The world was a haze of darkness and muffled sounds as Zuree and Neha slowly regained consciousness. Their throats burned, and their limbs felt heavy, restrained by rough rope. A dim, flickering light illuminated the cold, damp room they were in. An industrial basement with bare concrete walls and an oppressive air of decay.
Zuree's head lolled to the side, and she blinked to focus. Neha was tied to a chair across from her, blood trickling from a gash on her forehead.
"Neha," Zuree croaked, her voice hoarse.
Neha stirred, wincing as she lifted her head. "You okay?" she rasped.
Before Zuree could answer, the door creaked open. A tall figure stepped in, his footsteps measured and deliberate. Zuree's stomach turned to ice as Dr. Mark entered the room, his calm expression now twisted with menace.
"Ah, you're awake," Dr. Mark said smoothly, his voice carrying a chilling authority.
"Dr. Mark?" Zuree whispered, disbelief and terror coloring her tone.
He smiled faintly, ignoring her question. Instead, he pulled up a chair and sat between them, his posture relaxed. "You've been very busy," he said, addressing them both. "Poking your noses where they don't belong."
"Why are you doing this?" Neha demanded, her voice filled with venom.
Dr. Mark's smile widened. "Why? Because knowledge is power, my dear. And you two have stumbled into a game far beyond your comprehension."
Dr. Mark gestured, and one of the guards brought forward a tablet. The screen displayed a cascade of information... personal details, messages, photos... all tied to Zuree and Neha.
"Your lives," Dr. Mark said, tapping the screen, "are open books. Every secret, every mistake, every weakness. You handed them to me willingly when you used that scanner. You gave me everything I needed."
Zuree's breath hitched as she saw images of her family on the screen, accompanied by detailed schedules and addresses. "Please," she whispered, tears streaming down her face. "Leave them out of this."
"Your family is safe... for now," Dr. Mark said with a mocking tilt of his head. "But your interference? That cannot go unpunished."
Neha's jaw tightened. "What do you want from us?"
Dr. Mark leaned forward, his tone icy. "Obedience. You meddled in something far beyond your understanding, and now you'll learn the consequences of defiance."
Dr. Mark nodded to one of the guards, who approached Neha with a small device resembling a stun gun.
"Stop!" Zuree cried, thrashing against her restraints.
Dr. Mark raised a hand, silencing her. "Neha here has been quite the thorn in my side. It's only fair she pays for her persistence."
The guard pressed the device to Neha's arm, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. She cried out, her muscles seizing as she struggled against the ropes.
"Neha!" Zuree screamed, tears streaming down her face.
Neha's breathing was ragged as the guard stepped back. She lifted her head, defiance blazing in her eyes despite the pain. "Is that all you've got?" she hissed.
Dr. Mark chuckled softly, his calm demeanor more terrifying than anger. "Such spirit. I wonder how long it will last."
Dr. Mark turned his attention to Zuree. "And you... so fragile, so easily manipulated. You're the perfect pawn, Zuree. All I had to do was pull a few strings, and you unraveled beautifully."
Zuree's chest heaved as sobs wracked her body. She hated how helpless she felt, how his words sliced through her resolve.
"You're a coward," Neha spat, her voice hoarse but firm. "Hiding behind your data and your goons. You think you're untouchable?"
Dr. Mark stood, smoothing his suit. "I don't think, Neha... I know. You're both insignificant pawns in a much larger game. But don't worry. You won't be pawns for much longer."
Dr. Mark gestured to the guards. "Let them stew," he said coldly. "Perhaps a little time alone will remind them of their place."
The guards left, locking the heavy steel door behind them. Zuree and Neha sat in silence, the weight of their situation crushing.
"I'm sorry," Zuree whispered, her voice trembling.
Neha looked at her, her expression softening despite the pain. "Don't be. This isn't your fault."
Zuree's hands clenched into fists. "But I dragged you into this. Saif... he's dead because of me."
"Saif knew the risks," Neha said quietly. "He wouldn't blame you. And neither do I."
Zuree met her gaze, tears streaming down her face. "What do we do now?"
Neha's lips pressed into a thin line. "We wait. And when the opportunity comes... we fight."
The flickering light above them dimmed further, leaving them in near-darkness. The sound of distant machinery and muffled voices served as a haunting reminder of Dr. Mark's presence.
For Zuree and Neha, the night stretched on, a cruel abyss filled with fear and uncertainty. Their resolve was tested, their spirits battered... but somewhere in the darkness, a spark of defiance remained.