in this world, people can generally be categorized into three groups: 1) Hunters, those who dominate others, 2) Leeches, those who cling to Hunters for benefits, and 3) Preys, the most prevalent class, who are the oppressed, meant to be ruled by Hunters and Leeches. I belonged to the latter.
Many believe that children have it easy because they don't have to earn or work. While this is often true, some are born into different circumstances. Some have everything, while others have only the essentials. I came from a middle-class family of four—my father, mother, brother, and me. My upbringing was typical, attending school and doing homework until I learned the harsh truth: in this world, only money and power can withstand the chaos of time.
I entered high school and made friends. Life was good until "Raaghav" arrived.
"Everyone, we have a new student Raaghav. Let's welcome him," the teacher announced.
Everyone buzzed about Raaghav. I was curious too. He was about 165 cm tall, with blue eyes, black hair, and a bit of muscle. He seemed kind, but reality proved otherwise. Within months, he changed our school. Gambling, bullying, extortion—his influence spread. I, too, fell victim.
Now I'm 26, in a decent job, while my brother Kartik became an IPS officer. Raaghav? He became the criminal my brother chased. I heard Raaghav conquered Gujarat with his gang, spreading influence across India. Gujarat turned into a hub for illegal activities. The government launched a massive investigation, forming a special force. My brother was part of it. I worried for his safety, but I was proud of his service.
One night, my phone rang late.
"Hello!" Kartik's voice came through.
"Hey, why the late call?" I asked, concerned.
"Listen, we've hit Raaghav's gang hard. But he's targeting our family now. Be careful. I'm hurt, can't help. Special forces are on their way."
A late call from my injured brother shook me, not for myself, but for him.
KNOCK KNOCK
"Late visitors?" I muttered, checking the CCTV.
Raaghav: "Vijay, long time," he said, breaking in with his gun.
He found me, shot. My voice trembled as I asked, "Why?"
Raaghav: "Your brother crossed me. Now, you pay."
"What about him?" I asked.
"Erased. Like you'll be."
Gunshot. Silence. Blood.
As the sound of a gunshot pierced the air, silence engulfed the surroundings, and blood spattered everywhere. Vijay and his brother Kartik had perished.
Losing consciousness, everything around me blurred and fogged. Suddenly, I found myself in a black void, filled with nothing but grass and trees. Days passed as I wandered, the endless expanse offering no respite, my existence feeling incomplete. It was like being neither alive nor dead, simply existing in an unknown realm. Thirst, hunger, fatigue—none plagued me. Weeks melted into months, and I grasped my predicament. This place seemed destined to be my eternal abode.
A sudden recollection stirred within me, and I made a vow to protect my family and home at any cost. Thus, I commenced training in the vacant void, honing my skills relentlessly. Boxing, wrestling, judo, BJJ, karate, kung fu—I dabbled in all, yet found myself lacking innate talent.
Unlike my brother Kartik, a polished diamond in a river untouched by impurities, I felt like a rough stone marred by flaws. Despite this realization, I persisted, pushing my limits to the brink.
I pondered the passage of time. Months, years, perhaps even a decade? The answer remained elusive, a testament to my perpetual struggle.
Despite my efforts, I could never attain the proficiency of an average individual. Still, I persevered, shattering the constraints imposed upon me. Freed from the shackles of hierarchy, I aged through the decades, yet my visage remained unchanged, as did my abilities.
(120 years elapsed in the blink of an eye)
Seated upon the ground, engulfed by loneliness and a pervasive sense of desolation, my gaze fixated upon the distant pine trees. Amidst the desolation, I espied a bridge in the distance. Drawing closer, I beheld a fair maiden holding a cup of water—a harbinger of my passage back to my world. Without hesitation, I drank from the cup and traversed the bridge. Abruptly, I found myself within the confines of my former abode. Gazing into the mirror, I beheld the visage of a middle schooler once more.
As I looked into the mirror, I realized I was back in middle school again.
"This can't be! I'm young again!"
I ran towards the calendar. "It's the 12th of April, 1996. That means I'm around 12."
Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice saying, "Ajao khana kha lo" (Come, food is ready). Tears started to form in my eyes.
"Come fast, or you'll get this slipper across your face," my mother added.
I composed myself and joined my family. As I ate, I began to wonder if I could change my fate, if I could alter the future. The answer was quite simple: whether I could or could not change the future, I wouldn't give up until all hope was lost.
"Where is Kartik?" I asked.
"He went to school camp for a week. He should be back by next Sunday," my mother replied.
I finished eating and slowly made my way towards my room. As I laid down, I contemplated what to do next.
"There's still time before Raaghav joins my school, about 2 years. I'll have to prepare for his arrival. Even as a kid, he had already conquered the whole of Mumbai."
The next day, after waking up, I ate my food and went to school. As I walked towards my class, I heard a commotion outside of Section B. A new kid had transferred there.
I remembered him. "It's Ravaana. He was quite a troublesome kid back in my school days. Even though I wasn't his target because I was from a different section of the class, I still heard rumors about how ruthless he was."
I began to walk towards Section B of Class IV.
"So which one of you guys dared to complain about me to the teachers?" Ravaana threatened. "Even though I know it's useless to complain to the teachers because they don't care about you guys. At best, I would get suspended for a few days. But still, I can't unsee this act of bravery."
Ravaana started to threaten everyone. Unable to handle the stress, everyone pointed towards Ravi.
Ravi, kneeling on his legs, pleaded, "Please forgive me, Ravaana. I won't do it again."
Ravaana smirked and responded, "I can assure you that you won't be able to complain about me anymore."
Ravaana grabbed Ravi's fingers and put a pen between them, rubbing them together towards the pen.
Ravi, now crying, pleaded, "Please, please stop this."
Ravaana smirked and grabbed his head, smashing it on the table.
The entire class fell into silence as blood started pouring out of Ravi's forehead.
"You should have thought about the consequences when you complained to the teacher about me. If I see you doing that again, you'll be as good as dead," Ravaana remarked.
I watched this unfold, feeling a mix of anger and determination. I knew I had to stop Ravaana and prepare for Raaghav. The next two years would be crucial. I had to train harder than ever and find allies. I couldn't let the past repeat itself.