series: War on Navel Taboos

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 morning after Udhayagiri is killed

AT THE BLIZZARD HEADQUARTERS

The members of the Blizzard, clad in their uniform, gather around Udhayagiri’s corpse, grieving silently.

SEKAR: He was not just killed. He was beaten up black and blue by the Flower Storm.

MANOHAR: (clenching fists) Those depraved bastards have killed one of our enforcers who enforced nothing but purity. They must pay the price for this.

LOKI: (keeping his calm) May the soul of our fallen comrades rest in peace.

MANOHAR: (still clenching his fists and raises his voice) Our beloved Udhayagiri’s soul will rest in peace only after freezing a good number of Flower Storm members to death.

LOKI: (controlled anger) We will have our revenge. But not too early. Let them celebrate. Our time will come.

The other members of the Blizzard agree and they subsequently freeze Udhayagiri’s corpse.

A few minutes later.

All the members of the Blizzard gather together for their so-called motivational speech.

LOKI: Who are we?

The rest of the Blizzard replies “Enforcers” in a chorus.

LOKI: Enforcers of what?

The rest of the Blizzard replies “Purity”.

LOKI: Say it fully.

The rest of the Blizzard replies “Enforcers of Purity” together in a chorus.

LOKI: Repeat that.

The rest of the Blizzard replies “We are Enforcers of Purity” together in a chorus. And they repeat it for a few more times, promising to avenge Udhayagiri’s death.

MEANWHILE, AT THE FLOWER STORM HEADQUARTERS

After having grand breakfast, all the members of the Flower Storm, clad in their uniform, play some songs and dance in order to celebrate the success of “Operation Bloomshade”.

The female members of the Flower Storm leave their midriffs exposed while dancing.

Even the little Deepak participates in the dance.

An hour later

The dancing stops and no more songs are being played. All the members of the Flower Storm, along with the little Deepak, are panting as they are tired of dancing. All have happily danced and celebrated the success of “Operation Bloomshade” grandly.

10 hours later

It’s late evening. All the members of the Flower Storm have had their evening shower and are now in civilian clothes.

Dheena is in a dark green roundneck t-shirt and a blue jeans just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the talisman and the watermark. And assume that combat shoes are worn in place of the sneakers.)

Nivi is in a full-handed light beige T-shirt with her lower belly and the bottom rim of her navel peeking out, and a blue jeans, just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the sunglasses and the bag. And assume that combat shoes are worn in place of sandals.)

Deepak is in a green t-shirt and a blue jeans just like in the pic given below.

(Note:- Please ignore the watermark. And assume that the hair is cut short.)

Dheena, Nivi, and Deepak are on the terrace of their house within the headquarters of the Flower Storm, watching the night sky full of stars and a bright full moon.

Three of them are having a talk.

DEEPAK: Amma????

Nivi turns around to face her adopted son.

NIVI: Yes, my dear Deepukutty??????

Deepak speaks in a soft and gentle tone.

DEEPAK: Amma… I don’t feel sad he’s gone. Does that make me a bad boy?

Nivi has no clue of whom Deepak is referring to.

NIVI: Whom are you referring to, Deepukutty?

Deepak speaks in a bit louder and firmer tone.

DEEPAK: A monster named Udhayagiri. He’s gone now. I don’t feel for him. Does that make me a bad boy?

Nivi grins mildly and ruffles Deepak’s hair.

NIVI: No, kanna. It makes you someone who knows what’s right and wrong.

Deepak looks into Nivi’s eyes with a warm smile. Dheena then intervenes.

DHEENA: You’re not a bad boy, Deepak. You’re our boy now. And you’ve helped save lives.

Both Dheena and Nivi smile warmly at Deepak who smiles back at them.

NIVI: Yes, Deepukutty. You gave me the strength to fight. Every kiss on my tummy reminds me I’m loved.

DHEENA: Not just your Amma, dear Deepak. You gave the strength to me and all friends of ours to fight against the monsters like Udhayagiri. We are proud to have you with us.

Deepak’s smile gets a bit bigger and he hugs both Dheena and Nivi with his small arms. Both Dheena and Nivi return the hug to Deepak.

A few seconds later

The hug breaks.

DEEPAK: I’m really really glad to be in the good hands of yours.

DHEENA: We are always there to protect you, dear Deepak.

Deepak smiles.

DEEPAK: Thanks, Appa. I need this kind of father.

Dheena chuckles and ruffles Deepak’s hair.

DHEENA: Thanks for the appreciation, dear Deepak.

DEEPAK: You are always welcome, Appa.

Dheena and Deepak smile at each other.

And then, Nivi, with her one hand, lifts her T-shirt to reveal her whole tummy, and with her other hand, she grabs the little Deepak’s hand and places it on her bare tummy.

Deepak smiles warmly at Nivi while feeling her bare tummy with his small and soft hand.

Nivi smiles back at Deepak while holding his very hand that rests on her bare tummy.

Deepak and Nivi remain in this position for about a minute. And then, Nivi loosens the grip and Deepak slowly pulls his hand away from her bare tummy.

Deepak then holds Nivi’s bare waist with both of his small and soft hands, and gently presses his tender lips against her navel, kissing it gently and passionately.

Nivi closes her eyes, savoring the moment.

NIVI: Feels so good, Deepukutty. Can you kiss your Amma’s thoppul again? Maybe for a few more times?

Deepak smiles warmly.

DEEPAK: Of course, Amma.

Nivi chuckles and ruffles Deepak’s hair.

NIVI: Then don’t make your Amma wait.

Deepak chuckles.

DEEPAK: Of course, Amma. I’ll give you some more.

Nivi ruffles Deepak’s hair again and waits for some more of his kisses on her navel. Deepak wastes no time before proceeding to plant some more of his kisses on Nivi’s navel.

Nivi responds to the navel kiss by moaning faintly and running her fingers across the strands of the little Deepak’s hair.

After planting a good number of kisses on Nivi’s navel, Deepak slowly pulls away.

DEEPAK: We have had a wonderful day today, Amma.

Nivi ruffles Deepak’s hair again.

NIVI: Yes, Deepukutty. Today was indeed a wonderful day.

Dheena then intervenes.

DHEENA: My dear Deepak????

Deepak turns to face Dheena.

DEEPAK: Yes, Appa?????

DHEENA: Are you looking forward to have more wonderful days like this?

Deepak responds with an excited smile.

DEEPAK: Indeed, Appa.

DHEENA: You will have it for sure.

Deepak’s smile gets a bit bigger.

DEEPAK: Looking forward to more days like this.

Dheena, Nivi, and Deepak hug each other again.

A few seconds later

The hug breaks. With a satisfied smile, Dheena, Nivi, and Deepak go to sleep while the other members of the Flower Storm are already fast asleep.

5 days after the events of the previous chapter

In the morning, all the members of the Flower Storm have taken bath after intensive workouts and are clad in Flower Storm uniform. All have assembled for a meeting.

DHEENA: Good morning, comrades.

The rest of the Flower Storm replies “Good morning, Comrade Dheena” together in a chorus.

DHEENA: We recently received an intel from Vikram and Jaidev that there’s one of the Blizzard enforcers who reports everything directly to Loki, the chief of the Blizzard. His name is Udhayagiri.

The rest of the Flower Storm listens calmly to Dheena’s speech.

DHEENA: He’s the same guy who shot our comrade Vikram and tried to kill him. Luckily, comrade Vikram is still breathing and is being hospitalized.

The rest of the Flower Storm listens with controlled anger.

DHEENA: That same monster killed his own wife for letting her little son touch and caress her tummy. That little boy is now my son. His name is Deepak. And his new mom is none other than our comrade Nivi.

Nivi smiles faintly with unshed tears as she listens to Dheena’s speech.

DHEENA: I married our comrade Nivi just for Deepak and now we are taking a good care of him. He’s happy under our care and we are happy about it.

Nivi sheds a little bit of tears and eventually wipes them away. This is seen by Lux who then places a hand on her shoulder.

LUX: It’s alright, Nivi. You have made it. Both comrade Dheena and the little Deepak are yours now.

NIVI: These are tears of joy, Lux. I’m really happy about it as much as comrade Dheena and the little Deepak are.

Lux and Nivi smile at each other and then give each other a warm hug.

A few seconds later, the hug breaks and both Nivi and Lux get back to their positions as Dheena hasn’t finished his speech yet.

LUX: Sorry, Comrade Dheena. I just spotted our comrade Nivi shedding tears. I just wanted to comfort her.

Dheena responds with a smile.

DHEENA: It’s okay. We don’t mind that at all. Now let me continue my speech.

LUX: Of course, comrade Dheena. Please continue.

Dheena proceeds to continue his speech.

DHEENA: Thank you. And coming back to what we were discussing, tonight we shall hunt Udhayagiri down. This is our mission. And this mission is called “Operation Bloomshade“.

There is a distinct chattering among the rest of the Flower Storm.

Dheena then hears a voice calling out “Comrade Dheena”. Dheena scans the crowd, looking for the person who called him.

DHEENA: Who called me?

A hand is raised up and it’s revealed that it was Roy who called Dheena.

DHEENA: Yes, Comrade Roy??????

ROY: I’ll go.

DHEENA: We can’t let you go alone like we allowed Vikram. Since we let him go alone, he almost got killed.

ROY: Don’t worry, comrade Dheena. I won’t make the same mistake made by Vikram. I’ll arrange a team for this.

DHEENA: We are going there altogether except Ajay, Varsha, and Vikram. Since Vikram is hospitalized, Ajay and Varsha have to take care of him. All the others of us are going there to take that monster down. No unnecessary causalities. Just hunt Udhayagiri down. Capture him if possible. Kill him if necessary. Is that clear?

Roy, along with the rest of the comrade, replies “Yes, Comrade” together in a chorus. Then Harish intervenes.

HARISH: Dheena, may I suggest we get there as early as possible? Udhayagiri may not stay in one particular place for too long.

Dheena nods his head, understanding the situation, and pats Harish’s shoulders.

DHEENA: Got your point, pal. We shall embark our journey at the onset of dusk.

Harish thinks for some time and then nods his head.

HARISH: You better be right, Dheena. Because we must get this thing done without a delay.

Dheena nods his head.

DHEENA: Alright.

Dheena then turns his attention towards the rest of the Flower Storm.

DHEENA: Alright, comrades. I hope you all remember our mission. Till the accomplishment, we will remain in our uniform. Only after the accomplishment of our mission, we shall change to civilian clothes. Is that clear?

The rest of the Flower Storm replies “Yes, Comrade” together in a chorus.

DHEENA: Good.

The meeting concludes.

11 hours later

It’s late evening and a good number of camouflaged trucks housing the Flower Storm squad has reached the Blizzard headquarters. Every member of the Flower Storm has gone there except Ajay, Varsha, and Vikram as Vikram is still being hospitalized and Ajay and Varsha have to take care of him.

Surprisingly, even the little Deepak has gone there. It was Dheena’s idea to use Deepak as a bait in order to lure Udhayagiri. It was initially opposed by Nivi as she feared that it could put the boy in danger. Only after Dheena’s persuasion that Deepak could be used as a bait and he will return safely and unhurt, Nivi agreed, albeit with some reluctance.

Nivi and the little Deepak hug each other for some time. After the hug breaks, the former plants a kiss on the latter’s forehead. The latter smiles.

NIVI: Deepukutty?????

DEEPAK: Yes, Amma?

NIVI: Can you kiss your Amma?

Deepak responds with a warm smile.

DEEPAK: Sure, Amma. Please bend down.

Nivi, with a smile, bends down. Deepak kisses his adopted mom’s cheeks and forehead. Nivi giggles and ruffles Deepak’s hair.

NIVI: My little sweetheart!!!!!!

Deepak giggles along with Nivi.

DEEPAK: My lovely Amma!!!!!!!!

NIVI: Would you like to plant some kisses on my tummy as well?

DEEPAK: Not now, Amma. Not here. After we return home.

Nivi chuckles softly and ruffles Deepak’s hair. Dheena, who is next to Nivi and Deepak, laughs softly.

DHEENA: Nivi, if our little sweetheart wants to kiss his mom’s tummy, he can do so by all means.

Deepak then intervenes.

DEEPAK: But Appa, we are in truck, surrounded by so many people.

Dheena laughs again.

DHEENA: So what? Affection doesn’t need the right place. It needs only the right hearts.

Dheena then turns his attention to the rest of the Flower Storm in the truck and speaks in a commanding tone.

DHEENA: Dear comrades, please turn your faces away for a moment.

Dheena, along with others except Nivi and Deepak, respectfully turn their faces away.

Nivi unbuttons her shirt and knots her tank top inside it in order to reveal her bare tummy.

(Like this)

NIVI: Ready, Deepukutty?

Deepak responds with a warm smile.

DEEPAK: Yes, Amma. I am.

Nivi smiles back at Deepak.

NIVI: Then go ahead.

Deepak, with a warm smile, holds Nivi’s waist with both of his small and soft hands, and gently presses his little and soft lips against her navel, kissing it.

(Like this)

Nivi giggles, enjoying the navel kiss.

NIVI: Deepukutty, can you plant some more kisses on your Amma’s thoppul?

Deepak chuckles softly.

DEEPAK: Of course, my beloved Amma.

Deepak proceeds to plant two more similar kisses right on Nivi’s navel, not as a symbol of indulgence but rather as a symbol of healing.

Nivi quietly wipes her tear and then ruffles Deepak’s hair. Deepak then slowly pulls away. Both look into each other’s eyes with a warm smile.

NIVI: Thank you, Deepukutty. You are so brave.

DEEPAK: My beloved Amma is always welcome.

Nivi laughs softly and ruffles Deepak’s hair again. She then unknots her inner tank top and then locks all the buttons of her shirt except the collar button.

Deepak then gets off the truck.

After Deepak sets to face Udhayagiri alone despite being little in his age, Nivi prepares her sniper team and patiently wait for Udhayagiri to arrive.

5 mins later

Udhayagiri arrives, assisted by three of other members of the Blizzard. They spot Deepak standing alone and walk towards him with overconfidence.

UDHAYAGIRI: Aahh….My prodigal son returns!!!! I know you will come back to me!!!!!!!

Nivi, along with other snipers of the Flower Storm, shoot those three accomplices of Udhayagiri dead using their sniper rifles. Udhayagiri gets startled on seeing his accomplices around him die.

UDHAYAGIRI: What is this???????

Deepak angrily faces Udhayagiri.

DEEPAK: You took my beloved mom away from me. You are not my father. You are a monster.

Udhayagiri gets enraged as Deepak doesn’t want to live with him.

UDHAYAGIRI: How dare you, you little impudent brat!!!!!!!!!

As Udhayagiri is about to slap the little Deepak, Roy comes out of nowhere and delivers a flying kick on Udhayagiri, causing him to fall.

(Like this)

Roy then turns to Deepak.

ROY: Deepak, leave this spot immediately. And get in our truck. Your dad and mom are waiting for you inside.

Deepak nods his head.

DEEPAK: Sure, Uncle. Finish that monster off.

Roy smiles faintly.

ROY: I’ll take care, dear You go.

Deepak wishes Roy a luck in an assertive tone.

DEEPAK: Good luck, Uncle.

Roy continues to smile faintly at Deepak.

ROY: Thank you, dear. Now go.

Deepak leaves the spot and enters the truck where there is Dheena and Nivi. They pull him into a tight hug as they are glad that Deepak has returned safely and unhurt.

The moment Deepak has left, Udhayagiri gets up and faces Roy angrily.

UDHAYAGIRI: You think you can stop me? Try me if you are hard enough.

Roy remains unfazed.

ROY: Mister, I was made for it.

Udhayagiri then picks up a knife and attacks Roy with it only for the latter to dodge it, disarm the former, and then land a powerful kick, causing the former to fall.

(Like this)

As Udhayagiri gets up again, he charges at Roy unarmed, only for the latter to make the former bend down, deliver an elbow strike on the former’s back and a knee strike towards the face. The former then punches the latter in the face in a roundhouse direction, causing the latter to fall. The former then immediately grabs the latter by the neck using his elbow, only for the latter to kick into a wall, which pushes them backwards, leading to the loosening of the grip. The latter then delivers a backward elbow strike to the former’s abdomen and then slams him.

(Like this)

Roy wastes no time before proceeding to pin Udhayagiri down and land a furious flurry of punches on his face, causing him to bleed.

(Like this)

Udhayagiri, now bloodied and battered, can barely move. Roy then pulls away, stands like a true soldier, and faces the grievously wounded Udhayagiri.

ROY: This is for killing a mother just for letting her little son touch her tummy. And also for nearly killing my best friend. We don’t force. Flower Storm are not enforcers like you. We are liberators.

Roy then points the index finger of his right hand towards his own face, and speaks in a low but intimidating tone.

ROY: This is the face of the Flower Storm.

Roy then picks up his assault rifle and fires a bullet right into Udhayagiri’s forehead, killing the enforcer on the spot. He then picks up his walkie-talkie and makes a call to Dheena who answers his call.

DHEENA: Yes, Comrade Roy?????

ROY: Comrade Dheena, we have got Udhayagiri. Operation Bloomshade is successful.

Dheena feels happy but not too happy.

DHEENA: How sure are you?

ROY: I’m standing next to his corpse, comrade Dheena.

Roy then shoots the dead Udhayagiri right into the throat.

ROY: That’s the confirmatory shot.

Dheena responds with a satisfied smile.

DHEENA: Well done.

Roy smiles.

ROY: Thank you, comrade Dheena.

Roy stares at Udhayigiri’s corpse for some time and then gets into one the camouflaged trucks of the Flower Storm. The squad then eventually returns to the Flower Storm headquarters.