Sunny's heart pounded in his chest as he stepped into the dimly lit room. The air was thick with smoke and the smell of cheap alcohol. The sound of muffled laughter and the occasional clink of glass filled the background, but none of it mattered. All that mattered was the man sitting behind the desk—the one who held the key to his future.
Ramesh.
Sunny took a deep breath, his mind racing. This was the only chance he had. The stakes were high, but he'd made his decision. There was no turning back now.
The low hum of conversation around them faded as Ramesh's cold, calculating gaze fell on Sunny. The loan shark didn't look like someone you'd want to cross. His broad, muscular frame was the product of years of intimidation, and the scar running across his cheek only added to the menacing aura he exuded. The room was his kingdom, and everyone knew it.
"Sit down," Ramesh's voice cut through the haze, cold and commanding. Sunny hesitated for just a moment before sliding into the chair across from the loan shark. The tension in the room was palpable.
Ramesh didn't waste time. His eyes scanned Sunny like a predator sizing up its prey. "You came here because you need money. But you're just a kid from the slums. What makes you think I'd give you a loan?"
Sunny's gaze was steady, despite the nervous flutter in his stomach. He wasn't afraid—not of Ramesh, not of the consequences. Not anymore. He had nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
"I need it," Sunny said, his voice firm. "You give me the money, and I'll pay you back. No tricks. No lies."
Ramesh raised an eyebrow, a low chuckle escaping his lips. "Pay me back? You think I give out loans for free? You're just a nobody. You've got no backing, no credit. What do you expect me to do, trust you?"
Sunny leaned forward, the words coming out with surprising calm. "I'm nobody now, but I won't be forever. I've got a plan. Just give me the money, and I'll make it worth your while."
The loan shark's grin twisted into something darker, something predatory. He leaned in closer, his eyes narrowing. "A plan, huh? You're a poor kid with a plan. You think that's going to change your life? It's cute. But this is how it works in my world. You owe me the second I hand you the cash. And trust me, you'll pay. One way or another."
Sunny didn't flinch. His jaw tightened, but he didn't back down. "I'll pay you back, Ramesh. And when I do, I won't owe you a thing."
Ramesh's eyes darkened, the room growing colder as his voice took on a venomous edge. "You think you can just walk away? That's the thing about people like you. You never understand the cost of getting what you want until it's too late."
Sunny stared at him, unblinking. He knew exactly what he was getting into. He wasn't naive, and he wasn't afraid.
"I'm not looking to walk away from you," Sunny said quietly. "I'm looking to take what's mine. You help me get there, and you'll get your money. I'm not afraid of you."
Ramesh's smile faltered for a split second, but it returned quickly, colder than before. He leaned back in his chair, eyes still fixed on Sunny, as if weighing him. The silence stretched between them for what felt like an eternity.
"You're right," Ramesh finally said. "I'm not afraid of you either. But I don't give loans to just anyone. Especially not to people like you." He motioned for Sunny to listen closely.
"Sign these papers," Ramesh said, pulling a stack of documents from his desk and sliding them across to Sunny. The papers looked simple enough—just a few sheets of legal jargon, but Sunny could feel the weight of them.
He glanced up at Ramesh, who was watching him closely, his eyes dark and calculating. "What are these?"
"Terms of the loan," Ramesh explained. "If you don't repay, I'll come for what's mine. I'm not some banker who just sends letters. You won't be hearing from me. I'll just take it. Your organs, your family..."
Sunny swallowed hard, the implications of those words settling over him. He had no intention of defaulting, but it wasn't lost on him that Ramesh was serious. The threat was real.
"Don't worry," Sunny muttered under his breath, taking the pen in his hand and signing the papers without hesitation.
Ramesh chuckled darkly. "Good. Now that's settled, let's make this official." He took the papers and stashed them into his drawer with a quick motion. The whole thing was a reminder of the kind of person Ramesh was—no-nonsense, ruthless.
"You'll get the money," Ramesh continued. "And don't think I'll forget about it. I don't forgive easily."
"I won't forget either," Sunny said, his voice steely. He had his eyes set on the bigger picture. This was a stepping stone, nothing more. Ramesh might think he was in control now, but soon enough, Sunny would have the upper hand.
The deal was done. Ramesh handed him the cash, counting the bills slowly before pushing them across the table. The weight of the money in Sunny's hands felt like the weight of his future. It was a small amount, but it was the key to the next step. It was the money that would get him into the game, into Nexus Online. The game that promised a new life.
Sunny stood up, the money still clutched tightly in his hand. "I'll be back with what I owe," he said, his voice steady. He turned to leave, but before he could reach the door, Ramesh's voice stopped him.
"You better," Ramesh warned, his voice cold and dangerous. "Or you'll regret it. Not just for yourself, but for everyone around you."
Sunny didn't turn around. He didn't need to. He knew Ramesh wasn't someone to mess with. But he had made his decision, and nothing—nothing—was going to stop him now.
As he walked out into the bright morning light, the weight of the money in his pocket felt heavier. The adrenaline coursed through his veins. Nexus Online was just days away, and the opportunity it presented was the only thing that mattered.
But as he made his way home, his mind was already turning. There was always a price to pay. Ramesh had made that clear. And while Sunny might have survived the meeting, the real test was still ahead.
For now, though, he had to focus. The countdown had begun.