I never meant to kill anyone. I just wanted to feel strong for once—to make my father look at me with pride instead of disappointment. It started with small collections, just a few hundred rupees from shopkeepers. Satya called it 'chanda,' like it was some temple donation. But then Rana’s men beat a man to death for refusing to pay. I stood there, frozen, while blood pooled on the pavement. That night, I punched a wall until my knuckles split. I thought I could walk away. But when Rana threatened my family, I had no choice. I went to Jaleel, Rana’s enemy, and offered him something Rana never had—desperation. Now, I’m standing in a dark garage, a gun in my hand, waiting for the signal to end a life. My hands won’t stop shaking. But I know one thing: there’s no going back.

The radio crackles. 'It’s time,' says Jaleel’s voice. 'You prove yourself tonight, or you die with him.'

I look at the photo of Jyoti in my pocket. Her smile feels like a lifetime ago.