For one year, Surya, Jey, and the others were in jail.
But no one dared come near them.
Whenever Surya walked by, the prison seemed to go still. Conversations died. Men looked away. No one dared make eye contact with him—like they feared waking something monstrous that slept beneath his skin.
Inside, Surya remained silent. Watchful. Waiting.
Ryan received daily reports on him from the warden. And then, after one and a half years of silence, Surya was finally released.
As he stepped through the gates, the sunlight hit his face like a slap. For a moment, he just stood there—blinking, breathing. Free, but still heavy.
Outside the prison, Rajiv was waiting.
Jey and the others ran to him like children starved for affection, hoping for warmth.
But they got none.
Rajiv's face was stone. Without a word, he drove his fist into Jey's gut.
"Idiots. Bunch of fools. Get in the car."
The others staggered back, stunned.
Surya, meanwhile, walked toward Rajiv slowly—unhurried, unbothered.
As he reached him, Rajiv grabbed him by the collar and pulled him close.
"Why the hell did you kill one of the founders?" he growled. "I need an explanation. After we get to the South Zone."
Surya didn't reply. He simply got into the car.
Rajiv slammed the door and started driving. The vehicle filled with tension.
As Rajiv kept talking—lecturing about the consequences, the pressure, the risks—Surya stared out the window, unmoved.
He had no words for Rajiv's lectures.
Words were for men with doubt.
Surya had made his choice.
Hours passed.
They finally entered the South Zone.
As they drove through familiar streets, something caught Surya's eye—a small shop. A woman standing outside, arms crossed, eyes scanning the road.
Gayatri.
Surya sat up straight.
"Stop the car."
Rajiv glanced over.
"What now?"
"Just an hour," Surya replied. "I'll be back."
Jey noticed the shift in Surya's voice. He quickly asked Rajiv to stop and offered to cover for him. Rajiv grumbled and pulled over.
Surya stepped out quietly, adjusting his collar. His feet felt heavier than they should have—like the air itself was watching him.
She hadn't seen him yet.
Then she did.
She froze. Her eyes widened.
Surya took a few steps toward her.
She didn't smile. Didn't speak.
She slapped him.
Hard.
The sound cracked through the night air.
Surya didn't react.
She stared at him—eyes wet, fists trembling.
"Where were you?" she whispered. "All this time?"
Surya looked at her for a long moment. For the first time in months, his face softened.
He didn't answer.
Gayatri's voice cracked.
"People said you were dead. Some said you ran away. I didn't know what to believe. I didn't know if I'd ever see you again."
She wiped her tears, hands shaking.
Surya's voice was quiet.
"I'm hungry."
He looked toward her shop.
"Can we go inside? Let me eat first. Then… I'll tell you."
She didn't argue.
She simply took his hand—hesitant at first, like touching something breakable—and led him toward the shop.
They walked inside together.
She sat him down at the table he once shared with strangers and silence. Now it felt like home.
Minutes later, she returned with a hot plate stacked with food—more than he could finish.
He didn't speak as he ate. She didn't rush him.
She just sat beside him, watching in silence, her presence steady and warm like a candle left burning through the night.
For a moment, Surya looked up and caught a glimpse of the old lady in her—the one who had once saved him with bread and kindness.
He blinked.
And smiled.
Just a little.
Surya spoke with Gayatri for a while, quietly finishing his meal. When he returned to the building, the atmosphere had shifted. The gang members didn't greet him. They simply stared—cold, uneasy. Surya didn't react. He walked straight toward the fighting pit, where Jey was waiting.
"Surya," Jey said. "Rajiv's waiting for you in his office. I told him what happened—why you killed Victor."
Surya tensed.
"What exactly did you say to him?"
Jey raised his hands calmly.
"Relax. I only told him Victor confessed in jail… that he wanted to kill Rajiv and Ryan. That's all."
Surya exhaled slowly.
"Alright. I'll go meet him."
He walked to Rajiv's office and opened the door. Rajiv sat at his desk. A tall, unfamiliar man stood beside him.
Surya stepped inside and stood straight.
Rajiv's voice was sharp.
"What you did in jail was reckless. Now explain—why?"
Surya's voice was steady, calm.
"Yes, I killed Victor. And no, I don't regret it. In jail, he walked like a king. When I spoke with him, I realized he had a grudge. Against you. Against Ryan. He planned to kill you both and send Ryan your head as a gift. He had allies—even inside our ranks. He offered me second-in-command."
The man beside Rajiv finally spoke.
"Why would you refuse such an offer? It was a strong position."
Surya looked at him.
"I don't answer to you. Who the hell are you?"
The man chuckled.
"Where are my manners? I'm Mani—the second-in-command of this organization. I answer only to Ryan and the founders. Now, answer the question."
Surya hesitated. Rajiv cut in.
"Tell him. The higher-ups are watching. They're interested in you."
Surya met Mani's eyes.
"I refused because his plan was suicidal. It was bound to fail. And most importantly—I don't betray the man who gave me a place to stay and food to eat."
Mani and Rajiv exchanged a glance—and smiled.
"We're sorry for the interrogation," Rajiv said. "But you did kill a man who was once the leader of the South Zone—and a founding member of this organization."
Surya nodded silently.
But Mani wasn't done.
"Surya, the Wolf of the South Zone—I've heard all about you. But your name doesn't do you justice. Still… I don't get it. Why such loyalty to Rajiv?"
Surya didn't flinch.
"Because he never abandons his men. Even when they mess up, he stands by them. He teaches. He guides. He's straightforward. Honest. The man who never gave up on me… why should I betray him?"
Mani nodded, satisfied.
"Surya, in one week, you and Jey will be transferred to the North Zone. Ryan is very interested in meeting you."
He turned and left.
Rajiv leaned forward, voice low.
"Surya, we already knew Victor had a plan—but we don't know who helped him. That's why you're going to the North Zone. You'll investigate and eliminate the traitors from within. But be careful—never question Ryan. He's not a man. He's a force. He controls this city—politicians, cops, businesses. Everything. Tread lightly."
Surya turned to leave, then paused.
"Rajiv… I trust you. But if I ever get cornered… will you have my back?"
Rajiv gave a faint smile.
"Always. You're a mess, Surya—but you're my mess."
The next day, Surya and Jey went on patrol, checking local shops. Later, they visited Gayatri's shop. Jey sat beside Surya, noticing his quiet gaze. Gayatri smiled softly—like she already understood. Jey looked between them, caught off guard.
After dinner, they returned to the base in silence.
Days passed quickly—routine patrols by day, quiet meals by night. On the final day, Surya returned to Gayatri's shop alone.
He sat in his usual spot, scanning the place.
She brought him food and sat beside him, her gaze full of questions.
He didn't eat.
"Gayatri," he said. "I need to tell you something."
"I'm listening," she whispered.
"I'm leaving. I've been assigned to the North Zone. I don't know when I'll return."
Her smile faded.
"Why are you leaving again? What job?"
"I can't say. Just… wait for me."
That night, Surya couldn't sleep.
Thoughts of Gayatri… and Ryan.
The man who once shattered his world.
Morning.
A black sedan waited at the gate. Surya and Jey approached it, bags in hand. Rajiv stood waiting.
"Remember my words, Surya. Don't screw this up."
Surya nodded and opened the car door.
There she was.
Gayatri.
Their eyes met.
No words. No promises. Just understanding.
She whispered one thing as he passed:
"Come back."
He got in.
The engine roared to life, and the car sped through the city.
Surya stared out the window, his hand resting over the bandage hiding the name he'd never forget.
The North Zone towered ahead—gleaming and ruthless.
They arrived at a black-glass skyscraper. Mani was waiting.
"Welcome to the North Zone," he said. "Follow me. Ryan is expecting you."
Inside, the elevator scanned his fingerprint. The 40th floor.
Weapons lined the black-and-gold hallway. Every inch gleamed with power.
They reached the door.
Mani opened it.
Ryan stood at the glass window, smoking. Drinking. Watching the empire he controlled.
Surya froze.
He heard his mother's scream in his memory—the one that never faded.
He clenched his fist.
But this wasn't the moment.
He held it in.
"Ryan," Mani said.
Ryan turned. Calm. Dangerous.
"Welcome to my city," he said.
"I've been waiting for you, Surya."
Surya's eyes burned. But he held himself back.
This wasn't the end.
This was the beginning.