Scene 1:
INT. ABANDONED FACTORY – NIGHT
Darkness swallows the cavernous interior. Wind whistles through broken windows. Drips echo. Silence.
We hear it— BREATHING.
Shallow. Trembling.
A SLIGHT SHAKE REVEALS—
A MAN, unknown, sits TIED to a rusted METAL POLE. His mouth is covered with a DARK CLOTH. He struggles faintly, panic in his eyes. Around him—emptiness. Just metal, dust, and darkness.
SFX: Footsteps. Heavy. Purposeful.
From the shadows, a FIGURE EMERGES.
The man is MASKED. A smooth, expressionless white faceplate, save for a single BLACK TEAR painted under his left eye. His eyes—sharp, unfeeling—gaze into the bound man's soul.
In his gloved hand: a gleaming MILITARY KNIFE.
The masked man crouches before the tied victim. Without a word, he slowly presses the knife into the victim's chest.
RIIIIIP.
He begins slicing. Deliberate. Merciless.
The victim's body jerks. He screams—but no sound escapes. His mouth remains gagged. Tears stream endlessly down his cheeks.
He looks down. His own skin, peeled away, hangs like torn paper. Blood pools. The agony is unrelenting.
His eyes plead. Nothing answers back.
The masked man pauses. Then, pulls the gag upward, covering the man's eyes now, blinding him.
From his coat, he pulls a handful of bird food and scatters it across the raw, bleeding chest.
The masked man turns.
He walks across the factory floor. He reaches an old, rattling cage.
SFX: METAL CREAKING.
FLUTTERING WINGS.
He releases several PIGEONS.
They take off—soaring across the space—circling, drawn to the scent.
CUT TO BLACK.
SFX: FLAPPING. THEN… SCREAMING.
INT. ABANDONED FACTORY – NIGHT (PRESENT)
Dark. Dripping. Cold.
A MAN is tied to a pole, chest shredded, mouth covered. He's trembling, covered in blood and sweat, gasping for air.
The MASKED MAN stands before him—large, menacing, cleaver in hand. The blade is bulky, old, stained with wet crimson.
CAMERA: SLOWLY TRACKS TO THE BACK OF THE MASKED MAN.
His silhouette blocks the dim light. He raises the cleaver.
Just as it's about to strike—
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. SMALL KITCHEN – EVENING (PAST)
Warm lighting. Peaceful hum.
A different MAN—slender, shirtless, steam rising from his damp back. He wears headphones, rhythmically chopping carrots on a cutting board.
Knife: clean, stainless steel kitchen knife. Light. Sharp. Precise.
SFX: CHOP. CHOP.
CUT TO BLACK SCREEN – FOR AUDIENCE ONLY:
SFX (OVERLAY): THE CLEAVER HITS FLESH.
BACK TO KITCHEN
The knife lands again on a carrot.
CHOP.
Another slice falls neatly to the side.
The man hums softly, unaware of anything beyond his music.
BACK TO FACTORY
The cleaver rises again, slower this time.
Blood drips from its edge. The tied man's body spasms.
The masked man lowers the blade, ready for another hit—
SMASH CUT TO:
KITCHEN – CONTINUOUS
CHOP. CHOP. CHOP.
Carrot slices stack beside the board.
BACK TO FACTORY
Blood pools. The bound man's fingers are gone. His eyes roll back. He's not screaming anymore—he can't.
BACK TO KITCHEN – FINAL MOMENTS OF SCENE
The chopping stops. The last carrot piece is cut.
SFX (FROM SPEAKERS – FOR AUDIENCE ONLY):
A FINAL WET CHOP — unnatural, heavy — echoes faintly, synced with the cleaver blow we never actually see.
The man takes off his headphones. He's calm.
He pushes the carrots into a simmering pot.
FADE TO BLACK Scene 2:
Cut to:
INT. MODEST APARTMENT – KITCHEN – MORNING (FEBRUARY 15, 7:30 AM)
Sunlight trickles in through half-drawn curtains. The kitchen smells of fresh-cut vegetables and herbs. A bowl of colorful salad rests on the table.
KRISH (early 20s) finishes prepping a bowl of salad, wearing casual clothes and a backpack halfzipped. He moves with playful energy.
Seated at the dining table is GRANDMA (70s), sharp-tongued, wrapped in a shawl with a look of suspicion on her face.
GRANDMA
Krish, is my breakfast done?
KRISH
(while still stirring)
Wait a minute, Grandma. It'll be done in no time.
GRANDMA
It better not be that regular salad again.
KRISH
(grinning, walks over cheerfully with the bowl)
It's not! This time it's salad… with extra fruits and vegetables! Yaaay!
He presents the bowl with exaggerated flair and a bright smile.
GRANDMA
(glowering)
You little—
She suddenly grabs a bucket from under the table and hurls it at him.
KRISH
(wide-eyed, dodging)
Whoa! That would've killed me!
(picking up the bucket)
It's not like I enjoy doing this. You're sick, Grandma! Your stomach can't handle anything oily or spicy.
GRANDMA
(grumbling)
I'd rather die than keep eating these tasteless sh*ts.
KRISH
(sighs, grabbing his bag)
Anyways… I'm off to see my friend.
He waves casually as he heads toward the door.
GRANDMA
(shouting behind him)
Tell your friend to bring me some biryani next time!
While they are talking grandma watches news about the Mayor.
Mayor visits a government-funded charity school.
Gives a speech on "empowering the next generation."
Donates digital learning kits from his personal fund.
A girl gifts him a handmade thank-you card. He kneels and hugs her, tearing up.
Media present. It's viral on social media.
TRANSITION SEQUENCE – CITY RIDE
EXT. CITY – EARLY EVENING – MONTAGE
Krish rides his bike through the city.
Cinematically paced with soothing, melancholic music.
Clean streets
Posters and Billboards of MAYOR JAI SINGH smiling with kids, families, healthcare workers.
Subtle surveillance cameras.
A few billboards show "20 YEARS OF PEACE, THANKS TO OUR BELOVED MAYOR"
Krish looks up at a banner, expression unreadable.
EXT. CITY STREET – MORNING
The sun casts a golden glow on the road. KRISH, wearing shades and a windbreaker, rides a sleek superbike, weaving confidently through sparse morning traffic.
Scene 3:
Cut to:
INT. TRAIN STATION – OUTSIDE –
Krish pulls in, parks with a smooth halt, removes his helmet and looks around.
UNKNOWN VOICE (O.S.)
Krish!
KRISH
(turning)
Oh! Shree, you're already here?
SHREE (mid-20s same age as krish) waves from near the station entrance, dressed casual with a phone in hand.
SHREE
Yeah. And Raj is here with me too.
KRISH
(smiling, looking around)
Where is he?
SHREE
(grinning)
Ah… he got lost again?
RAJ (O.S.)
(off-screen)
Nope! I'm here.
RAJ (late-20s), slightly sweaty, approaches holding a water bottle.
RAJ
I just went to grab this. And hey—I know where Chetan's train will arrive.
STATION ANNOUNCER (V.O.)
May I have your attention, please! Train No. *****, from Delhi to Howrah has arrived at Platform No. 2.
RAJ
(clapping his hands)
Alright, let's wrap this up for now and pick up our boy first. Shall we?
KRISH
(nods, excited)
Yup!
Scene 4:
Cut to:
INT. TRAIN PLATFORM – MINUTES LATER
Crowds move in waves. The train hisses to a halt.
The trio scans the compartments, walking along the platform.
RAJ
Which compartment was he in? Shree?
SHREE
This one was supposed to be.
RAJ
(looking around)
Then where is he?
CHETAN (O.S.)
Behind you.
They turn. CHETAN (late 20s) stands tall, muscular, duffel slung across his shoulder, wearing a modest military jacket and an effortless smile.
There's a beat of disbelief—then all three RUSH him in a blur of motion.
GROUP SHOUTING
Chetan!
They laugh, shout, pull him into a big chaotic group hug. Five years melted in seconds.
EXT. TRAIN STATION – EXIT – MOMENTS LATER
The four friends walk toward the exit, sunlight cutting through the open space. People bustle around them.
KRISH
(grinning)
Shall we go somewhere to celebrate this?
SHREE
(eyebrow raised)
What about your job?
KRISH
(confidently)
Chill, I'm a head manager now.
RAJ
(pause, surprised)
Promoted? Again?
KRISH
(nods)
Last week.
RAJ
(mock outrage)
Why didn't you tell us before?
KRISH
(smiles at Chetan)
So we could celebrate it together… with Chetan.
SHREE
(nods)
Reasonable.
CHETAN
(confused)
Wait—what job? What promotion? What are you guys talking about?
SHREE
(looks around)
No one told him?
RAJ and KRISH
(in unison)
Nope.
SHREE
(grinning)
We'll catch up on everything later. Let's go. We'll meet you at the regular place.
They continue walking as Krish pulls out his helmet and moves toward his superbike.
KRISH
(while strapping helmet)
I'll head out first—gotta write a letter for my one-day leave.
(throws a salute)
Bye!
He revs up the engine and speeds off.
CHETAN
(watching, surprised)
When did he get that kind of bike?
SHREE
(smiling, heading toward the parking lot)
Just wait here—I'll get my car.
CHETAN
(follows)
Let's see what the only child of the Chairman of Banwarilal Company has.
RAJ
(grinning)
Try not to amaze yourself to death.
CHETAN
(brows furrowed)
Wh—what?
RAJ
(smirks, pointing)
Here he comes.
Engine humming softly, SHREE pulls up in a sleek BMW 3 Series Limited Edition—polished, customized, smooth as glass.
RAJ
(teasing)
Took a long time.
CHETAN stands frozen, jaw slightly open.
SHREE
(leans out the window)
Got him?
RAJ
(chuckling)
Yeah. You got him.
(to Chetan)
And now he's gonna be like that for quite some time.
Raj opens the passenger door, pats Chetan's back. They get in.
Scene 5:
Cut to:
EXT. CITY STREETS – MOMENTS LATER
The BMW glides out of the station, windows down, sunlight gleaming off the hood. The boys laugh inside as the screen slowly fades.
EXT. OLD VARIETY & PAN SHOP – EVENING – FEBRUARY 16, 6:00 PM
A small, aged street shop with faded paint and warm lights. A wooden bench rests beside it. KRISH leans casually against the shop's shutter, checking his phone.
SHREE (O.S.)
Hey! You got here early.
KRISH
(looking up, smiling)
Nah, I just got here.
SHREE
(grinning, walking in with CHETAN)
We got Chetan.
KRISH
Cool. Raj's the only one left. And… we haven't told him yet.
SHREE looks over Krish's shoulder.
Speak of the devil.
RAJ strolls toward them with a relaxed grin, joins the bench, drops down like he owns the place.
RAJ
Evening, boys.
He raises two fingers toward the shop uncle.
RAJ (to shop uncle)
Four cups of tea… and a mug of water.
They all sit as Uncle nods and gets to work. Silence for a beat. The tension is playful but thick.
CHETAN
(squinting)
So… now we're finally going to talk about you guys, huh?
EVERYONE
(in unison)
Who's first?
SHREE
Our usual turns. Because let's face it—Chetan won't be able to speak after everyone drops their bomb.
RAJ
(smiling)
True.
KRISH
Definitely true.
SHREE
(sits up, clearing throat)
Alright, me first. I have the least shocking things to tell.
CHETAN
(leans forward)
Okay, now end the suspense and tell already.
SHREE
You know my father, right? Mr. Rajendra Banwarilal—Banwarilal Company?
Krish and Raj exchange glances, smirking. Chetan nods slowly.
SHREE (CONT'D)
Well… last year, he hit a jackpot deal. Now, we're one of the top entrepreneurs in West Bengal. We also hold the most stock ownership in the state.
Krish whistles low. Chetan's eyes widen.
SHREE (CONT'D)
And—here's the kicker—I'm the only heir to the empire.
Chetan blinks in disbelief. The tea arrives. All three—Shree, Krish, and Raj—grab their cups and sip in sync.
SHREE
And just recently, the Chaterjee Group proposed a partnership… and a marriage proposal. Their only daughter. After the merger, we'll be ranked third in West Bengal—Banwarilal and Chaterjee, BC Group.
Chetan just stares.
KRISH
(grinning)
Okay, my turn.
He adjusts his posture like it's nothing.
KRISH (CONT'D)
I graduated early, remember? Got hired by India's No. 1—Bhairava Inc. Pvt. Ltd.
Raj whistles this time. Chetan slowly turns his head.
KRISH (CONT'D)
Worked a year. Promoted to assistant manager. And now… Head Manager.
Chetan's jaw drops. Another moment. Again, in perfect harmony, the trio takes another synchronized sip.
Chetan just sits there, stunned, silent. Raj chuckles and claps him on the back.
KRISH
(smiling)
And—after all that—
(pauses, proud)
I fell in love with my colleague. Proposed her.
(beat)
We're dating now.
CHETAN
(blinking rapidly)
Wait, wait… before Raj tells me his story—
(sits back dramatically)
Let me just comprehend all of this.
A few beats. He takes a breath and turns to Raj, pointing a finger.
CHETAN (CONT'D)
Okay. Now you.
RAJ
(smirks)
After you told us you were going to the frontlines, I decided I had to step up too. I took the IAS exam.
CHETAN
(surprised)
You what?
RAJ
Took a few attempts… finally passed. Became an SI in Delhi.
(beat)
Two years of service. Then transferred elsewhere.
(beat)
Then here—Kolkata. And now…
(pauses)
Senior Inspector in-charge. Whole city.
CHETAN instantly stands and gives him a crisp salute.
CHETAN
(stern, loud)
JAI HIND, SIR!
RAJ
(shocked, standing up)
Hey—no, no, you don't have to do that!
CHETAN
(laughing, sitting back down)
So I was in the dark this whole time. All of you became super successful. Just like that.
KRISH
(grinning)
We didn't tell you the full part of our success.
CHETAN
(tilts head)
Huh? What's still remaining?
KRISH
Alright. Here it goes…
He takes a dramatic sip, stares at Chetan like a game show host.
KRISH (CONT'D)
Shree… is dating the only daughter of his company's partner company. A strategic alliance and romance to merge both into BC Group.
Shree raises his tea like a champagne toast. Chetan's mouth opens wider.
KRISH (CONT'D)
Raj… is married.
CHETAN
Wha—
KRISH
(raises a finger)
Wait—let me finish.
KRISH (CONT'D)
He wanted to postpone the wedding and celebrate it with you after your return… but his wife got pregnant. So the wedding happened real quick.
CHETAN
(still absorbing)
Wait—so we have a junior Raj?
RAJ
(nods proudly)
Shruti. My daughter. Three years old.
CHETAN
(stares at all three)
Then I'm the only single in this group?
(points to himself)
KRISH
(smirking)
Who said?
CHETAN
(confused)
Wha—?
The group is still sipping chai, the earlier revelations just settling. Suddenly, a female voice cuts through the street noise, loud and fierce.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
CHETAN, YOU FREAKING IDIOT! You came back after all these years and didn't write me even ONCE?! And now, you're back, and you still don't say a word to me?!
All four men freeze. Chetan turns slowly—wide-eyed.
CHETAN
(stammering)
D-Di… Divya?
DIVYA (mid-20s), storming toward them in a fireball of rage, points at Chetan dramatically.
DIVYA
Yes! Your wife—Divyabharti!
A beat. All three—Krish, Raj, and Shree—spit their chai in sync.
RAJ
(in complete shock)
W-WHEN?! HOW?! WHAT?!
Raj steps forward, trying to calm her down.
RAJ (CONT'D)
Divya, wait—listen—
DIVYA
(slap! Right across his cheek)
YOU THREE are also at fault! You didn't even tell me he was back!
(turns to Krish)
Thank God for Krish! At least one of you has some decency!
SHREE
(raising his cup)
Honestly? Respect.
DIVYA
(turns back to Chetan, arms crossed)
You promised. You PROMISED you'd marry me when you returned.
RAJ
(softly, still rubbing his cheek)
I see.
CHETAN
(helpless)
I-I'm sorry, Divya… it's just… I forgot. I can't remember that promise…
DIVYA
No more excuses.
(beat, commanding)
We're getting married. This week.
KRISH
(grinning)
And for our surprise…
(beat)
We already planned your honeymoon in Kashmir.
CHETAN
(stunned)
You guys did what?
KRISH
(sips chai, says nothing)
Raj still rubbing his cheek in slow disbelief.
RAJ
(to himself)
First the salute… now the slap… and I'm not even the groom.
Everyone laughs except Divya, who's already scrolling on her phone—probably booking a wedding venue.
Scene 2:
Cut to:
INT. NEWSROOM – EARLY MORNING – MARCH 31ST, 7:00 AM
The screen flickers with BREAKING NEWS graphics. A somber NEWS ANCHOR addresses the camera.
NEWS ANCHOR (V.O.)
Breaking news this morning: an unidentified dead body was discovered beneath the overbridge just outside the city. The real uproar stems not from the death itself—but the gruesome state of the corpse.
(beat)
Eyewitnesses reportedly vomited on the spot. The visuals are so horrifying, we cannot show them on-air. Here's what Police General Raj had to say.
News transition to a pre-recorded POLICE PRESS CONFERENCE.
RAJ (on screen)
We can't say much at this point. The victim remains unidentified.
(pause)
And frankly, we're not sure if this… was even the act of a human being.
But we will do everything in our power to find out what happened—and who is behind it.
INT. KRISH'S HOUSE – KITCHEN – SAME TIME
A small TV set plays the broadcast in the background. KRISH is serving breakfast to his grandma, who's watching the screen with a disturbed expression.
GRANDMA
Poor child… how can anyone do something so monstrous?
(beat)
And in our city, no less…
KRISH
Yeah. The Mayor and his team have done everything to keep this city clean and safe.
The worst crimes we've had lately are petty thefts and traffic fines from outsiders.
GRANDMA
That's why that Mayor has held his seat for twenty years.
KRISH
(nudging the plate toward her)
Alright, Grandma—leave the investigation to Raj and his squad.
You focus on this delicious food.
GRANDMA
(sniffs the plate, unimpressed)
You piece of sh*t… Couldn't you make something actually tasty for once?
Krish sighs, gives a warm hug, grabs his keys, and walks out the door:
I'll be back after work grandma.
While Raj is in the car to Mayor's office. A new constable driving him to the destination. He ask about how the Mayor is like in person. Raj gives him a quick flashback explanation. While we the audience see it.
Raj walking inside a sleek, warm-toned office filled with books, photographs of awards, and a massive window showing a clean city skyline.
Raj (standing respectfully, reports in hand):
Sir, we found a body last night near the canal. Brutalized. Almost butchered. We believe it's connected to the warehouse murder.
Jai Singh (slowly nodding while reading):
Hmm. I've heard whispers. Sad times.
(places the file down gently)
Jai Singh (looking up, with calm authority):
Tell me, Mr. Raj Sharma… you're new to Kolkata Police, aren't you?
Raj (nods):
Yes, sir. Just transferred last month.
Jai Singh (gets up from behind the desk, walks toward Raj with a gentle smile):
Then let me give you some advice. In this city—my city—people laugh, smile, and live with dignity. Children go to school safely. Women walk without fear. And people… feel free.
(pause; places a hand on Raj's shoulder)
But none of this happens by chance.
Raj (silent, tense)
Jai Singh (softly, yet firmly):
Here, even the smallest infraction is recorded. Every whisper, every crack on the street… I know about it.
(smoothly adjusts a small crease on Raj's shoulder badge)
You must do the same, Inspector. You must watch everything.
(pats his shoulder)
That's how we keep paradise clean.
Raj (nods, masking his unease):
Understood, sir.
Jai Singh (smiling, stepping back):
Good man. Let me know if you find anything else.
INT. CITY HALL – MAYOR'S OFFICE – 9:35 AM
Spacious. Luxurious. A wall of security screens plays muted city footage. RAJ stands, calm but frustrated, in front of the MAYOR, a poised man in his 60s.
Behind them the wall left side is full of pictures of the Mayor with kids, old people, students, on boat with fishermen. In every picture all of them smiling warmly.
MAYOR
(serious, tone sharp) Mister Raj.
How did this happen?
RAJ
(flatly)
No clues, sir.
Beat. A flicker of concern darkens the Mayor's composed face.
MAYOR
Then it's time we start asking… uncomfortable questions.
Camera pushes in on Raj's face. He doesn't react—but his eyes say it all.
A still and heavy air looms. The MAYOR stands by the window, arms crossed, peering outside. RAJ remains composed but uneasy in front of the desk.
MAYOR
Was it his enemy?
RAJ
(shaking his head)
No enemy could've done this.
(beat)
I don't even think a human could.
His face was torn apart, arms and legs severed.
No one could identify him. No missing person reports in the last few days match.
MAYOR
Could he have been homeless?
RAJ
No belongings. Nothing to trace.
We can't even guess who he was.
MAYOR
(tapping his fingers, thinking)
What about those missing girls cases?
RAJ
(leans forward) That's the strange part.
They all came back.
All of them. And at the same time.
MAYOR
(frowns)
That's absurd.
RAJ
We talked to them.
They claimed a single man took down all their kidnappers… and freed them.
They even gave us a location.
MAYOR
And?
RAJ
We checked.
There was nothing there.
MAYOR
Maybe… that man was one of the kidnappers. Turned on his partners?
RAJ
Unlikely. The crime scene where we found the body was on the opposite end of the city.
It doesn't add up.
MAYOR
(starting to pace)
Start a full-scale investigation.
We can't afford to let this slip.
Not with elections approaching.
RAJ
Sir, until forensics come in, we're working blind.
MAYOR
Fine. Keep me updated.
RAJ
(stands, salutes)
Jai Hind, sir.
Raj exits the office briskly.
INT. POLICE STATION – LATER
The mood is sharp, busy. Officers move about in quiet urgency. RAJ walks in just as SUBINSPECTOR VIJAY approaches, holding a manila envelope.
VIJAY
Sir, we got the forensic reports.
RAJ
And? Any clue about who he was?
VIJAY
(shakes head)
No match in our system.
Nothing in the missing persons database either.
He's a ghost.
RAJ
(sighs deeply)
Send the report to every station surrounding the city.
We can't close this as suicide. Not with a body this mutilated.
If we're dealing with a serial killer… or a psychopath…
(beat)
We need to stop it before it happens again.
VIJAY
Understood, sir. The request's already been sent.
Raj takes a long look at the board of current investigations. The camera lingers as he eyes the pinned photo of the corpse—blurred, but horrifying.
INT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT – 8:00 PM
Dim, flickering tube lights. The air is thick with the weight of the unknown. Two junior INVESTIGATORS linger near the front desk, murmuring.
INVESTIGATOR 1
You seen where Sir Raj is?
INVESTIGATOR 2 (shakes head)
Nope. Last I heard, he was tied up with the Mayor, the press, and the scene investigation.
INVESTIGATOR 1
(tired)
He hasn't had a minute of rest…
Suddenly, the glass door swings open—RAJ enters. His coat is half-buttoned, eyes bloodshot, his face haggard from stress and exhaustion. He doesn't speak. Heads straight into his cabin.
INT. RAJ'S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS
Raj slams the door shut. Silence. He walks to his desk, throws down a folder, and collapses into his chair. The pressure boils over.
RAJ
(fuming, under breath)
God damn it…
How the hell can someone kill a man so cleanly— No background. No prints.
No dental, no ID.
Not even DNA.
(screams internally)
Not even God could recognize this guy…
He leans forward, hands clutching his hair. Frustration peaking into helplessness.
The camera slowly rises, panning toward the investigation board behind him.
MONTAGE: THE BOARD OF NIGHTMARES
– Photographs: peeled skin like latex, muscles exposed.
– Missing limbs, methodically detached.
– No facial skin—just muscle, teeth, empty sockets.
– Skull crushed like a dropped melon.
– Empty folders marked "DNA: NO MATCH".
– Red strings from photo to photo… all leading nowhere.
The eerie silence is interrupted as Investigator 2 peeks into the door.
INVESTIGATOR 2
(slowly)
Sir… Forensics called again.
Still no hits.
They said… the skin wasn't peeled with a knife.
It was… lifted. Like it just came off.
Raj doesn't respond. Eyes fixated on the board. Breathing heavy.
Close-up of his clenched fist. Then, a whisper:
RAJ
What the hell are we dealing with?
Beat.
INVESTIGATOR 2
Should I… call in a profiler?
RAJ
(slowly turns his head) Call everyone.
Profiler, specialist, ex-military, I don't care if you drag the devil himself in here.
I want this bastard found before he makes another body.
Camera cuts to the board once more. A blurry black-and-white surveillance still—just a shadow beneath a bridge.
Scene: Police HQ – Forensics Room, Late Afternoon
Visuals:
Raj stands silently in front of a bulletin board plastered with photos of gruesome bodies, maps, and a new surveillance still—a blurry shadow under a bridge from a black-and-white traffic cam.
A buzzing fluorescent light flickers.
A beat of heavy silence.
His phone vibrates.
[Caller ID: Taniya ❤️]
Raj (deep sigh, calms himself, answers softly):
Hello?
Taniya (gentle, a little tired):
Where are you?
Raj (rubbing his forehead):
I'm sorry… I won't be able to make it.
Taniya (pauses):
I understand. Really, I do.
But… today's her birthday, Raj. She's been waiting the whole week. Couldn't you come for even half an hour?
Raj (heart sinking):
Taniya… You know I would if I could. There's a new body, and now possible vigilante involvement. Media's pressuring. Mayor's breathing down everyone's neck.
Taniya (softly, accepting):
I know… I know you're trying. She doesn't understand all that.
Just… if you could come later, even if she's asleep… just for me?
Raj (guilt in his voice, almost whispering):
I'll try. I swear I'll try.
Wish her happy birthday from me. Tell her Daddy's catching bad people for her.
Taniya (smiling through sadness):
I will. Come home safe, okay?
Raj:
Always.
(hangs up and stares blankly at the board)
🎵 Music rises: slow, melancholic theme
Camera holds on Raj as he pockets the phone, eyes still locked on the board. His reflection in the glass blends with the surveillance photo—a shadow chasing a shadow.
[EXT. CITY STREETS – NIGHT – 23:00 HRS]
The city sleeps under a blanket of silence. Streetlights flicker. No cops. No witnesses. Just the hum of a car engine pushed to its limits.
INT. SHREE'S CAR – MOVING – NIGHT
The speedometer ticks towards the red. Rain lightly patters against the windshield. Inside, tension mounts.
KRISH
You didn't answer me—why so urgent?
SHREE
(eyes locked on the road)
Divya was one of our employees.
KRISH
Yeah… I knew that.
SHREE
My personal cybersecurity guy… he went digging. Deep. Into archived junk.
Stuff not even standard systems can access.
KRISH
(realizing)
Wait… You think she had something to do with—
SHREE
I don't know yet. That's why we're going.
He said he found something. And then he cut the line.
[INT. CORPORATE HIGH-RISE – NIGHT – FLOOR 56 – SECURITY WARD]
Elevator dings. The doors open.
Krish and Shree step out into a dim corridor bathed in red emergency lighting. Alarms lowly hum in the background.
They freeze.
Ahead: 20 masked thugs in mismatched gear – knives, rods, bats, and axes. One's holding a taser. All are surrounding a thick steel vault door — sparks flying as they try cutting it open.
One thug turns—eyes widen.
THUG
(shouting)
It's them! That golden pocket is a boxer—watch him! Kill the other guy!
The rest of the crew turns and charges.
[INT. FLOOR 56 – HALLWAY – COMBAT SEQUENCE]
SHREE
(stepping forward)
Fine.
Shree lunges first. His fists a blur — precision boxing style. Jab, uppercut, liver shot, elbow — four go down hard.
KRISH
(eyes tracking every motion, quietly)
…Copying rhythm… timing…
As three thugs come at him, Krish mirrors Shree's exact moves — flowing like water, attacking the same pressure points. The thugs collapse.
SHREE
(stunned mid-fight)
Didn't know you learned boxing…
KRISH
(grinning)
Neither did I.
SHREE
(gruffly)
Then let's finish this.
Back-to-back, the duo becomes a whirlwind of coordinated violence.
Shree attacks first, Krish follows milliseconds later, adapting in real-time. The remaining thugs fall like dominos — until only the masked leader remains.
He turns—tries to flee—slips on blood, face-first into the wall.
[INT. FLOOR 56 – CORRIDOR – MOMENTS LATER]
Krish and Shree drag the groaning leader back. Blood drips from his mask. They rip it off — revealing a pale, twitchy man in his 30s.
KRISH
Talk. Now.
SHREE
Why did you come here?
MASKED LEADER
(stammering)
I–I don't know who ordered it! I just follow orders from my boss!
SHREE
Who's your boss?
MASKED LEADER
He said… raid the place… find the security guy. Remove the hard disk.
Kill the guard if needed.
Shree and Krish exchange a tense look.
KRISH
They wanted the footage wiped…
SHREE
Which means it caught something. Something they don't want anyone to see.
They turn toward the security gate, now busted open…
SHREE
Let's find out what they were so scared of.
[INT. FLOOR 56 – SECURITY VAULT – NIGHT]
The heavy metal vault creaks open, gears grinding as security protocols deactivate. Inside, a dim room glows from a half-lit monitor bank and a large server rig.
SHREE
(into phone)
It's me. Open the vault. We've already dealt with the people outside.
Vault opens. Shree and Krish step in, greeted by a lanky figure with sharp eyes, messy hair, and tech-gloves on. SHUBHANSH, early 20s, sits before a cluster of monitors.
SHREE
Meet him. Brilliant hacker. Works for me. Name's Shubhansh.
SHUBHANSH
(turns quickly)
You should've come alone. But thank god you didn't.
(eyes scan the unconscious bodies in the hallway)
…Are they all down?
KRISH
(half-joking)
Alive. But not happy about it.
SHUBHANSH
(relieved, then urgent)
Good. You need to see this now.
He spins in his chair and taps furiously. One of the security screens flickers to life, displaying archived surveillance footage.
SHUBHANSH
You asked me to install sound trackers in the CCTV systems.
I did.
And while I was checking the system logs, I saw something strange.
Building 4. 3:18 AM.
KRISH
That's Divya's building…
SHUBHANSH
Right. She was leaving after her overnight work. But then—
(presses play)
—She passed the branch manager's office and heard something.
[SECURITY FOOTAGE – BUILDING 4 – NIGHT VISION – AUDIO ONLY]
The screen is black—no visuals. Just a still timestamp.
KRISH
Wait. Why aren't there visuals?
SHUBHANSH
I tried restoring them… but the file doesn't say "corrupted." It says…
"Missing."
Just gone. Like someone scrubbed it clean.
Suddenly, faint static. Then the low drag of a chair. The creak of wood. Footsteps.
[AUDIO – UNSEEN CONSPIRATORS]
VOICE 1 (mechanically filtered, from projector):
You said you will become the president of B&C Groups.
VOICE 2 (eager, impatient):
Yes, Great One. I will.
When the future president of B&C Group goes on their honeymoon,
We'll make sure it's their last trip.
As for the old goons — they'll be buried the same day.
Then, with fear, I'll rule this place — for you.
VOICE 3 (deep, confident):
Greetings, Great One. I'm Shankar.
I run the underworld in Kolkata. I have connections throughout Bengal.
I'll help him with the dirty work.
In return… I want a seat in your army. A higher position.
VOICE 1 (sharply):
Don't get cocky… brat.
Do the job. Earn the reward.
Sudden silence.
VOICE 1 (now icy cold):
…First, deal with your problem.
VOICE 2 (panicked):
What?
VOICE 1:
The one listening… outside.
[SECURITY FOOTAGE CONTINUES – ELEVATOR CAMERA]
The footage kicks in again — blurry but real. DIVYA—panicked, backing away from the door, turns and runs. The hall camera flickers.*
Camera jumps to elevator footage. Divya mashes the button. Elevator drops. Behind her, another elevator opens… a large man in a trench coat steps in. His face hidden by shadows.
Divya reaches the parking lot, jumps onto her scooty, engine roars—and she races out, vanishing into the night.
The other elevator opens just a second too late. The mafia boss misses her.
Footage ends.
[INT. SECURITY VAULT – MOMENTS LATER]
Shree is silent, jaw clenched. Krish slowly sinks into a chair, hands on his head.
KRISH
So… Divya knew.
She overheard… and they went after her.
SHREE
And someone in our company was about to betray us… and murder us.
SHUBHANSH
And now someone's trying to wipe every trace of this.
Krish suddenly looks up.
KRISH
Wait… Who is the branch manager ?
SHREE (unknowingly) fingers rubbing eyes
… It could be anyone. We can't be sure and there are no footage. It means everyone is suspect but neither of them is guilty.
INT. DIMLY LIT HALLWAY – NIGHT
Shree paces, blood on his shirt, phone ringing. His face is a mix of rage and fear. It connects.
JULIE (V.O., PHONE)
(sassy tone, distracted)
Shree? You do realize it's 2 AM here? And I was about to—
SHREE
(interrupts, sharp)
Julie. Pack your bags. Now.
JULIE
(surprised)
Excuse me?
SHREE
I'm not repeating. Leave the country immediately. Take the jet. I'll call Nathan. He'll be at JFK to pick you up.
JULIE
Shree… what the hell is going on? You're scaring me.
SHREE
I'm serious. I'll explain everything later. But you can't be here, not in this city.
JULIE
(silence)
Is this about your company? Or… about me?
SHREE
(voice breaking slightly)
It's about everything. You're not safe here. Please, Julie. Just go.
JULIE
(stern, worried)
I've never heard you sound like this.
SHREE
There are things I can't undo. But I can protect you. That's all I can do right now.
JULIE
(pauses)
Fine. I'll pack. But Shree… don't shut me out when this is over.
SHREE
Just promise me. Board that flight.
Julie doesn't respond. But the call ends. Shree stands still, screen fading to black as a slow, hollow soundtrack fades in.
After watching the footage, tension boils over. KRISH storms out of the room with purpose, eyes blazing. He marches back toward the unconscious mafia gang leader, still tied up and groaning.
KRISH (demanding)
Where is your boss?
The man glares, says nothing. Krish takes a deep breath, tries again — calm but stern.
KRISH
Tell me where he is. We can help you. But if you stay quiet—
Still nothing. SHREE storms in behind him, furious. With no hesitation, he kicks the man off the chair, sending him sprawling to the floor.
SHREE
Speak up. Or die right here.
The gangster coughs, trembling in pain.
GANG LEADER
If I tell you… I die either way.
KRISH
(steps forward, calmer again)
You have my word. We'll protect you. Money, safety — name it.
But if you don't talk… you'll be the first one dead when your boss finds out you failed.
A pause. The gangster looks up, defeated.
GANG LEADER
Steel factory… opposite XYZ Mall.
Warehouse 6. That's where he usually stays. But… he's not alone.
SHREE
We'll take care of that.
They tie the gangster securely again, but Shubhansh stands frozen in the hallway, watching.
SHUBHANSH
What do I do with him?
KRISH
Nothing. Just… keep an eye.
(beat)
If he tries to run, let him. We've got what we need.
INT. ROOFTOP – NIGHT
Krish stands leaning against the railing, phone to his ear. He watches a billboard of Mayor Jai Singh in the distance, lit up for the CM campaign.
HARIKA (V.O., PHONE)
You sound… distant tonight.
KRISH
(softly)
Just watching the city pretend everything's perfect.
HARIKA
That billboard again?
KRISH
Always him. Always glowing.
(pauses)
I feel like there's something… rotten underneath.
HARIKA
You always see beneath the surface, Krish. That's what makes you brilliant—and lonely.
KRISH
You sound like my grandmother now.
HARIKA
(half-laughs)
Then listen to both of us once in a while.
KRISH
I do. Every day.
(pause)
You know, if I vanish for a while, it's not because I'm walking away. Just… walking toward something bigger.
HARIKA
I don't need fireworks, Krish. Just don't go too far where I can't find you.
Krish looks up at the stars. The skyline flickers in neon.
KRISH
I'll tell you when I'm ready. Thanks as always.
HARIKA
It's nothing. And I'll be waiting.
CALL ENDS