Chapter 4 Part 2

The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange hue over the deserted streets. The air was thick with tension as if the world itself held its breath for what was to come. It was 2:34 PM.

Raghav and Anuman emerged from the stronghold, their movements quick but deliberate. The old, hard-standing building loomed behind them, a relic of another time that now served as their fortress. Its cracked facade and ivy-covered walls bore silent witness to their preparations.

Raghav adjusted his jacket, his eyes scanning the surroundings with hawk-like precision. "One day," he muttered, mostly to himself. His voice carried the weight of both anticipation and unease. "Just one day left, and then the negotiations either fix this mess... or everything burns."

Anuman smirked, hoisting a crate onto his shoulder. "Don't count on those negotiations. You've seen how desperate people get. If it comes down to it, we stick to Plan A."

Raghav gave a curt nod. "Agreed. Let's load up and hit the mall. Time's running short."

They worked in silence, moving crates and supplies down into the building's newly reinforced basement. Despite their efficiency, the tension between them was palpable. Every box they stacked seemed insufficient.

"No matter how much we prepare, it always feels like it's not enough," Anuman grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow.

Raghav's lips tightened into a thin line. "It's never enough. That's why we don't stop. Not until the last second."

The streets outside were eerily quiet as they climbed into their truck, its engine roaring to life. The plan was clear: reach the mall, load as much as they could, and return to the stronghold before nightfall.

---

Meanwhile

At the edge of the village, the whispers of unease reached Pritika and Vartika.

"They're taking chemicals," Pritika said, her voice low but urgent. Her dark eyes flickered with concern as she paced the small room. "Massive amounts of goods, too. And they've got it all hidden in a building behind Umbrona Village."

Vartika leaned against the table, her brows knitting together. "Chemicals? What for? Are they planning to—"

"I don't know," Pritika cut in, frustration tinging her words. "But whatever it is, it's not good. They're up to something, and we can't just sit here."

Their older brother, Yash, entered the room, his towering frame casting a shadow over them. "If they're stockpiling like that, they've got a plan," he said, his voice deep and steady. "And it's not a plan that includes us—or anyone else for that matter."

Vartika crossed her arms, her jaw set with determination. "Then we need to find out what they're doing. We can't let them act unchecked."

Yash nodded, grabbing a set of keys from the counter. "We leave now. If we wait, we might lose the trail."

The three of them set out, their vehicle rumbling down the dirt path toward Umbrona Village. The air between them was tense, their thoughts racing with possibilities.

Pritika glanced out the window, her fingers tapping nervously on her knee. "What if we're wrong? What if they're just... over-preparing?"

Yash didn't take his eyes off the road. "We're not wrong. People don't hide stockpiles of chemicals unless they're planning something dangerous. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out. And if we need to stop them..."

Vartika cut him off, her voice firm. "Then we'll stop them."

The car sped on, the road ahead winding through fields and abandoned houses. In the distance, the silhouette of the stronghold loomed against the fading sunlight, a beacon of mystery and potential danger.

The tires crunched against the gravel road as Vartika, Pritika, and Yash drove away from their home. The fading sun painted the sky in streaks of amber and crimson, but none of them were paying attention to the scenery. Their thoughts were occupied by what lay ahead.

Vartika broke the silence first. Her voice was sharp, cutting through the hum of the engine. "Why are we even doing this? Why does it matter what Raghav and Anuman are up to? Shouldn't we be focusing on surviving this war instead of poking around in someone else's business?"

Pritika shifted uncomfortably in her seat, glancing at Yash for support. He let out a slow sigh, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.

"It's not just about poking around," Yash began, his tone measured but serious. "It's about what I overheard outside Kanima City Mall."

Pritika leaned forward, her interest piqued. "What did you hear?"

Yash hesitated for a moment before continuing, his voice dropping as if speaking the words aloud made them more real. "I overheard Raghav and Anuman talking about something... something bigger than this war. Raghav said people hiding in bunkers, people like us, would survive the war itself—but there's something else, something worse. He's convinced it will kill us even in the bunkers."

Vartika frowned, her skepticism evident. "Worse than the war? That sounds... unlikely. What could possibly be more dangerous than the chaos we're already living through?"

"I don't know," Yash admitted, his jaw tightening. "But whatever it is, Raghav is terrified of it. He's stockpiling like he's preparing for the end of the world. And here's the kicker—if that thing moves forward the way he fears, Raghav might have to make a choice."

Pritika tilted her head, her voice soft but steady. "What kind of choice?"

Yash's knuckles turned white against the wheel. "A choice that could mean killing millions of people to survive. Including those of us hiding in bunkers."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air. Vartika stared out the window, her mind racing. Pritika shifted uncomfortably, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"Why would he do that?" Vartika muttered, almost to herself.

"Because," Yash replied grimly, "he's trying to protect his family and friends. But survival... survival at that cost? It's not something we can ignore."

The rest of the drive passed in tense silence, each sibling lost in their thoughts. When they finally arrived at the stronghold, the building loomed before them like a silent sentinel. Its weathered walls and boarded-up windows exuded a sense of foreboding.

"They're not here," Pritika observed, her eyes scanning the empty surroundings.

"Good," Yash said, stepping out of the vehicle. "That means we can investigate without interference. Let's move."

---

The Investigation

The siblings entered the building cautiously, their footsteps echoing through the hollow space. Dust motes danced in the air, illuminated by the weak light filtering through the cracks in the walls.

Pritika ran her fingers along a wooden crate near the entrance, frowning at the faint chemical smell lingering in the air. "Whatever they've been storing here, it's not just food or water. This smells... industrial."

Vartika crouched by a set of barrels stacked near the far wall, her brow furrowing. "These are labeled, but the writing's smudged. It looks like... solvents? What are they doing with these?"

Yash moved deeper into the room, his eyes scanning for anything unusual. He paused near a trapdoor partially hidden beneath a tattered rug. "Over here," he called, gesturing for his sisters to join him.

Pritika's heart raced as she and Vartika approached. "Do you think this is where they've been hiding the chemicals?"

"Only one way to find out," Yash said, pulling the trapdoor open. A narrow staircase descended into darkness.

The air grew colder as they ventured down, the faint hum of electrical equipment becoming audible. When they reached the bottom, the siblings found themselves in a small basement filled with shelves of supplies—crates of food, medical kits, and rows of unmarked containers.

"This isn't just preparation for survival," Pritika said, her voice trembling. "This is... something else entirely."

Yash inspected one of the containers, prying it open to reveal packets of a fine white powder. His expression darkened. "This isn't food. This is—"

"Explosives," Vartika finished, her voice barely above a whisper.

The three of them exchanged uneasy glances. Whatever Raghav and Anuman were planning, it wasn't just about survival. It was about power, control, and a willingness to sacrifice lives to achieve their goals.

The truck came to a screeching halt in front of the deserted Kanima City Mall. Its once-bustling entrance was now a shadow of its former self, the glass doors cracked and the neon sign hanging precariously. Raghav and Anuman wasted no time, grabbing their gear and moving inside.

The mall's interior was eerily silent, save for the echo of their boots against the marble floor. Most of the stores were either looted or abandoned, but some shelves still held treasures—packaged food, instant noodles, and survival essentials.

Raghav began tossing supplies into bags with practiced efficiency, his sharp eyes scanning for anything useful. Anuman, meanwhile, seemed less focused, pausing to inspect random items as if he were shopping on a lazy Sunday.

"Anuman," Raghav called out, his tone sharp, "are you going to actually use your brain today, or are you just planning to act like a useless, innocent kid?"

Anuman blinked, caught off guard. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Raghav shot back, straightening up and glaring at him. "You keep pretending like you're some harmless little saint, but we both know that's not who you are. You're cocky, arrogant even—more than me, for sure. So why don't you drop the act and actually start living like the real you?"

Anuman's face darkened, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "The real me, huh? And what exactly do you think that looks like?"

Raghav stepped closer, his voice lowering but losing none of its edge. "The guy who doesn't hesitate. The guy who takes what he needs and does what has to be done. You've got a sharp mind, but you waste it trying to play innocent. It's getting old, Anuman. Either step up or step out of my way."

For a moment, Anuman said nothing, his expression unreadable. Then, with a sigh, he grabbed a bag and started filling it with supplies—this time with more purpose, more precision.

"You really think you know me, don't you?" he muttered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Fine. I'll stop pretending. But don't come crying to me when you realize you liked me better the other way."

Raghav snorted, throwing another packet of instant noodles into his bag. "Trust me, I'll manage."

The two worked in silence for a while, the tension between them palpable but productive. They moved methodically, clearing out shelves and loading their loot into the truck.

As they finished, Anuman leaned against the counter, a sly grin spreading across his face. "You know, for someone who loves to lecture, you're not exactly subtle yourself. Maybe I'm not the only one who's pretending to be something they're not."

Raghav paused, his eyes narrowing. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Anuman shrugged, pushing off the counter and heading for the truck. "Figure it out."

Raghav watched him go, his jaw clenching. Whatever game Anuman was playing, he wasn't about to let it distract him. Not when they were so close to executing their plan.

Raghav froze mid-motion, a packet of soup suspended in his hand. He turned slowly to face Anuman, his gaze sharp as steel. For a moment, silence stretched between them, the weight of Anuman's words hanging heavy in the stale mall air.

Anuman stood with his arms crossed, his expression both defiant and smug. He had called Raghav out, and he wasn't about to back down.

"You want to lecture me about being myself?" Raghav asked, his voice low and dangerous.

Anuman smirked, leaning casually against the edge of a broken counter. "I'm just saying, maybe you should take your own advice. You talk about stepping up, about dropping the act. But what about you, Raghav? When are you going to stop playing this slow, methodical man? Huh? Acting like you've got all the time in the world, like you can afford to care about happiness and order?"

Raghav's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond immediately. Anuman took a step closer, his voice dropping as he continued.

"You think I don't know? That I haven't noticed how much you're holding yourself back? Please." He scoffed. "You're not fooling me. Or your little sister. Or, hell, even some of your older cousins. We know what you're capable of, Raghav. We've seen the creature you really are."

Raghav's hand clenched around the packet, crumpling it slightly. "Careful, Anuman," he warned, his voice cold.

Anuman didn't flinch. Instead, he leaned closer, his smirk widening. "The creature who doesn't leave a single crime unpunished. The one who hunts down anyone who dares defies your rules. You think I've forgotten? I haven't. I know exactly how far you're willing to go. How cruel you can be. The only question is... are you willing to go there again? Or are you going to keep pretending you're better than that?"

Raghav stared at him, his expression unreadable. But his silence spoke volumes.

"I thought so," Anuman said after a moment, stepping back and turning toward the truck. "You're holding yourself back, and you know it. But don't worry. When the time comes, the real you will come out. It always does."

Raghav stood still, his mind racing. Anuman's words had struck a nerve, but he wasn't about to admit it. Not now. Instead, he forced his emotions down, burying them deep as he turned back to the task at hand.

"Get in the truck," Raghav said flatly.

Anuman glanced over his shoulder, the smugness still in his eyes. "Whatever you say, boss."

As the truck doors slammed shut and the engine roared to life, Raghav gripped the wheel tightly, his thoughts a chaotic swirl. Anuman had pushed him, forced him to confront the part of himself he had worked so hard to suppress.

The part of him that wasn't slow and steady. The part that thrived on chaos, justice, and punishment. The part that, if unleashed, could destroy everything—or save it.

Only time would tell which path he would take.

The cold wind swept through the deserted mall, carrying with it a sharp bite that clung to the broken glass and abandoned shelves. The atmosphere felt heavy as if the air itself was carrying the weight of recent events.

Raghav and Anuman were focused on their tasks, their earlier conversation lingering in the air like unspoken tension. They knew they needed rest. Days on the edge had worn them down, and their focus shifted to preparing supplies, organizing, and ensuring everything was secure.

---

Scene 1: Loading Supplies

Anuman stood beside the truck, loading boxes with supplies. Most of the items were drinks—water, energy drinks, and packaged beverages. His movements were mechanical, efficient. His mind was still replaying the words from earlier, but he knew now wasn't the time to dwell.

As he lifted another box into the truck, a voice broke through the wind.

"Excuse me!"

Anuman turned, surprised. A young woman stood a few yards away, her features partially obscured by the wind and shadows. She was bundled in a heavy jacket, her hair tied back tightly. She looked hesitant but determined.

"Could you help me load a few things into my car? I'm running low, and I could really use the help," she said, her voice steady but strained.

Anuman hesitated for a moment, looking at her and then at the supplies. His hands paused midair. "Uh... sure," he said finally, his voice unsure.

He walked toward her car, a small, dusty sedan parked just outside the mall's entrance. Anuman could sense that there was more to her request, but he chose not to question it, focusing instead on helping her out.

---

Scene 2: Raghav's Frustrations

Meanwhile, Raghav was having his own problems. He stood a few feet away from Anuman, pacing in frustration as he rifled through boxes. His mood was sour, the kind of bitter anger that came from expectations unmet.

"What kind of mall is this? It doesn't even have that, or this." His voice rose with each complaint as he sifted through supplies, his hand tossing items to the side in frustration. "Honestly. Who sets up a shopping mall without proper preparation? What use are noodles and pocket soup if there's no—"

He cut himself off, shaking his head. His voice had begun to feel like his own worst enemy. His frustration threatened to spiral, and his hand found his phone absentmindedly.

Raghav's eyes fell on the glowing screen, and his expression turned serious. His thumb hovered over the screen for a moment as a message or alert must have caught his attention. Something about it tugged at him—his instincts, trained and sharp, whispered that something was wrong.

Before he could dwell further on it, a low, sharp sound hit the air like a distant whistle. His attention snapped upward, and his heart dropped.

---

Scene 3: The Missile Impact

Out of nowhere, a high-pitched screech tore through the air. Raghav turned his head just as the explosion came, a massive missile streaking from the sky with a fiery tail. It slammed into the third floor of the mall with an ear-splitting roar. The ground trembled beneath his feet, and a wave of heat and debris rose from the explosion.

He didn't think. His body moved before his mind could process the danger.

Raghav ran, the sound of the missile impact reverberating in his chest. Glass shattered and debris rained down as the explosion tore through the structure. He sprinted toward the mall's entrance, his heart pounding as the broken ceiling caved in behind him.

He vaulted over debris, down broken steps, and jumped toward a soft landing on what appeared to be a beanbag couch that had fallen during the blast. His body hit the ground hard, and pain lanced through his side. Blood dripped from his head and lips as he scrambled upright, his hands scraping against broken concrete.

"Truck... gotta get to the truck," he muttered through gritted teeth.

He pushed himself toward the parking lot, ignoring the sharp pain in his chest. His hands trembled as he reached the truck, leaping into the driver's seat and starting the engine. The sound roared to life as he pressed the gas, wheels spinning against the snow-dusted ground.

The truck lurched forward, but just as Raghav was about to leave the parking lot, he heard something. A strange sound. His brow furrowed as he focused on it—a low moaning. His blood ran cold.

He glanced at the back seat through the rearview mirror. His face paled as he saw movement.

Anuman. Naked. Entangled with a woman in the back seat. The sound was unmistakable, and it was happening right there, just behind him.

Raghav froze, his eyes widening.

"What the—"

Before he could say another word, his body tensed. His hands tightened on the wheel as anger and shock clashed inside him. His face turned red as his heart pounded in his chest. His voice was hoarse when he muttered,

"Anuman... what the hell?"

His foot hit the gas harder as he pulled the truck out of the parking lot, the sound of metal groaning beneath stress as he tried to maintain control. His head throbbed. His body was covered in dust and blood, and his mind couldn't shake the image.

The moans continued as the truck sped away from the mall, toward an uncertain fate.

The air felt colder as Raghav pressed on, his eyes on the horizon. His anger, exhaustion, and frustration swam together, creating a storm inside him.

The truck rumbled down the cracked, the burning road as the wind whipped through the barren trees lining the sides. The tension in the cabin was palpable, a mix of exhaustion, fear, and unease as the events of the last few moments replayed in Raghav's mind.

Raghav's grip on the steering wheel tightened. His voice was strained but decisive as he spoke.

"We have to reach the Stronghold fast. As soon as possible," he said, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the path ahead. His words felt final, as though he were trying to convince himself as much as Anuman.

Anuman leaned back against the passenger seat, rubbing his temple. His voice was laced with confusion as he looked at Raghav.

"What are we supposed to do now? And why are these missiles attacking the country?" His voice cracked slightly. "I thought there was still one day left until the negotiations were supposed to determine how this whole thing would pan out. What the hell is happening?"

Raghav's face remained grave as he glanced at his friend. His voice was low, almost reflective as he replied, "I think the negotiations made things worse."

He paused, his eyes glinting with unease as his thoughts swam.

"I think they must've triggered something... destabilized a lot of things," he continued, his voice full of weight.

Anuman turned his head, his brow furrowed. "Triggered what? What do you mean?"

Raghav's tone grew sharper as he turned his attention back to the road. His voice carried a bite of urgency as he asked, "Who is that woman?" His gaze darted briefly toward Anuman. "Is this one of your friends? How the hell did this happen?"

Anuman looked at Raghav, his expression nonchalant but a little strained. His shoulders were relaxed, but his words were anything but calm.

"Oh, that? She lured me with her goods, man. I thought I was just helping her load some supplies, but... well, I got carried away in her beauty and—well—loaded her for myself," he said casually, attempting to pass the whole thing off with a kind of deflective humor.

Raghav stared at him, his face a mask of disbelief and frustration. He slammed his hand against the steering wheel, making the truck lurch slightly as he responded,

"Okay... so you got carried away, huh? What the hell, bro? How can you do something like that during an intense situation like this? We're in the middle of a war, and you're screwing around with... this?"

Anuman sighed, holding his hand to his head. "Look, man, the goods that were on my list were completed. I helped her out, and well... turns out it turned out this way. It's not like I planned for this to happen," he shot back, defensive but still nonchalant.

Raghav clenched his teeth, fighting the growing anger inside him. His voice was sharp, cold, and direct.

"Anuman... I've got a metal shard piercing through my chest's skin," he said abruptly, his voice suddenly strained as pain laced his words. "And yet here you are, playing around in the middle of all this

The woman said interrupting the conversation.

Sunidhi- "Hi my name is Sunidhi I am a doctor, I can do the treatment of your chest's metal shard let me see it" After analysing the wound Raghav Has Sunidhi said, "It is fine it didn't pierced through the chest it didn't broke any bone too it s fine to work with it, just don't strech your arms too much or the wound will get worse"

Raghav said" Thank you miss Doctor, Anuman we have some visitors in our stronghold, so you drive the Truck as Miss doctor said that I can move much muscles near my hand or stretch it much"

Anuman didn't respond immediately, his face pale as the words registered. His voice came out quiet, strained.

Anuman after Changing seats with Raghav "Visitors?"

Raghav nodded grimly, his hands gripping the steering wheel even harder.

"Yeah," he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. His voice dropped to a whisper, as though he were speaking to himself as much as his friend.

"I think they're expecting us. And I don't think it's going to be friendly."

An uneasy silence filled the cabin. The cold wind howled outside as the truck sped down the winding road toward their destination. The two men exchanged a glance, both knowing that time was no longer on their side.

Whatever awaited them at the Stronghold would reveal much more than either of them was prepared to face.

To be Continued....