Brewing Tensions at the Coffee Table

The soft hum of the coffee shop buzzed around them, a stark contrast to the heavy silence weighing down the table where Kiaan, Rehan, and Dev sat nursing their cups. Their movements were sluggish, bodies still recovering from the brutal night that had left more than just physical marks. Kiaan winced as he shifted in his chair, the bruises on his ribs reminding him of every harsh grip and violent shove. Rehan's fingers trembled slightly as he tried to steady his hands, the dull ache in his neck throbbing with every heartbeat.

Across from them, Tara sat quietly, her gaze sharp and focused. She'd overheard enough from Dev's careful recounting of the previous night—how Kiaan and Rehan had been taken, how darkness had swallowed their memories and left only painful fragments behind. Her eyes widened slightly as she processed the details, the gravity of the situation sinking in like a cold wave. The usually calm and composed Tara was uncharacteristically restless now, fingers tapping nervously on the ceramic mug.

"So this… this wasn't just a wild night out," Tara finally spoke, voice low but laced with a fierce edge. "They targeted you both, didn't they? Reyaan Malhotra isn't just a shadow in the background anymore. He's playing with fire."

Kiaan's jaw tightened, eyes dark with unspoken fury. "He's more than that, Tara. He marked me again. And this time, it wasn't just about power—it was a message. He wants to break me."

Rehan swallowed hard, voice rough as he added, "I don't remember much, but what I do remember… it wasn't just physical. It felt like he wanted to strip away everything inside me. My confidence. My will."

Dev nodded, a rare seriousness taking over his usually jovial demeanor. "We're dealing with a level of cruelty that's beyond anything we've faced. And he's not just after us — he's trying to send a message to everyone in this game. To anyone who dares stand against him."

Tara's hands clenched around her cup, knuckles whitening. "Then we don't have the luxury to take this lightly. These boys aren't just victims—they're pawns in a deadly chess match. And if Reyaan wants to play dirty, we have to be twice as smart."

Kiaan's voice dropped to a growl. "I'm done running in shadows. It's time to drag him into the light, no matter what it costs."

Rehan's eyes met Kiaan's, a flicker of unyielding loyalty shining through the pain. "Together."

Tara leaned forward, a spark of steel igniting in her gaze. "Then let's make sure the darkness doesn't win this time."

The coffee shop's warm ambiance felt distant now, replaced by the cold reality that was closing in on all of them. But amid the bruises and broken memories, a new resolve was brewing—stronger than any shadow could swallow.

Zid's eyes scanned the bruises and dark marks that stained Kiaan's and Rehan's skin. His face tightened into a grim line as he took a slow seat beside them, the weight of disappointment heavy in his voice. "I warned you before, Captain," Zid said, his tone sharp but not without a hint of reluctant care. "Don't poke the devil unless you're ready to dance with fire. And now look at you—struggling just to keep your ass down."

Kiaan met Zid's gaze, his jaw clenched but his voice steady. "I'm no stranger to fire, Zid. You think I'm scared? The pain's just a reminder. Doesn't mean I'm backing off."

Zid smirked slightly, shaking his head. "Stubborn, like always. But this isn't a game you can win with guts alone."

Then Zid's eyes flickered toward Rehan, who still looked pale and exhausted. "And you," Zid said, nodding toward the bruises on Rehan's neck. "I get Kiaan's war is against Reyaan Malhotra, but what happened to you, Rehan? Those marks…" Zid tapped his own neck meaningfully. "Whose arms did you fall into? Don't tell me you ended up like Kiaan, tangled in the same devil's claws?"

Rehan shifted uncomfortably, rubbing the tender skin on his neck. "I… I don't remember everything," he muttered. "But it felt rough, like… like a blade cutting under my skin, not just hands."

Zid's face softened just a fraction. "Look, I'm one of Reyaan's men. But that doesn't mean I'm here to hurt you. Not you, not Kiaan. I've been watching, waiting. I never wanted this to happen. You two were never supposed to get caught up like this."

Kiaan glanced at Tara, who had been listening quietly, her expression unreadable. "What about those girls?" Kiaan asked, voice sharp. "Their families — what did you find out, Tara?"

Tara took a deep breath, her eyes flickering with concern. "The girls' parents have been in touch with the Indian embassy and the UK Foreign Department. They're pushing hard for justice, but things are complicated. Political red tape, cultural barriers… It's going to take time. And those girls… they need to heal first."

Kiaan's voice hardened with determination. "Then I need to see them. Face to face. Is it safe? Would they even want to see me after all this?"

Tara shook her head slowly. "They're scared, confused. But they also need to know someone's fighting for them. I think they'll want to see you — if only to understand that not everyone is against them."

Zid leaned forward, voice low and warning. "Be careful. Showing up too soon could backfire. These things need to be handled delicately, especially with people already broken by what's happened."

Kiaan's eyes locked with Zid's, fierce and unyielding. "I'm done waiting. Time to stop hiding behind shadows. If they need me, I'll be there."

Rehan nodded, voice steady now. "We face this together — pain, scars, and all."

Tara's lips curved into a faint but fierce smile. "Then let's get ready. This is far from over."