Aditya was standing outside the house — eyes on the watch tied to his wrist, feet restlessly planted on the ground. The morning air was cold, but his forehead was warm.
Why are Aryan and Meena taking so long.
The door opened. Meena came out — ready, hair done.
Meena: Bhaiya, let's go. Otherwise we'll be late.
Aditya: Meena, Aryan still hasn't come.
Inside the room Aryan was on the bed — sheet pulled up to his face, oblivious to the world.
The door opened. Dadi came inside.
Dadi: Aryan beta, wake up. Otherwise Aditya and Meena will leave alone.
Aryan turned over.
Aryan: I don't want to go.
A moment of silence.
Then — thwack.
Aryan sat up screaming. Dadi had a duster in her hand. Looking at her face, no other sound came out of Aryan's mouth.
He jumped off the bed and went straight into the bathroom — so fast that the door hit the wall.
A few minutes later Aryan came out — hair half done, clothes put on in a hurry.
Aditya looked at him.
Aditya: Aryan, you look very scared. You made Dadi angry.
Aryan gave no answer.
Just then a black car came and stopped outside the lane. All three got in — and headed toward Apex Predators Company.
As the company gate came closer, Aryan's eyes widened a little.
There was a huge crowd today. People were everywhere — some sitting, some standing, some talking among themselves.
Aditya: The exam we gave was VIP. But a separate exam was held for normal people — many new ones have awakened in that. That's why there are so many people here today.
Aryan: Why have we come here?
Aditya: Your and Meena's rank will be given today. And if the rank comes out good — there will be work in Apex Predators Company too.
Aryan glanced toward Meena, then toward Aditya.
Aryan: Your rank is the lowest — but a girl trapped you in her love and got you a job in such a big company.
Aditya gave no warning.
Straight away a punch on Aryan's shoulder.
Aditya: Whatever you say, say it after thinking.
Up above, behind the glass window of the office —
Rudra Pratap was standing. Looking at Aryan in the crowd below — eyes calm, but something else behind them.
It was nighttime.
Rudra Pratap had received news — Aryan had not died. He had awakened.
He slammed his fist on his desk.
Rudra Pratap: He will come to Apex Predators Company tomorrow. And at that very moment I will finish him.
Just then — the air shifted.
Someone teleported and appeared in front of him.
Rudra Pratap looked. Recognized in an instant.
Rudra Pratap: Naad. What have you come here to do?
Naad: Just heard — you're going to kill Aryan.
Rudra Pratap: Yes. You heard right. Will kill him tomorrow.
Naad: Aryan is my student. I won't let him be killed.
Rudra Pratap's brows raised a little.
Rudra Pratap: Your student? Do you know who he is? What his family is? How dangerous he can be for this world?
Naad: I know. But I know Aryan well — he will not attack an innocent person first. If someone comes to kill him, he will kill them. That's all.
Rudra Pratap gave no answer.
Naad: Alright. Whoever is more powerful, their word will be followed.
Naad raised an ordinary fist — and threw it.
Rudra Pratap filled his left hand with his full power and responded.
Both fists collided.
Blast.
The wall behind Naad — completely destroyed. Stones, glass, rubble — everything flew.
And Rudra Pratap's left hand — stayed right there. From the shoulder down — nothing.
Rudra Pratap sat down on his knees. There was pain on his face — but no sound came out.
Naad: You have become powerful. But still not as much as me.
Rudra Pratap looked up.
Rudra Pratap: Alright. I accept your words. I will do nothing to Aryan.
Naad: If you had accepted this before — the hand wouldn't have gone. But I can fix it right now.
Rudra Pratap shook his head in refusal.
Rudra Pratap: No. This is proof of my weakness — I don't want to erase it.
Naad looked at him for a while.
Naad: You are a remarkable warrior.
Back to the present —
Rudra Pratap was standing behind the window. Looking at Aryan below. The left sleeve was hanging empty.
Just then the sound of footsteps came from behind.
Kavita.
Her gaze fell on her father's empty sleeve — and stopped.
Her eyes filled up. She came close and gently held his hand — the hand that remained.
Kavita: Father... how did this happen?
Rudra Pratap: A monster came. Lost the hand while trying to drive it away.
Kavita hugged him.
Kavita: You should not use your strength this much. If something happens to you, what will become of the company?
Rudra Pratap: Don't worry about the company. I'll put it in your name — you can handle it, I know.
Kavita shook her head.
Kavita: If the company goes in my name, it will turn into a war. You know — both uncles have their eye on this company. And I am a girl, so no one will agree.
Rudra Pratap's eyes became a little heavy.
Rudra Pratap: I know. But what can I do — I wanted a son. Tried a lot. But whoever came, daughters came. And out of them too I could only save you and your sister.
Kavita was silent for a while.
Then she leaned close to his ear — and said something softly.
Rudra Pratap's eyes widened.
Down in the crowd —
There was a completely different glow on Aryan's face.
Today he was going to become a hunter.