The scene shifts to Paravar and Tara walking toward Paravar's house.
Tuo: How far away is your house?
Paravar: It's in the middle of the town. My dad is a rich jewelry merchant, so we live in the most expensive area of the whole town.
Tuo (in her mind): Son of a jewelry merchant..? Now he's talking about something in my interest…
Tuo: I don't think a town where people mostly come just to rest for a bit would have a lot of sales of gold and jewelry, right?
Paravar: Oh, our business isn't limited to this town. We have shops in many towns and cities. We even produce jewelry for royal families and the elite class.
Tuo (in her mind): Seems like they're very rich…
Tuo: Then why are you living in this small town? Shouldn't you be in a big city instead?
Paravar: Actually, my ancestors have lived here for generations. We built this town from scratch, and now it's a very famous place for travelers. My friends and I promised each other that we'll stay here forever and develop it into a prosperous city—one where even people from other empires will want to stay.If everyone left for bigger cities, then who would stay behind to help the people who cannot afford to live in cities?
Tuo (thinking): I guess he's not what I thought… He actually seems like a good person. (small smile)
Paravar: Here! We've reached my home.
A majestic haveli stands before them.
What is a Haveli?
A haveli is a traditional mansion or grand residence found in the Indian subcontinent. These large, opulent homes were built by wealthy merchants, nobles, or royal families. They often feature open courtyards, intricate carvings, and a blend of architectural styles.
Paravar: Looks nice, right? I personally decorated the entire haveli for the upcoming festival.
Tara: Oh wow, your haveli looks really nice.
Paravar: There's still a lot for me to show you. 😉 (said in a flirty way)
Tara: What does that mean…? (suspicious face)
Paravar: Our assets! The gold and diamond jewelry.
Right as Paravar mentions jewelry, Tara suddenly turns into a cute chibi girl with her peacock tail spread wide open, her face full of sparkling excitement.
Tuo:Wahhhhh… Jewelry… 😍
Paravar (laughing): Haha! You look really happy when I mention jewelry. Looks like you really like it.
Tara (shy): Ahh… You can say something like that…
Paravar: I see, I see. Let's go inside now.
They enter the haveli.
Tara: Ugh… I'm really tired… I've been wandering here and there since morning.
Paravar: You can rest in our guest room. My servants will assist you with everything.
Tara: Thanks.
Scene change
We cut to the two evil-looking merchants from the previous chapter—Dhanraj Seth and Rajendra Vora.
They are standing in a dark room outside the town with several goons. The goons wear monstrous-looking masks, their bodies covered in fake blood, giving them a horrifying, injured appearance.
Dhanraj: Come on, move quickly! The sun is setting—you need to get to work!
Rajendra: Ugh! These lazy, skinny goons… I wonder how they can even scare people, let alone fight, with those thin bodies.
Dhanraj: Don't worry, brother. They're from a local tribe far from this town, and they've been trained by the local Aghoris.
What is an Aghori?
An Aghori is a Shaivite ascetic known for extreme and unconventional spiritual practices aimed at transcending dualities like life and death. Devoted to Shiva, Aghoris live in cremation grounds, smear their bodies with ash, and use skulls as utensils as part of their rituals.
Rajendra: I see… Well, they'd better be good if they're going to fight the royal guards of that official from the state.
Dhanraj: HAHAHA! Don't worry, brother. Those royal guards are cowards! I saw the fear on their faces the moment that official mentioned ghosts.
Rajendra: Muahaha! Then no one can stop us from our plan!