series: War on Navel Taboos

5 days after the events of the previous chapter

Harish just got married to Lux in the presence of the rest of the EFS.

Now that it’s late evening of the same day Harish got married to Lux. They have just got a new house within the EFS headquarters, and inside they go while they are completely sweating in their respective wedding attires which are like in the pics given below.

(Note:- Please assume that they are clothes made of synthetic silk. Not of actual silk.)

Harish and Lux are fascinated by the interiors.

The door to the new home closes softly behind Harish and Lux. They are still in their ceremonial wedding attire (which is now clearly wrinkled and damp with sweat from the long day).

Harish, momentarily forgetting the EFS rules, instinctively reaches to scoop up Lux.

HARISH: Come here, Mrs. Harish. Time for the traditional…

Harish lifts Lux briefly and then grunts after he’s being reminded of the EFS rules. Then he gently sets her down.

LUX (laughing and holding Harish’s arm): Nice try, Deputy Leader. You just spent 12 hours smiling through a photoshoot and a feast. You look more like you’re ready for a stretcher than a threshold ceremony.

HARISH (massaging his own neck): You are absolutely right. I feel like I’m still wearing three extra layers of silk. And the quiet… the quiet is deafening after the music.

LUX: It’s beautiful. Look at this living area. (She walks over, her eyes scanning the room, already in logistics mode.) The natural light during the day will be excellent for map reviews. But we’ll need blackout curtains. We can’t afford light bleed during mission planning.

HARISH (smiling at Lux’s planning focus): Of course. Always three steps ahead, Lux. That’s why I married you. I was thinking this corner is perfect for the communication console. Better line-of-sight to the main antenna.

LUX (shaking her head, pointing to a different wall): No, that’s where the small medical kit goes. If we need quick access to supplies, it has to be next to the entry door. Console goes near the power outlet.

Harish and Lux share a fatigued, affectionate look. The planning provides a stable, calming focus. The latter then gestures towards the two separate doors leading to the bathrooms.

LUX (in a slightly teasing tone): First things first, deputy leader. I think our current outfit is a biological weapon in this humidity. Let’s initiate ‘Operation Fresh Start.’ Two separate bathrooms, five minutes, go.

HARISH (nodding his head and speaking in the same tone as Lux): Roger that, logistics leader. May the fastest shower win.

They both then head towards two separate bathrooms to have a shower.

5 minutes later

Harish emerges first. After drying himself up with a towel after a short but intensive shower, he wears a white casual collar-necked T-shirt and a striped shorts just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the wristwatch and the cap.)

2 minutes later

Lux emerges our of bathroom. After drying herself up with a towel after a short but intense shower, she wears a comfortable white T-shirt with the caption “Good Vibes Only” and a comfortable beige cargo shorts just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the shoes and the wristwatch.)

HARISH (whistling softly and in an appreciative way): Now that is better logistics. Comfort achieved. You look like you’re ready for a beach trip.

LUX (chuckling softly): And you look like you’re ready for a bonfire on the beach. Perfection. I feel like I shed ten kilos of sweat and extra weight from the wedding clothes in that five minutes.

Harish and Lux share a light-hearted laugh. The latter then notices a small package near the main door of the house—a note from Nivi and Dheena, and a small box of freshly baked vegan walnut brownies.

Lux then picks up the note and reads the following words:

HARISH (picking up the box of brownies): A proper dessert for an EFS wedding. Vegan, of course. Come on, Lux. Let’s have a seat. We earned this.

LUX (with an excited grin): Of course.

Harish and Lux sit close together on a small vegan sofa in the hall, sharing the brownie slieces and enjoying the sugar rush after the long day.

HARISH (in a serious but slightly flirtatious tone): You know, seeing you today, standing beside me… I realized all the risk, all the missions, it’s worth it just for this. A piece of peace.

LUX (reciprocating the same tone as Harish): It’s the prize we fight for, Harish. The right to be this comfortable, this open, this free. And the right to eat brownies without judgment.

A few seconds later

Lux finishes her portion of the brownie, brushes the crumbs from her lips, followed by Harish. The former then turns to face the latter with a playful glint in her eyes in order to indirectly say that it’s time for the intimate First Night session.

LUX (leaning in and whispering in a teasing tone): Deputy Leader, logistics are handled, comfort is achieved, and treats are consumed. Now, what’s the next critical mission on the agenda for our first night in our home?

HARISH (his expression shifts, becoming gentle but serious, recalling the EFS rules): Lux, I know what you are calling me for. But wait. Before that, I need you to understand something. I love this freedom, but our discipline must always come first. (taking Lux’s hands into his, and looking directly into her her eyes with more seriousness) I have to warn you that Operation Purge Protocol could be launched again if any member, even us, forgets what we are fighting for. Purity must be paramount, even here. (taking a short pause) Do you remember Santosh? He corrupted the very cause we fight for by seeing a woman’s bare Thoppul as an excuse for perversion. That’s why I killed him. Our freedom is about respect, not abuse. Touching or viewing the Thoppul in a way that disrespects the mission… it would be a betrayal of every member we lead. It includes Ponnila who suffered because of a lapse in discipline.

On listening to Harish’s words, Lux nods slowly. Her playful demeanor gets replaced by the conviction of an EFS officer.

LUX (pointing her finger towards the caption “ONLY GOOD VIBES” in her t-shirt and nodding her head): I understand, Harish. We fight for the right to express ourselves, not for the right to exploit. I am Lux, the Leader of the Logistics Team of the Elite Flower Storm. I know the rules. (taking a short pause) Don’t let your official duties cloud our moment. You are safe here. The intimate session can begin without any fear of discomfort. I trust your discipline completely.

The fear leaves Harish’s eyes, replaced by deep, loving relief.

HARISH (smiling with a sense of relief): Thank you, Lux. Thank you so much for giving me hope that one can adhere to the ground rules of the EFS even during the intimate sessions like the ones we are about to have.

LUX (chuckling softly and caressing Harish’s face): Hey!!!!! No worries!!!!! I’m happy to help.

HARISH (placing one of his hands on top of the very hand of Lux that’s caressing his face): Alright, Lux. I’m ready when you are.

Lux wastes no time before proceeding to grab Harish’s hand and lead him to the master bedroom. They both, with an equal excitement, lie on the bed together.

While lying on the bed, Lux’s tummy is exposed just like in the pic given below.

Harish immediately gets up and then plants a kiss right on Lux’s bare navel.

LUX (startled due to the kiss): Hey!!!!! What did you just do?

HARISH (pulling away and looking embarrassed): Umm…..I just felt an urge to kiss your Thoppul. So I did it. I’m sorry if you don’t like it. I won’t do it again.

LUX (feigning disappointment): You should have warned me before proceeding.

HARISH (still looking embarrassed): Yeah. Ummm…. Sorry about that.

LUX: It’s okay, darling. Can you do it again? Plant some more kisses on your wife’s Thoppul.

HARISH (looking surprised): What? Seriously?

LUX (feigning annoyance and speaking in a teasing tone): You think I’m joking? Yes. I do play around. But this time, I’m dead serious. Give me some more. Deeper kisses needed.

HARISH (smiling after a short pause): Okay, my love. I will plant deeper kisses on your Thoppul.

LUX (smiling and ruffling Harish’s hair): Good. Don’t make me wait.

Harish nods his head and plants some more kisses right on Lux’s navel, this time a bit deeper.

After planting a good number of kisses on Lux’s deep navel, Harish slowly pulls away. He has been aware of the rules all along. And he not even once did he touch her navel with his tongue. He sees considers those kisses he just planted on her navel as a powerful physical declaration of both his love and his commitment to the EFS’s anti-taboo mission.

Lux then pulls Harish towards her face, maintaining a minimal distance so that both can look into each other’s eyes.

LUX (in an appreciative tone with an appreciative smile): You didn’t use your tongue at all. You have sticked to the EFS rules, especially refraining from touching a Thoppul with tongue and genitals. Kudos to you for adhering to the rules even during intimate sessions like this.

HARISH (smiling confidently): Yes. Discipline has to be ensured even during intimate sessions like this. And since I’m the Deputy Leader of the EFS, I have to ensure that its ground rules are being followed. (the tone then becomes teasing) If I don’t follow the rules, then I don’t deserve the title “Deputy Leader”.

LUX (chuckling and playfully ruffling Harish’s hair): You are still adhering to the rules. Make sure you don’t break them.

HARISH (nodding his head confidently): Of course, my love.

The lips of Harish and Lux meet in a tender, deep kiss that is held for about 75 seconds—a silent, intense affirmation of their bond.

After 75 seconds, they break the kiss, breathless but deeply connected. They collapse onto the bed, wrapped securely in each other’s arms, the heavy weight of the wedding day finally lifted, replaced by the comfort and commitment of their shared future.

HARISH (whispering): Goodnight, my dear Lux.

LUX (whispering back): Goodnight, my darling Harish.

They both close their eyes and eventually drift off to sleep.

Hours after the events of the previous chapter

The sky has turned darker.

Dheena continues his discussion with his fellow EFS members as he leans over a strategic map that highlights the stretch of coast near Vidiyaloor.

DHEENA (in an authoritative tone): Loki is humiliated by the failure of Operation Avalanche. We need to hit him where it hurts that is, his resources and his pride. We shall hit his main supply hub—the Vidiyaloor Salt Depot. It’s their primary logistics center for gear, funds, and most crucially, the chemicals they use for their freezing weapons.

DHEENA (after a short pause and then in an authoritative tone again): This very mission of ours shall be codenamed “Operation Blue Hurricane“. And it’s meant to be swift and spectacular, and utterly devastating. It must be a display of ELITE power that would force Loki to divert all resources away from hunting Puneeth.

Dheena then turns his attention towards Nivi.

DHEENA: Nivi, we can’t take our Deepak there. Therefore, can you stay here with him?

NIVI (looking concerned): But I lead the sniper team. How can a team go without its leader?

DHEENA: Nivi, two things. First thing, if we take our Deepak there, he could be held as a hostage. Second, you know very well that Deepak doesn’t let any woman other than his Amma touch him. Now that you are his Amma, I request you to stay with him.

NIVI (initially disappointed but later understands the situation): You can’t be wrong, Dheena. I’ll stay here with Deepak.

DHEENA (taking Nivi’s hands in his with a satisfied smile): Thanks a lot, Nivi. And Divya will be your substitute. She will lead the team.

NIVI (smiling with acceptance): Alright, Dheena. Wishing you a good luck.

Dheena and Nivi give each other a handshake.

DHEENA: Thanks, Nivi.

NIVI (curiously): By the way, I want to seek your permission of whether I can change to civilian clothes now because I’ll be spending time with our Deepak for the day. Or do I have to stay in uniform?

DHEENA (laughing): Do you really have to ask permission for it? You know what to do at that time.

NIVI (nodding her head in realisation): Alright, Dheena. Good luck for your mission.

Dheena and Nivi hug each other for one last time before proceeding to commence the mission.

Dheena and other well-known EFS members embark their journey for the mission.

Now that Nivi is at home with her adopted son Deepak, she is now in a navy blue crop top and a light blue denim jeans just like in the pic given below.

Deepak, on the other hand, is in a round-neck t-shirt with the stripes of yellow, white, green, and gray, and green shorts just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the cellphone.)

To Nivi, Deepak sings the new rhymes most recently taught by Ponnila. Nivi enjoys listening to the rhymes and pulls Deepak into a tight hug.

After the hug breaks, Nivi and Deepak lie together on bed. The former, with a story book in her hand, narrates a story. The latter, with one of his little hands resting on his momma’s bare tummy (the soft palm resting right on the navel), listens to the story. As minutes pass, both fall asleep.

Meanwhile, the EFS utilized their Aquatic Elite training to approach the Salt Depot from the sea. They swam silently under cover of night, using minimal surface disturbance. Vikram and Roy, stripped down to their essential combat gear, moved like synchronized shadows, their fitness proving the value of the ‘one meal a day‘ rule.

They breached the perimeter easily, bypassing the crude defenses the Blizzard had relied on.

From a concealed rooftop overlooking the depot, Divya provides flawless overwatch. She, with her sniper rifle, eliminates two key lookouts with a single, precise shot, proving the value of her deprivation training. Her engagement was so swift and quiet that the guards dropped without a sound, preventing the general alarm.

Roy, driven by the furious energy of the lie that protected him, moves with devastating efficiency. He engages the main security patrol. He doesn’t just fight; he neutralizes the patrol with a cold, precise ferocity, utilizing the advanced hand-to-hand combat moves learned during the Upgradation to ensure minimal noise and maximum damage.

Vikram, the ‘ultimate ghost‘, moves directly to the chemical storage tanks. He manages to kill 10 Blizzard guards in a row with nothing but a throat slash using a knife. And the other two Blizzard guards are killed by Ponnila using a pistol with a silencer attached when those two attempted to sneak behind Vikram.

Vikram notices this and he offers salutations to Ponnila.

Ponnila smiles confidently at Vikram’s salutations.

Using specialized demolition knowledge, Vikram places precise charges designed not for noise, but for maximum cascading destruction of the facility’s infrastructure. He makes sure the freezing agents are rendered inert or unstable, destroying the Blizzard‘s signature weapon capability.

Both Vikram and Ponnila eventually exit the Salt Depot as it’s about to explode.

As the charges detonates, the Salt Depot gets plunged into chaos. The chemical storage facilities explode in a spectacular chain reaction, sending plumes of smoke and destruction over the coast of Vidiyaloor.

The entire EFS squad has executed a flawless, high-speed extraction, moving back into the sea and using their stealth techniques to disappear. They left behind a burning monument to the Blizzard‘s vulnerability.

Loki, receiving the news, could only watch the inferno from a distance. The realization hits him: the Flower Storm is no longer a reactionary militia. They are now a sophisticated, lethal ELITE force. His resources are gone, his command infrastructure is crippled, and his signature freezing agents are destroyed.

Dheena watches the distant blaze from the water, talks to his team.

DHEENA: He’ll stop looking for Puneeth now. He’ll be too busy fighting the fires we just started.

Eventually, the EFS squad returns to its headquarters.

The next morning

The smoky ruins of the Vidiyaloor Salt Depot still smolder, a sickening, acidic odor clinging to the coastal air. The destruction caused was absolute: the Blizzard’s primary source of funding, logistical support, and freezing chemicals are gone. The EFS has not just won a battle; it has crippled the Blizzard’s operational capability.

In his concealed headquarters, Loki sits in a dark room with a little bit of sunlight, his face a mask of freezing rage. He hasn’t just been defeated; he has been humiliated by a force he had dismissed as a nuisance. His attempt to capture Puneeth (Operation Avalanche) has failed, and his revenge has resulted in the destruction of his own supply line.

Loki’s Internal Fury: The Elite Flower Storm. The name echoes the precision and discipline that has wrecked his power. They fought like ghosts, hit like thunder, and vanished into the sea. Loki realized he couldn’t win a conventional fight against their newfound, disciplined strength. His followers were terrified, his resources depleted, and his authority is crumbling under the weight of his failures.

Loki rasps to his remaining enforcers, slamming a clenched fist onto the table.

LOKI (in a frustrated tone): They saved the killer. They protect the filth that desecrated Udhayagiri. And they mock us with their precision.

Loki stares out at the town of Vidiyaloor, seeing the fear in the faces of his own guards. He feels a desperate need to prove that the Blizzard, though wounded, was still the absolute master of fear.

Little bit does Loki realize that he needs to rebuild the Blizzard bases before making another plan to retaliate against the EFS.

Minutes after the events of the previous chapter

The EFS headquarters is quiet, the residual tension from Operation Avalanche hanging in the air. While the medical team worked tirelessly to stabilize the severely injured Puneeth, Roy walks the perimeter of the base, the weight of the lie pressing down on him.

Roy feels an overwhelming mix of gratitude and burning guilt. Puneeth has willingly taken the target that belonged to Roy—the identity of Udhayagiri’s killer. Roy, the dedicated warrior, now has to live with the knowledge that the Blizzard is fanatically hunting an innocent, broken man because of an action he committed.

He finds himself staring at the medical bay window, unable to go in. He feels unworthy of the freedom Puneeth bought him. His warrior’s code demanded honesty and direct confrontation; Dheena’s strategic decision to leverage the lie felt like a betrayal of that code, yet Roy knew it was necessary to protect the ELITE Flower Storm.

ROY (muttering to himself): They want me. They want my blood for Udhayagiri’s ice. But Puneeth took the spear for me. I should be the one in that bed, but I’m walking free. How can I fight for truth when I live by a lie?

Later that evening, exhausted by his internal war, Roy sought out Divya.

Roy is in a royal blue T-shirt and a deep charcoal gray jeans just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the sunglasses and the wristwatch.)

Divya, on the other hand, is in a deep indigo crop top and black leggings just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please assume combat boots in place of high heels. And ignore the sunglasses.)

Divya understands the Blizzard’s psyche better than anyone; she has lived within their terrifying ideology.

Divya is mending her tactical uniform, the careful stitching a stark contrast to the violence of the day.

DIVYA (observing quietly, sensing his distress immediately): The lie is a wound, Roy. And it’s not on Puneeth’s body; it’s on your soul.

Roy sits opposite her, finally releasing the tension.

ROY: I have to tell Dheena to stop. I have to go to Vidiyaloor and tell them the truth. That fury they showed in the medical bay? It belongs to me.

Divya stops stitching and looks at him.

DIVYA (expression soft but firm): They don’t care about the truth, Roy. They care about spectacle. If you go to them, they won’t kill you quietly; they will make your death a horrifying public lesson. And they will have won, because they will have demoralized the Flower Storm.

Divya then moves closer, taking Roy’s calloused hands.

DIVYA: Puneeth made a choice. A sacrifice. You honor that sacrifice not by giving yourself up, but by becoming the unbreakable shield he needed you to be. You were spared so you could win the war.

Divya then leans in, their intimacy a powerful counter-force to the icy dogma of the Blizzard.

DIVYA: I am a former fanatic, Roy. I am immune to their lies, and I am loyal to you. The only truth you need to protect is us—this cause, this connection. Let Puneeth’s lie be a temporary defense; make sure his sacrifice ensures our permanent victory.

The weight didn’t lift from Roy’s shoulders, but Divya’s words—grounded in her dark experience and illuminated by their love—provided him with a focus. He wouldn’t confess, not yet. He would channel his guilt into an unstoppable, precise force, fighting for Puneeth’s future and Divya’s freedom.

Next morning

Dheena addresses his comrades who are assembled.

DHEENA (in a sharp tone): Loki is humiliated. He failed Operation Avalanche. His next move will be desperate, but predictable. He is fixated on Puneeth.

VIKRAM (nodding): We need to make it impossible for them to find Puneeth, and we need to draw their attention elsewhere.

Dheena turns to Roy, acknowledging his internal struggle with a steady gaze.

DHEENA (in an authoritative tone): Roy, your personal commitment to Puneeth requires a strategic outlet. We need to hit them where it hurts—their logistics and their morale.

Dheena then unveils the next mission, a direct counter-attack that would force Loki to look away from Puneeth and address immediate crises. The Elite Flower Storm is done reacting; it is time to attack.

Next day after the success of Operation Silent Talon

In Vidiyaloor, Loki, the chief of the Blizzard, is enraged over two things:
1. Puneeth is rescued.
2. Manohar is killed by the EFS.

The successful extraction of Puneeth—the man Loki now believed killed Udhayagiri—was an intolerable insult. The EFS‘s precision during ” Operation Silent Talon” was noted, but Loki dismisses it as luck, fueled by fanatic desire for immediate revenge.

Loki gathers his only remaining right-hand man: Sekhar.

LOKI (hissing, his eyes burning with freezing hatred): They saved the killer of our brother Udhayagiri. They hide him like a prize. We will show them the consequence of protecting filth. We will not wait. We will not fear their precision. We shall launch a mission and it shall be named “Operation Avalanche“.

The objective of Operation Avalanche is not to kill Puneeth, but to recapture him alive to publicly freeze him to death as a spectacle so that the Blizzard will be as feared and respected as before.

The Blizzard‘s intelligence is minimal, but their fanaticism is maximal. They knew Puneeth was grievously wounded and therefore held in the medical facility of the EFS.

Eventually, Sekhar leads a small, highly aggressive strike team into Durgapattinam during the pre-dawn hours—the time the Flower Storm used to begin their ELITE training. They bypass conventional defenses, utilizing crude but effective ambush tactics, counting on surprise and the Flower Storm‘s focus on non-vegetarian hunger as a weakness.

The main Flower Storm fighters were scattered across the base for early drills. The only people immediately protecting the medical bay were Dr. Ajay, Dr. Varsha, and a few junior medical personnel.

Sekhar storms into the medical facility. Puneeth lays unconscious in a guarded room.

Ajay and Varsha, however, are not the vulnerable doctors the Blizzard expected. Their presence in the Upgradation’s Armament Phase has made them combat-ready.

• Dr. Varsha’s Stand: Varsha, driven by her quiet, fierce dedication to Ajay and the cause, grabs a sidearm. She uses her training in combat casualty care to distract and divert the attacker, firing only to wound and delay, ensuring the safety of the unconscious Puneeth.
• Dr. Ajay’s Precision: Ajay, seeing the deadly extremist closing in on Puneeth, utilizes the low-ammunition precision drills taught by Vikram. He fires two controlled shots with his pistol, targeting the extremities of Sekhar. He knows he can’t kill Sekhar easily, but he could at least slow his fanatic advance.

Sekhar, though hit, merely roars in pain and presses forward, embodying his destructive and fanatical will.

Just as Sekhar reaches Puneeth’s bedside, ready to snatch him, the alarm blares—triggered by a courageous junior medic.

Dheena and Harish, already awake and in position for the morning drills, converges on the medical bay with terrifying speed, embodying the Elite response. Roy follows, his fury over Puneeth’s lie making him move like a vengeful blur.

Sekhar immediately realizes the tactical failure. He is surrounded by the very precision he has sought to overwhelm.

SEKHAR (screaming and limping out of a back window): Alright. I leave! Loki will hear of this shame!

Sekhar leaves in frustration on failure to recapture Puneeth. He failed to inflict mass casualties. He was repelled by two doctors and the swift, brutal response of the EFS.

The base secured, Dheena surveys the damage: broken equipment, minor injuries, but Puneeth is safe.

In the aftermath, Roy finds Dheena alone. The sight of Puneeth almost captured, and the fury of hearing him confess to a crime that wasn’t his, is too much.

ROY (voice raw with guilt and resolve): Comrade Dheena, our comrade Puneeth lied to them. I killed Udhayagiri. I need to tell them.

DHEENA (putting a hand on Roy’s shoulder, his expression severe): No, Comrade Roy. Comrade Puneeth bought us time. He made them chase a ghost. You are too valuable on the field. The Blizzard won’t stop chasing Puneeth until they know the truth. We will use this lie. We will let their rage drive them to predictable mistakes.

Roy stares at the floor, the heavy burden of Puneeth’s lie—and the looming threat to his friend’s life—now weighing solely on his conscience. He is protected, but at an unbearable cost.

Meanwhile, after Sekhar returns to Vidiyaloor and reports the failure to Loki, the latter is more frustrated than the former. In other words, Loki is further frustrated.

The failure of Operation Avalanche has cemented the EFS‘s supremacy in discipline and tactics. However, it also locks the Blizzard onto a false target (Puneeth), creating a massive moral dilemma for Roy.

Operation Purge Protocol went on for about 20 continuous days. And after it ended, from that moment onwards, no man dared to even think about touching a woman’s navel with tongue or genitals ever.

And then, there was an upgradation program, on the suggestion of the recovered Vikram, that went on for about 4 months which involved rigorous training. And now that the upgradation process is completed, the following changes are made:

1. The Flower Storm is now called “The Elite Flower Storm (EFS)“.
2. The EFS has gone completely vegan due to the suggestion of Divya.
3. From on on, the EFS will be having only one meal per day, that too a balanced vegan diet.
4. The camouflage pattern of the uniform has changed from this gray-navy blue hibiscus camo pattern in the pic given below

to a darker texture of deep midnight blue-shadowy gray dogwood camo pattern just like in the pic given below:

5. The combat boots worn changed from the black leather boots like in the pic given below

to the black tactical canvas boots like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please assume that there’s no leather.)

6. Additional accessories such as Raps helmet, black vegan gloves with hardened knuckles, knee guards, and elbow guards have been added.

(Note:- Please assume that the helmet is either pitch black or midnight blue or shadowy gray in color.)

(Note:- Please assume that the glove is fully vegan.)

However no changes made in other accessories such as belts and bulletproof jackets as they are already vegan materials.

Just three days after the upgradation

One of the members of the EFS has been captured by the Blizzard. The name of the captured member is revealed to be Puneeth, and he is surrounded by a faction of unnamed Blizzard extremists led by Manohar.

MANOHAR (in an angry and sharp tone): Is Puneeth your name?

PUNEETH (nods his head and shows no sign of fear): Yes.

MANOHAR (in an angry and sharp tone): Were you involved in the operation against Udhayagiri?

PUNEETH (still showing no sign of fear): I’m the one who headed that operation. And in fact, I’m the one who killed Udhayagiri.

MANOHAR (gets enraged and punches Puneeth in the face): HOW DARE YOU!!!!!!!!!

Puneeth bleeds and coughs, yet he shows no sign of fear.

PUNEETH (in a faint but brave tone): That asshole asked for it. Women are not meant to be bound by a chain of taboos.

Manohar gets further enraged and punches Puneeth further. Yet, the latter shows no sign of fear.

MANOHAR (in a sharp commanding tone): Guards, prepare the freezing chamber for this scumbag.

The unnamed Blizzard members say in a chorus “Yes, Sir”, and they turn on the freezing chamber in order to freeze Puneeth to death.

However, three Blizzard members die in a surprise throat-slashing attack. It’s revealed that four members of the EFS have arrived in their full combat gear. And they take down the Blizzard extremists one by one, mostly by slashing of throats.

However, one among the four EFS members has a confrontational meeting with Manohar.

MANOHAR (mocking in a rough tone): You think you can get past me? Come give a try if you think you are hard enough.

That EFS member gets enraged but manages to control his anger and doesn’t let out a roar. He just fights Manohar, both exchanging blows alternatively.

After Manohar is overpowered, the EFS member picks up his pistol and shoots the former three times in the face, thus killing the deadly extremist for good.

After Manohar and the rest of the faction is killed, the four EFS members rescue Puneeth. And the four EFS members are revealed to be Dheena, Harish, Vikram, and Roy.

Puneeth thanks those four members and he’s subsequently hospitalized under the watch of the doctors Ajay and Varsha.

It’s also revealed that it was Dheena who killed Manohar.

Thus, Operation Silent Talon, which was launched to rescue Puneeth from the deadly Blizzard captors, is successful.

And Loki is infuriated by the failure to avenge the death of Udhayagiri.

2 months later

It’s dusk. And every single member of the Flower Storm has had an evening shower and is in civilian clothes.

Ponnila is in the same yellowish green saree that she wore in the 11th chapter. And just like before, her navel is peeking out.

Now that Ponnila is alone outside the Flower Storm headquarters, she meets guy named Santosh who is in a checked shirt and jeans just like in the pic given below.

Santosh is a creepy guy in his mid twenties who sees women’s navels as candies. Thus, now that he has come across Ponnila whose navel is peeking out of her saree, he looks at her with immense lust.

SANTOSH (licking his lips and speaking in a sultry tone): WOW!!!!! What a THOPPUL!!!!!! Seriously tempting!!!!! I must taste it.

Ponnila gets annoyed and creeped out.

PONNILA (in a sharp tone): Excuse me!!!! Who are you? And what do you want?

Santosh remains unfazed in his lust and laughs.

SANTOSH (in a sultry tone): You look really sexy when you are angry.

PONNILA (in a sharp tone): I can’t let you touch me as you like. My exposed skin is not an invitation to touch without consent. Now will you please get out of my way?

Santosh refuses to agree to the fact that a woman’s exposed skin, especially navel, isn’t an invitation to touch without consent. He remains unfazed in his lust.

SANTOSH (in a sharp-cum-sultry tone): Bullshit. A woman’s exposed Thoppul is indeed an invitation. Who told you otherwise? Now stop being adamant and let me have your delicious Thoppul in my mouth.

Ponnila gets anxious on hearing what Santosh just said. But she keeps her cool and her tone sharp.

PONNILA (in a sharp tone): It’s your theory that’s pure bullshit. My Thoppul is not a candy or some snack. It’s just a Thoppul. Try to understand and buzz off now.

Santosh gets angered as he’s consumed by his lust.

SANTOSH (in a louder tone): NEVER. I’m not leaving this place without tasting your Thoppul.

Ponnila gets further anxious but she manages to keep her calm.

As Santosh is about to touch the exposed waist of Ponnila, out of nowhere comes a hand that grabs Santosh’s hand.

As Ponnila turns around, she realizes that it’s Vikram (now healthy and fully recovered) who has caught hold of Santosh hand, and she smiles with tears.

Vikram is now in a paper white full-handed shirt and a dark blue jeans just like in the pic given below.

VIKRAM (twisting Santosh’s hand and speaking in a low but intimidating tone): You have marked your own fate, prick.

Santosh writhes in pain as Vikram mercilessly twists his hand. The latter keeps twisting the former’s hand until it’s broken. After the former’s hand is broken, the latter pushes him away.

Santosh, despite having his hand broken, refuses to give up on his lustful ideas.

SANTOSH (writhing more in pain and speaking in a loud angry tone): Who do you think you are?

Vikram, now more aggressive and precise than before, remains unfazed.

VIKRAM (speaking in a low but intimidating tone): I’m a liberator, a protector, and also a destroyer.

Vikram slowly and ominously walks closer to Santosh and then punches him repeatedly in the left and right jaws using the left and right hands alternatively until the latter falls to the ground.

A few seconds later

The rest of the Flower Storm arrives and asks what happened. Ponnila narrates the whole incident and the whole Flower Storm, especially Harish, is angered. The angered Harish walks towards Santosh and speaks in an intimidating tone.

HARISH: What’s your name?

SANTOSH: Santosh.

HARISH: Why do you see women’s Thoppuls as candies? Isn’t that wrong?

SANTOSH (chuckling): Not at all wrong. Women are meant to be tasted and admired by men. And men must love to have women’s Thoppuls in their mouths.

Harish gets enraged on hearing what Santosh just said and repeatedly punches him in the nose until he bleeds.

Harish then picks up his pistol and inserts its barrel into Santosh’s mouth.

HARISH: You know what? Because of assholes like you, fanatical cults like Blizzard that justify the taboos imposed on women in the name of protection exist. And I forgot to tell you that Blizzard is basically an updated version of assholes like you.

After saying this, Harish presses the trigger, causing a bullet to be launched, burning through Santosh’s brain and shattering his skull, thus killing the creep for good.

Ponnila watches this with satisfaction and she claps her hands, followed by the rest of the Flower Storm.

The members of the Flower Storm then walk back inside the headquarters where everyone assemble at the training yard despite it’s evening, just for Harish to convey his message to notify the members.

HARISH (in a loud angry tone): So, we have to encounter creeps, right? Every single ground rule of the Flower Storm is vital to be followed. And the most important rule, i.e., men refraining from touching a woman’s Thoppul using tongue and genitals, has been violated. Even thinking of doing it can lead to death. That asshole, I mean Santosh, harassed our comrade Ponnila, saying that he wants to “taste” her Thoppul. Thankfully, our another comrade, i.e. Vikram, showed up on time and stopped him until the rest of the Flower Storm showed up and I killed that asshole.

Harish then calls Vikram.

HARISH: Comrade Vikram, come here.

Vikram walks towards Harish and stands facing him. The latter and the former shake each other’s hands.

HARISH (smiling a little while speaking in a loud tone): Well done, my dear comrade. Hats off to you.

VIKRAM (smiling shyly): Why ‘hats off to me‘? It was you, comrade Harish, who killed Santosh. Therefore, it’s actually ‘hats off to you‘.

HARISH (chuckling softly): Of course it was me who killed him. But didn’t you step in and stop him before he could lay a finger on our comrade Ponnila?

VIKRAM (shyly nodding his head): Yes. I did.

HARISH (chuckling fades): Yes. You thrashed him and I shot him dead.

Then Dheena intervenes.

DHEENA (patting the shoulders of both Harish and Vikram): Hats off to both of you!!!! You both have successfully stopped a creep. And protected the image of the Flower Storm.

HARISH AND VIKRAM TOGETHER IN A CHORUS (looking shy): Thank you.

DHEENA (chuckling softly): No mention.

Vikram then goes back to stand along with the other members of the Flower Storm while Dheena and Harish monitor the group.

HARISH (in a loud and angry tone): Alright, comrades. There are more assholes like Santosh. And we are on a mission to eliminate them. This very mission is called “Operation Purge Protocol”.

The rest of the Flower Storm stares with anger, and pants. Then Dheena intervenes.

DHEENA (in a loud and angry tone): Operation Purge Protocol will continue there are no more creeps like Santosh or even worse. Before we carry out further operations against the Blizzard, this operation is more crucial, at least for the time being. Is that clear?

The rest of the Flower Storm replies “YES, COMRADE” together in a chorus.

DHEENA (in a loud and angry tone): Good. Disperse now. And if you spot anyone like Santosh, even within our group, don’t hesitate to eliminate.

The rest of the Flower Storm again replies “YES, COMRADE” together in a chorus. And the assembly meeting ends.

And from that day onwards, every individual who wants to touch a woman’s navel with tongue or genitals is eliminated. And from next day onwards, 5 of such kind of people are caught per day and shot dead.

Thus, Operation Purge Protocol continues.

Hours after the events of the previous chapter

It’s night time and the sky is at its darkest.

Only Nivi and Deepak are at home while Dheena is alone in his office, deeply thinking about two things; recovery of Vikram, and wiping out the Blizzard once and for all.

Meanwhile at home, Nivi is in a black blouse and a white saree with a black lining just like in the pic given below.

Deepak, on the other hand, is in a grey T-shirt and pitch black shorts just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- It’s better to assume that it’s shorts.)

They both are seated together on bed and they have a conversation.

DEEPAK: Amma, today afternoon, Ponnila Madam was disturbing that patient uncle. Why wasn’t she allowing him to take rest?

Nivi immediately realizes that the patient whom Deepak is talking about is none other than Vikram. She then places one of her hands on Deepak’s shoulder and speaks calmly in a low tone.

NIVI: Deepukutty, sometimes people come to us because they want to understand. Not everyone carries a weapon. Some carry conviction in other ways. Ponnila Madam is learning what it means to be one of us.

Deepak deepens his frown.

DEEPAK: But I don’t think so. Why was she staring at the patient uncle? Isn’t that disturbing? I’m suspicious of her.

Nivi is silenced for a long moment because Deepak’s comment shocked her even though she finds his suspicion reasonable. She then cups his face with both of her hands and kisses his forehead.

NIVI (with a faint smile): Deepukutty, for your kind information, that patient uncle’s name is Vikram. And hearts don’t always ask permission, kanna. Ponnila Madam has decided that she will live with Vikram, just like you decide you should touch you.

Deepak clenches his fists, and hisses and growls.

DEEPAK: But I don’t trust her. Neither will Vikram uncle once he recovers.

Nivi senses Deepak’s anger and immediately caresses his shoulders to calm him down.

NIVI (with a faint smile): It’s okay if you don’t trust her, my dear Deepukutty. But please don’t show anger to her. Because she’s your teacher. Promise me that you won’t show you won’t judge her and simply cooperate with her as her student.

Nivi extends her hand.

NIVI: Please promise, kanna.

Deepak, despite his unwillingness to let go of his suspicion on Ponnila, pats Nivi’s palm with his soft palm.

DEEPAK: I promise, Amma.

NIVI (smiling and pulling Deepak into a hug): Good boy, Deepukutty.

Deepak hugs Nivi back by wrapping his little and soft hands around Nivi’s waist.

Once the hug breaks, Nivi slides her saree, then grabs the right little hand of Deepak and places it on her tummy, making sure that his soft palm is right on her navel.

Both Nivi and Deepak remain in this position, and they smile at each other.

2 minutes later

NIVI: Alright, my dear Deepukutty. It’s time to sleep.

DEEPAK (nodding his head): Alright, Amma. Let’s sleep.

Both Nivi and Deepak lie on the bed next to each other with the former still holding the latter’s hand that still rests on the former’s tummy, and the grip is tightened.

NIVI (kissing Deepak’s cheeks): Go to sleep, kanna.

DEEPAK (smiling): Goodnight, Amma.

NIVI (smiling back): Goodnight, kanna. Please sleep now.

Deepak nods his head and slowly drifts of to sleep, while his hand is still on Nivi’s tummy.

Nivi, on the other hand, is still awake with her eyes wide open.

Nivi somehow knows that it’s Vikram whom Ponnila wants to marry. But she wonders how Vikram would react towards Ponnila once he regains his consciousness. Due to constant wondering of how Vikram would react if Ponnila proposed to him, she can barely sleep.

Meanwhile, Dheena is still alone in his office, still thinking about two things:

1. Recovery of Vikram
2. Wiping out the Blizzard once and for all

And because of this, he too can barely sleep.

The next morning after the events of the previous chapter

It’s the early morning in which all the members of the Flower Storm wake up, including the little Deepak. All are ready for the early morning workout session.

As usual, the male members, including the little Deepak, wear only sweatpants and sports shoes, leaving their upper bodies exposed.

All the female members, as usual, wear only sports bra, sports pants, and sports shoes.

Nivi is in an orange sports bra, a pitch black elastic sports pants, and sports shoes just like in the pic given below.

DHEENA: Ready to step out and begin our exercises?

NIVI: Yes. 100 percent.

DEEPAK: Yes, Appa.

DHEENA: Good.

NIVI: Wait. Before we go, I want something from our little Deepak.

Dheena knows what Nivi exactly means. And he decides to let both Nivi and Deepak do their things. He responds with a simple smile.

DHEENA: Understood, dear comrade Nivi. You and Deepak can engage in your usual rituals. I won’t interfere. Just make sure to finish it within a short span of time.

Both Nivi and Deepak nod their heads.

NIVI: Okay. Understood. We won’t take too long.

DEEPAK: Thank you, Appa.

Dheena grins and ruffles Deepak’s hair.

DHEENA: Okay. Go.

Deepak then gets to Nivi who smiles excitedly and ruffles his hair.

NIVI: My dear little sweetheart!!!! Ready to kiss your Amma’s thoppul?

Deepak giggles and nods his head.

DEEPAK: Yes, Amma. I am.

Nivi chuckles and pinches Deepak’s nose.

NIVI: Go on. Amma is waiting.

Deepak holds Nivi’s waist with both of his small and soft hands, and plants a kiss right on her deep navel with his little lips.

Nivi closes her eyes and enjoys the navel kiss just like in the gif given above.

Just a few seconds later

Nivi opens her eyes and ruffles Deepak’s hair.

NIVI: Thank you, little sweetheart.

Deepak looks into Nivi’s eyes and smiles warmly.

DEEPAK: You are welcome, Amma.

Deepak and Nivi hug each other for a few seconds and then break the hug. Then Dheena intervenes.

DHEENA: Alright. Let’s go.

Both Nivi and Deepak nod their heads, and they step out for jogging along with Dheena.

Once three of them step out for jogging, they meet every other member of the Flower Storm, including Ponnila who is in a pitch black sports bra and multi colored sports pants just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- She’s wearing sports shoes too.)

NIVI: Hi Ponnila!!!

Ponnila smiles at Nivi.

PONNILA: Hi comrade Nivi.

NIVI: You woke up early today?

PONNILA: Yes. I heard the alarm ringing loud in the early morning. That’s why I woke up.

Nivi nods her head.

NIVI: I see!!!!!!

Ponnila notices Deepak but decides not to disturb him and rather focus on the workout session.

Ponnila watches every single activity during the workout session, including jogging, warm ups, and heavy exercises, as well as training in martial arts such as Silambam and Kalaripayattu.

Ponnila copies every single activity despite finding them challenging because her hope is bigger than her excuse to quit.

The workout session goes on for a few hours.

A few hours later

Every single member of the Flower Storm has had morning shower after intensive workouts. Everyone, except Ponnila and Deepak, is in a Flower Storm uniform.

Ponnila is in a purple blouse and a blue transparent saree with a floral design just like in the pic given below.

Deepak is in a green t-shirt, black jeans, and pair of sneakers, just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the words written on the T-shirt.)

Minutes after having breakfast

Dheena, Nivi, Deepak, and Ponnila are having a private meeting inside their house (house of Dheena, Nivi, and Deepak) within the Flower Storm headquarters.

DHEENA (looking at Ponnila and Deepak with a calm authority): Comrade Ponnila, Deepak might be the youngest in this camp, but we treat him not like a child… but like a seed of the future. Your duty as his tutor is more than just books — it’s about shaping his roots.

NIVI (gently placing her hand on Deepak’s shoulder while talking to Ponnila): We chose you for a reason, Ponnila. You’re not just educated — you carry dignity, clarity, and patience. All we ask is: let Deepak grow in discipline, not fear. Let him question. Let him learn why we do what we do.

PONNILA (smiling softly): I understand, Comrades. I may not be a mother yet… but I will treat him as my own student and kin. With all the care and strength he deserves.

DEEPAK (suddenly raising his hand and his attention is towards Dheena and Nivi): Amma… Appa… can I ask something?

DHEENA (smiling): Go ahead, little soldier.

DEEPAK (seriously): What if I ask Madam some silly questions? Will she get angry?

PONNILA (laughing and leaning slightly towards Deepak): I won’t, dear Deepak. Sometimes, silly questions carry big ideas behind them. As long as you’re sincere, I’m here to listen.

DEEPAK (nodding his head): Okay, Madam. Thank you. Now please move a little backwards.

Ponnila feels embarrassed and a little offended, but she moves a little bit away from Deepak anyway. Deepak then shows thumbs up at Ponnila.

NIVI (nodding with her hand on Deepak’s shoulder): That’s my boy — don’t be afraid to ask. But remember what your Appa always says…

DEEPAK (grinning): “Discipline is stronger than dreams if dreams are to survive!”

DHEENA (smirking): Spot on.

Dheena and Deepak smile confidently at each other and show each other a thumbs up.

PONNILA: I’ll begin with rhymes today, then with stories, especially the ones that teach values. Then slowly ease into reading, writing, and logical thinking. If he enjoys it, learning becomes his second nature.

NIVI (smiling at Ponnila): Good choice. Don’t overload him — he’s young. But don’t underestimate him either — he’s got his father’s will.

DEEPAK (in a sincere tone): I’ll be a good student and make Amma and Appa proud.

PONNILA (smiling with warmth): And I’ll do my best to guide you, my dear Deepak, my little soldier.

DHEENA (looking at both Ponnila and Deepak): Remember — education here isn’t about ranking. It’s about becoming stronger — in thought, speech, and action. Ponnila, teach him to question, to think, and to stand for what’s right, even when it’s hard.

NIVI (softly, to Ponnila): And don’t forget to let him smile, laugh, and feel loved. That’s how warriors are built inside.

PONNILA (smiling at both Dheena and Nivi): Sure, comrades. I’ll remember this.

DHEENA: Then, shall we leave?

DEEPAK: Sure, Appa. Good luck with your training.

DHEENA (smiling and patting Deepak’s head): Thank you. And good luck with your schooling.

Deepak hugs both Dheena and Nivi tightly, and after a few seconds, the hug breaks.

DHEENA: Focus on the class.

DEEPAK: Sure, Appa

NIVI: Bye, Deepukutty.

DEEPAK: Bye, Amma. Bye, Appa.

Nivi kisses Deepak’s forehead before she eventually leaves to the training ground along with her husband Dheena.

After Dheena and Nivi leave, only Ponnila and Deepak are at home.

PONNILA: Shall we begin?

DEEPAK: Sure, Madam.

PONNILA: We will bein with rhymes.

DEEPAK: Of course, Madam.

Ponnila sings rhymes and Deepak sings along with her.

A few minutes later

The rhymes session ends. And Ponnila smiles warmly at Deepak, patting his shoulder.

PONNILA: You sang well, my dear Deepak.

DEEPAK (smiles at Ponnila but hides his anger behind): Thank you, Madam.

Deepak’s hidden anger subsidies the moment Ponnila takes her hand out of his shoulder.

Ponnila then begins to tell some inspirational stories and Deepak listens intently. Deepak finds some of the stories to be relatable to his adopted parents which is why he intently listens.

30 mins later

Ponnila finishes telling her story.

DEEPAK: Madam, loved your stories. Some of them are relatable to my father.

Ponnila smiles with her eyes widened.

PONNILA: Wow!!! Really????

DEEPAK (smiling warmly): Yes, Madam. Indeed very much relatable to my dad Dheena.

PONNILA: Wow!!!! Is that why you were intently listening?

DEEPAK: Yes, Madam. You are 100 percent right.

PONNILA: Well. That’s all for today.

Deepak looks surprised.

DEEPAK: Really? Ending in the midday?

Ponnila grins.

PONNILA: Yes, dear Deepak. Since today’s the first day, it ends early today.

Deepak nods his head.

DEEPAK: I see!!!!!!!!

PONNILA: So, shall we leave?

DEEPAK: Sure, Madam.

Ponnila and Deepak exit the house and lock it with the former having the key in her handbag. They then go to the canteen where all members of the Flower Storm have gathered to have lunch.

Nivi is seated immediate left of Dheena and the little Deepak is seated immediate left of Nivi. Ponnila, on the other hand, is seated opposite to them. And while having lunch, they begin a conversation.

NIVI (poking Deepak’s cheeks): How was your first day, Deepukutty?

DEEPAK (chuckling): It was fun, Amma. Madam sang rhymes and I sang along with her.

NIVI (chuckling along with Deepak): Really?

DEEPAK: Yes, Amma. It was really fun. And she also narrated some inspirational stories. Most of them reminded me of Appa. (shifting his focus towards Dheena)

Dheena looks amazed on hearing what Deepak just said and shifts his focus towards him.

DHEENA (smiling warmly): Deepukutty?????

DEEPAK (smiling back at Dheena): Yes, Appa????

DHEENA: Did Ponnila Madam tell stories?

DEEPAK (nodding his head): Yes, Appa.

DHEENA: You found them relatable to me?

DEEPAK (chuckling and nodding his head): Yes, Appa. Absolutely. Ponnila Madam told me stories of great leaders. You too are a great leader. That’s why I found the stories relatable to you.

Dheena’s eyes widen along with his smile. He gets up and pulls Deepak into a tight hug.

DHEENA: My little soldier!!!! My pride!!!!!! Loving your Appa this much?????

DEEPAK (hugging Dheena back): Yes, Appa. Love this family. I love both my Appa and Amma equally. No compromise. No partiality.

Dheena feels humbled and continues hugging Deepak. Nivi gets up and she too hugs Deepak along with Dheena. The little Deepak hugs both back, with one hand wrapped around his adopted father, and his other hand wrapped around his adopted mother.

Ponnila watches the family bonding and she caresses her own tummy. Not because she is pregnant. Not because she is hungry. But because she wishes she too had a family like that of Dheena, Nivi, and Deepak right now. In other words, she eagerly wants to have a family like that.

A few seconds later, the hug breaks and they return to be seated at dining the table.

NIVI (grinning at Ponnila): Sounds like Ponnila is off to a great start.

PONNILA (modestly): Deepak is quick and curious. He asks smart questions and listens very deeply.

NIVI (ruffling Deepak’s hair): Seems like my little one is learning from the best.

DEEPAK (silently enjoying the hair ruffles): Best? Most likely.

Nivi and Deepak hug each other. After a few seconds, the hug breaks and they continue having lunch, along with Dheena and Ponnila.

After having lunch, Dheena, Nivi, Deepak, Ponnila, and other members of the Flower Storm wash their hands and exit the canteen.

10 days later

In the evening, Dheena, Nivi, Deepak, Harish, Lux, Dr Ajay, Dr Varsha, Roy, and Divya are inside a temple guarded by some unnamed members of the Flower Storm.

Dheena is in a grey full-sleeved and collared t-shrit, and a light blue jeans, just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the sunglasses, the shoes, and the watermark.)

Nivi is in a red blouse and a red transparent saree just like in the pic given below.

Deepak is in a red round-neck t-shirt and a navy blue jeans just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the shoes and the watermark.)

Ajay is in a yellow half-handed shirt and black jeans just like in the pic given below.

Varsha is in a grey full-sleeved blouse and a transparent saree just like in the pic given below.

Harish is in a white full-sleeved t-shirt with some designs, and blue jeans, just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the sunglasses.)

Lux is in a white kurta with two side openings and a middle opening at the front that exposes her navel, and a blue jeans, just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the footwear.)

Roy is in a navy blue shirt tucked in a sand-colored formal pants just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the shoes and the sunglasses.)

Divya is in a golden blouse and a black transparent saree just like in the pic given below.

All of them are praying for the following:

1. Vikram should recover soon without any side effects.
2. Deepak should be safe and happy with his newfound family.
3. Deepak should get a good tutor.
4. Every single member of the Flower Storm must be properly equipped with zero defects.
5. Every single member of the Flower Storm must wholeheartedly be willing to do whatever it takes to erase the taboos imposed on female navel exposure and the act of a male child touching momma’s navel.

All of them continue to offer their prayers.

A few seconds later

A young woman, clad in a yellowish green saree with her navel peeking out, enters the temple.

(Note:- Please ignore the flower basket and the footwear.)

The unknown woman joins the prayer. After the prayers are offered, all of them turn towards the unknown woman and ask her who she is.

The unknown woman introduces herself as Ponnila and she too is in her mid-20s.

PONNILA: Are you all members of the Flower Storm?

All of them nod their heads.

PONNILA: Then I think I’m with the right people.

All of them have no clue of what Ponnila is talking about.

NIVI: Care to elaborate, Ponnila?

PONNILA: The Flower Storm fights against taboos imposed on female Thoppul exposure, right?

All of them nod their heads.

NIVI: Also against taboos imposed on a child, especially a male child, being physically close to his momma and placing his hands and resting his head on her tummy.

PONNILA: (nodding her head) I see!!!! Then I would like to be a member of the Flower Storm. And marry any one of its member.

They look confused and say “WHAT???????” together in a chorus.

Ponnila gets startled and looks embarrassed.

PONNILA: Did I say something wrong?

They say “NO” and then agree with Ponnila to let her join the Flower Storm.

PONNILA: If I have to get married, I’ll get married to only to a member of the Flower Storm.

After Dheena agrees to enroll another member into the Flower Storm, Nivi shakes her hand with Ponnila.

NIVI: Welcome to the Flower Storm, Ponnila. My name is Nivedha. You can call me Nivi. I work as a sniper.

Ponnila smiles at Nivi.

PONNILA: Nice to meet you, Nivi.

Nivi then introduces Dheena to Ponnila.

NIVI: And this is my husband. His name is Dheena. He’s the founder and the leader of the Flower Storm.

Ponnila is fascinated on hearing what Nivi just said.

PONNILA: Really?????

Dheena now intervenes.

DHEENA: Yes. I’m the one who founded the Flower Storm. And now I’m its leader.

Ponnila nods in agreement.

PONNILA: I see!!!!!

Nivi intervenes and introduces her adopted son Deepak to Ponnila.

NIVI: And this is my son.

Ponnila turns her attention towards Deepak.

PONNILA: Looking adorable!!!!! May I know your name?

DEEPAK: Deepak.

Ponnila ruffles Deepak’s hair but she doesn’t know that he doesn’t like to be touched by anyone except his parents Dheena and Nivi.

PONNILA: Nice name.

Deepak stares right into Ponnila’s eyes with an intimidating look.

DEEPAK: I’m glad you like my name. By the way, I request you to kindly refrain from touching me.

Ponnila is taken aback by what Deepak just said. She then turns towards Nivi.

PONNILA: Comrade Nivi, I simply ruffled your son’s hair. He got mad at me. Why?

Nivi grins mildly.

NIVI: He is very strict about who can and should touch him. He doesn’t like to be touched by anyone except me and my husband.

Ponnila nods her head in realization.

PONNILA: I see!!!!!

Ponnila then turns towards Deepak.

PONNILA: Sorry, Deepak.

Deepak’s stare at Ponnila gets less serious.

DEEPAK: It’s okay. Just make sure to keep your hands away from me.

Ponnila nods her head in a mocking way.

PONNILA: Of course, little warrior.

Nivi then reveals what they all were praying for to Ponnila. The latter is deeply touched, especially for the hospitalized Vikram.

PONNILA: May he recover soon.

Varsha intervenes and places one of her hands on Ponnila’s shoulder.

VARSHA: Hi Ponnila. My name is Varsha and I’m a doctor.

Ponnila smiles faintly at Varsha.

PONNILA: Nice to know you, Dr Varsha.

Varsha then introduces Ajay to Ponnila.

VARSHA: And this is Ajay. He too is a doctor. And he is my fiancée.

Ponnila nods her head and smiles at both Ajay and Varsha.

PONNILA: Great. Congratulations.

Ponnila and Varsha shake their hands with each other.

VARSHA: Thank you, comrade Ponnila. And my medical team is working hard to save Vikram without any side effects. No need to worry. He will be alright.

Ponnila nods her head again.

PONNILA: Alright. Your team is being counted on.

Varsha smiles slightly.

VARSHA: Don’t worry. We won’t disappoint you.

Ponnila smiles back at Varsha.

PONNILA: Thank you.

And Ponnila turns her attention towards the rest of the Flower Storm.

PONNILA: I wanted to join the Flower Storm mainly because I’m most comfortable in clothes that expose my Thoppul.

The other members of the Flower Storm smile at Ponnila and find her reason justifiable.

LUX: You are already with us, comrade Ponnila. And look here. I’m also wearing clothes with my Thoppul exposed.

Saying this, Lux pulls her kurta towards the either sides, revealing more of her navel.

(Like this)

Ponnila chuckles softly at the way Lux flaunts her navel.

PONNILA: Nice one. BTW, what is your name?

LUX: My name is Lakshana. You can call me “Lux”.

Ponnila laughs softly.

PONNILA: That’s a creative way of shortening your name, Comrade Lux.

Lux laughs along with Ponnila.

LUX: (in a teasing tone) Thanks for appreciating my creativity.

Ponnila continues to laugh.

PONNILA: (in a teasing tone) Creativity is always meant to be appreciated, right?

Lux knows that Ponnila is teasing.

LUX: (in a teasing tone) Yes. Absolutely. And by the way, I’m a logistician. I make sure that every material required for the Flower Storm is available at the right place in right time.

The laughing fades and Ponnila nods her head in realization.

PONNILA: I see!!!!!!!!!!

Ponnila then turns her attention towards Roy and Divya.

PONNILA: I don’t know both of your names. Mind if I ask your names?

Roy and Divya introduce themselves to Ponnila. Ponnila shakes hands with both of them.

PONNILA: Pleasure to meet you.

DIVYA: Pleasure to meet you too.

ROY: Pleasure to meet you too.

PONNILA: May I know what your designations are?

Both Roy and Divya smile mildly.

DIVYA: I work in a sniper team led by our comrade Nivi.

Ponnila smiles with her eyes wide open.

PONNILA: Really?????

DIVYA: Yes.

Ponnila then turns her attention towards Roy.

PONNILA: And what’s your designation?

ROY: I give combat training.

PONNILA: Really????

ROY: Actually it’s Vikram who provides combat training to the Flower Storm. Now that he’s being hospitalized, I’m his substitute.

Ponnila nods her head but deep down, she feels so much for the hospitalized Vikram.

PONNILA: Okay. Fine. Your prayers will be answered.

Both Roy and Divya smile warmly at Ponnila.

10 seconds later

Now Nivi intervenes.

NIVI: Ponnila, we were also praying that Deepak should get a new tutor. Can you be my son’s tutor?

Ponnila humbly accepts the role offer.

PONNILA: I have no problem with it. Ask your son.

Nivi turns her attention towards Deepak.

NIVI: Deepak, are you okay with this newcomer being your teacher?

DEEPAK: She is always welcome, Amma. Provided she keeps her hands away from me.

Ponnila turns her attention towards Deepak and speaks in a teasing tone.

PONNILA: Don’t worry, little one. I’ll never touch you without your consent.

Deepak stares into Ponnila’s eyes.

DEEPAK: Well and good.

Ponnila nods her head in a mocking way.

The Flower Storm members, accompanied by the little Deepak, return to their headquarters. But not without taking Ponnila with them.

In the next chapter, we will see how Ponnila’s first day as a teacher goes.

The next day after the events of the previous chapter

It’s late evening and the sky is dark. And every member of the Flower Storm is celebrating the birthday of its new member who turns out to be one of the hostages rescued from the Blizzard during the mission of “Operation Tempest“. Her name is Divya and she is in her mid twenties.

Divya is now in a golden salwar kameez that with a middle opening at the front that exposes her irregularly shaped navel just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the jewelries.)

2 hours later

All the members of the Flower Storm have had their grand dinner and are chit-chatting.

Meanwhile, Divya is seated on a wooden bench of a flower garden within the Flower Storm headquarters. She is silently watching the night sky and listening to the chirping sounds of crickets.

A few seconds later

Roy, clad in a dress just like in the pic given below, shows up.

ROY: I hope you don’t mind me sitting next to you.

Divya reluctantly nods her head and signals Roy to sit next to her on the bench.

Divya and Roy are now seated on the bench next to each other. And they have a conversation.

ROY: Your name is Divya, right?

DIVYA: Yes. And what is your name?

Roy responds with a calm smile.

ROY: My name is Rajendran. You can call me “Roy”.

Divya chuckles softly.

DIVYA: Sounds funny and creative at the same time.

Roy laughs softly.

ROY: You could say that.

Roy’s laughter then slowly fades.

ROY: By the way, now that you are rescued from the Blizzard and are safe with the Flower Storm, how do you feel?

Divya takes a deep breath.

DIVYA: I’m glad that I’m no longer a part of such a tyrannical cult which has bullshit principles.

Roy is surprised and is curious to know more.

ROY: Wait. You were really once a part of the Blizzard ?

Divya hangs her head down.

DIVYA: Yes.

ROY: Can you tell me more about it? Also please explain why you left the Blizzard.

Divya sheds some tears but eventually wipes them with her hankie. She then proceeds to explain her story.

DIVYA: I left the Blizzard because those extremists didn’t want loyalty. They wanted submission.

Roy listens intently without interrupting Divya’s speech.

DIVYA: At first, I believed in their order. The structure. The mission to “purify society” of taboos. But then… they started policing us. The women. Our bodies. Our clothes. Our words. Even our silences.

Divya’s voice cracks silently as she continues to speak.

DIVYA: One day, I asked why a man staring at a woman’s Thoppul wasn’t a crime, but a woman baring her Thoppul was. They called me dangerous.

Roy calmly listens to the speech without interrupting.

DIVYA: They put me in a room. No windows. Just propaganda recordings blaring on repeat. Three days. No outside contact. I think they were preparing to freeze me next. They have even frozen a woman named Haridra simply for letting Deepak, her little son, touch her bare tummy.

Roy clenches his fists but still keeps his calm.

DIVYA: Haridra is now gone. I hope you all have rescued the little Deepak along with me and the other hostages.

Roy loosens his fists and places one of his hands over Divya’s hands. He looks at her with a smile.

ROY: Don’t worry. All hostages are safe. And Deepak has now got a new family.

Divya sheds tears of joy.

DIVYA: Really?

Roy continues to smile at Divya.

ROY: Yes, Divya. Deepak is now adopted by Dheena, our leader, and his wife Nivedha, better known as Nivi.

Divya continues shedding tears of joy.

DIVYA: Let’s hope those hands that are currently having Deepak are good hands.

Roy laughs softly.

ROY: Those hands are way better than the hands of the Blizzard extremists.

DIVYA: How sure are you?

Roy takes a deep breath and discloses all the principles and the ground rules of the Flower Storm. Divya listens intently and nods her head.

DIVYA: I see!!!! So this is what the Flower Storm wants?

Roy respons calmly.

ROY: Yes. The Flower Storm aims to erase the taboos imposed on female Thoppul exposure and a male child touching his mom’s tummy and Thoppul once and for all.

Divya nods her head.

DIVYA: Then it’s a good thing to be here.

Roy smiles widely.

ROY: Absolutely.

DIVYA: Just a small request.

Roy is curious.

ROY: What is it?

DIVYA: I hope none of you will ever judge me based on how my Thoppul looks.

Roy laughs softly.

ROY: Don’t worry. We won’t judge you. We have seen women with uglier Thoppul than yours.

Divya lifts her eyebrows.

DIVYA: Are you sure?

Roy continues to smile.

ROY: Yes. We don’t mind your outward appearance. It’s your character that matters to us.

Divya lets out tears of joy again and wipes them with her hankie.

DIVYA: I have never come across anyone being non-judgmental towards me. And I’m glad to hear that this place is full of non-judgmental people. That’s why I like to be here.

Roy smiles warmly.

ROY: You are always welcome, Divya.

Divya wants to ask something but is too shy to ask. However, a few seconds later, she gathers courage to ask.

DIVYA: Roy????

ROY: Yes, Divya?????

DIVYA: If you don’t mind, can I hug you?

Roy is taken aback by Divya’s request and he looks frozen. Divya looks embarrassed on seeing Roy’s reaction.

DIVYA: Sorry!!!! Sorry!!!! Sorry!!!! I didn’t mean to offend you.

Roy takes a deep breath and then nods his head. He then spreads his arms, indicating that he is ready to hug Divya. This surprises Divya.

DIVYA: Seriously? I can hug you?

Roy responds with smile.

ROY: Yes. By all means.

Divya, with an excited smile, pulls Roy into a tight hug. The latter enjoys the hug and hugs the former back.

A few seconds later

The hug breaks.

ROY: Happy now?

DIVYA: Yes. To be frank, I’m really really happy to have found a place where I can be myself without any fear of being judged.

Roy chuckles softly.

ROY: Here, you are always free to be yourself. We will never judge you. Don’t worry.

Diyva once again sheds tears of joy.

DIVYA: I’m always indebted to you. To the Flower Storm.

This time, Roy pulls Divya into a hug.

ROY: Hey, it’s okay. You will be with us.

Divya hugs Roy back tighter.

A few seconds later

The hug breaks. And Divya wants to speak her mind out right now.

DIVYA: Roy, can I tell you something?

Roy is curious.

ROY: Of course, Divya. Go ahead.

Divya is initially hesitant but later she musters some courage to say what she wants to say.

DIVYA: I want to marry a Flower Storm member. Will you marry me?

Roy is once again taken aback by what Divya just asked. Divya once again looks embarrassed on seeing Roy’s reaction.

DIVYA: Please don’t think I’m forcing you. I just wanted to marry a Flower Storm member. Is it wrong?

Roy is panting as he still looks embarrassed.

ROY: Okay. Nothing wrong in it. But why specifically me? There are several others here more skilled, more composed, more… everything.

Divya’s hesitation slowly fades.

DIVYA: Because you’re the one who looked at me like I was human… not some damaged goods. You saw a fighter in me when even I had forgotten how to see one.

Roy trembles while speaking.

ROY: I just did what anyone here would’ve done.

Divya gets a bit closer to Roy, making the latter tremble further.

DIVYA: But there’s something special about you.

Roy looks unsure.

ROY: What is that? I’m not a leader. I stumble. I get angry. I don’t always say the right things. What makes you think I’ll be a good husband?

Divya smiles gently.

DIVYA: Because I don’t want perfection. I want someone real. Someone who walks beside me, not ahead. And in the silence between your words, I’ve always felt safe.

Roy still looks unsure and trembles while speaking.

ROY: You really think we could build something… in the middle of all this madness?

Divya speaks in an affirmative tone.

DIVYA: I don’t just think it. I want it. Even in chaos, we can choose love. And I choose you, Roy.

Roy looks away and still trembles while speaking.

ROY: You know… I’ve killed people, Divya. Some in rage, some in silence. Buried parts of myself. I’m not sure there’s much left of me to give.

Divya grabs Roy’s chin and forces him to look into her eyes.

DIVYA: Then let me help you find what’s left. We don’t need to be whole to start something beautiful. We just need to choose each other… every day.

Roy laughs faintly but bitterly.

ROY: Romance doesn’t last long around here. Bullets don’t care about promises.

Divya speaks in a gentle but firm tone.

DIVYA: Maybe not. But hearts still beat between the gunshots. And if we’re going to fight for a world free of taboos and fear… shouldn’t we start by choosing love when it finds us?

Roy sighs and nods his head.

ROY: You’re fearless, aren’t you? Despite the fact that you were just recently rescued?

Divya responds with a warm smile.

DIVYA: No. Just tired of pretending I don’t feel things when I do. I’ve already lived under fear once… I won’t let hesitation steal this from me.

Roy pauses for a moment and then speaks in a firm tone.

ROY: I don’t know how to be gentle, Divya. I’m still learning how to live without armor.

Divya places her hand on Roy’s shoulder. The latter gets anxious but manages to control his anxiety.

DIVYA: Then let’s learn together. You don’t have to promise me the stars, Roy. Just don’t run from the light we already have.

After 5 minutes of pin-drop silence

Roy finally nods; slow, uncertain, but genuine. He speaks in a soft tone.

ROY: Alright. One step at a time… Comrade Divya.

Divya grins and her eyes glint.

DIVYA: That’s “fiancée Divya” to you now.

Roy smirks despite telling himself not to do so.

ROY: Careful. You might actually make me believe in hope again.

Divya laughs softly.

DIVYA: How can you live without hope?

Roy lets out a long breath, as if shedding years of hesitation. He steps forward slowly, looking into Divya’s eyes.

ROY: I’m not good with words… but if what you’re offering is real… if you’re truly sure about me, then I won’t push it away anymore.

Divya smiles through misty eyes.

DIVYA: I’ve never been more sure of anything. We’ve both survived hell… now let’s try building something worth living for.

Roy finally opens his arms, hesitant at first. Divya doesn’t wait. She steps into him, wrapping her arms around his waist, head resting against his chest. His arms tighten around her, slowly but protectively. In the quiet moment, Roy lets his hand trace along her back—almost instinctively, his fingers drift across the side of her waist and then brush over her navel area.

Divya squirms slightly as Roy moves his fingers on the navel area of the former just like in the gif given below.

DIVYA: Hey, careful!!! I’m ticklish.

Roy immediately pulls his hand away and looks embarrassed.

ROY: Aiyayoo!!!! Sorry!!!! Sorry!!!! I’ll be more careful next time.

Divya grins and touches his arm reassuringly.

DIVYA: It’s alright. Just… warning you in advance. If you ever try to sneak up on me during training, that’s my weak spot.

ROY: Are you really ticklish in your Thoppul?

DIVYA: Very much.

Roy then taps Divya right on the navel, causing her to squirm but in a controlled way, just like in the gif given below.

Roy notices Divya’s reaction and immediately pulls his hand away.

ROY: You are absolutely right, Divya. I’ll be more careful next time.

Divya giggles.

DIVYA: You better be.

Roy and Divya share a warm laugh. The tension from earlier has melted into something softer, something real. The former rests his forehead lightly against that of the latter, for a brief moment letting his guard down.

ROY: (whispering) Thank you… for choosing me.

Divya smiles warmly at Roy.

DIVYA: (whispering) Thank you… for saying “yes”.

Both Divya and Roy silently smile at each other for some time.

A few seconds later

ROY: Alright. I think we have to sleep now.

DIVYA: Okay. Let’s sleep then. Goodnight, Roy.

ROY: Goodnight, Divya.

Both Roy and Divya look at each other for one last time before they eventually proceed to hit the bed.