Welcome to the playground

The Shah villa shimmered golden against the fallen night. Spread over acres of carefully maintained land, a grassy lawn and a blue, scintillating swimming pool at the centre, the estate sat far enough from the city for privacy.

Today was the 21st birthday of Mr. Rajiv Shah's only daughter, Mira Shah.

Women in gowns worth more than most people's salaries. Men in tailored suits stood in quiet clusters, their postures revealing more about their status than any words, talking and laughing. Their hums filled the quiet night.

Waiters moved through the crowd with silver trays, the drinks vanishing almost as quickly as they arrived. Almost every kind of person was here tonight — businessmen, scientists, and figures of influence.

Rajiv stood at the edge of the glowing pool, the blue light casting lines on his face. His black vest fit him perfectly over his crisp white shirt.

Just then, his nose tingled with a familiar scent. Without looking, Rajiv recognized Lady Neer. Her expensive perfume followed her as she adjusted the wide brim of her crimson hat. She must have been over fifty, judging by her appearance—a gaunt neck filled with wrinkles, just like her face.

"I heard about Mr. Rawat, and it was sad," Rajiv said, shaking his head down before raising it again.

She watched him carefully. He didn't look his age. His slicked-back hair, streaked with white at the temples. He stood with his hands folded behind his back.

She smirked, her cracked red lips curling. "It's been a while, Mr. Rajiv," she sighed, lowering the brim of her hat. "It doesn't hurt anymore."

Rajiv snorted. "I see. For a woman like you."

She shook her head. "I don't believe in his death. Too many loose ends…" Her gaze drifted toward the darkened edge of the lawn. "He was my husband, but still… something doesn't sit right."

Rajiv softly inhaled, slowly sliding his hand into his left pocket. "Life is hard for a spy… what more can be said?"

She nodded. "See you, Mr. Rajiv." She adjusted her purse, lifted the hem of her gown slightly, and walked away.

"See you, Mrs. Neer," he replied.

Rajiv watched her go, then tilted his head before walking away. He noticed a group of teens standing in a circle, talking and laughing. He smirked. Kids…

Anvika nudged Meera with her elbow. "You've checked the entrance like ten times in the past five minutes. Who are you looking for?"

"Just a friend," Meera said, trying to sound casual while glancing at her phone.

"A friend?" Divya's eyebrows shot up. "The way you keep fidgeting, I'm thinking it's not just any friend."

Rohan laughed suddenly, and the others followed. The ripple of laughter left Meera unsettled.

Meera twisted the big black rose at her shoulder. "It's not like that."

Vikram dropped into the seat across from them, uninvited. "What's not like what?"

"Meera's waiting for some guy," Divya said with a smirk.

"I'm not waiting," Meera protested. "He just said he might stop by."

Vikram leaned forward as sweet music melted in the background. "The guy who supposedly saved you three years ago? That skinny dude?"

"He did save me," Meera said sharply. "And his name is Suryansh."

"Show us a picture," Rohan said, appearing behind Vikram. "I want to see this hero."

Meera hesitated, then reluctantly pulled up a photo on her phone. "Here."

Vikram glanced at it and scoffed. "That's him? Seriously?"

"What's wrong with him?" Anvika asked, peering at the photo.

"Nothing's wrong with him," Meera said, pulling her phone back protectively.

Rohan grinned at Vikram. "Bro, you're practically turning green. Jealous much?"

"Jealous? Of that?" Vikram laughed too loudly. "Why would I be jealous? I drive a BMW. My dad owns half the property in this district."

Divya rolled her eyes. "Nobody asked for your dad's portfolio."

"What's happening over there?" Anvika suddenly asked, pointing toward the entrance where a small crowd was gathering.

Meera's phone buzzed with a message:

I'm here but can't get in. Too many people at the entrance.

Meera's eyes sparkled as she finally smiled. It was none other than Suryansh.

Her face lit up as she typed back:

Stay there. I'm coming to you.

"I need to go," she said, already standing up.

Vikram grabbed her wrist. "You're seriously ditching us for him?"

Meera pulled her arm away. "I'm not ditching anyone. I'll be right back."

"This I've got to see," Anvika said, getting up. "Come on, Divya."

"Fine," Divya sighed, following her friend.

Vikram watched them leave, jaw tightening. "What's so special about this guy anyway?"

"Only one way to find out," Rohan said, heading after the girls. "You coming or just going to sit here pouting?"

Vikram cursed under his breath and stood up. "I'm not pouting. I just don't get why everyone's making such a big deal about some nobody."

"Sure, bro," Rohan said with a knowing smile. "Whatever you say. But let's be honest—he still looks better than you."

"Fuck you," Vikram replied, shoving him lightly.

Rohan kept laughing. "But I'm not going… though." He laughed. "No matter how much of a jerk you are, you're still my friend."

"Thanks…" Vikram smiled faintly, his irritation softening.

Meanwhile, Meera was already halfway to the entrance with Anvika and Divya hurrying to catch up, grass rustling under their feet.

"Why are you walking so fast?" Divya complained in a hushed voice. "My feet are killing me in these heels."

"Nobody asked you to follow me," Meera hissed, clutching her purse tightly. The sequins on her black gown caught the light with every step.

"Hey, stop bickering," Anvika said, lifting the hem of her dress to keep up. "We can all go together without making a scene."

They approached the festooned archways, where the sound of camera flashes and clicking shutters grew louder. Bright lights flickered across their faces.

"What's happening there?" Divya asked, walking between them, her skin scintillating under the flashes.

"How would I know?" Meera whispered, adjusting her gown.

Anvika led them to the edge, where they could see everything clearly.

"Mother… Mother… let's go…" A small girl's voice rose above the noise. She clung to her mother's legs as the woman posed effortlessly, her red dress gleaming with each flash. A wide-brimmed hat framed her face.

"Don't worry, girl… just a few minutes," the woman whispered, unfazed.

"Why are celebrities always like that?" Meera scowled.

"That's luxury, girl," Divya smiled. "I hope I'll be famous like her someday."

"Luxury…" Meera curled her lips in disgust.

A moment later, security arrived, peeling the girl away from her mother and guiding the woman through the paparazzi frenzy.

"Finally… the entrance is opening," Meera exhaled with relief.

But the happiness melted as the camera flashes surged again.

"Who the hell is it now?" Meera's jaw tightened.

She was about to push through the crowd when a tall figure emerged.

He wore a sleek black suit, his blue eyes shielded from the piercing lights. His hair was slicked back, and he moved with quiet confidence. He stood at least six-three—broad-shouldered, fit.

The cameras swiveled toward him. A wave of curiosity rippled through the crowd.

"Who is he?" The question spread like wildfire.

Meera watched him with a disdainful look. But who was he?

No one seemed to know. It turned out to be a mistake—one photographer had clicked his photo, and the others had followed.

The man slowly lowered his hand from his face.

His sparkling blue eye locked on Meera.

She swallowed hard, unable to look away from his intense gaze.

Where are you? she texted.

No reply.

That guy's eyes were still locked on her. He was watching her with straight face.. as She watched him closely, her heart pounding against her ribs.

"Su… Su… Suryansh?" Her voice wavered.

Meera pushed through the crowd, her breath quickening.

He had grown, more taller, more confident. His chest rose and fell steadily, each breath visible through his white crisp shirt in the cold evening air.

Passing through crowd she reached him, standing next to him as he lowered her head down. For a moment, she just stared at him, as if time had slowed. Then, forgetting herself, she hugged him tightly.

At first, it was awkward for him, but then his arms wrapped around her, lips curling into a small smirk.

"You haven't forgotten me," Suryansh murmured.

Reality snapped back. Meera quickly stepped back, adjusting her hair and clearing her throat.

"No... I was waiting for you," she said, trying to sound casual while avoiding his intense gaze.

Suryansh smiled faintly. "Yeah, I can see that."

"You're looking hot… good, I mean," she whispered, the words escaping before she could stop them.

"Not so bad yourself," he replied with a quiet laugh.

Her expression shifted slightly. "You didn't even video call me once."

Suryansh exhaled, tilting his head back. "Yeah… but are you going to question me all day?"

"It's night…..... idiot," she teased, lowering her gaze with a smile.

He chuckled softly.

Behind them, Anvika and Divya watched with wide eyes.

"Is that the guy from the picture?" Divya whispered.

"Yeah… I think so," Anvika replied.

"He looks nothing like the photo," Divya smirked. "He's actually hot."

"Can we go somewhere quieter?" Suryansh asked.

"Yeah, of course." Meera blinked. "Do you want to meet my friends first?"

"No… there's only one person I'm interested in seeing tonight," Suryansh chuckled, casually slipping his hand into his pocket.

"Okay." She smiled, threading her arm through his.

Suryansh tensed momentarily, then relaxed. A faint smile crossed his face as they wandered toward the pool area.

Inside the villa, a man in a colorful checkered suit handed a black bag to another man in a sharp black suit.

"Take it," the man in the checkered suit said smoothly.

"What's this?" the other man asked.

"Why are you here?" the man asked, smiling.

"To shoot," the other replied.

"So this is a gun, idiot," the man snapped. "You came here to shoot."

The man in black's expression hardened.

"And remember," the man in the checkered suit said, turning as he walked away, "the pervert who gave you this job doesn't tolerate mistakes."

"Understood." He replied, lowering his gaze.

Meera and Suryansh reached the illuminated pool. She was about to speak when Mrs. Neer's sharp eyes caught them. She approached with her usual grace, a small smile curving her lips.

"How's the birthday girl?" she asked warmly.

"Hello, Auntie," Meera greeted, flashing a polite smile. "I'm good."

Mrs. Neer's gaze slid toward Suryansh. Her eyes narrowed slightly. "I think I know you."

Suryansh gave a casual shrug.

"You were with Ananya last time, right?" Her tone sharpened, eyes darkening.

"Yeah," Suryansh replied evenly.

A tense look crossed Meera's face.

"Oh… I see," Mrs. Neer said slowly. But before she could say more.

"Hey! Hey!" A deep voice called from across the lawn.

Suryansh turned his head toward a bulky man in a suit. Suryansh's strong jawline tensed as his eyes narrowed slightly before relaxing into a composed expression.

"Hey!" the man called again.

Suryansh smirked in reply...

"I think your friend is already popular here," Mrs. Neer said, her tone light but watchful.

Meera's mouth fell open. She turned to Suryansh. "How do you know him?"

"He's a friend," Suryansh said casually.

"Friend?" Meera's hands went to her hips. "He's my uncle's son. Do you even know what he does?"

"I don't care," Suryansh replied flatly. "He's a good person."

"You've changed," Meera muttered. "Stay away from him, okay?"

Suryansh's face darkened for a moment before he nodded. "Okay."

Mrs. Neer opened her mouth to speak....

"Hello!" Meera's father's voice cut through the moment.

"Namaste, Uncle," Suryansh greeted, pressing his hands together respectfully before slipping one hand back into his pocket.

"The world is small, Mr. Shah," Mrs. Neer said.

"Yeah, I see," Rajiv smirked.

"I think I should go." Mrs. Neer nodded briefly before walking away.

"Hello, kids," Rajiv said.

And then

THUD!!!!!!

A bullet tore through the air, striking Suryansh's shoulder. His eyes widened in shock before his legs gave out. He stumbled, then collapsed into the pool with a heavy splash.

Meera's scream ripped through the night.

"What happened?" Arav shouted from across the lawn, rushing toward them with his group.

Rajiv doubled over, hands pressed over his ears as chaos erupted. Guests screamed and scattered.

Before the shooter could escape, Vikram appeared out of nowhere. He launched himself at the man, his foot slamming into his back with brutal force. The man crashed to the ground with a sickening crunch, his limbs folding unnaturally beneath him.

Security swarmed the area as people rushed toward the pool, diving in to reach Suryansh's sinking form. Rajiv stood frozen, his face pale and drained of color.

Security guards swarmed the area, guests fled in terror, and within minutes, the joyful celebration had dissolved into a nightmare of flashing lights and sirens.