27 July 2024
I've been assigned a mission to capture criminals planning to sell around twenty children.
The air reeks of salt and rusted metal. Waves crash against the dock, a steady rhythm that pounds against the tension buzzing in my skull.
I can sense it—armed men at every corner. The entire dockyard is crawling with them. They've locked the place down, waiting to transfer those children onto the dealer's ship.
I won't let it happen.
Ba-dump.
My heartbeat… it's so loud I can hear it echo in my chest.
What is this feeling?
Fear?
Nerves?
I grip my sword tightly.
This isn't the time for either. I need to move forward. I need to stop this.
Will you be there for me?
My legs freeze. Her voice rings in my head.
She asked me to be there.
Beeping monitors. Sterile white walls.
A bald woman lies motionless in the ICU bed. Nurses quietly wheel her toward the operation theatre. Her hand twitches slightly.
I open my eyes.
No. Not now. I can't afford to lose focus.
A man approaches—my partner for this mission, Mark. He's breathing heavily, clearly worn from scouting.
"Arjun!" he says, catching his breath. "The entire dockyard is guarded. Based on my intel, the kids are in that red container over there." He points into the distance.
"Okay. I'll take it from here," I say.
"Arjun," he hesitates, "shouldn't you go back to her? Her treatment must've started by now. You should be there."
I turn my gaze towards him.
"What should matter more to me? Her… or my duty?"
"You don't get it," he says, voice lowered. "Cassius set you up. He had to know how dangerous this mission is. And yet he sent you in with just me? Let's get out of here while we can."
But I've made up my mind.
"There's no time to think about any of that."
"But Arjun—"
"Shut up!"
Silence.
I scan the distance, looking for the perfect opportunity to invade the dockyard.
Mark doesn't know much about me. I don't know much about him either. But… he wants to keep me safe. He's not cut out to be an assassin.
I take a deep breath.
"Listen, Mark."
"Y–Yeah?"
"Get out of here. Your presence will only drag me down."
"What? But Arjun—"
"I said go."
He looked at me warily.
Sigh. I pull a folded letter from my pocket and hand it to him.
"I want you to do something for me."
He looks at it. "What is it?"
"Give this to her."
"But—"
"Please. Just go."
Gulps. "Okay. But don't die on me," he says, his voice shaking.
I glance up at the sky. Clouds have covered the sky.
No moon in sight.
They say the moon represents hope… and clouds, despair.
Right now, despair is swallowing my chances of surviving this.
Sigh.
Time to go.
I tighten my grip on the sword and step into the dockyard.
1 year before
The hospital smelled like bleach, old plastic, and pain. Not the screaming kind—just that low, steady ache that filled places like these.
It was crowded, but everyone was too busy surviving to notice a shadow moving through the corridors.
I kept my head low, cap drawn, coat zipped up. Room 306. That's where the target entered. Limp on the left leg. Scar above the brow. Match confirmed. He wasn't limping from injury—it was too practiced. Tactical. I watched through the reflection of a fire extinguisher's glass case.
I spoke in my Bluetooth comms, "Target entered Room number 306. Seems like he's unaware of being tracked".
"Good! Don't lose your sight from him", Cassius replied over comms.
"Roger!"
I hate hospitals. Just looking at people desperately trying to survive makes me sick. What good comes from living? I don't understand.
I shook the thought away. Focus.
A nurse pushing a supply cart turned the corner—too close. Two more bodies trailing behind her.
"Holy Shit!", I turned away immediately and went inside a random room.
"What happened?", Cassius asked.
"The target suddenly came out of the ward. That wasn't expected."
"Have you been spotted?"
"No chance".
The room is dim, lit only by the soft green glow of medical monitors and the pale blue moonlight seeping through the half-closed blinds. Machines hum quietly. There's a faint beeping rhythm from a heart monitor.
There lies the patient. Bald, pale skin woman. Might be suffering from cancer. I turned my gaze away and take a peek outside of the room. Target is still outside.
"Oye! Who are you?", I heard the voice. I immediately turned my gaze towards her. She has woken up, sitting and staring at me.
"I--- I am"
She took a look at a box near her bed and then looked at me with suspicious gaze. This isn't looking good. If she shouts, I will be exposed.
"So, you are that intern who steals my ice cream every night when I sleep."
Huh? Well, that works. I'll play along.
"Umm haha, I am sorry. I couldn't control---"
"Shut up! You thief".
She scanned me with her eyes from top to bottom while I was just standing there like a statue.
"Okay! I am forgiving you only this time. But if you ever steal anything again…. Then you will see what will I do to you."
"Y--- Yeah!"
I came out of the room. Sigh. What an airhead.
"Oi, Brat-jun! What's the situation?", Cassius asked from comms.
Shit. I lost sight of the target.
"I lost him", I said with hesitation.
Silence. No response from the other end. Sigh.
Hectic day. I went back to my hotel room at night. Silence filled it entirely. I failed to do my mission today. This is the first time I failed. And I will make sure it never happens again. I went to take a shower to refresh my mind.
That woman... If only she had been sleeping, everything would have went smoothly. Sigh.
The warm water washed away the day's chaos. It feels good now.
I head back to my room. And----- Wait, hold on! This feeling, the sensation running through my body, each and every muscle is reminding me ------
"Hey! Do you want to justify today's failure, Brat-jun?"
My eyes opened wide. My hands, legs, the entire body was shivering. Th--- That's fear. I turned around to see a man sitting on my sofa, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees. His hands were clasped together, fingers locked tightly as if deep in thought. Th—That's Cassius.
I hesitated for a bit before finally finding courage to speak, "I—"
"Silence! You don't need to justify your failure. Just clean the mess you have created. Inside reports states that the target will visit the Deutsches Museum, one week later. This time, he shouldn't survive. Got it?"
"Y—Yeah!"
"Hmm, Good!"
He stood from his place and slowly came towards me. Each and every step of him was sending chills down to my spine.
He stood beside me and whispered in my ear, "Do you remember what will happen if you fail me?"
"Y—Yeah!"
"Good. Don't give me that chance."
He tapped my shoulder and went outside of my room.
Cassius, he is my boss and the leader of assassin guild. 15 years ago, he was secretly hired by country's government in order to maintain law and order in dirtiest way. He and his men (including me) do the work which government can't do openly. Some people call him saviour, while other call him a freak. For me, he is THE DEVIL.
10 years earlier, 16 April 2014
"Hey! Someone stop him. He is a thief", one man cried while chasing a boy who seemed to be a teenager.
"Stop! You little brat. I will kill you today".
"Haha! Catch me first", the boy said while holding a gold chain in his hand.
The boy was fast. He outrun the man and vanished from his eyes.
The boy kept walking while also checking if someone is behind him or not. While walking down the alley. He collided with a mysterious man.
"Huh? Can't you see, fool", the boy arrogantly shouted.
Smirk. Mysterious man put hands in his pocket and take out black gloves from it. He wore them while the boy watched him with confusion.
"Are you Arjun?", the man said.
"Huh? Who are you?", the boy asked.
"Okay, I got my answer", the man said.
He punched Arjun in his face so hard that he fall back on the ground.
"Street vendors have registered your complaints and raised a bounty against you, stating that a boy named Arjun steals money, gold chains, foods from them every day. Some even said that you attempted to murder a vendor when he raised his voice against you".
"Who are you?", the boy said with scared look.
"I investigated your background and it turned out that you are doing some Robin Hood sort of thing by stealing money and distributing it to beggars and poor people".
"You---"
"Shhh! Don't you want to know who told me where to find you?"
"Who?"
"Sarah. Her name is Sarah. The woman you gave money to. So that she can teach her little girl. She sold you out for pocket change. Isn't that cute?"
The boy eyes opened wide in shock. There were tears in his eyes too.
"Shocked, aren't you? How easily they betrayed someone who risked his life to save them. How pathetic your death will be. That you die for people who didn't even care about you. What do you call yourself? A hero? Hahahahaha."
The boy slowly step back and then started running. But was immediately caught by the man, who beat him mercilessly. The boy bleeding from his nose, mouth. Cut on his cheeks. And bruises all over his face joined his hands and ask for mercy.
"Please, please leave me. I won't do that again. Please. I am sorry", he said while crying.
The man kneel down and took out an alcohol bottle. He took a sip and then drop the remaining on boy's face.
"Aaaahhhhhhh, it hurts. It hurts. Stop it", the boy cried.
"Feel it, Brat-jun. That's the price for being the hero. Worthless hero. Scream".
"Aaaahhhh, please spare me. Please. I---"
The man punched the boy face and send him unconscious.
Next day, the boy woke up and found himself in a room where nurses are taking care of him. He stood up immediately and turned around and saw that mysterious man sitting beside his bed.
"Y---You?", The boy said.
"Good Morning, Brat-jun", the man nonchalantly said.
The boy tried to run but before he could do anything the man said, "Don't move!"
The boy stopped cautiously trying not to move a single muscle.
"Relax, I am not killing you."
The boy tried to speak but his words won't come out.
The man move towards the boy and said, "Do you know the difference between I am not killing you and I won't kill you?
The boy stood silent.
"The latter gives you the surety but the first one doesn't. Right now, I am just putting a halt on your death. I want you to work for me"
"Me? What can I even do?", the boy warily asked.
"You have to do everything I ask you to. You know my assassin guild has so many villainous bastards. I want someone who thinks of him as hero".
The man moves towards the boy and says, "My name is Cassius and from here on I will be your master. Listen up, Brat-jun. Keep showing me your warrior side. The day I stop seeing the warrior in you, I myself will kill you that day. Is that clear?"
"Gulp. Y—yeah!", the boy stuttered.
"Good! Take rest for now", Cassius says while going away.
Back to 2014
I went to Deutsches museum where our target was supposed to arrive. The museum was quiet, but not empty. Tourists walked around slowly, eyes on machines they didn't understand. Kids pointed at weird gadgets. Guards leaned on walls, half-asleep. The whole place smelled like metal, dust, and something old.
I waited near the Energy Hall, hands in my pockets, cap pulled low. I didn't need to look suspicious. I just had to look tired. Like everyone else.
I looked at the reflection of polished floor. And that's when I saw him.
Target in sight.
Same coat. Same limp. He was standing near the Foucault Pendulum, pretending to read something. But his eyes? They were checking glass surfaces.
Damn. He was alert.
I moved. Slowly. Walked through the Hydropower section. The turbines were loud—perfect place to handle things. I knew he'd follow. And he did.
He stepped in. We were alone. He didn't say anything. Just pulled a blade. His stance told me he knew how to use it.
He swung. I dodged. It cut my coat.
I slashed back—cut his forearm.
"Aahhhh", he screamed in pain, tried to punch. His elbow caught my chin. Pain. But I held on.
I grabbed his wrist. Twisted. Snap.
He screamed, but the turbine noise ate the sound.
I kneed him in the stomach. He doubled over. I covered his mouth.
"You should've stayed hidden," I whispered.
One clean stab under the ribs. Upward. His body jerked. Then stopped moving.
I laid him down. Made it look like he collapsed. Heart problem, maybe. No one saw. No one would know. I wiped my blade on his coat.
I saw my reflection in a nearby glass.
Same face.
Same eyes.
I turned and walked away.
"Is it done?" Cassius asked in my earpiece.
"Yeah."
"Good. We'll talk later."
I walked past the tourists. No one looked at me. Just another face in the crowd.
I came out of the museum. Busy road. Vehicles passing by one after another. I stood near the traffic light waiting for my subordinate to come and pick me up.
"Oi!", someone shouted.
Hmm? Did someone shouted for me? I looked around, but there wasn't anyone familiar or suspicious. Sigh. Maybe stress is making me hear things.
"Oi!"
Huh?! The voice came again. I turned around to see if someone really calling for me? There she was, standing at my blind spot. That bald lady from the hospital holding on to luggage. Looked heavy. Sigh. I turned my gaze away.
Huff, Huff. "Huh? Are you trying to ignore me? You thief".
I turned and saw her standing right behind me.
"What?", I asked.
"What do you mean by what? Can't you see I am holding on to luggage. Help me with it".
"Why should I help you? It's yours. Pick it up yourself"
"Oh Mister! You should do as I say. Don't forget you are in debt of eating my ice creams"
"Ice creams?" I thought for a while when did I eat her ice creams. Then, I remembered she mistook me for a ice cream thief intern.
"I haven't stolen any of your ice creams. Pick your luggage yourself"
I moved forward but she grabbed my hand. I turned around and saw her. She was making an extremely innocent face with crocodile tears, begging for help. Sigh.
"Alright, I will help you"
"Really? Whoa! That's great. So you weren't really that bad"
Silence. I wasn't really replying to her stupid blabbering. I crossed the road and picked her luggage. Heavy.
"By the way, My name is Yashmi and you?"
Silence. I don't feel like it's important to answer her questions.
She walked beside me, constantly sneaking glances. Weird.
"How long do we have to walk?"
"1.5km or something."
"Then, why didn't you take taxi?"
"Oh, I was about to. But then I saw an Ice cream thief. So, I thought of putting him onto work"
That girl. She is pissing me off. Who do you think I am?
"Oi! Musclehead. You still haven't told me your name."
Silence. I again chose to ignore her.
"Huh? So you are not going to tell me, right? Alright! Afterall, this musclehead name suits you more."
I moved forward without actually listening to her. She is..... Headache.
Then, we reached her home. It's a small house. But good for single or two person. I gave her, her luggage and went on to my path.
She came from behind and grabbed my wrist.
"Where are you going?"
"I don't think it's necessary to tell you that."
"Okay, I am not asking. Come inside. I will atleast give you a treat for helping me."
"I don't want that."
"Oh, Come on."
She started pulling me inside. Sigh. How stubborn she is. I really don't like these type of girls.
I went inside and sat on sofa.
"You know I just got discharged from hospital. As you can see, I am a cancer patient."
I just looked at her without saying anything. I don't really understand what should I even say to her.
She went inside the kitchen and brought.... An ice cream?
"Here, take it. You can come here whenever you want, I will give you an ice cream. But never steal it from anyone."
I closed my eyes and clenched my fist. This girl, she really thinks I stole her ice cream? But somehow I controlled my anger and eat it.
"Thank you. I should go now."
"Okay. But make sure to visit again."
Like I ever will.
I came outside and walked away without looking back.
I don't know what kind of curse she put on me, but somehow… she kept showing up. Again. And again. And again.
One time, I went out to buy some groceries—guess who was standing in the same shop arguing with the cashier about expired chocolate?
Yeah. Her.
She turned around, saw me, and lit up like we were long-lost best friends. "Oh hey, Musclehead! What a coincidence!"
Sigh.
Next time, I went for a jog—just to clear my head—and there she was, sitting on a bench, eating ice cream.
She waved. Called me over. I ignored her. She still ran behind me with that stupid energy and forced me to sit down next to her.
"Look, I got extra ice cream. Want one?"
I didn't. But I still ended up eating it.
And it didn't stop there. Supermarket, street corner, train station—every time, same story. She'd call out, drag me into whatever nonsense she was doing, and act like we were partners in crime.
I don't know what this girl's deal is.
But every time I walk out the door now, I double-check both sides of the road like I'm being hunted.
Because I am.
By a bald, bossy girl with way too much free time.
Once I was just passing by her street. Just passing by.
Head down. Hoodie on. Minding my own damn business.
"Oi! Musclehead!"
Too late. She spotted me.
I turned my head slightly, hoping she'd think it wasn't me.
"Don't act deaf. I know you've heard me," she said, already jogging toward me with that annoying grin.
Sigh. "What now?"
She grabbed my wrist like she owned it.
"Come to my house. I made something. You have to taste it."
"No thanks."
"Oh come on. You owe me. Remember the time I gave you free ice cream?"
"That wasn't free. You accused me of stealing it."
"Details. Doesn't matter. Now move your legs. Left, right, left. March!"
I tried pulling my hand back. She tightened her grip.
"Come on."
God. She's impossible. I looked up at the sky for divine help.
"Fine,"
"Yay! Let's go! And don't worry, I made food this time. Not ice cream!"
...I instantly regretted saying yes.
I stepped inside her house again. Same small room. Same weird smell—like burnt toast and detergent.
"Sit! I'll bring food."
I sat on the same old sofa. It creaked like it hated me. I looked around. Nothing changed. A few picture frames, some dusty books, and... what the hell? A punching bag hanging in the corner?
"Don't stare at that!"
"You punch that thing?" I asked.
"No. I talk to it when I'm angry."
Right. Psychopath.
She came out with two plates of food. Don't worry. I've survived on dried meat and protein bars before. I'll live.
She sat down beside me—too close, as usual.
I looked at her.
"Don't your parents say anything? Letting a random man inside like this?"
She went quiet. I noticed her smile fade a little.
"I don't have parents."
Silence. The room felt heavier suddenly. Even the sofa stopped creaking.
"My mother died the moment I was born," she said, eyes fixed on the plate. "And my father… he was killed."
She paused. Took a small bite of food.
Then—just like that—she smiled again.
"It's fine. I always knew it would end up like that. Considering his profession and all..."
She looked at me. I didn't know what to say.
She bumped her elbow into me playfully.
"Hey! Don't make that face."
I didn't respond. Just kept chewing.
The food wasn't bad. Actually, it was delicious. I didn't expect that from this girl.
"Okay, I'll go now."
"You're going? I mean... you can stay for a while if you want."
"No, I'm not free."
"Huh? What do you do, though?"
I didn't say anything and just gave her a look. Sigh. I turned my gaze away and started moving. While moving outside, I saw a photo frame, a photo of her with her father.
What? No. That's not possible.
I turned to her and asked, "You said something about your father's profession. What was it?"
"Huh? Umm, he was.... a..... Poacher."
My eyes opened wide in shock. Her eyes turned down.
"Uh-Okay", I said and walked away.
I rushed towards my room, and went inside. Huff, Huff. I took a deep breath. Looked at myself in the mirror. Her father... Devansh Chaudhary, a poacher. I knew him very well. I was the one... I.... killed him that day.
9 years ago
I started my training with Cassius. Every day started with pain.
Cassius would teach me some fancy moves—blocks, punches, kicks. Then, he'd beat the hell out of me to test them. And when I was bleeding or barely able to breathe, he'd patch me up. Heal me. And the cycle would start again.
I hated him. But I also feared him.
One day, during a spar, I collapsed. My vision went black. Next thing I knew, I was in a bed.
Cassius sat beside me, arms crossed, smirking like usual.
"Good morning, Brat-jun".
I broke. I cried. I crawled to him and held his leg like a beggar.
"Please… please master. I'm sorry. I don't want to die. I don't want to kill anyone. I just want to live. Please forgive me."
He tilted his head. "Hey, hey. Don't make me sound like the villain."
I kept sobbing. "I'll never do anything wrong again. No stealing. Nothing. Please… let me go."
Cassius crouched. His voice dropped to a whisper. Cold.
"You still don't get it, do you? A hero suffers. A villain survives. Pick a sword or die like a fool. Kill if you want to live. Kill for justice. Kill for peace. Kill to be spared. Kill, Brat-jun."
He stood and walked to the door.
"Rest. When you're ready to live… train again."
He left.
I stayed in bed, broken. But those words stuck in my skull like thorns.
Kill if you want to live.
Days later, I got up. Limping. Trembling. But I walked to him.
He didn't say anything. Just nodded. And training began again.
He was cruel. Every punch meant something. Every lesson was buried in pain. I sparred with others—some older, some younger. I lost. Again and again.
Then I started winning.
4 years went by.
One day, Cassius came to me.
"It's time," he said.
He handed me a sword. Old. Rusted. But sharp.
"You're going to the forest. No food. No help. Survive. Until I call you back."
I took the sword. My hand was shaking.
He leaned in. I could feel his breath near my ear.
"Remember what I taught you… if you want to live."
The forest swallowed me.
No trails. No people. Just trees taller than buildings and sounds I couldn't place. I kept the sword close. My ears sharper than ever. Cassius didn't say how long I had to survive. Just survive.
That first night, I barely slept. The howls didn't stop. My stomach growled. My back ached from the rough bark I leaned on.
Next day, I climbed trees for fruits. Drank from muddy water. Watched everything move—snakes, bugs, eyes in the bushes. Everything here wanted to kill me.
And then came the hyenas.
They attacked when I was picking berries. Four of them. Fast. Hungry. I climbed a tree, waited, then jumped. Landed on one. Stabbed it in the throat. Rolled, stabbed another in the ribs. The rest ran. Huff, Huff. My hand was shaking the whole time.
I didn't feel like a warrior. I felt like prey trying to fake being a predator.
Days passed.
Then came the bear.
Huge. Taller than me. A scar on its face.
I froze. It growled. Loud. My knees almost gave out. I pulled out my sword. It charged.
I jumped aside. Swung my blade. Missed. The bear knocked me back like I was a leaf. I hit a tree. My chest burned.
Then... a lion appeared. What the hell?
The bear turned and roared. Charged at the lion. They fought. Roars. Blood. Chaos. The lion backed off eventually and disappeared.
The bear stood there, panting. Then looked at me.
I was sure I was next.
But it turned… and walked away.
Days later, the same bear came back. Tossed an apple toward me. Just dropped it and walked off.
Next day, again. Apple.
He wasn't an enemy anymore. He was… company.
I stopped hunting. Stopped hiding. Started watching.
Deers walked past me. Birds sat on my shoulder. Snakes slithered by, didn't bite. The forest didn't see me as a threat anymore. It's like I was one of them. A part of it.
Even the lion... just walked past me once. Didn't even glance.
I saved animals from traps. I watched birds hatch. I named a squirrel "Commander" for no reason.
Then one day, I was by the river. A bird landed on my knee. Chirped.
Something was wrong.
I followed it. Deep into the forest.
And then, I saw him.
The bear.
Bleeding. Growling in pain. Crawled to a rock, barely breathing.
I ran. Dropped to my knees. His throat was shot. A bullet wound.
Poachers.
He looked at me. He remembered me.
I looked at him.
Then I did what felt right.
I pulled out my knife. Whispered, "I'm sorry."
And ended it. Quick. Clean. No more pain.
I sat there for a long time. His blood on my hands. His apple beside me.
Cassius' voice echoed in my skull.
Kill if you want to live. Kill for justice. Kill, kill, kill...
He was right. If I want justice, I need to kill.
My hands wouldn't stop shaking.
I didn't eat the next day.
Didn't sleep either.
Just sat under that tree where the bear died. His blood still stained the grass. The birds didn't chirp that morning. Even the wind felt quieter.
Then I heard footsteps.
It was one of Cassius's men. He stood at a distance, didn't come too close.
"Your training's over. Cassius has called you."
Training?
I didn't feel trained. I felt... hollow.
I stood up slowly, gripped my sword.
"I'll go," I said, eyes still on the tree. "Just need to do something first."
He nodded and left.
I followed the bird again.
Deeper this time. Past everything familiar. Then I saw it.
A wooden cabin. Laughter inside. Drunken voices. Men talking loudly. Guns leaning on the walls. Skins of animals hanging as trophies.
Poachers. I stepped closer.
My heart pounded. But my hand didn't shake this time.
I knocked. One guy opened the door. Looked surprised.
"Eh? Kid? What are you doing here?"
Before I could speak, another voice called from inside.
"Let him in! Probably lost or something!"
I walked in.
Ten of them. Maybe more. All armed. All relaxed.
And there, in the middle, sat the leader. Big man. Rugged beard. Scar on his cheek. Laughing with a bottle in hand.
I smiled.
"Wow… this place is amazing."
He raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"
I looked around at the mounted heads. "You really killed all these? Damn. That's impressive."
He smirked. "Damn right it is. You should've seen that bear we got yesterday. Big thing. Fought till the end."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah! Took two bullets to bring it down. Real beast. But hey, we're the kings here. Ain't no animal tougher than my boys."
I nodded slowly.
"What's your name, sir?"
"Devansh Chaudhary."
"Devansh..."
Then my smile disappeared slowly.
"You shouldn't have done that."
"What?"
My hand was already on my sword.
"You killed my friend."
And in one breath, the blade sang.
I slashed the nearest man's throat so fast, blood sprayed before his body hit the floor.
Another reached for his gun—I cut his arm clean off.
Screams erupted.
"Get him!" someone shouted.
But I was already moving. Slashing. Ducking. Spinning.
One tried to shoot me—I leapt, drove my sword through his chest.
Another woman pulled a knife—I sliced across her eyes. She dropped, screaming.
It wasn't a fight. It was punishment.
Devansh tried to run. I kicked the table toward him. He stumbled. Fell.
I stood over him.
He was shaking. "Wh—Who are you?"
"Death!"
I swung my sword and slashed his neck, so clean that it separated his head from body.
Silence.
I set the cabin on fire. Flames danced like devils around me. I walked out without looking back.
The sword still warm in my hand.
The blood of monsters washed in fire.
I wiped the blade clean with my sleeve. Sheathed it.
Walked until I saw Cassius.
He was waiting. That same unreadable face.
I stood before him.
"I'm ready."
He smiled.
"Now you look like a true warrior."
Meanwhile somewhere else in Germany, Yashmi was waiting for someone. She called someone endlessly.
"Why isn't dad picking up the call? Wait, huh? Did he forget my birthday?"
"Hmph, How can he forget such an important day?"
She sat on the sofa.
"You better not be getting lost again."
The phone rang.
She grabbed it quickly, expecting to hear his voice.
But it wasn't him.
"Hello? Is this Yashmi Chaudhary?"
"Y-Yeah?"
"I'm sorry… your father… Devansh Chaudhary… he's been found dead."
Her breath caught.
Everything stopped.
Her hands trembled. She dropped the phone.
And then, quietly at first… she started to cry.
The kind of cry where no sound comes out—just shaking shoulders and broken breaths.
The room fell silent.
I opened my eyes and stared at myself in the mirror.
Hand on my head. Eyes hollow.
The past doesn't vanish. It just waits for quiet moments to scream.
Next day, the doorbell rang.
She opened it.
Eyes wide. Mouth open. Smile blooming.
"Whoa—what? You?!"
She stepped out. Looked at the sky.
"What are you looking at?" I asked.
"I'm checking from where the sun rose today,"
Sigh. "I loved yesterday's food. I'm here for more."
"Really?" she beamed. "Then come in!"
I stepped inside. Same smell. Same warmth.
Felt like stepping into a different world.
She went in kitchen.
"I'm making a different dish today. You should try it."
"Sure."
She served me. Sat in front of me, waiting for my opinion.
I picked up the spoon. Ate. Gulp
"Good?" she asked.
"Yeah."
She smiled and watched me enjoying it.
"How long have you had cancer?"
She blinked. "Four years. After my father died… I couldn't afford proper treatment. I only go when it gets really bad."
I nodded again. Looked down. I didn't know what to say further.
She asked. "You haven't even told me your name."
"Call me Musclehead."
"Huh?"
"You called me that once. Felt accurate."
She laughed. "Fine then, Musclehead."
She leaned forward. "So, hospital internship is your only job?"
"I don't work at any hospital. Just happened to be there."
"You don't even look like a doctor. You look more like… a model. Be honest—do you have a girlfriend?"
Sigh. Isn't it obvious? "If I did, I wouldn't be sitting here."
"Fair point."
I looked at her. "Did police investigate your father's murder?"
Silence.
"Yeah. They did. But… the killer had someone powerful behind him. Probably kept the cops away."
Hmm... Cassius.
She smiled sadly. "My father was a killer too. Of animals. He deserved it, in a way. You reap what you sow. But…"
She looked away.
"I was waiting for him that day. It was my birthday."
Silence.
I stared at the floor. "My boss makes me do overtime. He pays well."
She looked at me, confused.
"I'll pay for your treatment."
"What? No, you don't have to—"
"I do. I've eaten at your place. Twice. I owe you."
"But—"
"If you want to repay me… make food for me. Every day. So I don't have to cook."
She stared. Then smiled. Then laughed.
"Okay, Musclehead. Deal."
I stepped out of her house. Turned.
She was waving.
I raised a hand.
Then walked away.
I started taking on missions again.
Dirty and dangerous work. The kind that paid well if you didn't die.
I didn't care about the money before. But now, I need it to pay for her treatment.
She didn't know the details. Just that her bills were covered. She assumed I had some "good-paying boring job."
She got more casual with me. Comfortable, even. I didn't know why.
First, it was the market.
"Hold this," she dumped a basket in my hands.
"Why?"
"Because you're tall and intimidating. The lady shopkeeper won't overcharge if you stare at them like that."
"Huh?"
She wasn't wrong.
Next day, she dragged me to a movie.
"I don't watch movies,"
"You do now. I have already booked your ticket too."
She laughed through the whole thing. Loud. Shameless.
I sat beside her. Quiet.
Week after that, we went to the hospital.
Her hand held mine when the doctor put in the needle. I didn't ask for it.
She didn't let go.
We travelled back through bus. We sat in silence. She slept on my shoulder.
I didn't move. Not even once.
"Let's play chess!" she said once, grinning like a child. "I bet I can beat you."
I didn't reply. Just set up the board.
Ten minutes later, checkmate.
"You're like a silent machine! Again!"
I beat her again. And again.
Then it was UNO.
"This is luck-based!"
It wasn't. I still won. Every round.
"Come on! Are you cheating? You have to be cheating."
I wasn't. I just paid attention.
She'd walk beside me, rambling about the clouds, or her favorite ice cream flavor, or why penguins are the best animals. I didn't say much.
"Why don't you talk?" she asked one day.
A warrior speaks less. Listens more. Fools and dogs bark too much.
These were the words Cassius once told me.
"I don't like talking much. You should keep talking. I'll listen."
She blinked at me, then chuckled. "You must have really, really great stories you're hiding."
I looked at her and then looked away.
"No. You're wrong. I... don't have anything interesting to talk about."
My voice came out quieter than I intended.
She didn't push. Just gave me that look—the kind where she wanted to reach out but didn't know how. Then she smiled.
Another day, she dragged me to a fair.
She pointed to some giant stuffed monster at the whack-a-mole booth.
"I want that teddy bear!"
"I'm not doing that."
"Pleeeeease?"
"No."
"Come onnn. I want it! I loved them as a kid!"
"Have you ever grown up?"
She stuck her tongue out. "Never."
I sighed. Picked up the hammer. "What are you even going to do with it?"
"Hug it."
I looked at her and swung the hammer once.
The mallet crashed down. The mole vanished. Bell rang.
People clapped. She gasped.
I didn't even look.
She squealed like she won the lottery and hugged the teddy like it was a long-lost sibling.
I have decided, I will only tell her the truth about her father once she completely recovers. Sigh.
PRESENT DAY, 27 JULY 2024
It's about to rain. I dropped from the container crane with a muted thud. Rolled once. Came up crouching. The gravel didn't make a sound under me. My coat brushed the ground like a shadow in motion.
The dockyard is awake in the worst way—armed guards, movement patterns, floodlights sweeping like lazy eyes.
I counted twelve. Rotating shifts. Close quarters. Guns.
One walked close. Too close.
I moved towards him. Fast.
My arm locked his neck before he could blink. Snap. One twist. Body down. Quiet.
Another guard spotted me as I dragged the body into cover.
Gun raised. Bang.
I dove behind a forklift as bullets rained—hot steel clanging off machinery. A sharp edge caught my side mid-roll. Blood. I got a stain on my shirt. Tch.
I pivoted out the other side, pistol raised. Three controlled shots. All three hit.
Back into motion.
The children were in Storage Unit C—same as the intel said. Big steel container. Padlocked.
I drew my sword. One clean swipe and it split the lock.
I pulled the door open.
Dozens of kids. Huddled. Silent. Some too scared to cry.
"Move back."
They did. I sliced chains. One boy stared at me like I was the monster.
Then the floodlights snapped on.
And I was surrounded.
Fifteen men this time. Batons, shotguns, machetes.
They didn't announce themselves.
Without giving them a chance, I shot the first. Slashed the second. Spun the third into the fourth and cut them both down.
Bang. A shotgun blast clipped my shoulder—spun me sideways. My back hit a steel pole with a grunt.
Shit. It does hurt. For now, I'll bear it.
One swung a crowbar. I ducked, drove my elbow into his throat, then flipped him over my back.
Two more. One grabbed my coat. I pulled him forward, stabbed him with his own blade.
Gun out. Bang, Bang. One shot to the knee, one to the face.
I took out my sword and swung it. Each swing was precise, brutal and surgical.
They are not stopping.
Huff, Huff.
Another took a swing—connected with my ribs. Something cracked.
Didn't stop me.
I fought like the world was ending.
Until finally—
Silence.
Huff, Huff. The ground around me was painted in bruises and blood.
Drip, Drip. I looked at sky. It's started raining.
It's not over. I tightened my grip on sword and started moving.
Then—
Thud, Thud. Someone's approaching. I pulled myself together.
From the shadows behind the crates—he stepped out.
Long black coat. Gloved hands. The boss of these mafias.
Karl.
17 December 2015
Cassius sat on the rusted chair. One leg crossed.
"Today, I am assigning you the mission. You have to go to an underground club named Pulse"
I didn't say anything. Just listened.
"There's a man there. His name's Karl. He is the boss of them. Pull the trigger. That's your job."
Karl?
He must've noticed the way my breath changed.
"What happened? Can't do it?"
"I—I will."
Cassius smiled. I can tell he wasn't proud of me.
He stood up. Handed me a gun. Cold steel. Heavy.
"Then go," he said.
I turned. Started walking away.
Behind me, another one of Cassius's men stepped beside him. Whispered something.
I kept walking. Didn't turn back.
"Master… why did you send him? He will die."
"Hmph. One day, this dog will grow stronger than me. I won't let him bite me when I step on his tail."
Silence.
Cassius took a pause and said "I'm planting something inside him. Not steel. Not fire. Fear."
"So even if I step on this dog's tail, it should be his fear that awakens not his killer instinct."
The city was cold that night.
I reached the club. A club at the edge of the underworld. Loud music. Screaming bass. People laughing like hyenas. Women in glitter. Men in gold chains.
I stepped in. The light was red.
Thick smoke. Bodies moving like shadows. No one noticed me. Good.
I moved through the crowd quietly.
Ba-dump. My heart is pounding. Each step is making me more and more nervous.
Then I saw him.
Karl.
Sitting on a leather couch. Surrounded by men with cigars. Women with wine glasses. The way he laughed. It's like he doesn't fear anything.
I stopped.
My breathing is so heavy, it's like I can lose it anytime.
I reached for the gun.
Fingers gripped the handle.
I pulled it out.
Pointed it straight at him.
People near him paused. Confusion.
He looked at me.
"Don't move."
He tilted his head, "Huh?"
Karl looked at me.
He didn't raise his hands. He didn't flinch and didn't even blink.
He just… smiled.
Hahahahaha!
Loud and Casual.
Like I had just told him a bad joke.
His men started laughing too. No one was taking me seriously.
I tightened my grip.
"Don't come closer."
My voice was barely audible while my legs were shaking.
Karl stood up and stepped forward.
I pointed the gun right at his chest. My hand was shaking. I was trying my best to hide it.
"I said stop!"
"Hmph."
He walked until the barrel of my gun touched his chest.
Then he leaned in closer.
"You ever shot anyone, kid? Like—really shot someone?"
"I—I w—will..."
I was trying to say something but couldn't speak a single word.
I tried to pull the trigger.
But my finger wouldn't move.
He grabbed the gun.
Easily. He just… took it from my hands like it belonged to him.
I was standing there like fool.
Karl examined the pistol.
"Nice piece. Do you even know how to clean this thing?"
One of his men stepped behind me. I didn't turn in time.
A fist slammed into the side of my head.
I stumbled.
Another one—gut punch.
Knees dropped. I couldn't breathe. Gasp.
They grabbed me.
Threw me on the floor.
Kicks. Boots. Everywhere.
I curled up. Arms over my head. Couldn't see. Just heard them laughing.
"Aufhören!", Karl shouted.
Everyone stopped.
My face was bleeding.
Karl walked closer.
He crouched and stared me for a while.
"Hmm... Are you that little robin hood who used to steal money from merchants?"
I was trying to look at his face.
"Hahahahah! Wait a minute, let me show you something."
He snapped his fingers.
A man came forward. Nervous. Holding a tray of drinks. Pale. Shaking.
"Do you recognize him?"
I blinked.
Through one swollen eye… I did.
That man. I had helped him once. Gave him a bag of stolen money so he could treat his wife. He cried when I did. He said that he would never forget me.
Karl looked between us. "You know what's funny?"
He turned to the man. "You want us to stop hurting your little saviour here?"
The man looked at me.
Right in the eyes.
I looked back.
Hope.
Just a little. Small flicker.
He took a breath. Then—
"No, master. Do as you please."
My heart stopped.
The room burst into laughter.
Karl leaned in and whispered, "No one here fears death, kid. They only fear me."
Then he stood. Nodded.
Boots rained down again.
"Stop it. Stop. Please.....", I cried.
I was begging for them to stop but no one did.
And slowly, I was fell unconscious.
I woke up in trash.
Outside.
I rolled over. Cough. My entire body was screaming in pain.
I dragged myself forward.
I was barely pushing myself. Huff, Huff.
Then I saw him.
Cassius.
Standing near a lamppost. Same posture like he always had. Arms folded. Same unreadable face.
I forced myself to my knees. Tried to speak.
"M—Master?"
He walked up. Kneeled in front of me.
"You crying?"
I didn't know.
Tears? Blood? Or maybe..... both?
"Didn't I tell you? A warrior doesn't cry."
He looked me dead in the eyes.
"I was showing you the world. The real one. There's no place for heroes, Brat-jun. No place for loyalty. Only power. Only fear."
He stood. Patted my head.
"You understand?"
"Y—Yeah!"
I had nothing left to say.
"Good."
He picked me up on his shoulder and took me to a hospital.
Karl..... One day I myself will kill him.
Back to the present, He, Karl, is standing in front of me, arms crossed and surrounded by his men.
I gripped my sword and asked, "Do you..... remember who I am?"
He narrowed his eyes as if he is trying to remember something, "No, I don't."
Hmm, I expected that from him.
He cleared his throat and said, "Actually, I don't remember insects I've crushed under my boots. And By the way, who----"
"Next time you speak more than asked, I promise I will make your death even worse", I interrupted.
He looked at me with a smirk and flicked his wrist — A signal to his men.
They came towards me and I, now is the centre of this chaos.
I raised my sword.
The first man swung a metal rod at me. I ducked low, jammed my shoulder into his gut, and sliced across his thigh.
"Aargh!", He screamed.
Second came from behind—I twisted, caught his wrist, slammed my elbow into his face and shattered his nose.
They kept coming.
One grabbed my arm—I spun and drove the blade through his chest. Another slashed at my back. Tch. I turned with a backhand swing and split his jaw.
Every move cost me something—skin, blood, breath.
But I didn't stop.
Another tackled me from the side. We fell hard. He tried to choke me. I head-butted him, dazed him, then shoved the sword through his heart.
I got back up, huff, huff.
Karl was still standing, watching. He cracked his knuckles and entered the battlefield.
I took my stance.
He swung first—fast, wide hook. I leaned back, barely dodged. Came in low, slashed at his thigh—he jumped back, just a scratch.
He grabbed my arm, yanked me close, landed a punch straight to my ribs. Crack. I coughed blood but didn't back down.
I drove my knee into his stomach. He grunted.
Swung again—missed.
I slashed across his arm. "Aargh!", He roared, pushed me, tackled me to the ground.
He lifted a pipe nearby and swung it.
I raised my sword, blocked.
I kicked his knee, made him stagger. Stood up. Swung the sword hard—
This time, I caught him across the chest. Deep. He dropped the pipe.
I stepped in. Put the blade to his throat.
His men stood frozen, watching. I turned my gaze to them.
"You want to die for him? Or save yourselves?"
They were hesitating and looking at each other. Karl shouted—
"Kill him!"
But no one came. One by one, they backed away. Dropped their weapons. Ran.
Cowards.
I turned back to Karl. He was breathing hard. I shattered his pride.
I knelt down and looked in his eyes.
"Everyone here is running without caring for each other. Do you feel it now, mafia boss…?"
I leaned closer.
"…The fear?"
His eyes widened, "Y—You... That k—kid."
Before he could say it, I slit his throat.
It's raining heavily. I stood there, soaked, surrounded by bodies, barely able to breathe. Every inch of me screamed in pain.
I closed my eyes and faced towards the sky.
14 MAY, 2024(Yashmi's POV)
It's 10 PM, I got late today. Thanks to musclehead, I have arrived my home safely. I turned around and looked at him. He was standing there, watching me. I waved towards him, "Bye-Bye". He waved back with no expressions at all.
Does he really have any emotions at all? Sigh. He is just like a kid who is trying to act rough tough but isn't.
I stood at gate until he vanished in dark.
"Hey!!! Yashmi!!". Some of my friends came running towards me. They were all excited and jumping.
"Is he---- Is he that same guy, you talk about?", one asked.
"Hehe, Yeahhh!". Well I am actually proud of myself to have such a guy as my friend.
"Whoa! Tell me! Are you guys dating?", one of my friend said, "There isn't any way this guy would be single".
"Well--- Ummm, We are not", I said.
But I actually want to. Sigh. But I guess I know he is out of reach. So I am happy to have him as a friend.
Then came the laugh. That high-pitched one. One of them couldn't help it.
"Obviously. I was shocked that a guy like him would date you."
"Yeah right," another added, smirking. "Why would anyone pick a baldie over all of us hotties?"
Laughter. Loud. Together. Like hyenas.
I couldn't do anything but smile awkwardly trying to hide my embarrassment. I walked inside my room, took off my hat and looked in the mirror.
Slowly tears filled my eyes and I couldn't help but cry.
"Why am I like this?", I asked myself endlessly.
"Why are you even crying, Yashmi? You know very well, they weren't wrong at all", I talked to myself.
I cried and cried and cried until I fell asleep.
Next morning, the door bell rang. I knew who's there before opening.
It was him. Like usual. With that same expressionless face, he was standing outside the door.
"What took you so long? Were you doing something? Did I disturb you?", he asked. It's his habit of questioning every bit of detail.
"Nothing special", I replied, "Why are you here?"
"Huh? Weren't you the one who asked me to come at morning?"
I took a pause. I don't know how to say this. I took a deep breath and said, "Yeah! But it's fine now. I am not in mood of going anywhere.
He gave me a look like he's detecting something in me. "Okay! I'll come back later."
He turned away and started walking.
"Listen!", I called him, "You don't need to stress about me anymore. I will handle it myself."
He turned towards me and looked at me again. It was a gaze of someone who was searching for answers. "Is everything alright, Yashmi?"
"Yeah!", I replied.
I lied to him. This is the first time I have ever lied to him and I can't tell myself how bad it was feeling.
I closed the door in his face and went inside my room.
Two days later, I finally gathered up the courage to come out of my house. I went to supermarket for some groceries.
The words of them were still ringing in my ear. I was wearing a cap to hide my scalp. I know it's ugly. I can't bear the sight of myself anymore.
Ahhhh! Why am I thinking so much? Isn't it good to be what you truly are? As I was fighting with my own mind, I thought of him. Where is he? I was rude to him the other day. Will he hate me for that. I--- I ruined it. I ruined my friendship with him. Sob.
I was dragging my feet. It was getting dark.
"I can see the dullness in every of your step", someone said.
I turned around to see. It was him. Standing near the pole. Sipping on coffee.
"What are you doing here?", I asked him.
"Nothing. I was just walking around", he replied and slowly came towards me.
He looked at me in the eyes. It was really hard for me to make an eye contact with him.
"If there's something that is bothering you, shouldn't you share it with me?", he said, "Weren't you the one who considered me as friend? Is that how we hide things from friends?"
Speechless. I really didn't have anything to say. He made me speechless. I couldn't help and started to cry. He was...just standing there looking at me as I was crying.
I told him everything. About the statement of my own so-called friends, how I felt about it. He was listening to me all the time.
Sob. He was standing there, folding his hands.
"Sigh. Is that it?", he said.
He leaned closer and said, "Should it really matter to you what others say or think? Words and words. They shouldn't matter to you."
I don't know what to say to him. I was simply looking at him in eye, with tears.
"Let me tell you something. There was a bear I knew. He was big, scary and had scar. Everyone feared him. So did I... Until I get to know him. He used to come to me daily, throw an apple and move on. He became my friend. It was him, who made me realise, beauty lies in soul not in body."
He came closer to me and held my hand, "Let's go, Baldie! There's a new movie that has been released. I have already bought two tickets of it. You are coming with me."
I was literally dumbstruck. Ba-dump. My heartbeat was so fast and loud, I could almost hear it. He was holding my hand. Taking me with him. Even though he called me with same name my friend did, but it was different. It instantly made me realise that words are words what really matters is intention and action.
I closed my eyes and gathered up the courage to speak, "My surgery will be on next week. Will you be there for me?"
He stopped and turned around, looked at me, without saying anything.
"Next month is my birthday too. Will you be present there as well?"
Totally a dumb question. Like, a moment ago I was crying and now I am asking whatever is coming in my mouth.
He looked at me for a moment and then smiled. It was a short yet so beautiful smile that made my heart go crazy.
"Yeah, I will!", he said.
I couldn't control this overwhelming emotions. Happiness, excitement, and something strange feeling, feeling that was making me go crazy. It was....love. I pulled him and hugged him so tightly and he hugged me back.
Present Day
I was standing still in rain. Every thought was of her. I gripped my sword. Yashmi, I still remember the promise. Don't worry, I will be there on your birthday.
I dragged my feet and started walking. My body was barely holding up. I was completely soaked in blood.
As I was walking, I saw someone standing there. My vision was blurred. I squint my eyes to take a closer look.
Just when I reached in his range, Ba-dump. Fear. My entire body felt it. A grave danger fear. My hands trembled. My legs gave up and I fell on my knees. It was him. Cassius.
He was watching me, with that same unreadable face. Why is he here? I tried to stand but couldn't.
"Desperation. There's desperation in your steps. Why?", he said.
He walked forward slowly. Like a lion approaching its prey.
"You asked me for more and more missions. Then, you said you want to quit. Strange. I knew something was off."
He stepped closer.
"I did some investigation".
"It's for a girl?"
I didn't reply.
I tried to speak up but couldn't. My breathing was heavy.
He crouched near me, just enough to be eye-level.
I looked at him through pain-heavy eyes.
Cassius smiled. Just slightly.
"Do you remember what I said when I recruited you? I will kill you the day I stop seeing the warrior in you."
I said nothing. I turned my eyes as if I know my fate now.
He looked at me like I was a child again. Weak. Naive.
"Your job is over."
He took out the gun. Black. Silent. Beautiful in a sick way.
He raised it slowly.
This is it for me. This is how it ends.
I closed my eyes and remember her. Every moment I spent with her was flashing before my eyes.
"I'm sorry, Yashmi."
"I couldn't keep my promise."
The barrel pointed at my forehead.
Silence.
Bang, Bang.
Two days later(Yashmi's POV)
I opened my eyes and found myself on hospital bed.
My head feels... light. Like I'm floating.
I try to move. My arms feel like they're underwater.
Something's wrapped around my chest. Tubes maybe. I don't care.
I look around slowly. White walls. A chair. A folded blanket on it.
Empty.
I blink.
Once. Twice.
Then whisper—
"Is... anyone here?"
The nurse walks in. She smiles, too casually.
"You're awake. That's great."
"Is there... anyone waiting outside?"
She glances at her chart.
"No, ma'am. No visitors yet."
That doesn't make sense.
"There must be," I say. "He's tall. Muscular. He'd never leave. Just check again, please?"
She hesitated and then smile gently.
"I'll look again, but I don't think there's anyone."
I try to peek past her, out the door.
No one.
My chest sinks.
I look away, "Okay…."
Next day, the nurse approached with a soft smile.
"There's someone here to see you."
My heart jumped.
I sat up quickly, brushing my hair behind my ears.
"He's here? Finally?"
I was completely filled with hope.
The nurse nodded, stepped aside.
But it wasn't him.
It was a stranger.
Tall. Sharp. Calm. Holding something in his hand.
A letter.
He walked towards me, quietly.
"Yashmi??"
"Y—Yeah?"
He handed me the letter.
"He wanted me to give this to you... before he died."
"W-What do you mean died? Who are you?"
"Where is he?!"
The walls spun. My chest tightened.
My heart was pounding.
No. No. This must be a mistake.
I reached out, but my hands were shaking. The nurse rushed over, held me down.
I looked at the envelope. His handwriting.
I tore it open. My fingers trembling. My throat dry.
Yashmi,
If you're reading this... it means your operation went well.
And me... I'm gone.
No. Please no.
There's so much I hid from you.
I was a professional assassin.
And your father... I was the one who killed him.
He was a poacher. And one of his preys was my friend.
A bear. I killed him out of revenge. I know, I'm a monster.
Drip, Drip. Tears fell onto the paper.
My hand covered my mouth. I couldn't breathe.
I met you by accident. Wanted to help you out of guilt.
But... I stayed because I wanted to.
I liked being with you, listen to you. I wanted to see you smile. Again, and again.
I know once you read this, you'll hate me. And maybe you should.
Cassius gave me one last mission.
I know I wouldn't return.
My vision blurred.
I'm sorry, Yashmi.
I couldn't tell you all this in person. I was afraid.
Afraid of losing what little warmth I had left in me.
Please don't cry because of me.
Take care of yourself.
And always smile, Baldie.
Bye.
Arjun.
Arjun… The letter slipped from my hand.
I clutched the sheets, trying to stay together.
But I was crumbling.
He was gone.
He left with all the things he couldn't say in words.
And I— I have left with nothing but silence.
The letter... still clutched in my hand like it was the only piece of him I had left. I'd cried enough to drown the world. I was supposed to be discharged today, and for the first time, I didn't want to go. Because where would I go without him?
I took the discharge and went back to my house. My heart was empty. I didn't know what to do. I looked at the letter again. Read it again. And again. And again.
Arjun.... His name was Arjun. He never told me his real name and when he did, I can't call him with that. His memories were flooding my brain. I couldn't help but cry. Cry until I fell asleep.
Days went by and it came...my birthday.
23 August 2024
Even though it's my birthday. It was nothing special at all. I lost my father on my birthday and lost the person who claimed to be there on it.
If was an average day. I went out for groceries. Sat in a park doing nothing. Staring at ice cream parlour that reminded me of him again. Crying.
I came back to my house in evening. I picked out my keys to unlock the door but it was already open. Strange. I took my stance. Alert. Might be some burglars. I picked up a wooden plank and went inside the house slowly.
There I saw a man from behind. He was peeking in refrigerator. Might be for food. I turn on the light.
"Hey, You!", I shouted.
He turned around. My heart skipped. I leaned forward, fingers trembling as I dropped the plank. It was.....him. Arjun! Bandage on his forehead, forearms. Is it true? Am I dreaming? I pinched myself to double check that it wasn't a dream.
He looked at me and smiled.
"Yo! Baldie."
SLAP.
His head snapped sideways.
"Happy Birthday..... To You!" he said, rubbing his cheek like a confused schoolboy.
I didn't answer. I just cried. Loud. Ugly.
I threw myself at him and hugged him so tight he winced.
"Don't cry like that, people will think I'm harassing you!" he whispered in panic.
"You already did, idiot," I sobbed.
He held me gently.
"Are you not... mad at me?" he asked. "For... for killing your dad?"
"I am," I whispered. "But... I also knew what he was. He was in a line of work where death was always coming. You did what you had to. I get it now."
My hands clutched his shirt like I'd lose him again.
"Where were you?" I asked. "Why didn't you come sooner?"
Flashback to Cassius and Arjun Confrontation (Arjun's POV) ----
Bang, Bang
I heard gunshots, thought I was dead. But then I slowly opened my eyes. Cassius aimed for the ground, not me.
"Hah! Hahahaha! Scared?", he crouched to my eye level, "I can still see the warrior in you, Arjun. Fighting for something, he loves."
Did he say Arjun? Smile. It's the first time, he has ever called me by my name. He patted my head like I am still a kid. "You've done a great job. Let's go. I will pay for your hospital bills".
He gave me his shoulder for support. Thank You! Cassius. Or should I say, Master!
Back in the present
I smiled.
I wrapped my arms around her.
"I'm not going anywhere, Yashmi," he said softly.
"Not anymore."
She closed her eyes as we get lost in each other.
Scene fades.
The End.