A black SUV cuts through the empty desert road. Heat ripples in the distance. Inside, Bhalla and Aarvansh sit in silence—both dressed in all-black tactical gear.
Aarvansh
"Bhalla, when you said we were going to test my abilities, I didn't think that meant facing Aryan already.Also, tell me—why are we wearing black clothes? They absorb more heat in the desert. It's the opposite of what we should be doing."
Bhalla
"Look, kid, we don't have time. Albert needs us—remember?And about the black clothes... we cannot afford to be recognized. Since you're an agent now, you've got to work like one."
Aarvansh
"Yeah, but… we don't even know how this thing fully affects me. You can't just leave a supersoldier like me out in the open."
Bhalla (grinning)
"Relax. There are already twenty-one supersoldiers out there. One more won't hurt."
Aarvansh (deadpan)"Great."
The SUV slows near a crumbling stone structure in the distance. The broken fort stands ahead—its jagged walls half-swallowed by sand. Bhalla kills the engine.
Bhalla"We're here."
Bhalla and Aarvansh step out, boots crunching over dry stone and sand. The fort is quiet, wind echoing through its hollow walls.
Aarvansh
"So why are we here?"
Bhalla"Come on. You have enhanced intelligence—think about it yourself."
Aarvansh"Probably Albert left some message or..."
Bhalla
"You are partially correct. This is actually the place where AGNI's first headquarters was—until it was found by a Pakistani spy who tried to sneak into the Indian border through an underground tunnel."
Aarvansh
"So that means the base is underground or… was. Perfect place for Aryan to hide all these years. So you and Albert began your mission from here and found some clue about Aryan, and then Albert decided to go alone."
Bhalla
"Right… there's a small settlement nearby. Let's ask the people what they know about this place—and if they've seen a cold, grey, tall foreigner. Albert."
They walk 2 km across uneven terrain, eventually arriving at a bustling desert village—not the "small settlement" Bhalla had described.
Aarvansh"How come such a big settlement exists in such a place?"
Bhalla
"Well, this is where Albert was going before he asked me to back out of the mission… so even I have as many questions as you do."
They approach a stone house in the center. Outside, an old man sits motionless on a charpai. He's muscular despite his age, with weathered skin and sharp eyes.
Bhalla (respectfully)
"Namaste, bhaisaab. We're looking for someone. A tall foreigner—grey hair, serious face, walks like he's in charge of everything."
The old man says nothing.
Bhalla (trying again)"His name is Albert Lam. He may have passed through here recently."
Still no response. The man's gaze stays fixed on the dust.
Aarvansh steps forward.
Aarvansh"Forget Albert. Have you seen someone named Aryan?"
There's a flicker—barely visible—in the old man's expression.
Aarvansh (to Bhalla)"Describe him. Everything."
Bhalla"Six-foot-one. Pale skin. Eyes like ice. Always calm. Always watching. You don't forget him."
The old man remains silent. But something in his stillness changes.
Aarvansh (softly)"He's seen him."
Bhalla (tense)"Yeah. And he's scared."
Bhalla scans the silent village square. A gust of wind kicks up dust. In the distance, a door creaks shut.
Bhalla (quiet)"Something's wrong here."
The old man suddenly speaks.
Old Man"Sit."
He gestures to two stools. Bhalla and Aarvansh sit cautiously. A beat passes.
WHACK.A steel rod smashes into Bhalla's back. He grunts, drops sideways.
THUD. Another blow. Then another.
Aarvansh leaps up—CRACK. A rod strikes his shoulder.
Aarvansh"That tickled."
He grabs the attacker and flings him into a wooden cart. But before he can turn—
WHAM.The old man kicks him straight in the chest. Aarvansh stumbles back, shocked.
Aarvansh (stunned)"What the—?"
He tries to rise——but five villagers rush in, ropes ready. They move fast, trained, coordinated.
Aarvansh fights, but he's overpowered. Tied down. Bound tight.
Bhalla lies on the ground, barely conscious, blood at his temple. He watches through blurred vision, breathing heavy.
Bhalla (slurred)"They're… not villagers…"
Aarvansh (straining)"Who are you…"
No answer. Just silence. And dust.