The air was thick with tension as Abhay made his way through the labyrinth of dimly lit streets, each shadow feeling like a threat. The city seemed to watch him, its dark alleys and silent corners mirroring his paranoia. Every step he took carried him closer to the edge of danger, but also to the chance of survival. He needed Ash.
He found her in the backroom of a rundown boxing gym, her silhouette framed by the dull glow of a single hanging bulb. Ash moved with precision, her fists striking the punching bag with a rhythm that was almost hypnotic. Sweat glistened on her skin, but her expression was calm, controlled, like a predator waiting for the right moment to strike.
Abhay hesitated at the doorway, the weight of his ask heavy on his shoulders. He didn't know if she would agree to help him—or if she would even care. Clearing his throat, he stepped forward.
"You're either desperate or stupid to come here alone," Ash said without turning, her voice low and edged with danger.
"Maybe both," Abhay replied, forcing his voice to remain steady. "But I need your help."
She stopped, letting the bag sway as she turned to face him. Her piercing gaze swept over him, taking in his disheveled appearance. "Help with what? Getting yourself killed faster?"
Abhay exhaled sharply. "I found something—about my father's research. About Project Aegis. There's a woman, Dr. Alka Mishra, who worked with him. She's alive, and Rajan has her."
The mention of Rajan was enough to darken Ash's expression. She crossed her arms, her posture shifting into one of guarded interest. "And you think I care because...?"
"You care because you hate Rajan as much as I do," Abhay shot back. "Because you're not the kind of person who sits on the sidelines when there's a chance to take him down."
Ash's lips twitched, almost a smirk, but not quite. "Bold assumption for someone who barely knows me."
"I know enough," he said, stepping closer. "You're a fighter. And you don't let people like Rajan win. I can't do this alone, Ash. You know that. And if we succeed, you get your shot at him too."
She studied him for a long moment, her eyes narrowing. "You're playing a dangerous game, kid. Rajan doesn't just send people to kill you—he destroys everything you've ever touched. You think you're ready for that?"
Abhay's fists clenched at his sides, his voice cold. "He already destroyed everything I had. Now, I'm just returning the favor."
Ash tilted her head, a flicker of respect in her eyes. "Fine. But let's get one thing straight: I don't babysit, and I don't do charity. If you're dragging me into this, I expect you to hold your weight. Screw up, and I walk."
"Deal," Abhay said without hesitation.
"Good." She turned back to the punching bag, giving it one last hit before grabbing her jacket. "If we're going after Mishra, we need intel. Rajan's compound isn't the kind of place you stroll into blind. Lucky for you, I know someone who might have what we need."
"Who?" Abhay asked, trying to keep up as she strode toward the exit.
"A former associate of mine," Ash replied cryptically. "If he's still breathing, he'll know the layout of Rajan's operations. But don't get too excited—he's not exactly... cooperative."
Abhay followed her into the cool night air, his pulse quickening. He had expected resistance, but Ash's agreement had reignited his determination. For the first time in days, he felt like he wasn't entirely alone in this fight.
The two of them walked in silence through the winding streets, the weight of what lay ahead pressing down on them. Abhay couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, but he said nothing. Paranoia was second nature now.
They stopped in front of an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city, its broken windows and rusted walls a testament to years of neglect. Ash pushed open the heavy door, and they stepped into the dimly lit interior.
A man sat at a makeshift table in the center of the room, his face partially obscured by the shadows. His sharp eyes flicked to Ash, then to Abhay, a slow, crooked smile spreading across his lips.
"Well, well," the man drawled, his voice smooth but laced with danger. "Look who decided to pay me a visit. To what do I owe the pleasure, Ash?"
"Cut the theatrics, Kabir," Ash said, her tone sharp. "We need information. Rajan's compound—specifically, where he's keeping prisoners."
Kabir's smile widened as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the table. "You don't come to me for months, and now you want favors? What's in it for me?"
Ash stepped closer, her presence commanding. "How about I don't break every bone in your body?"
Kabir chuckled, though there was a nervous edge to it. His eyes flicked to Abhay. "Who's the kid? He doesn't look like much."
Abhay stepped forward, his voice steady. "I'm the guy who's going to make sure Rajan doesn't walk away from this. Are you helping us or not?"
Kabir studied him for a moment, then sighed. "Fine. But this isn't a charity, Ash. You want the information? It's going to cost you."
Ash didn't flinch. "Name your price."
Kabir's grin turned predatory. "I'll let you know when I think of something."
Abhay's stomach tightened, but he held his ground. Whatever the cost, it was worth it. The path ahead was dangerous, but he wasn't backing down now. The hunt for Dr. Alka Mishra had begun, and with Ash by his side, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.