The night was quiet as Darshan and Trisha continued their journey through the outskirts of the city. They moved cautiously, keeping to the shadows, every sound putting Darshan on edge. He knew the syndicate wouldn’t rest until they had him back under their control—or worse, dead.
After what felt like hours, they finally arrived at the safehouse. It was an old, weathered cabin hidden deep in a wooded area, far from prying eyes. Darshan had used this place before when things got too dangerous in the city. The location was remote, almost forgotten, which made it perfect for hiding out.
As they approached, Darshan scanned the area for any signs of surveillance. Satisfied that they hadn’t been followed, he unlocked the door and led Trisha inside. The air inside was cold, and the place smelled like it hadn’t been used in a while, but it was secure.
Trisha looked around the small space, her arms wrapped around herself as the reality of the situation settled in. “Is this where we’ll stay?” she asked, her voice quiet but steady.
“For now,” Darshan replied, checking the locks on the windows and doors. “It’s safe here. They won’t find us right away, but we can’t stay here forever.”
Trisha nodded and took a seat on the worn-out couch in the corner. The cabin was sparsely furnished—just the basics, a few chairs, and a small table. It wasn’t comfortable, but it was enough to get by for a few days.
Darshan sat down across from her, rubbing his hands together to shake off the cold. “We’ll need to figure out what our next move is. I’ve called in a few favors, and I have people watching the city for any signs of the syndicate’s movements. But we’re on our own for now.”
Trisha studied him for a moment. “What exactly do they want from you, Darshan? You said they want you back, but why? Why are they so determined?”
Darshan leaned back, his eyes distant. “I was one of their best. I handled the jobs no one else could—high-risk deals, eliminating threats. When I left, they lost control over a lot of their operations. They’re desperate to bring me back because they know I’m one of the few who could stop them if I wanted to.”
Trisha’s eyes widened slightly. “So, you were like... a key player for them?”
“Something like that,” Darshan said grimly. “But I walked away because I couldn’t stomach it anymore. The violence, the betrayals—it wasn’t who I wanted to be. But leaving wasn’t easy. No one leaves that life without paying a price.”
“And now they’re making sure you pay,” Trisha whispered, understanding dawning in her eyes.
Darshan nodded. “They’re not just after me anymore. They know I care about you, and that makes you a target. That’s why we need to be careful.”
Trisha met his gaze, her expression determined. “I’m not scared, Darshan. I trust you. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together.”
Her words hit Darshan in a way he didn’t expect. He had spent so long running, hiding from his past, pushing people away. But here was Trisha, willing to stand by him, despite the danger. She wasn’t just someone he needed to protect anymore—she was his partner in this fight.
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” Darshan said quietly, his voice filled with conviction. “I promise.”
Trisha smiled, a small but genuine gesture. “I know.”
They sat in silence for a while, the weight of the situation hanging between them. Despite the looming threat, there was something comforting about being here together, away from the chaos of the city.
After a few minutes, Darshan stood up and began to gather supplies from a nearby cabinet. He pulled out blankets and handed one to Trisha. “Get some rest. We’ll need our strength for what’s coming next.”
Trisha took the blanket, wrapping it around her shoulders. “What do you think their next move will be?”
“They’ll send more men,” Darshan said, his voice matter-of-fact. “They’ll try to corner us, probably use people I used to know. They’re good at getting into your head, making you doubt yourself.”
Trisha frowned. “And what do we do when that happens?”
Darshan looked at her, his eyes hard. “We don’t give them the chance. When they come, we’ll be ready.”
---
In the early hours of the morning, Darshan woke with a start, his instincts on high alert. Something didn’t feel right. He sat up quickly, scanning the room. The cabin was silent, but that was the problem—it was too quiet.
He stood up, moving toward the window. Outside, the forest was still, bathed in the pale light of the moon. But as he looked closer, he noticed something—a figure moving through the trees, slowly, deliberately.
Darshan’s heart raced. They had found them.
He rushed over to Trisha, who was still asleep on the couch. “Trisha,” he whispered urgently, shaking her awake. “They’re here.”
She woke up instantly, her eyes wide. “What? Already?”
“Stay low,” Darshan instructed, grabbing his gun from the table. “We need to move.”
Without another word, they slipped out the back of the cabin, moving silently through the trees. Darshan kept his senses sharp, listening for any sound, any movement that could give them away. He knew they didn’t have much time.
As they moved deeper into the forest, Darshan could hear footsteps behind them, closing in. The syndicate’s men were fast, but Darshan had anticipated this. He knew the terrain, and he had already mapped out an escape route in his mind.
“Keep going,” he whispered to Trisha, his voice low. “We’re almost out of range.”
Trisha nodded, her breath coming in short, sharp bursts as they ran. The cold night air stung their faces, but they kept moving, determined to stay ahead.
Suddenly, a shot rang out in the distance, cutting through the stillness of the forest. Darshan cursed under his breath. They were getting closer.
“We need to split up,” Darshan said urgently. “I’ll draw them away. You keep heading north.”
Trisha looked at him in shock. “No, I’m not leaving you!”
Darshan grabbed her shoulders, his voice firm. “It’s the only way. I’ll be right behind you. Trust me.”
She hesitated for a moment, fear flashing in her eyes, but then she nodded. “Okay. Be careful.”
Darshan gave her a quick nod before turning and darting off in the opposite direction, his footsteps light as he moved through the trees. The sound of pursuing footsteps followed him, but he knew he had bought Trisha some time.
As he ran, Darshan’s mind was focused, his training kicking in. He had faced worse odds before, but this time, there was more at stake. This time, he wasn’t just fighting for his life—he was fighting for Trisha’s too.
---
the tension as Darshan and Trisha arrive at the safehouse, only to be found by the syndicate's men. The chase sets up for a confrontation, and their bond grows as they face the danger together.
