On May 29, 2018, the bus journeyed through diverse villages. Towards the rear, a lone figure sat in quiet reflection, delving into his thoughts.

"Did I bring my history book with me? I think I did. Well, there's no harm in checking," he mused. Swiftly, he checked his bag.

"Oh, here it is. Thank goodness," he sighed with relief. Five minutes later, despite confirming the presence of the book, doubt lingered. "I checked it; the book was there, but why is my mind unconvinced?" he pondered.

Contemplating whether to check again, he reasoned, "Yeah, here it is, as I thought." However, after ten minutes, frustration set in. "This is messing with my mind. Why does my mind compel me to keep looking in the bag? This OCD always torments me. The nagging feeling persists if I don't check it." Suddenly, he realized he had missed his stop.

As he questioned his situation, thoughts of asking the conductor to stop the bus crossed his mind. However, the words remained stuck, and the fear of making a fool of himself held him back.

After five minutes, the next stop arrived. "Let's go; I'm going to be late for class, but that's okay," he declared, jumping off the bus. At the stop, he observed a kid, a woman, and an old man waiting for the bus.

Reflecting on disturbing thoughts about which one is easy to kill , he recoiled, realizing the darkness of his thoughts. "What the actual heck am I thinking? Maybe that's why life always throws challenges my way. Let's go to college."At 8:30 am, as he checked his watch, the realization hit him – already late, and he gives him a challenge that if he do not reach the collage by 8.50 his parents will die. With that thought, he sprinted at full speed, eventually slowing to a walk. Arriving at college, he glanced at his watch – 8:53. "Nah, that was just a warm-up; the final act is tomorrow," he reassured himself.

Rushing to class at 8:55, he grappled with the decision to enter alone or wait for a companion, dreading the potential embarrassment. Opting to wait, he occupied the front row for 30 minutes until his best friend, Sukh, strolled in at 9:25.

Sukh greeted, "Hey, Karan, how are you?Not taking the class today, huh?"

Karan explained, "I was late, so I thought I'd wait for someone. Going alone would just embarrass me."

Sukh chuckled, "Even if we go together now, we'll still make fools of ourselves. We're almost an hour late. Let's go."

"Where?" Karan inquired.

"Let's grab something to eat from Butta," Sukh suggested.

"Oh yeah, sure, let's go," agreed Karan.

Encountering Butta, a street food vendor, Sukh placed an order for two kulchas( a famous street food from punjab). Butta asked, "Hey, how are you two?"

"Fine, fine," they replied.

Butta remarked, "No class today?"

Sukh explained, "Yep, we were late, so we decided to skip it."

Butta nodded, "Yeah, that's why I'm here."

Karan asked, puzzled, "Huh?"

Butta shrugged it off, "Nothing."

Sukh then pondered, "So, what do you think? Are we gonna pass the exam?"

Karan quipped, "Who knows? I'll find out after looking at the exam."

Sukh teased, "Yeah, that's for sure. But if we keep skipping classes like this, maybe we won't even have to look at the exam after all."

Karan assured, "We won't do that again."

Sukh agreed, "Yeah, man, that's the last time."

Butta interrupted, "Here are your kulchas."

They savored the kulchas, and as they lingered, Karan contemplated asking for more sauce but decided against it. Sukh, however, requested, "Butta, pass me the sauce."

As Butta handed over the sauce, they indulged in conversation while enjoying their meal, spending an hour together.Sukh: "Let's go; it's time for the second class. We don't wanna miss this one, right?"

Karan was deeply lost in thought.

Sukh: "Hey."

Karan: "Yeah, yeah, what?"

Sukh: "Let's go."

Karan: "Where?"

Sukh: "For class, man. I think you do wanna miss this one too, right?"

Karan: "Nah, man. Let's go."

They both took their leave from Butta and ended up in the class, taking their seats at the back. The lecture began, but Karan had no interest. He was lost in his own world, imagining a second identity as a big drug dealer, with police in the class, pointing at him. In his fantasy, he stood up like a hero, declaring it a mistake to come after him.

Suddenly, the teacher's voice interrupted.

Teacher: "Hey, snap out of it and answer my question. Leave the answer; just tell me what was the question."

Karan sat there like an owl, looking at everyone.

Teacher: "You know what, just get out of my class. I've been watching you for the last 20 minutes, and you are in your own world. If you are here physically, better also be here mentally, but you are not. I guess so, get out."

Karan stood up, picked up his bag, told Sukh he was going home, and then disappeared from the class.

Teacher: "I don't know why he is such a fool. Anyway, let's continue."

Karan was thinking, "Why always me? Now I am a joker in front of everyone. That guy... I wish I could cut his throat. No, no, maybe that's too much. Forgive me, God. I will never think like that again."

At 10:50 AM, he was again at the bus stop, waiting for the bus.

Karan found himself in the company of his friend Sukh, sharing a moment of camaraderie. Wondering why Sukh was present, Karan was met with the heartfelt response that he couldn't be without his friend. A lighthearted conversation ensued, with Karan predicting their impending failure in the semester, and Sukh expressing a similar concern, leading to shared laughter.

After a brief wait, they boarded the bus, habitually taking the far back seat. During the journey, Sukh inquired about Karan's third class, to which he revealed his dislike for a particular teacher and the day's accumulated humiliation. Sympathizing with his friend, Sukh understood the sentiment.

As the bus reached their destination after 30 minutes, the two friends, residing in different villages, embarked on separate paths home. Since Karan's village lacked a bus stop, he would alight at Sukh's village, the closest stop to his own. Sukh generously offered a ride on his father's bike, but Karan declined, choosing not to burden Sukh and opting for the regular means of transport available.

Setting plans to meet again the next day, they bid each other farewell. Karan, with a 2 km journey to his village, began walking under the scorching sun. Laden with a bag, the oppressive heat made the trek challenging. A passing biker triggered an internal struggle for Karan, debating whether to request a lift or not. Despite his silent plea, the biker rode past, leaving Karan contemplating the complexities of human interactions.

After a seemingly endless wait, another individual, Binder, hailing from Karan's village, offered him a ride. Gratefully accepting, Karan thanked Binder for the kind gesture. Binder acknowledged the indifference of the world, expressing a shared understanding of life's challenges as they rode together towards Karan's home.

Finally arriving home , Karan reflected on the day's events, appreciating the genuine kindness of Binder amid the indifference of others. The contrasting encounters served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of human interactions and the warmth found in unexpected places. As the afternoon unfolded, Karan arrived home earlier than usual, greeted by his mother's surprised remark. He explained that their class had been canceled, prompting a skeptical response from his mother. In an attempt to convey the truth, Karan questioned her belief, leading to a light-hearted acknowledgment that she might have stifled laughter. Karan, a bit frustrated, requested his mother's trust, to which she responded with a reassuring, "Okay Karnu, I believe you."

Following this exchange, Karan entered the house while his mother immersed herself in her daily chores. At 1 pm, feeling hunger, he approached his mother, who was taking an afternoon nap. Unsuccessful in receiving a response, he gently tried to wake her, leading to his mother's tired inquiry about his needs. Instead of requesting food directly, Karan opted for an affectionate approach, hugging his mother and requesting rice, a departure from the usual chapatti. Though hesitant, his mother promised to make rice around 2 pm after her nap, during which Karan expressed his joy by playfully hitting her stomach with affectionate words.

True to her word, around 2 pm, Karan's mother prepared rice for him, bringing delight to his hunger. Karan enjoyed his meal while watching TV, appreciating the simple pleasures of a home-cooked dish.

Inquisitive about his father's return, Karan learned that his father would be late due to fertilizing crops. As the day progressed to 8 pm, his father's return marked a shift in the atmosphere. Engaged in feeding buffalos and cleaning their sitting places, Karan found himself subject to his father's stern questioning about spending the day indoors.

His father, a stern figure with a gruff exterior, challenged Karan about his day's activities, expressing concern about him spending too much time indoors. He highlighted the contrast with other kids playing outside, emphasizing the importance of socializing and making friends. Drawing an analogy, his father painted a vivid picture, warning that without venturing outdoors, Karan risked becoming like a rat—a creature unaware of the world, facing dangers unprepared, and displaying mercy when it should be assertive.

Karan, frustrated and wanting to explain, found himself silenced by his father's forceful demeanor. As his father continued, he shared a glimpse into his own past, revealing that he, too, faced mockery and assumptions about his understanding of the world. Despite the harsh tone, it became evident that the father's intentions were rooted in a desire to shield his son from similar challenges.

Desiring to protect his son, his father urged Karan to prove others wrong by showcasing his knowledge of the real world. However, Karan's mother intervened, defending her son from her husband's strictness. After a brief exchange, they settled down to eat, with Karan's father reluctantly agreeing to let the matter rest.

Post-dinner, Karan's mother, understanding her husband's difficulty in expressing feelings, reassured Karan not to mind his father's sternness. Karan, expressing his understanding, emphasized that he held no grudge.

As the clock struck 10 pm, the family retired to sleep in a shared room, a symbol of their close bond. Despite the day's ups and downs, the unity and care within the family prevailed, creating a comforting atmosphere .On the night of May 30, 2018, the village of Karan lay cloaked in an eerie stillness at 12:00 AM. The symphony of nocturnal insects provided the only audible backdrop until the ominous hum of four motorcycles resonated through the quietude. At precisely 12:05 AM, the motorcycles rumbled to a halt in front of Karan's modest abode, carrying eight men with malicious intent.

The apparent leader, his voice firm and commanding, addressed the group, emphasizing the importance of a swift and discreet operation. Scaling the gate with utmost precision, they infiltrated the premises, the darkness concealing their sinister purpose.

One member, seemingly envious of Karan's peaceful existence, voiced resentment for the sins of his family. The authoritative figure, sharing the sentiment, urged the group to maintain focus. As they approached the inner gate, a sudden noise halted their advance – the unmistakable sound of someone approaching.

Suspicion arose among the intruders. Could he be aware of their presence? Anxious whispers permeated the air, silenced only by the leader's commanding gesture. The gate swung open, revealing 19-year-old Karan, oblivious to the impending threat.

Unaware, Karan muttered about his nocturnal struggle with a persistent "peeing problem" and headed for the outdoor washroom, positioned away from the main dwelling. Seizing the opportunity, the leader decided to incapacitate him to proceed without interference.

A swift, brutal blow to the back of Karan's head rendered him unconscious. The group deliberated the prospect of ending his life, but the leader, recognizing the young man's innocence, intervened. The gate now open, the intruders stealthily infiltrated the house.

Inside, they found the family in peaceful slumber. The room where Karan's parents lay bore witness to a chilling calm before the storm. The leader demanded a pistol, and with remorse in his voice, expressed regret for the betrayal and killing his old family before executing Karan's father with a gunshot. The deafening silence that followed was broken only by the anguished cry of Karan's mother as another man put an end to her life.

As the lifeblood seeped from the wounds inflicted on his parents, Karan, unknowingly, entered the room. His eyes widened in horror, frozen in place as tears streamed down his face. The leader, acknowledging the tragedy, turned toward Karan, instructing his men to cease the violence.

Approaching the traumatized young man, the leader offered unexpected solace. He pleaded with Karan not to succumb to the cycle of revenge that had consumed his family. Overwhelmed and unable to articulate his grief, Karan cried uncontrollably. In an attempt to spare him from a dark path, the leader administered a tranquilizing injection, plunging Karan into unconsciousness.

Concerns arose about Karan recognizing their faces, but the leader dismissed the worry, asserting their control over the situation. With their grim task accomplished, they vanished into the darkness at 12:30 AM, leaving behind a haunting silence that echoed the night's gruesome horrors.June 1, 2018. Two agonizing days had elapsed since the tragic event plunged Karan into a disorienting slumber, a haze of sedation clinging to him like a sinister shroud. At precisely 1:41 pm, consciousness reluctantly released its grip on him, exposing him to a harsh reality that seemed too surreal to fathom.

In a groggy haze, Karan muttered, "Was that a dream?" The sterile hospital surroundings offered no comfort, and as awareness settled in, he found himself encircled by familiar faces – a macabre congregation marking the aftermath of unspeakable loss.

Panic surged through him as he frantically demanded answers about his parents' whereabouts. The air in the room grew thick with tension as his desperate queries echoed, bouncing off the clinical walls, seeking solace in the void left by his unanswered questions.

His grandmother, a once unyielding pillar of strength, entered the room, her embrace now a fragile attempt to shield him from the reality that loomed. The unspoken grief carved lines on her tear-streaked face, and it was in that moment that Karan's denial crumbled, replaced by the cruel acceptance of a nightmare turned real.

"I am useless. I was just standing there, watching my parents die. I couldn't do anything," Karan's admission hung heavy in the air, his voice a lamentation of guilt that reverberated through the room. The collective silence that followed mirrored the enormity of his anguish, punctuated only by the muffled sobs of those attempting to offer consolation.

Exhausted by the emotional catharsis, Karan succumbed once again to unconsciousness, the weight of sorrow dragging him back into the depths. Concern etched on the faces of his kin, they sought reassurance from the doctor – a beacon of stability in the tempest of grief. The verdict was delivered: the emotional toll was immense, but Karan's life, at least physically, was not hanging in the balance.

Around 7:41 pm, Karan stirred once more, this time greeted by an eerie silence that blanketed the room. Tear-streaked faces surrounded him, each awaiting a sign that he had not been irreparably shattered by the torment that had befallen him.

Outside the room, a policeman, seemingly impervious to the palpable grief that hung in the air, exchanged hushed words with his superior. Despite objections regarding the timing, the decision was made to question Karan. The officer, lacking the nuance of empathy, barged into the room, a stark intrusion into the fragile sanctuary of mourning.

Grandma, the unwavering defender, stood her ground, refusing to abandon her grandson's side. The officer, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, coldly cleared the room, leaving behind a fractured family and the residual scent of despair.

Questions were fired, but Karan's responses cut through the tension like a serrated blade. Accusing the officer of collusion with the assailants, Karan's eyes burned with a terrifying intensity. The officer, caught off guard, recoiled as Karan unleashed a torrent of rage, condemning him for callousness in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

As the officer beat a hasty retreat, Karan's chilling vow hung in the air – a promise of vengeance that reverberated through the corridors. The officer, shaken, exited the room, leaving behind a brewing storm of uncertainty, darkness, and the ominous weight of impending danger. In this unfiltered saga, the grief-stricken narrative collided with suspicion, birthing a tale fraught with pain, anger, . The room itself seemed haunted by the echoes of an unraveling tragedy.

June 3, 2018, etched a somber chapter in time, and four days on, the weight of grief loomed large over the impending funeral. The bodies, somberly returned by forensic police, awaited their final rite consumed by flames, a traditional farewell. In the hospital room, Karan, still in recovery, had abstained from nourishment for two agonizing days, his tears flowing freely. Amidst sobs, he vowed revenge, relentlessly muttering, "I will kill them."

His grandmother, a stoic presence, struggled to pacify him, acknowledging the implausibility of his vendetta. "Please, grandson, it's impossible. You'll perish They are trained killers . The police will handle it," she implored, tears streaming down her face. Yet, Karan, fueled by anguish, retorted defiantly, "I don't care if they're trained killers. I'll out-train them in killing. The police won't do anything." Amidst shared tears, his grandmother embraced him, their sorrow interwoven.

At 8:50 AM, Karan's uncle arrived, signaling the readiness for the final farewell. Concerned, he questioned Karan's emotional preparedness. Undeterred, Karan asserted his readiness, exuding a flicker of confidence reminiscent of his father.

The procession reached the funeral space, where grief-stricken faces amassed. The bodies, now on pyres, lay poised for their final journey. Approaching his grandmother, Karan reassured her, promising retribution. As he hugged her, the weight of their shared grief intensified.

Turning to his parents' lifeless forms, Karan pleaded for their wakefulness, his voice choked with emotion. His uncle intervened, gently separating him from the poignant moment. "I thought you were ready, son. Be strong if you want vengeance," his uncle urged, a fire burning in his eyes. A burning piece of wood, symbolic and real, passed from uncle to nephew, initiating the somber ritual.

As the flames embraced his parents, Karan vowed silently, resolving that this would be the last time he succumbed to tears. He steeled himself, determined to avenge their deaths, swearing to spill as much blood as necessary.

Amidst the mourners, a man callously laughed, drawing Karan's attention. Fueled by a torrent of emotions, he seized a brick, delivering a punishing blow to the callous laugher. Shock rippled through the onlookers as blood painted a vivid tableau. Karan's uncle intervened, restraining the enraged young man.

The same police officer from the hospital, an observer to this macabre scene, remarked cryptically, "This is getting interesting." Karan, aflame with rage, declared his intent to kill, his eyes reflecting a resolve hardened by the funeral pyres.

The air resonated with sorrow, anger, and an unyielding determination—a symphony of emotions echoing the tragedy that had befallen Karan's world.June 10, 2018, marked the seventh day since the somber funeral . Rituals to bring solace to the departed souls unfolded, with a throng of sympathizers and relatives crowding Karan's house. In this sea of condolences, Karan, silent and devoid of tears, bore a haunting look in his eyes, as if the tragedy had stolen his ability to speak.

Within this atmosphere of grief, same police officers from hospital and graveyard approached Parm, Karan's uncle, seeking answers about the mysterious 15-year disappearance of both brothers . The conversation between Parm and the police officer unfolded with an air of tension.

The police officer delved into the past, insinuating hidden troubles that might have led to the recent tragedy. Parm, defensive and resolute, fired back, "Our statements are registered. Why revisit the past?" The officer, relentless, probed further, hinting at concealed secrets within those missing years.

Parm, prioritizing his grieving family over the officer's relentless questioning, asserted firmly, "Read the statements. I have no time for your damn questions." The officer, undeterred, persisted, suggesting a deeper investigation and alluding to undisclosed secrets that lingered like a shadow.

A chilling warning followed as the officer observed the bloodlust in Karan's eyes. "Control him, or he'll meet the same fate as his parents," the officer cautioned. Parm's gaze hardened, and he retorted, "I'm not going to control him, officer. I'll guide him wherever ver he wants to go or whatever he wants to do. So you are gonna guide him towards death officer said.

As the officer parted ways with Parm, a conversation ensued with a junior officer. The junior detailed Karan's refusal to divulge information about the killers and his aggressive attempts. The senior officer, seasoned and cynical, speculated a conspiracy within their ranks. He suggested higher-ups' involvement, insinuating that they were confident enough to leave Karan alive, having seen the faces of the killers. He pressed his junior to keep a close eye on Parm, deeming him suspicious.

On the other side, Parm, amidst the suspicions and scrutiny, contemplated the sudden intrusion after years of obscurity. In his mind, the face of Diljeet, once warm-hearted but now a potential threat, emerged. He harbored thoughts of revenge, vowing that Diljeet would regret any misplaced kindness.

The atmosphere resonated with unresolved mysteries, an undercurrent of danger, and an unwavering resolve for justice. The conversation between Parm and the police officer, laced with tension and unfiltered emotions, added another layer to the complex narrative, leaving the community on edge, haunted by shadows from the past and uncertain of the dangers that lay ahead. June 18, 2018, marked 19 days since the harrowing incident, casting a somber shadow over the household. Relatives poured in to offer condolences, leaving only his uncle parm from father side and balbir from the mother's side, his beloved grandma , his cousin, and aunt. Tension hung thick in the air as decisions about Karan's living arrangements unfolded.

In the midst of this, Grandma , a figure of wisdom and solace, spoke up with deep concern for her grandson. "Parm," she implored, "Karan should live with us. This house will only torment him with horrors and nightmares. We can provide the comfort and support he needs."

Balbir, uncle from the mother's side, also extended an offer for Karan to live with them. The room was heavy with unspoken emotions as Parm considered the options, torn between familial ties and the desire to ensure Karan's well-being.

Balbir and grandma , expressing apprehension about Karan attending college in his current state, sought assurance. Parm, trying to allay the concerns, reassured everyone, "He is okay, Mom. I've arranged for Sukh, his best friend, to look after him."

Just as the atmosphere became charged with uncertainty, Karan, the central figure in this familial drama, made a silent entrance. Parm, attempting to paint a picture of normalcy, urged Karan to confirm his well-being to the concerned relatives.

The scene unfolded with a mix of emotions – Grandma, a pillar of strength, embraced Karan tightly, her eyes filled with tears. Her plea was heartfelt, "Please be okay, my dear," capturing the gravity of the situation. Balbir, too, extended his support with a reassuring gesture, placing a comforting hand around Karan's head, echoing the sentiment to take care.

Karan, however, responded with an unexpected twist of emotions. In a chilling moment, he vowed, "Don't cry, Grandma. I will annihilate their whole family, and then we'll laugh while they cry." The room fell into an uneasy silence, leaving Grandma and Balbir grappling with the unsettling transformation in Karan's demeanor.

Parm, caught between the tumultuous emotions, steered the focus back to the practicalities of the day. "Let's go, son. It's already 8:19 am, and we don't want to be late," he said, guiding Karan towards the motorcycle that would take them to college. As Parm and Karan prepared to leave for college on a motorcycle, Karan broke the silence, expressing a desire for revenge against those who caused his father's death and asked parm about 15 years of disappearance . Parm, acknowledging their past involvement with certain people during that time , advised caution, highlighting that they weren't enemies but former friends but now enemies . Parm, said that they were not ready and would likely be killed if they acted impulsively.

Karan, however, insisted on being prepared to take revenge, expressing a gruesome desire to drink the blood of those responsible. Parm acknowledged his feelings, assuring Karan that he was working on making him ready for it. Dropping Karan off at college, Parm reminded him to be a good boy and not get into trouble.

Upon meeting Karan's friend Sukh, who was unable to find words, Karan assured him he was okay with a heavy voice. Parm emphasized to Sukh the importance of taking care of Karan and bid them goodbye, promising to pick them up later.

Reflecting on the ride home, Parm was impressed that Karan, despite his initial aggressive stance, seemed to be thinking reasonably. Parm considered the possibility that Karan, being the son of his little brother, might succeed in undone work that they had failed.

In the midst of their complex emotions and the desire for revenge, Parm acknowledged the need for careful planning and preparation. The intricate dynamics of family ties and the looming threat of those from their past formed a backdrop to Karan's journey of coping with loss and seeking justice.