Despite having full knowledge of 'The Shadow Cartel's intricate scheme, Arjun boldly proceeded with his arrangement with 'The Bloodhounds,' a group seemingly designed to ensnare him.
Arjun harbored a flicker of hope that his swift and efficient completion of the task might prompt a shift in the group's stance.
Perhaps, he reasoned, that they would be so impressed by his capabilities that they would reconsider their initial intentions and offer him a fresh, more mutually beneficial arrangement.
For about three to four months, they continued doing business with Arjun, and then, as planned, they called him for a meeting.
Receiving the invitation from 'The Bloodhounds,' Arjun's intuition immediately raised a red flag.
He couldn't shake the sinking feeling that it was all part of their elaborate scheme to ensnare him.Yet, amidst the cloud of suspicion, a glimmer of hope dared to flicker.
What if, against all odds, this meeting could be an opportunity for reconciliation rather than betrayal?
Despite the risks, Arjun couldn't resist the possibility of forging a genuine connection with his adversaries.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Arjun took decisive action to ensure the safety of Surya.
Understanding that Surya would be the one facing 'The Bloodhounds' in his stead, Arjun spared no expense in ensuring his safety. So, Arjun hired a sniper for Surya's security.
Upon receiving Arjun's acceptance, the group leader who was the mastermind behind the operation wasted no time. With a sense of urgency, he made his way to the group's main leader to deliver the news.
Stepping into the office of the main leader, the group leader, with excitement lacing in his voice as he exclaimed, "Leader, our plan succeeded! We've managed to trap him."
The main leader's response was measured, "Great. However, be careful of him," he cautioned, his tone grave and deliberate. "He is not one to be underestimated."
The group leader grinned and remarked, "Well, isn't luck on our side? Turns out the sniper 'Athene' hired happens to be an old friend of mine. He spilled all the beans on 'Athene's' schemes."
With a determined nod, the group leader added, "This time, we're going to give 'Athene' a taste of what happens when you cross paths with 'The Shadow Cartel.' We'll show the world what happens when you mess with us."
The group leader's words stirred an uneasy feeling within main leader, igniting a sense of unease that he couldn't shake off.
He felt compelled to interject once again, his tone tinged with caution. "It's not as if he will hire only one sniper. 'Athene' might have recruited more than just one sniper. We can't afford to underestimate him."
"We need to mobilize additional snipers of our own and ensure that our shot is the first to pierce through the air. It's not just about being careful; it's about strategizing every move meticulously."
"Alright, leader," the group leader acknowledged, nodding firmly before exiting the office.
As he stepped out, he immediately sought out one of his trusted members and swiftly issued instructions. "Gather every member of our group."
On the day of the meeting, Surya arrived at the designated location, adhering to the instructions of 'The Bloodhounds' group by coming unarmed.
As he scanned the area, his eyes settled on a figure wearing a cap, standing patiently, seemingly awaiting his arrival.
Approaching Surya, the cap-wearing individual inquired, "Are you 'Athene'?" Without hesitation, Surya affirmed, "Yes."
Upon hearing Surya's response, the person gestured for Surya to follow him.
After boarding the train, they journeyed for approximately 30 minutes before the member instructed Surya, "Get off at the next station. Our associate will guide you from there."
Surya simply nodded in acknowledgment and followed the directive.
As he alighted at the subsequent station, another member of the group approached him, pointing a finger in his direction, and uttered, "Athene?"
Surya nodded once more, signaling his compliance. Following the member's lead, they exited the station and boarded a bus.
Similar to the previous pattern, after another 30 minutes of travel, the member informed Surya that it was time to disembark at the next bus stop, where another member would be waiting to escort him to the final destination.
Surya found himself switching vehicles multiple times, transitioning from car to auto-rickshaw, then to a boat, followed by a bike ride.
Each transfer was executed smoothly, with careful precision. It was evident that 'The Shadow Cartel' group was taking every precaution to ensure 'Athene' had no chance of escaping.
Despite being aware of the final destination from the beginning, Arjun chose to keep this crucial information concealed from both Surya and the sniper.
As a result, the sniper shadowed Surya discreetly, trailing him covertly to ensure that they remained one step ahead.
Upon reaching the location, Surya was greeted by a sizable gathering of members, their presence looming ominously before him.
Closing the distance, he directed his inquiry towards the figure at the forefront, who exuded an aura of authority. "Are you the leader?" Surya inquired, seeking confirmation.
With a confident smile, the member met Surya's gaze and replied, "I am," affirming his role within the group.
Surya's curiosity piqued, he couldn't help but question the necessity of such a large gathering for what he assumed was a minor transaction.
"Why bring so many members for a small deal?" he queried, puzzled by the show of force.
The leader's response, delivered with chilling nonchalance, caught Surya off guard. "Who said these members are here for a deal?"
"Then for what?" Surya pressed further, his voice tinged with confusion.
With a sinister grin, the leader revealed their true intent, by lifting a gun and aiming it squarely at Surya. "It's simple," he stated coldly, "just to kill you."
As the leader raised his gun towards Surya, a sudden crack shattered the tension as a sniper bullet struck the leader's weapon, causing him to reflexively lose his grip.
Startled, he watched as his gun clattered to the ground. In response, the remaining members behind him swiftly raised their weapons, aiming at Surya.
However, the leader's authoritative voice cut through the chaos, commanding them to stand down.
With a steely resolve in his voice, Surya addressed the leader, his words laced with confidence.
"I think you messed with the wrong guy. Have you not seen the footage of my dealings with 'The Shadow Cartel'?"
As he spoke, he raised his hand, mimicking the gesture of holding a gun, his index finger pointed directly at the leader and said,
"Bang!"
The leader, clutched his head as if struck by the sniper's bullet, letting out a loud cry of fear.
However, to everyone's surprise, there was no gunshot, no impact. His act was soon followed by uproarious laughter, echoing through the tense atmosphere.
"Ha ha," he chuckled, his voice tinged with amusement. "We are from 'The Shadow Cartel' group. 'The Bloodhounds' was merely a facade, a trap meticulously crafted to ensnare you," he revealed, his tone dripping with satisfaction at the success of their plan.
The leader's laughter persisted, "And you know what's even funnier?" he exclaimed between chuckles. "You unknowingly hired one of our own snipers to eliminate us. Ha ha!"
"Now, you'll get a taste of your own medicine," the leader declared, mirroring Surya's earlier gesture by pointing his index finger directly at him. With a chilling grin, he said,
"Bang!"