Ek Villian

Chapter 3: (A Persistent Intruder)

Inside the stark police station, Aditya Rathore's relentless interrogation tormented Guru, who dangled upside down. The policeman's fervor for answers was apparent.

Policeman: "Tell me! Who sent you to kill Rohan? Who's your boss? Did Caesar send you? Speak!"

The blows rained down upon Guru, but he seemed far away, lost in the recesses of his memories from a happier time, his childhood. His mother takes pictures of him on outings, the world innocent and carefree. Yet, a flash from a camera outside pierced his reverie, and the police's brutality continued. Unfazed, Guru seemed to draw strength from an unexpected source.

Outside, the media clamored for attention. From a nearby window, Ayush's voice suddenly broke through the chaos.

Ayush: "Okay, let me tell you a joke. A woman went to the police station and asked the inspector... 'Inspector, my husband went to the market to buy okra two days ago.' 'He hasn't come back yet.' The inspector said, 'What's the big deal, madam?' 'Cook some other vegetable.'"

It was the first time Guru heard Ayush's voice, sharing one of his peculiar jokes while hanging upside down.

Ayush (laughing).

Guru, despite his dire predicament, found himself captivated by Ayush's voice.

Policeman: "What's the press doing outside?"

Ayush: "To ensure your photos make the headlines... so everyone knows you're the officer......"

Policeman: "Huh?"

Ayush: "...who opposed an adult girl marrying against her will."

Policeman: "You're meddling in others' affairs! Have you no shame?"

Ayush: "Sheela is an adult. She came to me for help. All of you treat her like a maid... expected only to perform household chores... and maintain appearances. When she yearns for happiness... you have a problem with it. Amid your religious fervor, you've forgotten to be human."

Policeman (to media): "Clear out. Move... move. Out. Out from here. Sharad, escort him out."

Ayush: "Ha huh, that's more like it."

While Ayush believed he had successfully aided Sheela and that the media's presence would deter further police action, he soon heard the sounds of violence from within the station. He approached, witnessing officers attempting to lift a man hanging upside down while brutally beating him. Ayush moved closer for a better view.

Aditya Rathore: "Due to your boss Caesar, three of my officers perished. These officers were merely fulfilling their duty. Now, I offer you a chance. I will coerce Rohan's mother into testifying that her son accidentally fell into the fire while intoxicated. In return, you will cooperate and take me to your boss Caesar. The choice is yours. Have you switched allegiances?"

Guru: "The old woman turned hostile, didn't she? She refused to testify against me. That's why you're barking!"

Policeman: "Will you talk?" (Striking Guru)

Aditya Rathore: "At any cost, I will avenge Caesar for killing my men, at any cost. I will make your life a living hell in prison... to the point where you'll yearn for death."

Guru: "People fear death, but I face death daily, uninvited."

Policeman: "You're acting too smart." (More blows to Guru's face)

Aditya Rathore: "You'll pay dearly for this madness, Guru."

As Ayush observed this grim spectacle, he felt compelled to jot down a simple wish in his diary: "To save a life."

The next morning arrived.

Arjun: "Lawyer, get those bail papers ready."

Guru: "Arjun."

Arjun: "Is everything okay?"

Guru: "Yes."

Guru emerged from the police station, freshly released when Ayush pulled up on his motorcycle.

Ayush: "Hey, listen! Want to hear a joke? Once, a thief broke into a house to steal. The safe read, 'No need to break open this safe.' 'Press 1, 2, 3, and then the red button.' 'The safe will open.' So, the thief pressed the button... and the alarm blared, and the police arrived. As he fled, the thief told the owner... 'Today, I've lost faith in humanity.' (laugh)"

Guru regarded Ayush with a perplexed expression but said nothing, heading towards his nearby car. Ayush trailed beside him, continuing his chatter.

Ayush: "Hey! The joke wasn't that bad. You could have at least cracked a smile."

Guru's stoic demeanor showed no signs of amusement, only growing irritation.

Ayush: "Listen, I need a favor. You don't have to rob a safe. I need someone kidnapped. Are you up for it?"

Guru came to a halt and locked Ayush in a formidable gaze.

Ayush: "I'm not asking for free. I'll pay you. Show me your rate card. I'd do it myself, but just as we visit a salon for a shave... or consult a tailor for clothing... similarly, don't we turn to a thug for a kidnapping? You look the part."

With those words, Guru slipped into his car without uttering a word.

Ayush: "Hey, villain! Smile!"

Ayush retrieved his camera and snapped a picture of Guru through the car window before driving away. Guru didn't even spare a glance, convinced that Ayush would depart after this encounter. However, Ayush proved to be far from ordinary, and his persistence was unwavering.

The same day, at a local cricket match:

Gang member: "Sahiba! Guru!"

Caesar: "I sent you there to kill, not get yourself killed. I know you're not too attached to life, but your existence is invaluable to me. Priceless. You're a godsend, even more than a son. Stop seeking reasons to die; discover a reason to live."

The crowd chanted, "Caesar! Caesar! Caesar!"

Ayush (in the distance): "I know him."

Garud: "Do you understand?"

Ayush had followed Guru to the cricket match, attempting to enter the premises from a distance. Unfortunately, the guards were not accommodating.

Ayush (shouting): "Hey!"

Guard: "How many times do I have to tell you?"

Ayush: "Hey, villain!"

Guard: "Sir, you can't go in."

Ayush: "I know him. Let me through. Hey, villain!"

Guru's focus was seized by Ayush's unwavering voice. He turned to the entrance and caught sight of Ayush. Meanwhile, Caesar commanded the field, and Ayush's voice echoed in Guru's mind.

Ayush: "Yes! See, I told you I know him. Hi!"

Guru beckoned Ayush closer, guiding him to a parking area.

Ayush: "Release my hand! Why are you holding my hand?"

Guru pushed Ayush into his car, obscuring his face with his hand, fixing him with an intense and menacing gaze.

Guru: "You have no idea what I'm capable of. It wouldn't take long to dispose of your body. Stop following me; leave."

Guru believed Ayush would heed his warning and, releasing his hand, stared at Ayush. Yet, Ayush was far from an ordinary man, and Guru's conviction would soon be tested.

Ayush (smiling): "This is why I want to hire you. I know you're no romantic. You're the kind who'd shoot on sight."

Guru (frustrated): "Do you have a condition that compels you to talk incessantly?"

Ayush: "I have many conditions. Forget about that. Will you accept my job? Please, say yes. Never say no to money." (Making a comical face)