The air inside the warehouse was heavy with tension, each unspoken word adding to the unease between Abhay, Ash, and Kabir. The man smirked, leaning back in his chair, his sharp eyes flicking between them as if he could already see the cracks in their alliance.
"I'll give you what you want," Kabir began, his voice laced with mockery. "But don't think for a second that Rajan's compound is just some fortress you can storm into. His operation is... layered."
Ash crossed her arms. "Spare us the theatrics, Kabir. What do you know?"
Kabir leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. "There's a hidden entrance to his compound, underground. The place used to be an old military bunker before Rajan turned it into his little playhouse. The tunnels are sealed now, but if you can find the access point, you might have a chance."
Abhay frowned. "Where's the entrance?"
Kabir smirked, as though savoring their desperation. "That's the tricky part. It's buried beneath an abandoned industrial complex on the outskirts of the city. Rajan keeps it tightly secured, and trust me, the security isn't just guards with guns. He has motion sensors, heat detectors... the works. Even a mouse couldn't get through without setting off an alarm."
Ash's jaw tightened. "And I assume you know how to disable these systems?"
Kabir's grin widened. "Of course I do. But like I said, my help isn't free."
Abhay stepped forward, his voice cold. "What do you want?"
Kabir's gaze shifted to him, his smile fading into something more calculated. "Simple. Rajan's been holding onto something of mine—a package I need retrieved. If you can get it while you're in his compound, I'll give you the tools you need to survive the trip."
Ash let out a bitter laugh. "A package? You think we're your errand boys now?"
Kabir shrugged. "Call it what you want. But you need me more than I need you, so take it or leave it."
Abhay's fists clenched, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Fine. We'll get your package. Now tell us what we need to know."
Kabir nodded, satisfied. He reached under the table and pulled out a tablet, sliding it toward them. The screen displayed a map of the industrial complex, its maze-like layout filled with red markers indicating security systems.
"You'll need an EMP device to disable the sensors," Kabir said, pointing to one of the markers. "But don't use it until you're inside the tunnels, or you'll alert every guard in the area. Once you're underground, follow this path..." He traced a route on the map with his finger. "It'll lead you straight to the compound's lower levels. That's where Rajan keeps his prisoners—and my package."
Ash studied the map, her expression unreadable. "What's in this package, Kabir?"
He smirked again. "Something that doesn't concern you."
Abhay exchanged a glance with Ash, who gave a small nod. They had no choice but to trust him—for now.
The duo left the warehouse under the cover of night, the city's cold air biting at their skin. They walked in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Finally, Ash broke the silence. "This is a bad idea."
Abhay glanced at her. "Do you have a better one?"
She sighed, her gaze distant. "No. But that doesn't mean I trust Kabir. Whatever's in that package of his, it's not going to be something harmless."
"I don't trust him either," Abhay admitted. "But we need this information. If we don't take this chance, we're as good as dead."
Ash didn't reply, but her silence spoke volumes.
They returned to Abhay's lab, its interior still scarred from the recent attack. The first order of business was building the EMP device Kabir had mentioned. Abhay worked tirelessly, his hands moving with precision as he pieced together the components from his father's lab.
Ash watched him from the corner of the room, her arms crossed. "You're good at this," she said after a while.
He didn't look up. "I had to learn fast."
"Still," she said, her voice softer than usual. "It's impressive. Your father would've been proud."
Abhay paused, the weight of her words settling over him. He didn't respond, instead focusing on the device in his hands.
By dawn, the EMP was ready—a small, sleek device with a single activation switch. Abhay held it up, inspecting his work with a mix of pride and apprehension.
"Let's hope this works," he said, handing it to Ash.
She took it, her expression unreadable. "It'll work. Now we just need to figure out how to survive the rest of this mission."
Abhay nodded, his mind already racing through possible scenarios. The tunnels, the guards, the package—it all felt like a monumental task. But beneath the fear and doubt, a spark of determination burned.
This wasn't just about survival anymore. It was about taking control, about striking back against the man who had stolen everything from him.
And as the first light of day filtered through the cracks in the lab's walls, Abhay knew there was no turning back. The hunt for Rajan—and the truth—was just beginning.