The next morning, breakfast was served like any other day—fresh toast, boiled eggs, warm parathas, and a jug of chilled juice sitting in the center of the long dining table. Sunlight ca through the windows, golden and soft. But there was tension underneath the calm surface.
Everyone sat quietly. Natasha, Rashma, and Mohini looked bored, playing with their spoons. For weeks, they had been stuck inside, surrounded by guards, gates, and grim headlines flashing on every screen. No malls. No outings. No gossip sessions at cafes. They were restless, caged.
Roman finally broke the silence with a bright tone.
"Good news," he said, setting down his fork. "You’re all going shopping today."
The three girls sat up at once, their eyes wide and sparkling.
"For real?" Mohini gasped.
"Finally!" said Natasha, clapping her hands.
Rashma grinned. "Oh my god, I thought I’d die of boredom!"
The room suddenly lit up with energy. The girls started talking over each other, already planning what to wear, where to go, and what they’d buy.
But across the table, the mature won—Rupali, Suzen, and Roselle—exchanged glances. Their excitent didn’t co so easily. The world outside was crumbling. Missiles were being tested. Armies were shifting across borders. Tension was rising. And Roman was talking about... shopping?
Suzen finally spoke, carefully. "Roman, is it really possible in tis like these? To go shopping?"
Roman leaned back casually in his chair, as if the war didn’t exist.
"Aunts, trust . Your safety is my top priority,"
he said with a smile. "And that’s why you’re not shopping here. I’ve arranged sothing special—a private jet will take you all to Germany. It’s still neutral, not involved in the war. Calm and secure."
He sipped his coffee and added, "I’ve spoken to local authorities there. They’ve given you a six-hour shopping pass. But there’s a condition—you’ll need to carry your own water supply. Simple precaution. That’s all."
The room was quiet again. The girls were too happy to think. But the older won were unsure.
"Germany?" Rupali asked slowly. "But... flights aren’t even operating right now."
Roman chuckled. "Not for the public. But for ? Money can make everything possible my dear aunty."
He gave a playful smirk, adding, "Go enjoy yourselves. After all, how can I allow my beautiful wons to live in stress and fear?"
"Ahem I an... my lovely Aunts."
Even that made the girls laugh. The atmosphere softened. The doubts didn’t vanish, but they were buried under excitent.
"I would’ve co too," Roman said, "but I need to handle so important matters here. Soone has to keep things running."
Nana had been quiet the entire ti, reading a book while eating. When the others asked her if she was coming, she shook her head gently.
"No," she said. "I just got my hands on this rare book—Ancient Civilizations and Forbidden Knowledge. I want to finish it. You all go ahead. I’ll stay."
Roman turned slightly toward her, eyes sharp for a mont—but then he smiled.
"Good," he said softly.
After breakfast, the house beca lively. The won got ready quickly—packing essentials, changing into casual outfits, filling bottles, and choosing simple jewelry. There wasn’t a trace of makeup; even the happiest ones felt sothing tight in their chest. But no one spoke of it. No one wanted to ruin the mood.
Two large SUVs ca to pick them up. The drivers didn’t speak. Just loaded the bags silently.
As they left, Nana stood at the doorstep watching.
Roman ca beside her and whispered, "Enjoy your book."
Nana gave a small nod, but didn’t said a word.
-------------------------
The airport was nearly empty—flights had been grounded for weeks. Even so, a sleek white private jet stood at the far end, engines humming softly. Airport staff looked confused, so even shocked. In a world on the brink of destruction, who was flying to Germany?
But no one stopped them. No one dared.
Natasha, Rashma, and Mohini were laughing and taking selfies. Suzen, Rupali, and Roselle walked slowly, glancing around as if trying to make sense of it all. With them were Chiran and Russo.
Chiran looked tense. His hands were in his pockets, but his fingers wouldn’t stop twitching.
Russo, stayed close to him.
Roman had given him simple instructions:
"Keep your eyes on Chiran. If he says one wrong word—shut him up."
The jet took off smoothly. Food and drinks were served. The girls took the window seats, talking about brands and boutiques they wanted to visit. The mature won sat quietly, speaking in low voices, sotis glancing at each other as if unsure what to feel.
Chiran sat near the back, staring out the window. He knew sothing wasn’t right. But what could he say?
Next to him, Russo sat in a casual manner.
"Enjoy the ride," the flight attendant said with a smile.
-------------------------
In Germany
A few hours later, they landed at a private airport in southern Germany. It was surprisingly calm—green trees, clean streets, and no tanks in sight. Security officers t them and drove them to a posh shopping district in Munich.
"You have six hours," one officer said in German-accent English.
"Stay within this zone. We’ll pick you up after that."
The girls burst out of the vans, practically running toward the stores. Clothing, costics, shoes—it all felt magical after the dry, lifeless days they’d spent locked inside.
Even the mature won let themselves smile a little. For the first ti in what felt like forever, they weren’t thinking about war.
They should’ve.
------------------
Back at Roman’s Mansion
Roman poured himself a drink, sitting by the fireplace. He stared into the flas like they were whispering secrets.
Nana sat nearby, curled up with her book, silent.
"Do you know," Roman said, "there’s sothing peaceful about chaos?"
Nana didn’t look up.
"Why didn’t you go with them?," he said softly.
She turned a page. "Books don’t crash mid-air."
Roman chuckled, taking a slow sip.
"Smart girl."
----------------------------------
In Germany
At 4:01 PM German ti, the sirens began.
Loud. Terrifying. Endless.
Civilians scread. Soldiers scrambled. Helicopters roared in the distance.
Natasha dropped her shopping bag. Mohini scread. Rashma froze in the middle of a makeup store.
Roselle pulled Rupali’s hand. "What’s happening?!"
On a giant LED screen, the news flashed:
NUCLEAR ALERT: STRIKE IMMINENT. SEEK IMDIATE SHELTER.
The ground shook.
THU-THU-THU-THUUUUD!
CRRRRAAAACK.....
"BOOM...BOOM...."
Chiran’s voice cracked as he shouted, "Roman knew! That bastered knew! He sent us here on purpose!"
Russo’s face turn pale, he shouted.
"Roman you mother fucker,I will kill you even if I have to co back as a goast,I will chase you to ends of this world!"
Then the sky turned blinding white.
Then—
Booooooooooommmmmmmm.
The air lted. Glass shattered. Fire exploded outward like a tidal wave. And within seconds, A beautiful country turned to ash.
-------------------------
Back Ho
Roman stood at the rooftop, watching the dark horizon. Far in the distance, the sky pulsed red—like a dying star.
Nana joined him, the book still in her hand.
"They’re gone, aren’t they?" she asked softly.
"Yes," Roman said.
He lit a cigarette and smiled.
"One less problem to deal with."
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