Kalaba Kadhala | Part 1

Chapter 1

ABANDONED WAREHOUSE - NIGHT

The cavernous space of the old warehouse is dimly lit, with the occasional flicker of a faulty fluorescent light casting erratic shadows across the concrete floor. The air is thick with the stench of rust and decay, an almost tangible reminder of the countless illicit deals that have transpired here. In the center of this desolate place sits a large, wooden table, battered from years of neglect and use.

Seated at the head of the table, in an aura of absolute authority, is PRABHAS. His presence is magnetic, his stature imposing. Prabhas is a handsome man in his mid-30s, with chiselled features that seem almost out of place in the harsh world he rules. His well-built figure is clad in a tailored black suit that contrasts sharply with his olive skin. A hint of stubble frames his strong jawline, and his dark eyes, cold and piercing, reflect a life devoid of sentimentality. He sits with an air of casual dominance, one hand resting on the table, the other lightly tapping a silver ring on his finger.

Surrounding him are his loyal MEN, each one hardened and vigilant, their eyes scanning the room for any sign of threat. The silence is almost oppressive, broken only by the distant hum of machinery and the occasional drip of water from the leaky roof.

In stark contrast to this composed tableau is RAVI, a man bound and kneeling before Prabhas. Ravi's clothes are dishevelled, his face a mask of fear and desperation. Sweat beads on his forehead, mixing with the dirt and grime that has accumulated during his captivity. He knows what's coming, and the terror is palpable in his trembling form.

PRABHAS broke the silence and said in his smooth but chilling voice. "Ravi, I trusted you. We bloody treated you as family". He gritted his teeth going closer to him.
Ravi flinches at the words, the irony not lost on him. He looks up, eyes wide with pleading.

RAVI stammered- "Prabhas... please... I can explain. It wasn't my choice, I was forced—"

PRABHAS interrupted Ravi, his voice hardening-
"Forced? You think I don't know the difference between coercion and betrayal?"

Prabhas stands up slowly, his movements deliberate and controlled. As he rises, his men straighten, their attention focused entirely on him. He walks around the table with the grace of a predator, his eyes never leaving Ravi. The flickering light casts shadows on his face, accentuating the lines of his hardened expression.

"You see, Ravi, in our line of work, trust is everything. Without it, we're just animals, preying on each other for scraps."

He stops in front of Ravi, towering over him. The cold steel of a sleek, silver pistol glints in his hand. Prabhas's finger caresses the trigger, a deadly promise of what's to come. Ravi's eyes fixate on the gun, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

RAVI sobbed and said- "Please, Prabhas! I have a family... children. Don't do this, I beg you!"

Prabhas's expression doesn't change; his eyes remain icy and unfeeling. He crouches down, bringing himself to Ravi's eye level, the gun now just inches from Ravi's face.

PRABHAS whispered deadly- "You should have thought of them before you decided to betray me. This isn't personal, Ravi. It's just business."

Prabhas stands up again, straightening his suit jacket with a casual flick of his wrist. He steps back, raising the pistol with a steady hand. Ravi's pleas grow more frantic, but they fall on deaf ears.

PRABHAS told his men, without looking away from Ravi- "Clean this up when I'm done."

The men nod silently, their faces expressionless. They've seen this before; they know the drill. Prabhas takes a deep breath, his finger tightening on the trigger.