Point

e streetlights near Juhu Circle had stopped working, or maybe

and scrubbing floors, but I walked faster, gripping a

ion was due. I n

orner near the bu

ow voices. A

the dam

get

fr

knife. The other looked like he wouldn't hesitate to use his

have tu

I di

my voice cracki

r square in the back. He cursed. The suited man took the opportunity to elbow the o

!" I scre

us-me, wild-eyed and breath

o catch my breath. My legs trembled benea

invisible dust from his sleeves. His gaz

" I asked, sw

, voice deep and ev

w much, but something in his eyes shifted as they land

round here?

I replied

into his pocket and pulled

ddress. Tomorro

ed at i

handed me the card an

it, and my hear

Enter

hed in gold. Pol

e real. Not after e

applied for weeks ago. The same one I had begged for. The same one I c

myself I was foolish for thinking someone l

.. t

card like it

ller than ever. My best clothes still looked worn compared to the w

receptionist my name. He raised an e

me by Mr... by so

a crisp grey suit approached.

ls until we reached a vast office t

ind the massive

from las

n Kh

art s

te," he sa

d. "I walked. I didn'

esty. Just leaned back in

or an interview

was shortlisted. I

e cut in. "No expl

ave money to get here," I whispered, cheeks

thing for

l, you're

. Confused. Ho

ary," he continued. "The last

in my throat. "Pe

ming. Requires discretion a

"Why are you givin

row. "You saved m

" I said quickly. "I didn'

y why I'm offe

thought of Raghav, lying weak on that ol

this exact opportunity before-how l

was ope

rified to wal

I said quietly. "I

ce. "You sta

peech. No

he beg

e... something told me this ma

dn't affor

y steps were shaky, my fingers trembling around the secur

ost forever. It felt unreal-like I was b

r of joy, pain still pr

e operation-still impossi

kept him stable. I'd left him at home, wrapped i

ing happened w

utside the building and

t feel so cold. I let my

red, tilting my face to

use joy and pain-they lived in the same place. You cou

in a long while, hope d