The Unknown

Chapter One

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On a peaceful morning at 6:30 along Beach Road in Visakhapatnam, India, people of all ages were engaged in their morning exercises. Among them was Arjun Kumar, a 47-year-old man who stood out in his formal attire. He sat on a bench, an anomaly in the sea of joggers and walkers. Approaching him was a curious little girl.

The girl inquired, "Sir, may I have your autograph?" With a warm smile, Arjun obliged and handed her his autograph, triggering a trip down memory lane.

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The story rewound 32 years to a cloudy evening at 4:30, at the very same Beach Road. A younger Arjun hid behind a wall, meticulously observing the movements of a man named Amir. Amir settled on a bench and carelessly placed his wallet beside him. Seizing a moment, Arjun sprinted forward, snatched the wallet, and made a quick getaway.

Amir promptly reacted by heading to the nearby police station to report the incident. "Excuse me, sir," Amir said. The police officer greeted him, "Hello, Amir. How are you?" Amir explained how a young boy had taken his wallet and fled. The police officer pointed to Arjun, who was now in custody. "Yes, sir," Amir confirmed, "But how did you apprehend him so swiftly?" The officer explained, "He's a known culprit in several theft cases. He'll be transferred to the central jail next week." Amir expressed concern, "But his life will be ruined, sir!" The police officer acknowledged, "Indeed, it will." Amir, showing compassion, made a plea, "Sir, I don't want that to happen. Please allow me to take care of him." The police officer, acknowledging their good relationship, consented, "I can't argue with you. If you're willing to look after him, I'll allow it." Amir expressed gratitude, "Thank you, sir." The constable opened the door, and Arjun was set free.

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Exiting the police station, Arjun and Amir made their way to a nearby restaurant. Amir ordered food for Arjun, who devoured the meal as if he hadn't eaten in days. Amir inquired, "So, your name is Arjun, right?" Arjun confirmed, "Yes, sir." Amir offered, "If you tell me where you live, I'll take you there." Arjun revealed his plight, "My father abandoned me a month ago. Since then, I've been sleeping on the streets, begging for food. When that didn't work, I theft to survive." Amir, moved by Arjun's dire circumstances, felt compassion. Amir proposed, "Will you come with me?" Arjun agreed, "Yes, sir." Amir extended a helping hand, "I can offer you a job, a place to stay, and food to eat." Arjun accepted gratefully, "Yes, sir." With Arjun now in tow, Amir led him to his cricket academy. Arjun inquired, "You work here, sir?" Amir clarified, "This is my academy, Arjun." Together, they stepped into the academy.

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Amir summoned Chotu, who hurried over. Amir instructed, "Chotu!" Chotu responded, "Yes, sir?" Amir introduced Arjun, "This is Arjun. Show him the room, and from now on, both of you will work together." Chotu guided Arjun to their shared room. Chotu noted, "You were in a tough spot, weren't you?" Arjun confirmed, "How did you know?"