THE NIGHT BEFORE DEATH: TERROR STRIKES BACK

"It doesn't need time for time to change."

I was sitting cross-legged on my bed, clipping my nails, when a young boy, no older than ten, rushed into the room. His small frame trembled slightly, and his dark eyes darted around nervously. "Boss is calling you," he said in a hurried voice, as if afraid to linger for too long. I looked up from my hands, the faint sound of the nail clipper snapping still hanging in the air.

"Okay," I replied simply, my voice calm, masking the unease I felt. Without another word, the boy spun on his heel and darted out of the room, his bare feet pattering softly against the floor. I set the nail clipper aside, taking a moment to collect myself, then stood up and adjusted my shirt. The air felt heavier as I made my way to Sarla's room.

I reached his door, its wooden surface chipped and faded, telling silent tales of years of use. Knocking twice, I heard Sarla's deep, gravelly voice call out from within. "Come inside."

Pushing the door open, I stepped into the room, my eyes immediately drawn to Sarla. He was seated on the edge of the bed, his broad, muscular frame on full display. His bare chest glistened slightly with sweat, and his expression was unreadable—his dark, piercing eyes locked onto me, but there was no emotion behind them, just a cold, vacant stare.

"Sit," he said, gesturing to a wooden chair by the side of the room. I pulled it closer and sat down, feeling the weight of his gaze on me.

Sarla leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on his thighs. He spoke in a low, measured tone, each word deliberate. "I want you to go to the colony and stay at Mathur's house for a couple of days. Forget everything we talked about earlier." His voice was calm, but the undercurrent of urgency was unmistakable.

I furrowed my brow slightly, unsure of what he meant, but I stayed silent, letting him continue.

"Anthony can live for now," he said dismissively, waving his hand as if brushing away a minor inconvenience. "I've got bigger concerns than avenging my brother's death at the moment." His jaw clenched for a brief moment, and his eyes darkened. "Raju's death…" he paused, his voice faltering slightly before regaining its strength, "…it didn't just hurt me emotionally—it's been a blow to my business. He handled all the dealings when I wasn't around. And now that he's gone, the buyers are starting to hesitate. They're questioning whether we're still reliable. Do you know what that means?"

I nodded slightly, understanding the gravity of his words, but I didn't dare interrupt.

He straightened up, his voice hardening. "I can't afford to let this go any further. There are some good girls in the colony—ones who will fetch a hefty price in the market. I've already spoken to some buyers. They're interested, but…" he trailed off, narrowing his eyes, "…their decision isn't final yet. I can't take any chances with this. Everything needs to go perfectly."

His words hung heavily in the air, the weight of his intentions clear. My stomach churned, but I kept my expression neutral.

"You'll go there," he continued, "and prepare everything. Make sure the buyers have no reason to back out. They're coming next Thursday." He leaned back slightly, his tone sharpening like the edge of a blade. "We don't have much time. Go now."

I nodded silently, rising from the chair. "Understood," I said, my voice steady, though my mind was racing.

Sarla didn't say another word, his blank stare following me as I turned and left the room. Outside, the corridor felt eerily quiet, the dim light casting long shadows on the walls. I walked briskly, each step echoing faintly, as I pushed down the unease creeping into my chest. There was no room for hesitation now—not when Sarla had given his orders.

I walked into my room and saw Sumeet sitting on the bed, staring at me with blank eyes. I frowned.

"What happened?" I asked.

Without a word, Sumeet handed me the phone. I brought it to my ear, and a familiar voice came from the other end.

"Hello, darling. How are you?"

I smiled faintly. "Ms. Maria. What are you doing?"

Her tone was calm but firm, the kind that always hinted at something serious.

"I'm currently reviewing your progress," she said, "and to be honest, I'm not very happy with it. You're taking more risks than necessary. But it's your job, and I won't push too hard. I just wanted to tell you something important. Are you secured?"

I instinctively glanced around the room before answering. "Yes, I am."

Ms. Maria continued, her voice low but steady. "According to our sources, allegedly, VPS is in India—particularly close to you. I don't think he'll contact Sarla or Venkatesh anytime soon, but keep your eyes and ears open for any sudden changes around you. Oh, and about the girl you apparently put under my supervision—don't worry. She and her boyfriend will be safe. You just focus on the mission and don't do anything reckless that might put both your life and Sumeet's in danger."

She paused briefly. "Sir Lorenzo wanted to talk to you, but Mr. Henderson assigned him a last-minute task, and he had to head to Middlesbrough. Not important, though. I really wish you were here, but with the current disaster hovering over us, it's better you stay away for now."

I tensed. "What danger?"

Ms. Maria gave a small, knowing smile. "We've arrested a very valuable asset, and there's a high chance that vicious criminals will try to either free him or kill him. But trust me, we're not letting that happen."

I hesitated. "Are you okay?"

Her voice softened. "Yes, dear. I'm okay. I've seen far darker days than any of you kids. I'll be safe."

Before I could respond, the call disconnected. I stared at the phone for a moment, then turned to Sumeet. He just shrugged, still expressionless.

I tossed the phone onto the bed and walked outside, my mind racing.

I was walking to the garden when a hand pulled me inside a room. The hand immediately hushed my mouth and then I saw Meera standing there. She slowly pressed her blossom on my chest and kissed my chin, slightly biting in the process.

I asked, "What are you doing?"

She smiled and said, "Nothing. Just being a little hungry. But, maybe I was wrong. Sorry." She frowned and backed away. At that moment, I wanted to kiss her, but she was right. She was wrong. She was married and she shouldn't do it. I asked, "Do you have anything else to ask me?" Meera smiled, "I heard that Sarla is sending you to the colony. Mathur Uncle will help you in the trading." I asked, "You are seriously considering selling young girls to lecherous bastards?"

She smiled, "Why not? Aren't there lecherous people here too? They won't show them mercy once they grow a little older. Their own father and mother will start bidding her to curious buyers. Would that be okay?" I said, clearly disgusted, "What the hell are you saying? Is it some sick joke? You are seriously saying that to save them from lecherous relatives, it is wise to sell them to lecherous strangers?" She smiled, "You will start supporting my answer once you meet them. You will understand why I am being so sick?"

I pushed her away and said, "Nothing can be more sick than selling young girls. I will never let anyone sell innocent souls for a bundle of filthy money." I angrily walked outside the room and walked towards the garden.

I walked toward the garden, the faint scent of damp earth and blooming flowers filling the air. Sarla was there, quietly watering the plants, his movements deliberate and calm. Beside him stood Mukesh, sharp-eyed and observant, and a thin boy who looked to be in his early twenties, shifting uneasily as if unsure of his place.

Mukesh noticed me first, his gaze flickering briefly in my direction before he leaned toward Sarla and whispered something in his ear. Sarla, without breaking stride, glanced up at me and offered a warm, knowing smile.

"So, are you ready to go to the colony?" he asked, his voice steady and authoritative.

"Yes," I replied, meeting his gaze. "When do I have to leave?"

"Tonight," Sarla said without hesitation, setting the hose down and wiping his hands on a cloth tucked into his pocket. "But you won't go alone. My nephew Karthik will accompany you."

He gestured toward the young man, who straightened slightly under the sudden attention. "He's getting older, and it's time he starts participating in the business. He'll go with you to learn the basics. After all," Sarla said with a faint smile, "he's going to be my successor."

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "You're retiring?"

"Maybe," Sarla replied with a chuckle, his eyes momentarily distant, as if considering the weight of his own words. "But that doesn't concern you. Your focus should be on what lies ahead. You and Karthik will leave tonight and stay at Mathur's house until Thursday. Mathur is meticulous—he'll teach you both everything you need to know about the etiquette and finer points of the business."

He paused for emphasis, his gaze locking onto mine. "Once the deal is done, we'll collect the money. Depending on how well you handle it, I'll decide your future. There might even be a promotion in it for you."

I nodded, intrigued by his plans but still unsure where I fit into the larger picture. "It sounds like a good plan—quite visionary," I said earnestly.

"For the past four years," Sarla continued, his voice taking on a more reflective tone, "I've been planning to expand our business outside of India. The US and the Netherlands are ideal opportunities right now. If all goes well, I'll send you to the US. Mukesh and your friend will manage operations in the Netherlands."

I couldn't help but admire his ambition. Sarla was a man who thought far ahead, always calculating his next move.

"And once the business is established abroad," Sarla added, "I'll take Meera and my father-in-law to London. We'll sell everything here and leave India for good."

The finality of his words hung in the air, but Sarla seemed at peace with the decision. He straightened, fixing me with a determined look. "Go and get ready," he said.

I nodded, smiling faintly, and turned toward my room. My mind buzzed with thoughts of the journey ahead, the challenges to come, and the role I was expected to play in this ambitious new chapter.

My heart was pumping heavily, but I perfectly know that only I can save those poor girls from the monsters around them. I silently walked towards my room, as my mind juggled with heavy thoughts....