Abhimanyu waved hello to his opponent, but the opponent ignored him. Behind the opponent were several people seated as an audience, while behind Abhimanyu, there was no one yet.
Looking behind him, Abhimanyu said, "Don't my fans use New Reality?" As soon as he said that, many people joined the VR set and filled the audience seats behind him. Abhimanyu's opponent was astonished to see this because he had only eight people watching him, but Abhimanyu had no one at first, which is why he had ignored him.
Abhimanyu signaled the opponent to make the first move.
The opponent ran towards Abhimanyu and attempted a flying kick. Abhimanyu stepped back slightly, and the opponent landed nearby, delivering a back kick with his left leg, which Abhimanyu blocked with a mid-air dive. Abhimanyu grabbed the opponent's shoulders with both hands and used a Scorpion technique to kick him away with his legs, sending the opponent flying.
The audience went wild seeing this, and someone commented on the stream, "That's Abhimanyu's girlfriend's signature move!"
Smiling, Abhimanyu said, "She taught me that."
The audience behind Abhimanyu began making a lot of noise.
Surprised, Abhimanyu asked, "Can we talk in this?"
The audience replied, "We can hear you on the stream, but there's a mic option in the game, which is currently off. Click on it."
Abhimanyu clicked on the mic option.
He then said, "Can you hear me?"
The audience replied, "Yes, but there's an echo."
They advised him to turn off the stream's mic, assuring him that his voice would still be heard in the game.
Abhimanyu followed their instructions. Meanwhile, the opponent got up.
The opponent said, "You fight well, but I won't be defeated so easily." He quickly approached Abhimanyu again.
Observing his moves, Abhimanyu remarked, "Kalaripayattu." He then dodged using a Kalaripayattu technique.
Surprised, the opponent asked, "You know Kalaripayattu?"
Abhimanyu replied, "I'm a champion in it." Saying this, he quickly approached the opponent and kneed him in the chin, knocking him down.
Abhimanyu then struck a vital point, causing the opponent to disappear. Abhimanyu received a message:
**Level up +10**
**Current level: 13**
Smiling, Abhimanyu selected another match. The next opponent was a low-level player, whom he defeated with a single punch, and his level did not increase.
The audience explained that in random matches, sometimes high-ranked and sometimes low-ranked players appear.
Abhimanyu then started chatting with everyone in the Arena without selecting a match. After a while, he said goodbye to everyone, exited the game, ended the stream, and came out of the VR set.
When Abhimanyu came out, he saw Praachi and Vishakha also emerging from their separate VR sets. They had joined the game as his audience.
After chatting with Riyansh for a while, Abhimanyu took Praachi and Vishakha to Shivani Dhaba, his favorite place to eat.
When they arrived, Saagar was already there, waiting for him.
Abhimanyu greeted him, "Saagar, how are you?"
Saagar replied, "I'm good. It's been years since I've seen you, almost three years."
While Abhimanyu, Saagar, Praachi, and Vishakha were eating, Shivani, the owner of the dhaba, approached them. She was a 30-year-old unmarried woman who helped her mother run the place.
Shivani said, "Abhimanyu, you're back! I haven't seen you in three years."
Abhimanyu responded, "Hello, Shivani di."
Shivani teased, "You told me that you would marry me once you got selected in the Army. Do you remember your promise?"
After recalling for a moment, Abhimanyu said, "Yes, I remember. And now, you're even more beautiful. Will you marry me?"
Shivani replied, "I would, but your grandfather wouldn't accept me."
Abhimanyu said, "When the bride and groom are willing, what can anyone else do?"
Praachi recorded this and played it in front of Abhimanyu, demanding a lavish gift.
Abhimanyu said, "You're blackmailing me in a very wrong way."
Shivani commented, "She's less of a troublemaker than you."
Abhimanyu and Shivani chatted for a while. Later, Saagar asked, "Shall we go to Banjara Palace?"
Abhimanyu asked, "Why?"
Saagar replied, "You don't know? Deeljit is getting married."
Abhimanyu said, "So soon?"
Saagar said, "It's not soon."
Abhimanyu asked, "When is the wedding?"
Saagar replied, "The wedding is in two months, but the engagement is now."
Abhimanyu asked, "And who is the bride?"
Saagar said, "A girl named Neha from Mumbai."
Abhimanyu thought the name sounded familiar.
Saily showed him a photo and details of Neha, saying, "Here's your Neha, Sahil's girlfriend."
Abhimanyu hoped it wasn't true and asked, "Have you seen her photo?"
Saagar said, "Only Deeljit has seen it."
Abhimanyu asked, "But what will we do at Banjara Palace now?"
Saagar said, "There's a great function happening with famous singers and dancers from Bihar."
Abhimanyu asked, "Superstars?"
Saagar said, "Yes, Raman Singh, Ramesh Lal Yadav, Anchal, and Puja Jha."
Abhimanyu said, "Then the function must be amazing."
Abhimanyu looked at Praachi and Vishakha and said, "I'll join you later; I need to keep my sisters company."
Saagar said, "Okay, I'm leaving then."
After Saagar left, Praachi said, "Let's go too; it's an engagement party."
Abhimanyu said, "You'll get bored there."
Praachi said, "Bored? We are part of Black Demon now."
Abhimanyu said, "What does that have to do with Black Demon?"
Praachi explained that during attacks on enemies, she had enough patience to finish her homework twice, so she always took her notebooks on missions to complete her homework while waiting.
Abhimanyu thought to himself that she didn't understand the concept of secret missions, where you couldn't take any identifiable items with you, but he said nothing.
Abhimanyu said, "I feel it's dangerous. We need grandpa's permission."
Praachi had already messaged their grandfather and got permission.
When Abhimanyu saw the message, he realized Praachi had blackmailed their grandfather in some way.
Abhimanyu asked, "How are you blackmailing grandpa?"
Praachi said, "That's a secret."
Abhimanyu said, "You're always ten steps ahead of me."
Praachi said, "What can I do if I'm smarter than you?"
Abhimanyu said, "Okay, little mouse, let's go."
Abhimanyu, Praachi, and Vishakha left for Banjara Palace in their car. Abhimanyu was driving, with two guards accompanying them.
He instructed the guards, "Stay close to these two and message me first if anything goes wrong. In case of an emergency, inform home first."
The guards nodded in agreement.
When they arrived at Banjara Palace, the guards recognized their car as belonging to the Singh family and let them in, saluting them.
Abhimanyu parked the car and they walked to the garden where the stage was set up. The palace was beautifully decorated, resembling a grand event from ancient times with chairs, tables, and lavish decorations.
A singer was performing on stage, but the superstars were yet to arrive, so less popular artists were performing.
Praachi remarked, "They've spent a lot."
Abhimanyu said, "Let's find Saagar bhai and Deeljit bhai first."
They went inside the palace and to a room labeled "Groom Room." Inside, Saagar and some boys were teasing Deeljit.
Deeljit said, "Guys, enough already. It's just the engagement."
Abhimanyu said, "Engagement is half the wedding, sir."
Deeljit turned to see Abhimanyu and said, "Abhimanyu! I thought you'd come in the evening. I sent an invitation card to your home."
Abhimanyu said, "I didn't see the card, but I had to come for my friend's engagement. And I came now because these two wanted to come."
Deeljit asked Praachi, "How do I look?"
Praachi said, "It's a traditional dress, but it looks like you're ready for the wedding."
Saagar agreed, "Exactly what I said."
Deeljit's friends didn't recognize Abhimanyu, having only heard of him. Deepak Mishra asked, "Won't you introduce us?"
Deeljit said, "Guys, don't you remember Abhimanyu Pratap Singh?"
Deepak said, "Abhimanyu? You mean Abhimanyu Pratap Singh? Wow, he's grown a lot and looks different."
Deeljit joked, "Looks like Abhimanyu has been drinking bottles of Amritjal."
Abhimanyu said, "Yes, something like that. But those bottles really work."
Deeljit said, "They do. I've stocked my palace with original bottles because many people demand them."
Deepak said, "Even though it's a useful medicine, people still prefer wine at parties."
Saagar said, "Amritjal looks like wine but is medicine. Why compare it with wine?"
Deepak said, "But it sells more than wine."
Saagar said, "Its cans also sell well but are less effective than the original. Still, they've cured many people who can afford them weekly. Within two months, they work like the original, and cans are distributed for free in hospitals to the poor."
Deeljit said, "Forget all that. Tell me what to wear."
Praachi suggested, "Why not match the bride?"
Deeljit said, "Good idea. I didn't think of that."
Deeljit called Neha and asked what she was wearing for the engagement, so he could match his outfit.
Neha said she was undecided and would send him two photos to choose from.
Deeljit received two photos: one of a white dress and one of a red dress.
Praachi and Vishakha chose the white dress.
Deeljit texted Neha, who responded with a like emoji.
Abhimanyu said, "Great, now show us the outfit."
Deeljit said, "Wait, I'll change and come back."
Deeljit changed into a white suit and returned.
Abhimanyu said, "It looks good for the engagement but still seems incomplete."
Praachi told Deeljit to wear shoes.
Deeljit put on white shoes.
Abhimanyu said, "It's still missing something."
Deeljit wore a golden Rolex watch from the table.
Saagar said, "Hey, that's my watch."
Deeljit said, "It's mine for today. You can have my black Rolex."
Abhimanyu said, "Looks good, but still..."
Deeljit took out a golden chain, which now showed over his shirt.
Abhimanyu said, "Now it's perfect."
At that moment, Saily told Abhimanyu in his mind, "It's Neha."
Abhimanyu replied in his mind, "I told you not to hack uselessly."
Saily said, "But she's the same Neha."
Abhimanyu said, "She was only annoyed with me, but she wasn't bad at heart."
Saily said, "But her boyfriend..."
Abhimanyu said, "Deeljit would know about that."
Saily asked, "How do you know?"
Abhimanyu said, "Don't you think Deeljit has good connections?"
Saily said, "Alright, fine."
**Deeljit then started taking some photos of himself. Praachi asked, "Where is the bride? I heard she came from Mumbai."
Deeljit replied, "Yes, they are staying at a nearby hotel. They will come later."
Praachi said, "Alright, we are going outside to see the function."
Praachi and Vishakha left with the guards. Deeljit then said to Abhimanyu, "Brother, now that you're an adult, will you have a drink?"
Abhimanyu replied, "Why not?" Abhimanyu's spirit had now fully merged with Arjun's spirit, and hence his personality had also changed accordingly. So now, Abhimanyu could drink alcohol comfortably.
Saily remarked, "Where did my innocent Abhimanyu go, and how has this demon corrupted him?"
Abhimanyu thought to himself, "Don't blame me now. Anyway, we have become one. Now neither the old Arjun exists, nor just me. I have become a new person with both their personalities. Sometimes, because of these two personalities, I get confused about what to do."
Saily said, "Yes, yes, I know. That's why I was cursing the old Arjun."
Saagar said, "I thought you would never drink."
Abhimanyu replied, "A lot changes with time, but I will only have one drink."
Deeljit said, "Alright, we were also going to have just one drink. We have a party after the engagement."
They all started chatting for a long time, and soon it got dark.
At that moment, a man entered their room, who was Deeljit's father. Deeljit had changed back into his regular clothes and was discussing various things with him. Abhimanyu was telling him about some old Army missions that had never been made public.
Deeljit's father's name was Sandeep. He said, "Are you not ready yet? The bride's side has arrived, let's go."
Deeljit said, "Yes, Dad," and went to get ready.
Sandeep then told the others, "Bring him to the garden area," and left the room.
Abhimanyu remarked, "They seem to be in a hurry."
Saagar said, "Now they are handling all the arrangements."
Abhimanyu said nothing.
Deeljit then came out after getting ready. They all then reached the garden area where many gifts were kept, like a sports car, a fridge, a washing machine, and other household items. This was a tradition where gifts were exchanged. There were also beauty products and other items for the bride from the groom's side.
A while later, Sandeep and Neha's father came together, hugged, and congratulated each other. They all then went to the stage and sat down. Abhimanyu and the others also sat near the groom. A prayer was performed which lasted for a while. After that, all the gifts were set aside, and the chairs and tables were rearranged.
All the important people who were on the stage then moved to the tables and sat down.
Abhimanyu and his friends remained standing on the stage.
Sandeep then announced Deeljit and Neha's engagement and called Neha.
Neha, along with some friends, including one named Rihana, whom Abhimanyu recognized, came onto the stage with her head down. She first looked at Deeljit, and all the girls were also looking at Deeljit.
Then a man came with a plate carrying their rings.
Deeljit first put the ring on Neha.
Then Neha put the ring on Deeljit. A cameraman was recording everything properly. He first took photos of everyone standing there, and then Abhimanyu went over to his sisters, followed by Saagar, Deepak, and the other friends.
After taking some photos with close relatives, they all sat on the sofas placed in the front and watched some wonderful shows on the stage.
Meanwhile, food was also being served to them. Abhimanyu and everyone else started eating, and those who had arrived gave congratulations and gifts to the couple before leaving. But many people were still there. Then, Bihar superstars Raman Singh, Ramesh Lal Yadav, Anchal, and Pooja Jha arrived and started singing and dancing together on stage. The other guests also started dancing and singing.
Raman Singh then pulled the groom onto the stage, and Anchal and Pooja Jha pulled Neha onto the stage. They gave everyone a mic.
Neha didn't know their song, but Deeljit started singing with them, and his voice synced perfectly with theirs.
Pooja Jha, seeing this, started singing in Hindi, but Raman Singh continued singing in Bhojpuri. Everyone was excited to see this mixed language battle. Then the Chief Minister of Bihar, Vineet Pratap Singh, who was also Abhimanyu's uncle, arrived with his bodyguards.
Seeing this, the four singers welcomed him with a few words.
Vineet, with full swag, walked in with 4 to 5 guards carrying assault rifles on either side and many bodyguards behind him.
When Vineet climbed onto the stage, Deeljit brought Neha close to him. Deeljit first touched Vineet's feet, and Neha had to do the same. Vineet blessed them and helped them up.
Vineet said, "Deeljit, keep progressing like this. Remember, if there's any problem, your uncle is the Chief Minister."
Deeljit said, "Absolutely, Uncle."
Vineet then said, "And Neha, my dear."
Neha was looking at Vineet.
A guard brought a box.
Without opening it, Vineet gave it to Neha.
Vineet then shook hands with the other superstars and had some conversations with them, and took photos with all of them.
Then Vineet looked over at Abhimanyu's table and called a guard to whisper something in his ear.
Neha's attention was solely on the box. As soon as she got a chance, she opened it and saw that it contained a diamond necklace set.
Neha couldn't believe that she could receive such an expensive gift just for the engagement, and she hadn't been told that Deeljit's uncle was the Chief Minister.
Neha didn't pay attention to the fact that Vineet only met Deeljit and not Sandeep.
The guard then went to Abhimanyu and said, "Sir, the boss is asking if you three are going home."
Abhimanyu told Praachi and Vishakha, "You two can go."
Praachi said, "Alright, I was getting sleepy anyway," while stretching.
The guard then went back to inform Vineet.
Sandeep also came onto the stage, bent slightly to shake hands with Vineet, and took some photos.
Sandeep introduced, "This is Neha's father, Sidharth Joshi, from Joshi Entertainment."
Vineet said, "Rest assured, my nephew will take good care of your daughter."
Then the guard came back and delivered Abhimanyu's message to Vineet.
Vineet looked over at Abhimanyu.
Abhimanyu smiled at him.
Vineet then took his leave from everyone and approached Abhimanyu's table. Everyone was watching Vineet.
Two girls got up from Abhimanyu's table and followed him out.
Many people were now looking at the table from where all the bodyguards had left, and now only Abhimanyu, Saagar, Deepak, and two of Deeljit's friends, Arun Shastri and Vaibhav Tiwari, were sitting there.
Neha also looked at that table but couldn't recognize Abhimanyu. His face seemed familiar, but she couldn't place him.
After the Chief Minister left, the four singers performed some more songs, and Neha and Deeljit sat back down. After a while, Tripathi and his four main men arrived.
Seeing him, Deeljit stood up but did not bow, nor did Tripathi.
Tripathi gave him a bouquet and congratulated him, then gave Neha a gift, which was an antique painting.
Deeljit said, "Tripathi Bhai, it's enough that you came."
Tripathi also left, but on his way out, he slightly nodded to Abhimanyu, who nodded back in agreement.
Then, one by one, the other guests also congratulated them and started leaving. Soon it was midnight.
Abhimanyu and his friends went to a room, and after a while, Deeljit also joined them. Their after-party started, and then they all fell asleep in that room.*