I remember the smell of damp walls and my mother’s silent tears. I stole to protect her—from that landlord who leered at her, who took our rent and demanded more. I was just a kid when they dragged me to the remand home. And when I escaped, Mumbai swallowed me whole.

Now, years later, I stand in the rain outside my brother’s flat. Arjun doesn’t know I’m back. Ma still thinks I’m dead—or wishes I was. I’ve done things I’m not proud of. Worked for Kamat. Survived by my fists. But meeting Madhu… she made me believe I could be more.

I see my sister Suman through the window, laughing. My chest tightens. I want to knock. To say I’m sorry. To tell them I’m not a monster.

But then I spot the black car parked across the street. Dholakia’s men.

They found me.

Do I run and protect them by vanishing again?

Or do I face them—and risk getting everyone killed?