Ishan's pov

I arrived home at around 4 and glanced around to discern bhaiya dead asleep in his room. On the table, I noticed a parcel with a sticky note attached to it.. I picked it up,
'Khaa zarur lena warna mujhse bura koi nhi hoga' I read with a smile.

Though me and Raj bhaiya are not blood-related, we share a strong bond. He had always filled the void within me and made sure to provide all the happiness to me. Initially, he was against my decision of working in 'Sin City' but I kept on pestering and pursued him to agree because I wanted to help him carry the burden. We have a lot of debt to repay, I don't know why, because I have always made sure that I spend as little as possible for myself. Despite my excessive demands, I have always been a minimalist. He told me that we were repaying the debt of our parents (my foster parents) and they were the reason for our suffering, but I refused to accept it. Mom and Dad could never be so cruel to their child? At least that's what I've read in books. Maybe there is some reason behind this? Maybe he mistook it. But why would they take debts from such centaur-looking apes? I remember I had interrogated bhaiya upon this and he ignored my question. I sighed, it's beyond my understanding!
To be really honest, I've lost my appetite and I blame that godzi-I mean Mr Gill or rather the killer for it. It was really hectic today considering the fact that I used my brain and not just my body, thanks to him again. I'm feeling extremely drowsy so I'll head to bed. Tomorrow's another jam-packed day as it's Saturday and the Sin City would be crowded with rejected fat-cats. Not to mention that boring event.

'Was he really a murderer? He's too dumb to be one.'

I shouldn't think about him and definitely not about his personality. He paid me too much for something so trivial. He's for sure facing some cognitive issues, but who cares? Ouh how I wish every customer to be as naive as him! Luckily, I could pay the dues just in time without making any excuse. Bhaiya would be so proud of me!
'Should I tuck it under the mattress?'
I wondered whilst my hand tucked the hefty amount under the mattress.
I know once I close my eyes, I would be sleeping like a log until afternoon and that's what I did!

-

The knob to Ishan's door was twisted open to disclose a figure walking towards his bed sneakily and carefully lifted the mattress to discern the amount tucked by him.
'I'm sorry Ishan, but I need that money more than you do.'
And with that, the money once tucked by him was no longer there.
_______________________________________

A new day, a new opportunity for the aspirants to build their confidence and aim for the profession they want to have. It was a golden opportunity for the rising companies to showcase their product and gain public recognition.
It was the most important day for the Automation Sector of India as it marked the occurrence of the biggest Automation Event.

The Auto Expo Exhibition Event, the biggest Automation Event of South-East Asia was held in Mumbai with the objective of promoting high tech automobiles which offer maximum efficiency with minimal involvement of energy emanating luxury and class. For this, the Automotive Companies must reinforce the resiliency of their supply chains, while taking strides towards sustainability. Being a part of the company, you need to be able to deal with all possible contingencies in order to maintain the functioning of the company!

Veracity is the most expensive and sought after company in the South-East Asia. Just like it's title, veracity never fails to impress people with it's accuracy.

-

Shubman came out from the shower with a towel surrounding his lower waist as he stepped into his walk-in closet picking an outfit for himself. The CEO adorned himself in a midnight purple collared shirt with matching black pants adorned with a black silk tie and slipped his feet into leather shoes. He meticulously styled his hair, ensuring every strand fell into place, before delicately spraying a hint of exquisite Creed Avendus (perfume) on his attire, exuding masculinity. Completing the ensemble, he draped a black blazer over his shoulders, exuding an aura of opulence.
He savored the rich aroma of a plain black coffee to contemplate the day ahead. Skipping breakfast with this simple ritual was habitual to him.
Shubman emerged from his estate as he made his way to the Veracity S-32 GIX car.
With a slight nod, the driver pulled away, heading towards his company as he was interrupted by a call.

"Abhishek I'll meet you at the venue" he stated with his usual icy voice as if he knew the reason behind the call.

"Dude you played really nasty, messing up my sleeping schedule by shoving all those papers in my ass" Abhishek complained through the call as he chuckled at the response.

"It's better if you work like an actual CDO rather than drilling into some wantons" Shubman suggested with a condescending sneer in his tone.

"I want you to face the ordeal of having blue balls" he sounded frustrated which made Shubman chortle at his state. He hung up smiling to himself as he began doing some business calculations.
_______________________________________

"Ishan! Get up! It's 2 already! You're gonna get us whoopings from Jane!!"
"It's futile, he won't wake up before 3 Mayank." Ishan's brother stated matter of factly as he fixed his collar of a checked shirt and combed his hair with his hands before leaving the house.

"You should leave already before it gets too late. He is Jane's favourite, she won't be too harsh upon him but I'm sure she won't spare you."
Mayank just rolled his eyes at that, before turning to ishan who was sleeping with an open mouth in an uncomfortable position. Mayank just sighed before yanking the blanket off and jerked him.

"Wake up you sleepyhead!! We're running late" Mayank yelled as he grabbed onto the blanket which ishan was pulling on himself.

"Mhmm..just 2 more hours please.." he groaned sleepily as he adjusted his head on mayank's lap. Mayank just shook his head in disbelief. He carefully placed his head on the pillow only to stand before grabbing ishan's leg and pulling him out of the bed which resulted in ishan cursing out of pain.

"HOW DARE YOU FUCKING LIZARD- " he stopped yelling in the middle while Mayank who plugged his ears with his fingers just looked at him keenly

"What's with that face ishan?" he asked with concern whilst the latter just made a desperate reaction.

"Where's the washroom, I need to pee!" the words burst from his mouth as he stood abruptly. Mayank just made a 'wtf' face before guiding him in his own house. Ishan stumbled while walking as mayank held him gingerly,

"It's your home, you penguin" mayank said with a 'duh' expression.

-

"And then he pulled me back to himself and asked me, 'I'm asking again, what's your name pretty boy' and I lied that I'm Abhishek." Ishan imitated the said man tilting his head left and right, with his hand gestures and expressions. He attempted to mimic his voice which got mayank tumbling down the couch laughing his arse off.
Ishan was currently picking an outfit for himself but couldn't since half and hour. At last, he grabbed what Mayank had been suggesting from the beginning which he had ignored.
An azure ribbed oversized cardigan roughly tucked in his black chain up parallel pants adorned by a small pendant chain and silver hoop earrings and slipped into simple black ankle boots which enhanced his appearance.

"And, what about the money?" mayank questioned with a raised eyebrow as he eyed his best friend from top to bottom adoringly.

"Uss bhuddhe ke muh pe fek ke maarna hain" he blurted out adjusting his hair with his hands and attending to his skincare routine, he prepared himself with a touch of sophistication.
Mayank's chuckle transformed into a proud smirk as they both were ready to head to Sin City!
Ishan pressed his lips against the mirror tenderly, then turned away with a faint smile, making his way to the bed. He slowly lifted the mattress from the edge of bed, before taking it out completely. If there were to be a single word to encapsulate his reaction, it would undoubtedly be of profound dismay! He searched every inch of the bed, yet not a solitary penny could be found amidst the linens.

"I'm doomed, mayank! I precisely remember I had placed it here" ishan cried out anxiously before kicking the bed with brute force. He knelt, with tears almost threatening to fall from his eyes as he hid his face in his hands. Mayank observed before drawing circles on his back,

"Let's just say you never got the money, what would have you done then?" he asked trying to get a hold of the situation. Ishan just looked at him before pulling him into a hug. Mayank reciprocated the hug immediately and kissed his side-face, comforting him.

"I h-had planned to make s-some random excuses and ask for a grace period-d" a single tear escaping his eyes as he sniffed in choking on his own breath.

"The problem's solved then. Why are you crying? We are going to do exactly what you had planned" mayank said perplexed with ishan's sudden outburst.

Ishan broke the hug as he avoided maintaining the eye-contact. He took a deep breath before saying,
"I've done this shit couple of times already and the last time I asked for a grace period, he told me that it would be granted by my body."

Mayank just closed his eyes, rage seeping through his veins as he tried to maintain his composure.
"That perverted son of a bitch! He is at the age of dying and yet couldn't contain his carnal urges" mayank muttered disgusted but deep down he knew, he knew those were the only things he could do to relieve his best friend. Being born in the 'Sincity' taught him how a cursed and unfortunate life he lived. Even though he wanted to run off with ishan as far as he can but he knew, they would find him. That's just how the world works for people like him and ishan.

"I'll have to do it, mayank. I can't risk bhaiya's life because of it." ishan said with an expressionless face.

"But", he continued,

"Who could have done it? I'm sure I placed them under my mattress" he whispered staring blankly into the oblivion.

_______________________________________

"Welcome to Auto Expo, the Biggest Automation Event of South-East Asia, currently from Mumbai! A lot of companies are in for the competition, presenting their automobiles to earn the title, 'The Umwami' of all the cars. Veracity the leading brand is also reported to compete in this event after 3 years!"

The media conglomerate, accompanied by a vast crowd of people, encircled the grand spectacle of the supreme Automation event. Renowned figures and notable dignitaries graced the occasion, their presence captured by the lenses of numerous cameramen. The Event played a vital role in increasing the GDP of the city as well as had a great impact on the economy of the country.
Each representative from their respective companies presented their design and model, explaining various aspects of their product. As always, Veracity's model was the talk of the show as it managed to astound the crowd with it's features.

Presenting,
Veracity S-Class I-77 (Rs 250 crores, $29.9 million), which allows you to register a fingerprint using a touch pad in the center console. With the literal touch of a finger, you can start the car, load your personal settings for the interior and put the car in Chauffeur Mode. In addition, it provides the function of payment, music and even promotes smart thermostats which allows you to control the air conditioning with just a command. With minimum use of fuel and electricity you can enjoy the ride for upto 1000 km. That's the 'Umwami' for you!

"Veracity earned, 'The Umwami' title marking its 15th win. Let us now dig into the production team for further reference."

After being interviewed by tons of reporters, Abhishek excused himself. Amidst the crowd, he was forced to adapt to the environment and maintain his professional composure. He wandered around the place, giving the impression of being impressively dedicated to his occupation, as if inspecting each car design. Little did they know, his eyes were fixed on the lounge situated at the far left corner of the hall.

"Fuck you Shubman, you betrayer! You left me all alone to deal with this crap. Gosh, only liquor can relieve the stress of attending this boring event." he sighed dramatically taking long strides towards the lounge until he noticed the bartender.
Fuck. He momentarily froze at the sight of him as he tried to contain himself but marched towards the bartender eventually. There he witnessed a beautiful man who seemed quite younger than him wearing a loose emerald green shirt paired with a beige mid-rise trousers adorned by silver long-chain dangled earrings.

"Hold your horses abhi! He seems like a kid" Abhishek reminded himself as he oogled the boy infront of him.

"Make me a Paloma, pretty" he ordered with a smug look, his commitment long forgotten, to which the boy agreed with a slight nod, clearly uncomfortable with the situation as people exchanged weird looks at Abhishek's remark. Abhishek, however, didn't give a care, busy checking out the beauty in front of him.

'He just ignored my inviting look. How amusing!'

He anxiously tucked a slight portion of his dark brown hair behind his ears, which made Abhishek restless.
'Is he trying to seduce me?'

"Here's your order, sir." He said in a timid voice, passing on the drink he had ordered. Abhishek took the opportunity to grab his hands instead as he pecked it teasingly.

"What's your name, darling?" He asked with a hint of playfulness evident in his voice as he sipped onto his drink. The boy in question withdrew his hands to survey his surroundings before leaning in, introducing himself with a smirk,
"It's Mayank, but I prefer 'darling' better," punctuating his words with an alluring wink that left him choking on his drink.
He was about to ask him for a night when a call interrupted him, prompting an exasperated sigh to escape his lips.
"Hello?!" he addressed with irritation, but soon his face contorted into a serious expression.
"Fine," he said, and the call ended.

-

"Veracity's sudden participation in the event after three years, doesn't it sound fishy to you?" his intellect questioned him.

But how's it got anything to do with the case? That's just how it goes, companies compete when they require a domestic boost and considering Veracity's upcoming engagement with Hanover's fair, that's just a good strategy. It's all in your head, Varun. I sighed exhausted, it's draining me out.
From the assassination of the mayor, to the missing cases of 15 individuals and abduction at the suburbs..all occuring at different places simultaneously.
So, we're not dealing with a single individual.
Not to mention, the pattern of tearing their victims into shreds inhibiting the procedure of autopsy.
"I couldn't even make a proper suspect list! I've cornered many of the victim's relatives, opponents and friends but came home empty-handed."

"I see you're in trouble, my friend", a voice pierced the silence, interrupting his thoughts as he slowly turned towards its source.
There, amidst the dimly lit room, stood a man, perched at his window with a sinister smirk adorning his face. His voice, sharp as knife, sliced through the silence, commanding attention and exuding an unmistakable air of dominance as he declared,

"I'm the one you're looking for, Detective Varun."

Detective Varun froze at the sight before swiftly seizing the revolver from the table, aiming it directly at the man with trembling hands. The man raised both of his hands in a gesture of surrender, prompting the detective to approach cautiously. However, before he could make a move to apprehend him, the man swiftly disarmed the detective, knocking the gun from his grasp. With a swift and brutal motion, he stabbed detective's neck, leaving him lifeless on the ground.
He rummaged through his drawers in search of something but stood defeated. Frustrated, he kicked the corpse lying on the rug before motioning for someone to help dispose of the body.

"He will kill you, Abhishek"

"I know, but this useless bastard had us running around for quite a while," he muttered angrily.
_______________________________________

Ishan's pov
The same old thing of asking this old geezer for a grace period and now I'm here locked in this old, shabby and creepy dark room. Night time is not helping the condition either. I could hear voices from the outside but do I give a flying-saucer's fuck? Ofcourse not! They all can die like rats and rot in this cesspit. I just wanna be released and back to the club. I swear on my sleep that I'll slaughter the person who chosed to rob me. I'm grateful to Mayank for making an excuse for my absence and working on my behalf at that nasty event. Argh!! I could've easily paid half of the dues with the amount I had but bhaiya was in need so I couldn't reject him. I wish I had an ability to throw spider-webs and swing across the cities considering the situation I'm in, it's the best idea that I could muster.
Hold up! That's right! Window! That's what you call, 'beauty with a brain',
I briskly stride towards the small window positioned two heads above my height.

'srif pair fas jaae fir toh chhad jaaunga', I cursed while attempting to stow my foot on the window ledge so that I could climb on it. I somehow managed to sit on the window ledge but became apprehensive about the view in front of me. There was no way I could climb down from a window this high.

-

"If I tried to make use of this pipeline, I would make it right? Nhi..nhi mujhse nahi hoga ", he sighed defeatedly before turning his head, his back now facing the window to scan the room in search of some rope or fabric.

"What am I even expecting from such stingy cockroaches?", he shrugged rolling his eyes thinking of some other way. Well.. that's what he had been doing for almost an hour.

"What if I attempted to jump directly from here? It would only hurt a bit, right? Anything's better than having that old geezer all over me," he cringed at his own words.

"Even I believe it's the better choice," an icy voice cut through the air, jolting him as he slowly turned to the source, his senses reeling from the unexpectedness of it all. He felt on the brink of fainting. As he teetered on the edge of the window upon seeing the person, a calloused hand steadied him by his waist just in time. His eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of the person he never expected to meet again.

"M-Mr Gill?", he stuttered, steadying himself on the window ledge.

"Why is it that I always seem to encounter you in situations like this?" Ishan asked, taken aback by the sudden appearance of the latter. It appeared the person was ignoring his questions. Ishan's anxiety grew as he wondered if the other was stalking him.

"Fuck. A-are y-you... Spider-Man?" he asked, fear evident in his voice.

"I'd rather say Batman," he smirked, an expression that was all too familiar to Ishan.

"Actually... I was trying to find a way to get down there, but-" he started explaining his predicament but was cut off by a deep voice.

"Yeah, I heard you. Now jump," he sneered, completely unfazed by the situation, his challenging gaze fixed on Ishan.

"Okay, fine! I'm scared of heights," Ishan sighed, conceding, which made a smirk creep onto the latter's face. Ishan made a concerted effort to restrain himself, resisting the temptation to push the person down and watch him bleed until he dies.
"As if you could jump off from here", ishan scoffed rolling his eyes in the process.

"At least I don't lie about my name, Ishan", his voice cut through the air like icy shards and devoid of warmth . Ishan was horrified, considering jumping off the ledge rather than sitting beside a serial killer.

'Who is he? How did he find out my name, and is he really after me for my head?'

He closed his eyes gulping hard as he stuttered,
"W-who are y-yo-"

"I suppose we could chat in a far better setting than this, don't you think?", he suggested with a sinister glint in his eyes, sending shivers down his spine.

Ishan's pov

Feeling an urgent need to flee, especially from him, I longed to escape this place entirely. My mouth felt as if it were glued shut, rendering me unable to voice my thoughts, leaving me only capable of nodding in silent agreement.
With a firm grip on my chin, he forced me to meet his gaze, his words dripping with malice as he commanded,
"Words, butterfly," his fingers digging into my skin mercilessly.

"Y-yes," I managed to stammer, struggling against his grasp, desperate to break free.

Afterward, my senses seemed to blur, fixating solely on his entrance through the small window, his steps purposeful as he made his way to the door, and I trailed behind like a shadow. With a forceful tug, he swung the door open and strode forward, leaving me no choice but to follow him. Yet, as I crossed the threshold, my legs grew heavy as if turned to stone, frozen in horror at the sight before me-blood and shredded organs strewn across the room, rendering me motionless like a specter haunting the scene.

'He just killed the old geezer and his troops'

I tried to ignore everything for a moment before reluctantly resuming to follow him out of the haunted house. When we reached his motorbike, he handed me a helmet, gesturing for me to put it on, and I complied.

'Where is he taking me?'

"beach," he answered, seemingly reading my thoughts. With that, he ignited the bike, and we sped off to god knows where. I tried not to take his support but he kept accelerating the bike.
'Take it slow man, I don't wanna die this young! And certainly don't want to hold you', my intellect yelled

I've never once visited a 'beach' in my life; I know it's like the grandpa of swimming pool in relation, from what Mayank told me. Despite my best efforts to keep quiet, my mouth ached with the urge to speak, and I couldn't hold back any longer.

"What beach are we heading to, and why?" I asked, curiosity evident in my voice. As always, he ignored my question and accelerated the bike, causing me to instinctively grip his waist.
"I don't want to die, please slow down, Mr. Gill!" I screamed desperately, it felt as though my jaw was forcefully pushed backward making me look like a clown, my pleas lost amidst the roar of the engine as he accelerated on purpose, with me clinging onto him like a koala.

After what felt like an eternity, we were driving along the coast of a beach, and my eyes widened with pure exhilaration. Despite enduring the torment of this harrowing ride with Godzilla, the reward of this breathtaking view made it all worthwhile.

"Wow! You know, Mr. Gill, I've never been to a 'real' beach before. Today, being here feels so surreal", I said genuinely, with stars in my eyes as I gazed at the beach. He frowned at my response, seemingly skeptical of my words, and appeared as though he wanted to say something but remained silent.

-

Shubman gazed at him, who was delighting in the moment like a carefree youth, his long hair swaying in the gentle sea breeze, his pretty face lit up with a radiant smile. It was as if he found pure joy in the view before him, as though the beach was the center of his universe.

"Can we go there, Mr. Gill, pretty please?" he asked, more like a request than a question. He couldn't't deny him as he watched the boy run towards the sea, cupping the water in his small hands.
Shubman felt a twinge within him at the sight, a craving for something cruel and sadistic that clashed with his conscience yet demanded attention from his brain. He strode over to the boy and grabbed him by the waist, causing him to flinch as he leaned in close to his ear, whispering, "It's time for you to put your mouth to good use, sweetheart."
Ishan pushed him a little before turning to him as he held his collars which made Shubman quirked an eyebrow at his boldness.

"I'm grateful to you for helping me escape that hellhole and for bringing me to the beach. But before I forget, I want you to tell me how you knew my name?" He asked, demanding an answer and shubman's face turned dark at the audacity.
In a swift motion, Shubman seized him by the hair, the raw intensity of his aggression evident in his every movement.

"Know your place, you worthless slut.", he howled, his voice dripping with venom as he exerted painful pressure on the boy's hair, asserting his dominance with every word uttered. His piercing eyes fixated on the latter's teary eyes as he loosened his grip around his hair.
"Ishan, about to turn 20 this year working as a bartender and a prostitute at the vilest club in Sin City." he scoffed as he examined his tear-stained face, gently caressing it with the back of his hand.
"You thought of me as some wannabe criminal, didn't you? Someone unable to detect your lies", he continued, eyes undeflected from the boy as his hands now caressing the skin under his cardigan.

[Suggested:- Malang by Ved Sharma]

Ishan slowly lifted his head, locking eyes with a gaze that seemed to pierce through his very being. Shubman leaned in, his presence commanding, and before Ishan could utter a word of protest, he felt a pair of lips pressing against his own. Unlike the last time, it was rough and dominated by a craving for total control, eliciting whimpering submission from him. It felt as though all the aggression was poured into the kiss, leaving Ishan breathless as he slowly parted to gaze into his eyes.

♪Qafira To Chal Diya Iss Safar Ke Sang
(This unbeliever has started with his journey)

"M-Mr. Gill, I d-don't-," a finger shushed him as he gazed into those brown orbs, revealing the hidden desire within.

♪Manzilein Na Dor Koyi, Leke Apna Rang
(No strings attached, no place to be)

"Money, is it? You got it! No strings attached," his husky voice enveloping the surroundings, drawing him into a deep and brutal kiss. His grip around his waist was bruising as he pressed their bodies together.
And this time, Ishan hesitantly reciprocated the kiss..

♪Rahoon Main Malang, Malang, Malang
(Let me be a vagrant)

With a swift motion, he hoisted him by his hips, as ishan entwined his legs around his waist, their kiss unbroken as he carried him into the beachfront retreat.

Ishan, consumed by his desires, failed to recognize the looming peril entwined with his decision to lay with that man. It's the allure of the moment which overshadowed the lurking shadows of potential harm. Unaware of the intricate web of 'fate' woven around them, they chose the intoxicating embrace of the night.
_______________________________________

—🦋—

I'll leave it up to your imagination. Alright, it was a bit lengthy, but I hope you enjoyed it! Share your thoughts with me.
Stay tuned for the next chapter!