UNIVERSITY ARC
|"Be careful, okay? Some people will do anything to take what you have."|
I felt a chill run down my spine. What did he mean? Was I in danger?
It was already late, and the sun was setting, casting a golden light over the city. The bank, which I thought would be busy in the morning, seemed quieter around 2 PM. I felt it was safer to go then, avoiding the morning rush. I also thought about my college friends. They were all wealthy, and some had debit cards, but no one had the rare golden card I owned.
This card was special and much more valuable than a regular debit card. I figured my classmates would only go to the bank under serious circumstances in the afternoon, so the afternoon was a better time for me to visit.
What I didn't expect was that my friend Deepika would think the same way and show up at the same time. This could have been a big mistake, but I decided not to dwell on it.
However, something the bank manager said earlier kept bothering me. His words were unclear, and his intentions seemed mysterious. I thought it will be the best to confront him directly and clarify things. With that resolve, I re-entered the bank and headed straight to the manager's office. I knocked and entered.
|"Sir, please close the door,"|
He urged with a tense look.
Once I complied, he began explaining in a low, urgent voice.
| "I needed to tell you something important. One month before, I heard about a gang of thieves targeting debit card users. These criminals follow their victims, attack them, and force them to give up their money. But you, sir, have the rarest golden card, making you a prime target."|
He continued, his anxiety clear.
|"After you leave, I plan to delete the CCTV footage which can trouble you now or later. I don't want any traces of you that could cause harm to you. While reviewing the security footage, I saw a man dressed in black—coat, mask, and hat—watching you closely while your friend Deepika was arguing with you.
I think he overheard something about your golden card. He made a call right after, likely coordinating with other gang members. When you sat alone, he followed your every movement. Without your contact number, I can't contact you. So I decided to search you around. But outside my office, I saw you sitting relaxed, and that's when I warned you."|
He paused, and I could see sincerity in his eyes. But I still had questions.
I asked, genuinely curious about his motives.
|"Why are you helping me?"|
| "It's very simple, sir. You are unlike the other customers I deal with. Most are proud and quick to scold anyone, but you are different. Despite being the richest person in this world, you remain humble and calm. I believe you are the kindest person I've ever met. That's why I'm taking this risk. Forgive me if I talked too much sir."|
His words touched me deeply. I realized I had misjudged him. Remembering how he had helped me correct a mistyped account number earlier, I saw him in a new light—as a genuinely kind person. I decided to trust him.
|"I trust you now. Here's my contact number. If anything happens, call me first. Don't worry; I have my plans. Goodbye." |
He looked relieved and happy with my words. Then I left the bank feeling a little more at ease.
As he advised, I left the bank and walked into the evening. The sun had fully set, and it was around 7 PM.
I felt something was wrong. It was like my body was warning me. I never felt such an emotion on my body.
Suddenly, a group of people emerged from the shadows and blocked my path. They looked like monsters, as if they were wanted criminals. They didn't seem to know fear. Hmm... interesting. I smiled. They looked alarmed and confused.
| "What's happening?"|
One of them, a big man, stepped forward and sneered.
|"Hey, chocolate boy. We want your gold card. Give us the card."
I stayed calm and laughed.
|"Even if I give you the information, it won't work without my thumbprint."
Their faces twisted in frustration. one of them demanded.
|"Thanks for telling us. Now, give me the money you have in your pockets,"|
|"I don't have any cash on me." |
Their frustration grew. Another shouted at me.
|"Don't play games! Hand it over!"|
I know I have to irritate them even further. I tried to stall them.
|"I will not give you the money," |
I said, for irritating them. Their patience snapped. the leader ordered the remaining.
|"Stop messing around! Stab him. I want hi to cry and show fear," |
I smiled and warned them.
|"Please, don't mess with me. I have a hidden weapon. If you dare to step forward, it will slice you into half."|
Ignoring my warning, all ten men advanced, knives glinting in the dim light. But instead of fear, I smiled confidently, puzzling them. I'm in my position. I wonder if I really don't lose my grip.
They were running towards me. I warned them again.
"Look, you all are neglecting my words. Think again carefully."
They laughed. The leader came forward.
"You are just a single person. We are totally ten members in front of you. How can a single person be able to handle us?"
They gripped their weapons and again ran towards me.
"It's ok. I warned you. Then, at least try to touch me."
The weapons of those are almost near to my neck. When they are ready to strike me. One of his members' hands was cut off by a hidden knife attacked from nowhere.
Suddenly, another of the men screamed and fell, a knife in his back. The others looked around, bewildered.
The leader feared and took his short gun. He shooted at my point blank range. But, a knife sliced even that bullet into half.
All the thieves were confused. Their bodies started shivering. The leader ordered them to rush all together. Then, they all surrounded me.
Out of nowhere, a girl in a pink dress appeared. She moved quickly, taking down another attacker before they could react. Her movements were almost a blur. The remaining men, terrified, tried to flee, but she was relentless. Within minutes, they were all on the ground, groaning in pain.
I watched in awe as she calmly approached me. she asked, her voice steady despite the chaos.
|"Are you alright?"|
I nodded, still processing what had just happened. I warned them. They didn't listen. I prayed for these bodies to go to heaven.
Shit! She never gave me a chance to say my dialogues completely. I didn't even start. I'm frustrated...