Chapter 3: Shadows in District 5

In a dimly lit room, the glow of a single overhead bulb flickered above a worn leather sofa. A man sat there, hidden in the shadows, the light falling just enough to show the sharp lines of his suit but not his face.

"Ha… yes, sir. We'll find that boy for you very soon."

His voice was calm, controlled, as he leaned back and handed a photograph to one of the men standing before him. We don't see who is in the photograph, but the man holding it pauses, squints at it, and then starts laughing softly.

"Hahaha…"

He nodded once, sliding the photo into his jacket.

"Find this boy. Bring him to me."

Night fell hard over District 5, a darkness that crawled between broken buildings and empty alleys. Neon signs flickered, throwing colors on cracked pavement as a lone man walked quickly, glancing over his shoulder.

From the shadows, figures stepped out. Men from the gang, eyes cold, bats in hand.

"Oi!" one of them barked, shoving the man against the wall, pressing the photo to his face. "You seen this guy before? Tell us the truth, or we'll grind your bones to dust."

The man's eyes widened, panic choking him.

"I—I don't know him! I swear, I don't know who that is!"

The gang leader grabbed his hair, forcing him to look again.

"Look carefully. Rip your eyes open if you have to. Have you seen him, anywhere?"

The man shook his head violently, but the last thing we see is the bat swinging down.

Morning arrived, the city still wet from last night's rain as Mangesh walked to school, hands in his pockets, bag slung low on his shoulder.

"Seriously… what a boring day. No one's even picking up my calls," he muttered, scrolling through his phone.

An ambulance rushed past, siren screaming, breaking his thoughts. Mangesh paused, watching as it turned a corner near the school gates.

"What's an ambulance doing here? Did something happen today?"

People were already gathered, whispering in hushed, excited voices.

"Did you hear? A murder happened here last night. They say there wasn't even a bone left unbroken."

"Yeah, I heard it was some gang-related stuff…"

Mangesh listened quietly, his jaw tightening.

"Since when did these gangsters start showing up here? This never used to happen…"

Just then, a familiar voice called out.

"Oi, bro! Why are you walking alone again?"

It was Ajay Ban, Mangesh's old friend, the one who could joke about almost anything and listen to everything, except for certain things they never discussed.

"So, you got your admission done?" Mangesh asked, trying to sound casual.

Ajay laughed, clapping him on the back.

"Why wouldn't I? You think I'd let you keep staring at every girl alone? I'll be here too, and maybe, just maybe, you'll stop drowning in your own thoughts for once."

Mangesh pulled a face, rolling his eyes.

"Like anyone would even look at me. I'm not that special, you know."

They nudged each other, bickering lightly as they walked toward the school, trying to ignore the heaviness in the air.

Just then, a sleek black car drove past them, its windows tinted so dark it was like a moving shadow.

Inside, unseen, the same gang members from last night were watching, their eyes scanning every student, every face.

Mangesh glanced at Ajay.

"You've heard about all these murders happening, right? I feel like something big's going on… like there's a gang war about to break out."

Ajay nodded grimly, eyes following the car.

In District 5, there were two ruling gangs.

Gang 302 and Gang 304.

They were known by their codes, each claiming to be the strongest, each refusing to bow to the other. It wasn't that the police were afraid of them—many officers were in their pockets, working underground deals in exchange for protection or money. Some in law enforcement simply turned away, pretending not to see.

But above these gangs, there was one who controlled it all.

A man known only as Lord R…

Later, the same black car pulled up outside Mangesh's school gates, its engine purring softly as students stepped aside, whispering in confusion.

Inside, behind tinted glass, eyes were watching.

And the hunt had already begun.

To be continued....