The dim glow of enchanted lanterns flickered across the dusty shelves of Armaan Singh's library, casting long shadows over ancient tomes and relics. The old man is in his late fifties etched into every wrinkle and grey streak in his beard, slumped in his favorite armchair, meanwhile his servant making his favourite herbal tea.
It is a Quiet Evening, Armaan speaks "Back in the old days quiet was a luxury... or a curse".
A sharp ring echoed through the house- the doorbell, insistent and out of place in the stillness.
He heaved himself up, joints creaking like old hinges, and opens the door.
With twist of the knob, the door opened, revealing a young man in his late twenties standing on the threshold. Tall, sharp-featured, with long golden hair that caught the evening light and eyes that sparkled like polished diamond. But there was an air of quiet intensity about him, like a storm cloud holding back lighting.
Armaan blinked, squinting against the fading sunset. "Who are you? State your business, lad.
The young man tilted his head, a faint, knowing smile playing on his lips. But before he could respond, Armaan's eyes widened, tracing the familiar lines of a Stanger's face.
Hold on... I think I've seen you before. No, not you exactly, but those features. They scream of my old comrade-in-arms, Aditya Sharma. The man who could stare down a monster from hell and make it blink first. You, his kin or something? A long-lost cousin peddling family heirloom?
The young man's smile deepened, but voice carried a weight.
You are sharper than you look, chacha(Uncle) Armaan. I am the one who's been chasing the most precious thing in my life, lost to time and betrayal. I'm the strongest on the outside, forged in battles that would break lesser men, but inside... well, I'm a son of your old friend 'Aditya Sharma'. My name is Abhijeet Sharma, Nice to meet you, Armaan Chacha
Armaan frozen, the words hit him like slamming into a collapsing estate wall. "Aditya's son Oh My God you are alive, where have you been for past years".
His mind started remembering all the memories Armaan and Aditiya shares, eyes filled with tears.
Chacha ji are you ok why are you crying?
Yes, my boy. *Hugs him* I am just so happy that the tears started flowing out of my eyes. I am so glad that you are ok. Come in think of it as your own home.
They Settled down
Can I ask you some things, ohh wait sorry I forgot to ask you about drinks what would you like to drink Tea, Coffee, Juice, Cold drink?
I guess a cup of Tea would be nice.
Armaan order's his servant to bring the Tea as per Abhijeet's request. He thought for a second that even his drinking preferences are just like Aditiya.
Answer me few things where were you these past years. And who took care of you and what is the most precious thing you are trying to find.
Ok but promise me that you will give me all the information I want.
Yes, I will be glad if I can be useful to you.
Ok, here I go. When Dad and Mom disappeared Bhua ji (father's sister) took me to a different country and raised me there and then I started journey to find the truth what happened on The Day Hell Opened and I was never able to get any usable information. On my 24th Birthday Bhua ji said that it is time for you to learn the truth. She told me about you, that you were my father's best friend, comrade-in-arms and the only one who could tell me the truth. Now that I have explained everything, Chacha ji it is now your turn to tell me about that day.
I will tell you about it, but it will be a long story and not a pleasant story that anyone would want to listen.
No problem, I just want to find the truth what happened then, and it might help me found about how my father used to be.
Hahaha, I will say the determination you got directly came from father. He looks very familiar to you and even way you talk, and think are all matching.
Let's start it was...
Year 2098, Earth Venta