Ek Villian

Chapter 8 (Echoes of Vengeance)

Present Time

At Rakesh's House

Sulochana sat in front of the mirror, getting ready, while Rakesh helped her put on jewelry. Today, Rakesh had planned to take his family to watch a movie, and they were already running late.

Sulochana: "What are you doing? You're so slow! If we get late, the theater will be packed, and you can't afford to pay extra for better seats. Hurry up!"

Rakesh: "Don't worry, Sulo. We'll get the tickets."

Sulochana: "Oh, really? Is the theater owned by your father? Look, if I miss the hero's entry, I won't watch the movie. Heroes only exist on the big screen, not in real life."

Rakesh, holding a screwdriver in his hand, paused briefly before resuming his task.

Sulochana: "What now? Leave it, Rakesh. Just focus on getting us out of the house on time."

Soon, Rakesh and his family left the house. A black jeep parked a short. Inside the vehicle sat Guru, who had been shadowing Rakesh ever since the incident at the church. Despite his suspicions, Guru remained silent for now.

The family boarded an auto-rickshaw and drove off. Rakesh kept glancing nervously at the meter while Sulochana, still annoyed, voiced her irritation. Their son, Manish, stayed quiet, as usual.

At a red light, the auto stopped. A group of transgender individuals approached, asking for money.

Trans Person: "Give us some money, and I'll bless you for a happy life together."

Rakesh: "Wait a moment."

Trans Person: "Come on, give us happily. It's for blessings!"

Reluctantly, Rakesh handed them some money, hoping to avoid further disturbance. However, Sulochana was not pleased.

Sulochana: "Why did you give them money?"

Rakesh: "They were harassing us. If I hadn't, they wouldn't have left."

Sulochana: "What kind of man are you? Anyone can take advantage of you!"

When the auto stopped a little further, Rakesh asked the driver to pull over.

Sulochana: "Why are you getting down now?"

Rakesh: "I don't have enough money to go any further."

Sulochana: "What? Are you serious?"

Rakesh: "I spent everything, Sulo. Here, take this for the ride."

Rakesh got out of the auto, helping his son step down as well, but Sulochana stopped him.

Sulochana: "Leave him. Driver, keep going."

Rakesh: "But, Sulo..."

Sulochana: "What? You think I don't have money? I've saved enough for emergencies. If I depend on you, we'll be begging on the streets someday. Driver, let's go."

As the auto drove off, Rakesh stood in silence, humiliated and helpless.

At the Train Station (Late Night)

Rakesh sat alone at the station, simmering with anger and frustration after the incident with Sulochana. He noticed his senior officer disembarking from a train, engrossed in a phone call. Without a second thought, Rakesh began following her, his mind clouded with rage.

The station grew quieter as they reached a desolate bridge. No one was around. Rakesh quickened his pace, his steps echoing in the stillness.

Rakesh Senior (on call): "It's not your mistake; you're just useless. You'll never get it right."

Her words struck a nerve. In a blind fury, Rakesh grabbed her from behind and slammed her head against the bridge pillar. She collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Rakesh (deranged): "Not laughing now, are you? You all think I'm a joke, right? Make fun of me now! Call for help. Let's see who saves you this time."

Consumed by rage, Rakesh rummaged through his bag, searching for his screwdriver to finish what he started. Suddenly, a shadow approached from behind. A familiar object flew past him and landed at his feet—his screwdriver.

Rakesh looked up and froze. Standing there was Guru, clad in a black suit, his face a mask of cold fury.

Rakesh (stammering): "She...she slipped and fell. I just found her like this."

Guru didn't reply. Instead, he charged forward. Before Rakesh could react, Guru delivered a powerful kick to his chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. Over the next 15 minutes, Guru unleashed a relentless assault. Rakesh screamed for mercy, but Guru's fists spoke only of vengeance.

When Rakesh was teetering on the edge of the bridge, Guru grabbed him by the neck, stopping him from falling.

Rakesh (terrified): "Help! Please, someone help me!"

Guru (with icy resolve): "I won't let you die. But I will make you wish for death every single day. You will live in agony, carrying the weight of your sins. Every drop of blood you shed, I'll repay in full. Your punishment has just begun."

Later

Guru dragged Rakesh to the city hospital and left him battered and bloodied on the roadside. His face was swollen, and blood oozed from multiple wounds.

Rakesh (groaning): "Why? Why do you keep sparing me?"

Guru(putting cash in pocket of Rakesh): "Because your suffering has only begun. Heal yourself, Rakesh. Tend to your wounds, for I'll be back to break you again. This is your fate now—pain without end."

Guru walked away into the night, leaving Rakesh trembling in fear, his words echoing like a death sentence that promised no escape.