The next day
Door opens, G-one and others crash in and throw their bags on the bed.
G-one: Oh man, today was crazy.
Piyush: (unbuttoning) Hey, that is my dialogue.
Akash: The college is running pretty normally for a three year isolation time.
G-one: Even though it is, many students still choose to avoid coming to the classes.
Piyush: But majority does. Maybe they are not afraid of the situation they are in.
G-one: Maybe they are not aware of it.
Akash: This can't be. The news is all over the internet. It is impossible that they don't know about it.
Piyush: I am curious. Three years is a long time. What the goverment and cops are doing about this? Shouldn't they be the one handling it here? Who are we? We are just nobodies as far as I know.
Akash: I am not sure, but I think that goverment is trying to supress the fact here.
G-one: What makes you say that? How is it in the news then if they are hammering it down?
Akash: It wasn't very easy to surf through the net and find these articles. And more, they have been marked with spam.
G-one: What the bitch! why didn't you mention it earlier?
Akash: You said that one lead is all we need. And this was the heads up. I wasn't taking it as a spam.
Piyush: Akash is right, this news, it isn't flowing out of this city, I guess not many people know about something like this. Except the people in this city. And many people don't even believe that.
G-one: Mysterious deaths are not tiny matters, a big TRP snatchers. No media would even think of letting go of such an opportunity. Unless and until something bigger than them is restricting them to do so.
Akash: And local people wouldn't believe anything told by just anyone unless they see it on a bigger news broadcast.
Piyush: Is that really the goverment? Or Ra-one has influenced them some how?
Akash: It was a guess, but we actually found what we were looking for. He is here. Ra-one is here. Now we just need to devise a plan to finish him for good before he could hurt someone else.
Piyush: But why? why is he killing people? Making them their slaves is just. But killing them doesn't make any sense.
G-one: I know why.
Akash: The bodies of his victims, appeared to be gone through a series of bad experiments. It seems like he is searching something inside them.
G-one: No, he is looking for a way to fuse himself with a mortal body.
Piyush: What! don't tell me the fuck.
G-one: Shut up bitch, I am telling the truth. He is trying to acquire flesh and blood. He thinks it will make him stronger. Then no will be able to destroy him and send him back to where he came from, the game.
Piyush: What makes you so sure, crazy shit? If you are making this up, then,
G-one: I am not, he told me that by himself. And now he is sure he can fuse his HART with a human body.
Akash: After seeing you, isn't it?
Piyush: He has a HART too? Holy, mother flower.
G-one: Until he finds a way to merge himself with a soul, he won't stop killing people.
Akash: And how is he gonna do it? Fuse his HART with a human.
G-one: I don't know, but he will find a way.
Piyush: How did you manage to stick that into your chest?
G-one: I don't know man. It just happened on its own, like magic.
Piyush: That thing on your chest, is an object of science. There is nothing magical about it. And that beast out there who is killing people mercilessly in the name of his so called experiments is a failed game character out of the gaming world. He is a scientific creation. Only science can kill him. We can kill him.
Akash: You are amazing today termite. The things you said are to the point. He won't be able to fuse his HART with anyone until he figures out how you did it. And that my friend, is not gonna happen. If he believes that fusion of HART with a human can make one stronger, then he will be smart enough not to attack you twice, until he finds a way to become stronger than you.
Piyush: And his mind controlled puppet, since we are capable enough to take care of them, it would be just a piece of cake for you.
G-one: It would be a good idea not to involve Moon in this. I don't want anything to happen to her because of me.
Piyush: None of us want that and she is lost in her own fiction anyway, Gods and all. She doesn't have time to waste in human matters.
Moon: (Walks in) Hey, sorry, I stayed with the girls for a while. Took me sometime.
Piyush: You are doing good. Just keep blending in with them. Keep your godly identity hidden. They might snap if they found out you are a God.
Moon: Why so?
Akash: People here are not very fond of those who are very different from them. They might start keeping some distance from you like earlier. You wouldn't want that right?
Moon: No, I will keep my magic to myself then.
Piyush: Only if you had it.
Everyone laughs.
Moon: But I really have it.
G-one: Whatever, let me think for what to cook this evening.
Akash: Let's see what I can dig up in the net.
Moon: And what should I do?
Piyush: Actually, Moon, I wonder if you understood what the teacher taught us in the class.
Moon: Why not? I understand the language, I am well-versed in few different languages of the realm.
Piyush: Then maybe we should have a revision about it.
Moon: Sure,
After finishing their work, Akash and G-one sit with Piyush and Moon, discussing on what they studied today.
Piyush: She is actually good.
G-one: Oh yeah, we have another ace in our pack then.
Akash: Beauty with brains, your kinds are very hard to find.
Moon: You have found yourself one, have you not?
Akash: Ya, and she was hard. I know, I experienced the search. Piyush, now you are the only one left with a beauty of your own.
Piyush: Don't worry, I will get mine soon. I have found some gorgeous ladies in the college. I will grab one of them, you just watch the show.
G-one: And how are you gonna do that? Play horsie with them.
Everyone laughs.
Piyush: Crazy son of a... (jumps on G-one).
Moon: Hey, it's my notebook, don't step on it.
Time passes. Moon was up in the sky, illuminating the surface with its silver reflection. Akash peeps out of the window on the sound of sirens rising outside, the wavering police lights are passing by slowly.
G-one: What do you see, man?
Akash: Police petrolling the streets.
Piyush: They are making sure no one else roams alone in night. They don't want another victim. I wonder if they have been doing this for a while?
Akash: They are still unsuccessful in catching the one behind this all (pulls the curtain).
Moon: You all seem too serious about this? Who are you talking about?
Piyush: Don't worry about it Moon, you have nothing to do with it. We will take you to your home safely.
Moon: No, it's just, you all keep talking about a situation. I am really not sure if I am aware of it. Maybe I could help you with it if you tell me about it.
Akash: We can handle it girl. We don't want anything else happen to you, you have suffered enough. So it is better if you don't concern yourself with such trivial matters. You just keep smiling.
Moon: But how can I smile with you all looking so dense?
Piyush: Oh! is that so? Let me cheer you up (throws a pillow on Moon's face).
Moon: (shakes up) What is this?
Piyush: This is called pillow fight. Let's begin,
Akash: (pulls out a pillow) Hehehe!
Moon: Ahhh!
G-one was watching all this and smiling until a pillow comes flying and sticks to his face.
Moon: You missed me.
Akash: Ohh!
Piyush: What! that crazy monkey is the one who enjoys this game the most. Fuck him.
G-one: (pulls down the pillow) Bitch! watch your language.
Piyush: First you watch yours, sucker.
And the game continues.
A new day after the quite night with fading police sirens momentarily, rises with a new smile of satisfaction on the face of the three boys, who were following the group of girls walking before them, which included Moon and the others. The girls chit chatting as they go inside smiling, made them neglect everything else around them.
Akash: Do you all feel what I feel?
G-one: This urge,
Piyush: To protect something, to keep it the way it is.
G-one: It sounds dramatic, but it is true.
Akash: Did we just extend our family yesterday?
Piyush: Ya dude, the thing what we are seeing, is a solid evidence to that.
G-one: Then let's keep this family shining like this, until we live.
Akash and Piyush raise their fist for a tag of trust and G-one responds in kind. As they strike their fist and put their first step beyond the gate smiling obliviously, they collide their eyes with Ana standing parallel to them.
Ana: You!
Three: Gulp!
Akash: Oh hell! did se recognise us?
Piyush: Keep walking man.
G-one froze, staring at her dumbfounded.
Piyush: (slaps G-one and pulls him along) Crazy fuck, move.
G-one: (shakes head to relieve himself of the stress) My god, she was looking at me like she knew me.
Piyush: Stop talking, and keep moving.
Ana: Hey, wait!
Akash: Run!
They ran and slide into their classroom quickly and begin on regaining their breaths.
Lavangi: (sitting on the bench) What! did you all already start early morning? Why come running all of a sudden, huh?
Mia: They all do act like kids sometimes. It's been hardly two days with them, and they are already beginning to stand out.
Simar: You all should stay away from us, we don't want unwanted attention.
Lavangi: Right, go bug someone else. Shoo!
Mia: So Moon, how come you have golden hairs? Did you dye them or something?
Moon: They are natural. I never used dyes. I don't even know what they are?
Lavangi: You are kidding! no way! that colour can't be natural.
Moon: I swear it is.
Simar: So silky, you must be using some kind of shampoo. What is it?
Piyush: (breaths) They think we are the one attracting crowd's eye for them, the biggest culprit is the blondie they are housing.
Akash: And they are blaming us.
G-one: Bitches!
Lily: (walks in) Hey guys! Good morning.
Akash: Hey!
Piyush: Good morning, Lily.
G-one: Good morning, good to see you.
Lily: (goes to the girl) Hey, I am here as you said. What are you all talking about?
Mia: Just about Moon's hair.
Simar: She has beautiful hairs, don't you think? And she is not telling how did she manage to get them?
Lily: Oh my, I am curious about it too.
Moon: I said guys, it's natural, believe me.
Lavangi: Let me examine it closely (pulls her hair).
Moon: Lavangi!
Lily: Easy girl!
Piyush: Let's go suckers, we don't belong in girly talks like that. Lets get the hell outta here and do some manly business.
Akash: You need to pee,
Piyush: Would you stop ruining my savage build ups please? Crazy ape!
Akash: Why wouldn't you say it simply then?
Piyush: It won't sound very macho then. Why am I even making a crazy stupid understand what does being macho means?
Akash: Ok, I will try to pee manly with you then. I will be a macho man too.
Piyush: (rolls his hand around Akash's shoulder) Let's begin with a piss fight then.
Akash: I have done piss fight, where you draw your name with the piss on the wall, right?
Piyush: Ya, and whoever completes it, wins.
Akash: I will, I will be a macho man.
G-one: You two keep arguing, I am a macho from the start. (runs) Toilet is this way.
Piyush: Why would you run fucker (follows G-one).
Akash: Whoever reaches the toilet first will be titled as macho (runs).
G-one goes and unzips his pant and starts peeing.
Akash: Hold it, won't you play the game?
G-one: Why would I want to play that stupid game, bitch?
Piyush: Why did you run then?
G-one: I wanted to pee, badly, that's why. Ohh! what a relief. And I told you, I am macho from the start.
Piyush: Yeah yeah! (unzips) Everybody thinks that.
Akash: Fuck the game, (unzips)
G-one: Any idea on how to proceed with our investigation?
Piyush: People might know something about the incidents that had happened or the places where it usually occurs.
Akash: He might have changed his tactics after he met G-one the last time.
Piyush: Only if he knows G-one is alive. He might still be playing it the same.
Akash: It would be great if he is.
G-one: What if we try to gather some intel from the students. They might know something.
Piyush: Only if they are willing to tell.
Akash: And we don't know anyone yet, except the girls back in the class.
G-one: Manas! he might be able to help us with it.
Piyush: Where is he anyway?
Akash: He told us that he will meet with us in the cafeteria, but he never showed up. Maybe we should go to his class and check out.
G-one: He is in upper section. I don't think it is a good idea.
Piyush: We don't have any other choice. Let's go.
Akash: Let's get a look on some sweeties on the way (slapped by G-one).
While searching on the upper floor, Ana sees G-one peeping through the door way into her class. She escapes out of her seat and follows towards G-one.
Girl: Hey Ana, where are you going?
Ana: Be right back!
Akash and Piyush were diligently looking for Manas in every class until Akash was swayed by the charm of a girl.
Piyush: Where could he be?
G-one reaches the stairs when he sees Manas coming up.
G-one: There you are buddy.
Manas: G-one! hello, good to see you again. What's up?
Ana tails G-one to the stairs. Before she could say something, Karan pops up from behind Manas.
Ana: Why him now, damn it?
She turns around and walks away to a distance to evade his eyes.
Karan stops behind G-one.
Karan: Did I just see Ana over there?
Boy: Where? Nah! must be someone else.
G-one: Hey Piyush, Akash, over here, I got him.
Piyush: Hey, Manas is over there. Come,
Akash: (wipes of his drools and follows Piyush).
G-one: Come with me, we need to have a talk.
G-one takes Manas downstairs followed by Piyush and Akash.
Boy: You were saying about the cake you smashed on her face. What happened next?
Karan: (continues walking up stairs) What else? She was trying to make me rain cash on her birthday. When I asked her for sex, she never let me. And now she was asking my cash like she owned me. So I fucked her up differently.
Boy: With a cake (laughs) The bitch deserved it.
Ana hides behind a wall peeping to see Karan gone. But as Karan leaves, she finds G-one was gone as well.
Ana: Oh god! (smashes her head in the wall and then tries balancing herself on her feet).
The boys step out of the building on the field. The huge land mass before them, divided in different sports field, lays a basketball court before them, with a ball static on the court.
Manas: Tell me, what is it I can help you with?
Akash: First tell us, why didn't you show up yesterday?
Manas: Where?
Akash: You said you were gonna meet us in the cafeteria.
Manas: Oh sorry, I stayed in the court during that time, so I forgot.
G-one: In the court, you mean basketball court.
Manas: Ya, we practice here, our college endorses sports advantages in academics, so we try to master one game where we can represent our college in interstate matches.
Piyush: (picks up the ball) Basketball, it's been a long time since we touched it, isn't it G-one (throws and achieves a three pointer).
G-one: Smooth, looks like you are still good with your hands partner.
Piyush: In more ways than you remember.
G-one: I bet.
Manas: That was amazing. You know how to play this game?
G-one: We used play it in our school time.
Piyush: And we were kinda best in it.
Manas: And Akash?
Akash: I am more into cricket and stuff so I never focused on basketball.
Piyush: How many players do you have?
Manas: Not much this time. Not many students are interested in basketball. They all go for football, cricket, handball and other games like that. And we don't have a coach for basketball too.
G-one: Oh really (glad)
Piyush: We didn't had a coach either.
G-one: We two together alone made the game popular throughout the entire school. Soon the students began enjoying the game with us.
Piyush: But unfortunately, everything changed after G-one left.
Manas: What happened?
Piyush: Maybe next time.
Manas: Ok, so what was that you needed.
G-one: We need you to add us to your basketball team.
Manas: That's all.
Piyush: ( raises his eyebrow to G-one).
G-one: (shows his palm to Piyush) Yup, that's it.
Manas: Now how can I reject such good players? I will be honoured to have you in my team.
G-one: So, when do we meet? For the practice.
Manas: Anytime, after the second half.
G-one: See you then. Bye!
Manas: Bye.
G-one and others walk in, leaving Manas behind.
Piyush: Why?
G-one: Let's get acquainted with more people. Then we might be able to casually get the information out.
Akash: Nice, asking directly will attract attention anyway. This is a good initiative.
Piyush: Makes sense. I comply.
G-one: Let's tell the others to choose their desired co-curricular activites and start taking the classes of their optional subjects.
Piyush: Then there is no time to waste. Let's do this. I always wanted to say that.
Akash: Sounds good from your mouth too.
Piyush: Ya right?
Akash: Just don't say it unnecessarily again.
Piyush: What! it was meant to be said here. You always blow up my savage moments, crazy mother's dog.
They begin their classes, study till the time and then regroup on their seats avoiding to go to cafeteria since they brought their lunch boxes with them.
Mia: I see you brought your lunches today.
Moon: Ya, G-one cooked for everyone.
Akash: This is better. The cafeteria's food is a waste. Expensive and foul at the same time.
Lavangi: Hey, it doesn't taste that bad.
Piyush: It actually does. Appeared stale. I could tell just by looking.
G-one: It is because they use the old oil which they had used before. It really ruins the taste and even turns the stomach up and down.
Simar: Maybe you all have the habit of eating your mother's cooking that's why it tastes different.
G-one: Maybe,
Moon: No, they do eat stuff from outside. Last time G-one brought burgers for me.
Mia: Oh really!?
G-one: Oh that! I just picked it up for her cause she had been hungry for three days. I couldn't get something else at the moment so I bought the first thing I saw.
Mia: What catastrophe kept her hungry for three days?
Piyush: (coughs)
Simar: Easy, did you jam your throat? Here, drink some water.
Piyush: Thankyou!
Akash: We eat fast foods time to time. No big deal hehehe.
Mia: What kept you hungry for three days Moon?
Moon: It's hehe, I was....
G-one: She was sick, ya, so she avoided eating, no she ate but very little.
Mia: But the other day she was saying she doesn't get sick very easily.
G-one: Oh! she said that.
Moon: No, even Gods get sick sometimes. Haha!
Lavangi: Gods!?
Piyush: Moon! (giggles)
Lily: (arrives) Hey guys!
Akash: Lily! we were waiting for you. Come here!
Lavangi: Ya, Akash was eagerly.
Lily: Stop pulling his leg.
Akash: Yes, really, maybe I was the only one waiting for you.
Mia: Now that's too much Akash.
Moon moves a little giving space to Lily.
Lily: Here, (opens her box) atleast I will get the taste of your lunch boxes today.
Piyush: Bummer, we four have the same lunch boxes.
Lily: No problem, we have four different dishes anyway.
Lavangi: Mine might have a little low salt in it. Better compromise.
Lily: I brought salt with me. Don't worry.
Akash: Holy, I didn't know you had salt on you all the time.
Lily: Just for situations like this. I like salty food.
Piyush: I thought you had it as a precautionary measure if someone like Akash tried to grab you out of the blue.
Everyone laughs.
Simar: Might come in handy for blinding him.
Lily: I will keep it in mind.
Akash: Why!? You think I could do something like that? I am gonna hang myself today.
Lily: No, it was a joke, silly.
Akash: A sucky joke by chance.
G-one: So Mia, what are your optional subjects?
Mia: Mine?
G-one: Ya! Does anyone else has their name as Mia?
Mia: English and physiology.
G-one: Umm, interested in studying about the body parts and stuff?
Lavangi: From the start. Maybe that's why she is one of the most physically active among us.
G-one: (whistles)
Piyush: Must be very good in sports then?
Lavangi: You would be surprised.
G-one: I like being surprised, about good things. I hate jumpscares.
Lavangi: I will remember that,
G-one: Hey, don't have any stupid ideas now. Anyway, what about you?
Lavangi: Mine are hindi and home science.
Piyush: Picked up the easy ones.
Lavangi: They are not easy, Hindi grammar is tough. Ask Simar, she opted the same subjects.
Piyush: Why? Already going for the easy way, are you girls?
Simar: It is not what you think Piyush.
G-one: No, hindi is not easy, it is the toughest language subject I have ever faced. The grammar, it is more complicated than English.
Simar: See, G-one understands.
Akash: Oh come on, G-one sucks in Hindi grammar. Hindi is our mother tongue, it can't be tough.
Piyush: You all always seek an easy way out just like G-one.
Simar: Why? What are your subjects?
Piyush: I don't wanna brag, but mine is same as Mia.
Akash: What! (looks at his chest)
Piyush: Bastard! not this, subjects. Crazy fuck.
Everyone laughs.
Mia: You don't even come close comparing to that (chuckles).
Piyush: It won't even look good on me anyway.
G-one: (laughs)
Piyush: What psyched you?
G-one: I just imagined you having boobs. Damn you looked hilarious.
Piyush: Shut the fuck up with your crazy talk.
Moon: G-one! stop!
Others laugh again.
Simar: What about you Akash?
Akash: Lily, me and G-one got the same subjects. English and Computer science.
Lavangi: G-one, you are into computers too?
G-one: I am not into computers, computer is inside me.
Simar: Is that a metaphor?
Piyush: I forgot to mention, I assigned the same subjects to Moon too. I thought since you took the responsibility for her, it would be good if she stayed with you in every class.
Akash: (slaps Piyush smirking)
Piyush: What!?
Simar: She is your sister, why is he taking responsibility for her?
Piyush: I, umm, it's that!
Lavangi: That's your attitude towards your own sister.
Akash: No, it's just she likes to stay with G-one and me most of the time. That's why he gave her responsibility to us since she is new to the urban area.
G-one: (smiles foolishly)
Mia: Why did you not make your choices on your own Moon? Why let him do it?
Piyush: Well, because!
Mia: I am talking to her Piyush,
Piyush: (gulp, thinks) Just say something reasonable.
Moon: I actually asked him what they chose, I agreed on choosing the same subjects myself. I don't know much about the upper academics.
Mia: Ok, then I will help you too with it then. I will switch to computer science too.
G-one: But why? I can ...
Mia: (shows her palm to G-one) I will switch English with computer science.
Akash: But isn't a language subject compulsory?
Lily: Mia, don't worry about her, I will see she understands everything.
Mia: No, it wouldn't be fun if she went to another class and I am stuck with Piyush.
Piyush: Am I that bad Mia?
Mia: I want to stay with her.
G-one: Ok, fine, I will make her switch to physiology. How's that?
Moon: I have no problem.
Mia: (goes a bit sad, thinks) Damn it, I thought I could switch to computer science and stay with G-one and Moon. But if G-one won't be there, it would be wrong to bring Moon alone with me.
Piyush: But! (signals G-one with his eyes)
G-one: (signals him back using his eyes).
Akash: (notices the signal transfer) Why don't you switch to physiology with her G-one?
G-one: You serious? I am a gamer.
Piyush: You stopped playing games a long time ago. Did you forget?
G-one: But, I never stopped using computers.
Piyush: (angry) I said switch then you switch.
G-one: Ok fine, I will, what's wrong with you man? Did you suck something bad this morning?
Mia: (delights)
Lavangi: You saw that, she changed her expression as soon as G-one said he will switch his subjects.
Simar: It is for Moon, you are thinking too much.
Lavangi: But!
G-one: You will have to go and talk to principal about it yourself.
Piyush: Consider it done.
Akash: Hey, Mia, you said you are good in sports. What do you play?
Lavangi: Now that's an interesting question.
Lily: She is one great footballer.
Simar: She leaves us all behind in the game.
Akash: You all play football? Seriously!
Lily: Why! did you think girls are not eligible for football?
Akash: No, I just didn't know girls were interested in football.
Mia: They are, more than the boys.
Piyush: You are exaggerating, Mia, take it easy now.
Mia: Why? What are you good at?
Piyush: Basketball.
Mia: Huh! no one even plays that here.
G-one: No one can play it that's why they don't play it. It is one of the fast paced game in history.
Piyush: It requires considerable stamina to play unlike football.
Mia: Oh yeah (stands and slams on the table), how about having a friendly match to see who is better?
Piyush: Done,
G-one: Done,
Mia: We will have a football match boys vs girls soon. Let me arrange for it.
Lavangi: Now you have fired her up. She will wipe the floor with you.
Piyush: And I will hang her on the rope like a wet cloth to dry.
Lily: You just missed something.
Akash: What!?
Simar, Lavangi and Lily stand.
Akash: What gives?
Simar: We will be playing with her.
Akash: Holy mother!
Mia: You see, this is what makes me the best. And now we have one more ass kicker in our team.
Piyush and others become attentive. Moon stands from between.
Moon: I will learn the game soon, I won't let you down. I promise.
G-one: (whispers) Betrayal!
Piyush: Ya ya, whatever, bring it.
Mia: Come on, girls.
They leave for the washroom.
Akash: They have been playing together for a long time. They might have something up of their sleeves.
G-one: Stop freaking out dude. We have been playing this game for long enough as well.
Akash: You quit school three years ago termite. What the fuck are you so confident about?
Piyush: Will you calm down? We are basketballers? We can play any game. Let's just revise the basics of basketball first.
Akash: Looks like I will have to join the basketball crew too.