank you. And if you're Mukul's friend, you're already part of our circle."
Mukul watched the two women talk, feeling an odd mix of pride and amusement. "You haven't changed, Di," he said with a small grin. "Still stealing everyone's attention the moment you arrive."
Sanya laughed. "And you haven't changed either, still teasing me. But really, Mukul… we've all missed you so much." Her voice softened. "Mom and Dad will cry when they hear I met you first. They've been waiting for this day for years."
Mukul's heart tightened at her words. For so long, he had lived without knowing his family — without the warmth of home. Now, piece by piece, that emptiness was being filled.
Sanya looked at him fondly. "Come home soon, okay? Shreya told me you're still adjusting, but remember — Desai House is your home. Always."
Mukul nodded quietly. "I will, Di."
Before leaving, Sanya gave Elina a small pat on the shoulder. "Take care of him for me. He tends to overwork himself."
Elina smiled nervously, still starstruck. "I… I'll try."
As Sanya walked away, a faint breeze carried the scent of her perfume. Mukul and Elina stood silently for a while.
Then Elina finally broke the silence. "So… your sister is Dr Sanya Desai?"
Mukul nodded. "Yeah… I didn't expect to meet her like that."
Elina crossed her arms, pretending to pout. "She just hugged you in front of everyone. Do all your sisters greet you like that?"
Mukul chuckled softly. "Maybe. Guess you'll find out soon."
Elina turned away, cheeks slightly red. "Hmmph. I'm still mad she got to hug you first."
Mukul looked at her and smiled gently. For the first time since his rebirth, he felt something warm growing inside him again — the same feeling he once thought he had lost forever.
As the sun began to set, Mukul looked up at the sky, his heart steady.
"Flames of fate," he murmured to himself. "This time… I'll protect everyone I love."
And as the orange light reflected in his eyes, the promise of a new destiny began to burn brighter than ever.