Another dark shadow

It's the day after the relief. Shyam slaps a newspaper on the desk of DCP Bharat. The headlines read 'terrorists subdued in the eastern city to Mumbai after 3 years' with picture of DCP Bharat and some cops attending the news reporters.

Shyam: Sir, I am sorry about my rudeness. But, can I request an explanation about this?

DCP: (leans on his arm chair) What is there to explain? Didn't you find everything out in the article?

Shyam: Sir, is this a joke? You told the media that because of our incompetence the terrorist infested our city for this long and took so many lives without anyone's knowledge.

DCP: (Gets serious) You think I would make my work to be a joke.

Shyam: (scared) So..sorry sir. I was out of line there. But,. sir, why would you take the blame on your head?

DCP: The authorities got the news about the recovery of every lost person. They ordered to display the case as long duration terrorist attack. I had no choice but to follow.

Shyam: What would you tell the families who lost their loved ones in this catastrophe?

Vineet: (walks close) Sir, many stations are being bitched by crowds of people.

DCP: I knew the idea of every terrorist being killed in the crossfire will not work. They would still want to avenge thier losses.

Shyam: This is what I was trying to tell you sir.

Vineet: What should we do now?

DCP: We will need to address the people ourselves. We have been ordered to lift the lockdown. Tell the news channels that DCP Bharat will be breaking the ice on the case at the City Central school grounds.

G-one's room....

Akash heard his mobile chime while he had his brush in his mouth between his teeths. G-one was chopping vegetables in the kitchen. Piyush was bathing himself. Moon was getting ready for the college.

Akash: (checks his phone) Huh! Early morning, Ah hah! She can't live without me, can she? (reads the news article picture sent by Lily) What! What the fuck is this?

G-one: (from the kitchen) Take it out from your mouth, scum bag. What's in the phone? You started getting messages like Piyush in the morning as well. What is it? Her pic or something, huh?

Akash: (nervous) Ah hah! Ya, it is.

Moon: Hey Akash, go spit out already. How long are you gonna keep it in your mouth? When will you stop acting like a stupid kid?

Akash: (laughs forcibly) Ya, I should.

G-one: (appears behind Akash all of a sudden) Hey, what's the matter? What did she send you?

Akash: (surprised) Ahh! What the fuck termite! It's my girl's picture. Why are you poking your nose into it?

G-one: Don't tell me the fuck. I can see it all over your Colgate stuffed face, there is something other than her picture there. Show me.

Akash: Hey, back off (pulls his phone away).

G-one: Show it bastard, I know there is something ridiculous there. And you are trying to hide it.

Akash: Get the hell away, termite. Or I will spit the Colgate on you.

Moon: G-one! Why do you always engage in such activities early morning? Come on, go back to your cooking.

G-one: You stay there Moon. This is between two men.

Moon: Idiots, Piyush, how long are you gonna be there? Do something about them, come out.

Piyush: Let them die sis. I am enjoying cool shower right now.

Moon: Earth's boys are way stupid than I anticipated.

Akash: Leave it be, man.

G-one: Show me I said (snatches the phone and reads).

Akash: (sadly stands away)

The number of casualties blows G-one's mind and his palm began to vibrate and tighten on the phone.

Moon: G-one! What's wrong?

G-one: (snaps out) Akash! I, I only saw few dead bodies in the last base. But, this article says something else. You are sure this is genuine?

Akash: (hangs his head down in grief)

G-one: No way, (stumbles back) this many lives, he took this many lives.

Akash quickly goes into the washroom spits out the foam in his mouth.

Akash: Hey, I am sure they were all killed before we even figured out Ra-one was here. There is nothing you could have done about it.

G-one: (hands over his phone) I, am going to continue with the cooking (walks for the kitchen).

Moon: What happened to him all of a sudden? Who is Ra-one? Is that the man we encountered yesterday?

Akash: I will tell you everything about it Moon, so wait for me to get fresh.

Piyush: (comes out rubbing his head with towel) What's the ruckus about dog shits? Don't let me even bath in peace?

Akash: (gives him the phone)

Piyush: Something in the phone? (reads the article) Crazy mother... Did G-one..

Akash: (nods yes)

Piyush: I am gonna talk to him (goes to kitchen).

Moon: I don't really understand about killing and deaths much but I have heard that the earth has a natural system of birth and end of life.

Akash: What are you, an alien? Let me finish with my brushing first.

The entrance of the college was swarming with students entering and jumping over other students like they came back from a war. G-one and group marched towards the gate and were very surprised by the scene before.

G-one: Look at that, why does it seem that the world grew its numbers in population all of a sudden?

Akash: (swats G-one's shoulder) Isn't that your doing? Get some credit man.

G-one: Are you a bitch? Even I don't have that much stamina to pump out this many in a day?

Akash: Come on, you have superpowers man, this is just a child's play.

G-one: Child growing isn't a child's game, sucker. Move it.

Akash: I was talking about liberating them, geez, how filthy your mind can get, shitlicker termite.

G-one: I know what you were talking about. And why are you away from your heroine today?

Akash: Who said I am away? (pulls Lily from his side).

G-one: Ahhh!

Lily: Hey, hey G-one!

G-one: Were you always there?

Lily: Nah! I just skipped over Moon and Mia to catch him here.

G-one: Uff!

Akash: Well, talk about the devil, but she is not exactly a devil, angel you can say (gets a punch in his guts by G-one) Gwahh!

G-one: You almost gave me a heartattack there. Shit!

Lily: G-one, why did you do that for? Akash!

G-one: Don't worry about it, it's a friendly fire. Did you look up the news this morning?

Lily: Oh yeah, it was pretty bad. I can only imagine what the families are going through. Curse those terrorists.

Akash: (stretches his arm holding his stomach) I can't breath, Lily, mouth to mouth, now, please (slapped by G-one).

Moon: What will happen of them? I am not capable of stopping them from doing such stupid stunts everytime.

Mia: (laughs) Let it be, it's fun to watch.

Moon: What's happening behind us (looks at Piyush walking with Lavangi and Simar).

Mia: Poor Piyush, he is already trapped. Those two are gonna suck him dry good.

Moon: Suck him dry! what is he, a candy?

Lavangi and Simar were buzzing over Piyush continuously, annoying him together.

Piyush: I said no.

Lavangi: Then unblock me on the WhatsApp please.

Piyush: Not happening.

Simar: If you unblock her, then, me too.

Piyush: I am not unblocking anyone. Now stop it.

Lavangi and Simar: I won't send you anymore photos now.

Lavangi and Simar look at each other surprisingly. Their visions collide as they grind their teeths at each other.

Lavangi: (thinks) This bitch again, copying the same technique of mine.

Simar: (thinks) What a scumbag! How does she get a sniff on my plans?

Piyush: Oh you would! Please, you know how much torture you both have caused me. Seeing them and imagining a variety of things, then not be able to do, my thing hurts.

Lavangi: (blush) Imagining!

Simar: (blush) seeing our pictures!

Lavangi and Simar: (alert) Wait, thing hurts.

Piyush: (coughs) Heart, my heart hurts. What were you thinking?

Simar: Oh! heart, hahaha!

Lavangi: Ok, then please let me be your friend on Insta.

Simar: Ya, me too.

Piyush: Ya, no! You would lick my brains out in that too. No way!

Lavangi: (whispers) You can see my pics on my account. How's that? Very sexy pics!

Piyush: (gulp) Wh..Wha...What kind of bribe is this? Trying to prove me a swung? Huh!

Simar: (nervous) You, you can see my pics too.

Piyush: I pass. I am good. I have enough things to imagine myself about with. Thankyou.

Lavangi reaches for G-one and Akash.

Lavangi: Then I will ask G-one and Akash for it. Hey G-one!

Piyush: Haaaah!

Simar: I will like to know too. Wait.

The classes started when the announcement to clear the grounds echoed through the campus. Soon after a bunch of media vehicles and tent setters drive in through the main gate. G-one was looking through the window, management incharge guided the cars to the back. The others were surfing the social platforms where the cops were being ridiculed and were being cursed for they were the reason behind the three years incident. G-one was still looking out of the window spotting the police cars rolling down to the football field. The mike testing could be heard into the classroom, nice but faint. Just a minute before the lunch, an announcement instructed students to not to go out during the public conference. The students were looking through their windows as hordes of people gathered at the huge field of the college, belittling police department. DCP Bharat steps on the stage. He stands before the mike and speaks but his voice gets overshadowed by the crowds abusing.

DCP: I am DCP Bharat, standing before you, ashamed of our incompetence for the past three years. I am not here to state the obvious, but....

The organisers and few cops try to calm the crowd down. The media cameras were flashing on DCP's face. The crowd wouldn't calm down. The other cops stood in lines on the either sides of the stage, nervous wreck, afraid of the crowd. DCP slowly lifts his police hat and lowers his head. The other cops bring their caps down and stick it between their left arm and stand at attention pose stomping their left foot with a command. The crowd begins to clam down as they notice such gesture.

DCP: I am glad that the people of the state remember what our hat's value is. We cops wear our reputation and the vow to protect our nation on our head. Yet, I lower my head before you all, as we failed our vow. I, along with my colleagues and subordinates, are very sorry for your losses. We humbly and sincerely plead for forgiveness. I know it is not easy, but we still expect that from our good people. Our apology will not bring back your loved ones, and neither forgiving us will. However, like everyone, many of my colleagues and subordinates, lost their family members as well in this span of three years, yet they worked to protect you and all your family members. We all are human beings, we worked 24*7 to save the civilians, but everyone has there limits, and so did we. But, even though we tried to do what we can. Not giving up, and following the desire to protect people, we finally located the abducted people and rescued them successfully, however, the lives lost couldn't be brought back. The terrorists have been dealt with and the city is safe now. The chief minister ordered me to notify every good people of my city, that the liveliness will be back and the lockdown has been lifted. The chief minister further adds that, the victim's families will be properly compensated for their losses and the trade and business that has been interrupted for so long, will thrive again in no time. This is our nation, this is our state, our city, help me make it a safe place once more. I put this hat back on (puts it on his head), vowing to never let such incident ever happen again. I will never let any family loose their loved ones in my jurisdiction again. Jai hind.

DCP steps down the stage and marches for his vehicle and leaves. The crowd slowly begins to disperse unsure if to trust the police or not. G-one and the crew watches them from the window. The other students walked through the corridors whispering.

Akash: Man, this is not their fault, yet they are being persecuted.

Piyush: Yeah, and when they did so much work. You saw the petrol cars running all nights right.

Akash: You even have to mention that. Come on. I wish I could help them somehow. But what a measly person like me can do for such a huge department.

Piyush: Atleast, the threat named Ra-one has been dealt with. They can come up with any lie they want. They need to satisfy the public as well, don't they? Let's get back to eating.

G-one, lost in his thoughts, follows Piyush and Akash back.

The police cars rushed through the roads, Ra-one glancing at them, from behind a electric pole, punches on it making a minor dent in it.

Ra-one: I will have to start from the beginning again. Why? But that G-one will sniff me out again. Why? I am designed to be strong. How could I loose? Then they were right, fusing with a human body will make you strong. But of all the people I tried to merge with, nothing worked. What secret is behind his fusion? I will have to meet with the other me. I am sure he will have some idea to what should I do next.

G-one enters the supermarket, he raises his head by the noise and finds the market blooming with crowd of people. Kajal was busy with the product checkings on the counter. She indicates G-one to get over quick as she notices him on the gate. G-one hastes towards the counter and fastens the apron and takes his place behind the counter. Subhu was involved helping the customers around.

G-one: It's crowded today, Mam. Looks like business is gonna fly.

Kajal: (getting ready to leave) Thank god you came. I am going, you two take care of the rest (sends a flying kiss to G-one and moves out).

G-one: (whispers) What's with the kiss?

Customer: Can I get my bill please?

G-one: Yes, right away, mam.

The working hours continues. As the lockdown has lifted. The supermarket running system got a change as well. Instead of running till late midnight, the market is said to be off by 9, by the time G-one leaves. Slowly the number of customers begin to decrease. Subhu gestures him that it is about time. G-one begins wrapping up and looses the apron and steps out, together with Subhu.

Subhu: I got tired after so long. I almost lost how it felt.

G-one: It is gonna be like this everyday from now on, isn't it?

Subhu: (locking the side door) You bet it would. I wished for this to happen. It was so boring without any customers you know. And you get to see some chicks in too.

G-one: Atleast that's the benefit of lifting the lockdown.

Subhu: I guess, more people will be coming back to their shifts soon.

G-one: More people? Oh yeah, you told me that there are more people in the staff, I almost forgot.

Subhu: Atleast now I won't have to work more than my time. I will arrange my shift hours with you, it would be good if we stayed together during our shifts. Right man!

G-one: I was about to suggest that myself. You are really a awesome friend.

Subhu: We should go out partying some time after work. We planned that, didn't we?

G-one: Sure, why not.

Subhu: I think Swati will be coming back starting tomorrow. Geez, about time.

G-one: I see, then nothing bad happened to her I guess. Good!

Subhu: Well, I gotta come early tomorrow, see ya buddy. Have a good night (runs away).

G-one: Good night man. (sighs) Mam didn't come back, ofcourse, she told Subhu to lock the building, she wasn't planning to come anyway. Well, I should go back too.

G-one walks towards his room, looking at the smaller shops glittering with lights and minimal crowds. Fast food stalls, general stores and many more. Some were closing down, few were still running. He reaches the turn around the park, when he sees a dog, badly bruised, staggering along the ground in the park.

G-one: What's this?

He reaches for the dog. The dog barks at him as he bends to touch him, he hesitates first, but then slowly touches his one of the front foot which was badly wounded.

G-one: Oh damn, it is a battle wound. Some dogs attacked you, didn't they? You are a foreign breed that's why. Wait here, I am gonna get you some medicine (G-one gets up, and the dog begins to move again) I told you to stay here. Sit!

The dog sits as G-one says him to.

G-one: Good, I will be back.

G-one, with quick steps, head for the medical store.

G-one: He looks like a pet dog of someone's. Must be abandoned for some reason. I hate people who dump their pets when they can't handle them. Atleast give them to those who could take care of them. But they don't have time to look for it, do they? So they choose the easy way.

The medical store clerk was about to pull down his shutters.

G-one: (runs) Sir, wait, I want some medicines, please. Wait a minute.

G-one gets the medicine and hopes to get something for the dog to eat. He purchases a biscuit packet from the general Store and returns to the dog. The dog was lying on the ground, tired and bruised.

G-one: Hey, what the hell are you doing? Come on, get up. If you had been strong for this long, why are you giving up now. Come on,(he lifts the dog with his two hands and takes him to the nearby bench and sits down, laying the dog beside with his head on his thigh) Let me see your foot.

He puts a disinfectant over his wound and after that an ointment, then wraps a bandage over it.

G-one: Here, it will get better by tomorrow. It is not that serious.

Dog: (head on G-one's thigh, slowly grrrs).

G-one: (gently pets his head) I am sorry, buddy. But I can't take you home with me. I am not exactly staying at my home right now. But don't worry, you can stay in the park for the time being, I will take you back to my real home one day. I will meet you daily either way.

Dog: (slowly) Woof!

Suddenly a group of street dogs surround G-one, howling, scowling at them.

G-one: So these are the one who hurt you.

The dog in his lap begin to slowly move away to divert the street dogs, but G-one push him down on his lap, and keeps petting him. The street dogs slowly advanced towards them. G-one, takes his glasses off with one hand, keeps it down and looks at them with sharp eyes, striking fear in them and which stops them in their tracks. But suddenly G-one smiled and indicates them to come towards him.

G-one: (waving his hand) Come, get over here (one dog goes near G-one and he pets him taming him over in an instant with his shining eyes) Good boy, you know what's better for you, don't you?

The other Street dogs pull back as they see one of them being tamed so easily. The dog on G-one's lap was amazed by the act and slightly raises his head to see the scene properly. The tamed dog, licks the foot of the injured dog and confirms his friendship towards him. G-one rips the biscuit packet and starts feeding the injured dog with his hands, other dogs watched him. After feeding, he puts the remaining biscuits on the ground for the other dogs, G-one stands and gently removes the dog's head from his lap and lays it on the bench.

G-one: Well, I should get going. I want you all to watch over him. I will be back by tomorrow. And if I find out that something has happened to my buddy (eyes shined bright blue, puts his glasses back on), you know what will happen, my friends.

G-one moves away, the dogs group up around the bench and kept looking at G-one going away.

Ra-one was hiding in his salvaged warehouse, sitting like a jobless man with his arms on his knees. The light from the hole made by G-one jumping in, poured on him like a water stream.

Ra-one: I will have to see him. But only the leaders of this state know where he is. I will have to concile with them before I can go any further.

Suddenly a dark figure waltz into the abandoned warehouse. Ra-one stands in an instance after seeing the intruder. He stares at him as he gets closer.

Ra-one: Who are you?

Suddenly a pressure pushed Ra-one down, forcing him on his knees. He struggled even to stand.

Anonymous: (stands before Ra-one) I am here to help you.

Ra-one: (struggling) Help! Me!

Anonymous: Yes, but you will have to do something for me in return as well.

Ra-one: For you?

Anonymous: If I am not wrong, you have already met G-one, your arch enemy.

Ra-one: So you know.

Anonymous: I know everything, I have been watching. But looks like I overestimated you. You failed me.

Ra-one: Failed you! I was never working for you.

Anonymous: You were, you just don't know. You have always been working for my goal. To kill G-one.

Ra-one: That's not your goal, that's mine.

Anonymous: It has become mine as well, as soon as I saw him. I am sent here to kill the girl.

Ra-one: The girl!?

Anonymous: Yes, the girl that was with G-one last time.

Ra-one: You are here to kill her. But I have nothing to do with her, my only target is G-one.

Anonymous: But now she will be your target as well. You will kill her, and G-one for me.

Ra-one: And why should I do that?

The pressure increases on Ra-one, making dents below his knees on surface.

Anonymous: You are weak, you can't kill G-one as you are. I will give you power (touches Ra-one's HART with his one finger), and in exchange, erase the both of them for my sake and stand on the name you own, Raavan.

A wave like magic rolls through his left arm to his finger touching Ra-one's HART and enters in Ra-one. Ra-one's eyes burst with red lights and the light leaped out of the warehouse as Ra-one creepily smiles through his shapeless face.