The once-bustling mall now stood in a state of utter disrepair like a haunting relic of better days. Its cracked walls and broken escalators loomed like ghosts against the backdrop of an exquisite romantic atmosphere that felt almost mocking in its contrast. A riot of wild shrubs and bushy overgrowth curled around the structure making the ground beneath nearly invisible. Long pews of ruined chairs lined the moss-covered mezzanine floor illuminated by beams of light that broke through the shattered skylights overhead. The glass once clear was now a mosaic of cracks adorned with thick spider webs that swayed gently with the draft. The sounds of flapping wings echoed through the emptiness as pigeons flew above disturbed from their perch. A couple of shrieks reverberated within the cavernous space creating an eerie ambiance that made visitors think twice about entering. The air was thick with a queer silence oppressive and foreboding as if the mall itself held its breath anticipating something dreadful. Suddenly the stillness shattered. A hand thrust open the tinted glass door with great force and the heavy sound of humming and croaking followed. Three men stormed into the room dragging a young woman with them. She was barely conscious. Her face obscured by a black sack that was yanked down to her neck revealing bruises from all over his neck up to the exposed belly told stories of violence and despair. They shoved her roughly forcing her to stumble down the aisle of rusted pews where she landed with a dull thud on the floor. "Get up!" one of the men barked. His voice laced with impatience.
As she lay there the dim light revealed heavy contusions on her skin with distinct human bite marks marring her neck, upper chest, ears, and cheeks. Inspector Nitin Kadam a man whose very name resonated with corruption stepped forward. At the age of 45 he carried the weight of the city's darkness on his shoulders preying on vulnerable women who visited the jail and exploiting their desperate circumstances for his gain. With a flick of his wrist he pulled the sack from the woman's face revealing her glazed eyes. The lifeless stare of someone spoke in length who had endured unspeakable horrors. She was Samaira, her mouth was tightly gagged, the remnants of her spirit seemed to flicker like a dying flame as she looked around. Her expression one of sheer exhaustion and defeat. "What a sorry sight," Kadam sneered. His gaze lingering on her battered form. "You thought you could outsmart me?" Just then, another figure was thrust into the room. It was Kanishk. His hands were bound behind him and a cloth covered his eyes. The two men who brought him in squeezed his shoulders painfully forcing him down to his knees. Despite the pain a flicker of recognition sparked within him as he heard Samaira's soft groans. "Samaira?" he whispered, his voice hoarse and trembling. The moment one of the men ripped the tape from his eyes he was met with the sight of her. She was broken and bruised. His heart sank and a gnawing ache spreading through him. "Don't even think about it!" one of the men warned landing a swift kick to Kanishk's side. But Kanishk barely felt it. All he could focus on was Samaira's pitiful state. Rishit, a haughty brute with an air of superiority strode into the mall with a predatory gleam in his eyes. He took a seat on one of the pews while observing the chaos with amusement as the others stood around like sentinels.
Samaira, lost in her own world hummed to herself. Her droopy eyes betraying her confusion and despair. "Where are the hard drives, and documents" Kadam yelled at Samaira. His frustration palpable. The silence that followed was deafening, weighing heavily on everyone present. Kadam's desperation was evident as he turned to Kanishk. His patience wearing thin. "Why did you kill my grandfather? A bedridden man is poisoned with Ricin? What have you done?" Kanishk remained silent. His mind racing. Rishit's questions came crashing down like waves. "What have they done to you? Speak, damn you. Where is my father?" he screamed. Kanishk felt hollow and completely lost in the turmoil surrounding them. The truth was buried deep within him, tangled with guilt and regret. He couldn't find the words to express it. Kanishk's weak voice sounds breathy. He seemed haywire. He was completely oblivious of all the trouble he had caused for them. He seemed totally lost in thought.