After a few days, Surya relocated his mother to a new house, purchased with the funds provided by Arjun.
He urged his sister to move in as well, citing its proximity to her college.
Hiring maids to assist with their mother's care, Surya ensured she received the attention she needed.
During breakfast with his family one morning, Surya expressed his desire to leave his stuntman career and pursue other employment opportunities.
His mother's response was simple yet profound, "Do what makes you happy, but always remember to take care of yourself."
After breakfast, Surya retreated to his room and noticed the phone Arjun had given him.
Opening the message that Arjun had sent him a few days ago, he read Arjun's instructions to inform his family about his impending job change.
Moments later, his phone rang, and Arjun's voice filled the line.
"Time has come," Arjun stated firmly. "You must fully embody the persona of 'Athene' from now on. Your official name will now be Krishnan, and I'll send you a flight ticket."
"Leave your home tomorrow and head to the location I'll provide after your landing. Once you arrive, I'll be in touch."
"It's best if you tell your family you'll be working in a warehouse, and remember to always wear the cap."
With a heavy heart, Surya simply responded with a resigned "yes," knowing that he would soon have to bid farewell to his family once again.
As instructed by Arjun, Surya left his home and proceeded to the location specified on his phone.
Throughout the journey, he made sure to wear the cap religiously, a constant reminder of his new identity.
Upon arrival, a vast warehouse loomed before him. Approaching cautiously, he was met by a young boy who inquired, "Are you Krishnan?"
Taken aback, Surya paused momentarily before responding, "What?" The boy clarified, "My father said that a person named Krishnan would be coming, and I have to take him to the office room."
Suddenly recalling Arjun's message from the previous day, Surya realized that 'Krishnan' was now his official name.
Regaining his composure, Surya replied to the boy, "Apologies, young man. I was momentarily confused. Very well, lead the way to the office room."
With that, he followed the boy, ready to embark on his new journey under his altered identity.
As they made their way to the warehouse, the young boy introduced himself, saying, "My name is Hari, son of Muthu. I think my dad already mentioned me to you."
Surya nodded, "Yes," he replied warmly, "he mentioned that you're a very bright young man."
Hari's face lit up with surprise. "But my father never praises me," he admitted.
Surya chuckled softly. "Is that so?" he responded with a smile, appreciating the unexpected bond forming between them.
Upon reaching the main office room, Hari's father, Muthu, was already waiting. Seeing Surya enter, Muthu instructed his son, "Hari, go to my office and study there." With a nod, Hari obeyed, leaving Surya alone with Muthu in the office.
After Hari left, Muthu turned his attention to Surya. "Are you Surya?" he asked directly.
Caught off guard, Surya hesitated for a moment before responding, "No, my name is Krishnan." Muthu smiled knowingly.
"Don't worry," he reassured, "I know everything. Arjun already informed me."
Surya's confusion deepened at the mention of Arjun's name. "Arjun?" he repeated, seeking clarification.
Muthu nodded patiently. "Yes, Arjun is the mastermind behind the alias 'Athene'. He instructed me to reveal his identity to you when you arrive here."
Muthu gestured for Surya to follow him and led him to a desk in the office. "Now, let me walk you through how things operate here," he began, handing Surya a phone. "This device contains all the necessary documents and resources needed to run a warehouse legally."
Surya nodded, absorbing the information as Muthu explained the workings of the warehouse.
"Remember, Surya," Muthu emphasized, "I will handle the day-to-day management of this establishment. I've briefed you on these matters simply to ensure you're well-informed in case of any official inquiries or inspections." Surya listened attentively, acknowledging the importance of understanding the warehouse's operations.
Muthu's voice carried a tone of authority as he outlined the division of responsibilities. "Your main job is to handle the lower warehouse while I will handle the upper warehouse," he stated firmly.
Surya's curiosity was piqued, prompting him to inquire, "What is the lower warehouse?" Muthu's response was measured yet informative.
"Listen carefully, Surya," he began, his words carrying a weight of importance. "This warehouse is divided into two parts: the upper warehouse and the lower warehouse. In the upper warehouse, all legal activities take place, as I explained to you earlier."
"However, the lower warehouse is where illegal activities occur. In the upper warehouse, you'll operate under your full name, 'Krishnan Deshpande', while in the lower warehouse, you'll be known as 'Athene'."
"Additionally, in the lower warehouse, I go by the name 'Victor'." The clarity of Muthu's explanation left Surya with a clear understanding of his dual roles within the warehouse.
After meticulously detailing the operations of the upper warehouse, Muthu led Surya to the lower warehouse through a concealed elevator, accessed by entering a password hidden behind a photo frame.
As they descended in the elevator, Muthu's voice carried a sense of urgency. "Listen carefully, Surya," he began, his tone grave. "While those in the upper warehouse know you as Krishnan, in the lower warehouse, you'll be known as Athene.
The individuals here may express their gratitude to you for the assistance Arjun provided them. Your role is to accept their appreciation, understood?" Surya nodded in agreement, fully grasping the significance of his dual identity within the warehouse's intricate workings.
As they descended to the lower floor, Surya was greeted by the sight of numerous large machines humming with activity.
He couldn't help but notice that the workforce here was a fraction of the size compared to the upper warehouse.
Upon seeing Surya, one of the employees approached Muthu with curiosity. "Is he a new employee, Victor?" the employee inquired. Muthu's response was succinct yet revealing, "No, he is Athene."
Instantly, the bustling atmosphere seemed to hush as all eyes turned towards Surya.
The employee who had questioned his arrival now approached him, his expression a mixture of gratitude and reverence.
"Thank you so much, sir," he began, his voice quivering with emotion.
"Because of you, my daughter is still alive. I can never forget the help you gave me, especially when my own relatives turned their backs on me. I am ready to sacrifice my life for you, sir," he concluded, overcome with gratitude as he clasped Surya's legs, tears streaming down his face.
Surya, moved by the man's heartfelt gratitude, gently lifted him up, his voice filled with compassion. "It's okay," he reassured him. "I am just glad to see your daughter smiling again. That's all the thanks I need." The man, still emotional, nodded in understanding, his gratitude shining brightly in his tear-filled eyes.
Surya was taken aback by the scene unfolding before him. All around him, the workers were kneeling on the ground, their heads bowed in reverence, tears streaming down their faces.
In a synchronized chorus, they expressed their heartfelt gratitude, each voice carrying a unique tale of salvation and hope.
"Thank you so much for your help, sir," they spoke in unison, their voices trembling with emotion. "Because of you, my..." Here, someone mentioned his mother, another her son, while another spoke of his family, and so on.
Each declaration carried the weight of immense gratitude and indebtedness. "We are forever indebted to you. We would gladly sacrifice our lives for you," they continued, their words a testament to the profound impact Arjun had made on their lives.
The scene deeply resonated with Surya, prompting him to reflect on his association with Arjun. While Arjun's actions had undoubtedly drawn them into the criminal underworld, the gratitude expressed by the workers shed light on a complex truth.
Despite being aware of Arjun's manipulative tactics and the darker aspects of their dealings, they still revered him as a benefactor, almost akin to a deity.
This paradox perplexed Surya. How could people remain loyal and grateful to someone who had ensnared them in a world of crime?
It posed a profound question about the human psyche and the complexities of loyalty, gratitude, and moral ambiguity.
Despite the moral ambiguity of their circumstances, the workers' unwavering gratitude to Arjun hinted at deeper layers of human connection and survival instincts in the face of adversity.