City of elites, where the upper-class reside in sparkling skyscrapers that pierce the sky, where technology and nature are entwined together, sparkling lights that never dwindle, that fill the city with radiance more blinding than the sun. The city that never pauses, never dims.

The grand magnificent city of Hwaingklinga...

This is what everyone thinks...

Which is quite true to an extent...

But the reality behind this utopian paradise dream, the city of stars, city of powerful, playground of the apex, Where even wealthiest can be played like pawns, lies not in the luminance or their heavenly skyscrapers or the mind breaking technology, but in the alleys where sun never rises, where bazaar of illegal or stolen technologies thrive. where the common people live like the slum rats who can be squashed under the feet of elites for fun or become scapegoats to hide the filth of the powerful, polishing the masks of wealthy from the grime of their karma.

Piercing the night sky a drone, scans the abyss like alleys searching for something or someone with speed and precision that borderline even terrifies a simple bystander.

Scanning the slimy and suffocating alleys that mimics the burrows of moles wasn’t a new event. It was the unsettling and uncertain reality and everyday life of the people in the bottom of food chain

The drone was of pristine quality that was even rare for the wealthiest to possess, gliding in the sky and darting through narrow space without a sound.

In the distance, a figure was heaving from exhaustion, cold sweat trickling down the man’s neck glistening in the moonlight. A trepidation blooming from the bottom of his guts.

The legs trembled from the aftermath of the chase and gut-wrenching anxiety that was budding in his stomach, from the consequence of his past he might have to face. Pale green eyes darting around for a slight opening when his eyes fell on the reflection of a broken mirror.

His heart stopped for few seconds, blood draining from his head making him dizzy and lose his balance. His mind kept cursing his legs which had become numb...

The reflection was of a man dazzling under the moonlight; Even under his polished attire his strong build clearly visible.

The man’s piercing gaze felt like it could see through depths of the soul unraveling all the secrets hidden inside the former’s heart. His gaze held deep longing and melancholy. His hands clenched in a fist, the silence barely masking the fury sheathing underneath that angelic face that was no less than a piece of art.

The former finally felt his legs and ran like his life was on the line.

The sight of him running filled the latter with indescribable pain, a sense of betrayal washed over him, clawing his insides all over again. Without loosing a breath chased after him

Finally cornering him in a dead end.

Their eyes locked with an intensity rivaling the flames of magma. Their hearts beating in a sync like they are intertwined by an invisible string of fate that can never break, holding them together for eternity through time and space.

His voice filled with intensity and emotions piled from years of pain of his bleeding heart. His voice echoes through the empty space demanding answers and maybe seeking a glimpse of the past

His voice trembling with emotions that he couldn’t hold back. Tears trickling down his face, bearing the weight of the emotions and yearning of years

The gaze that could shake mountains, kill people without second thought looked at the man in front of him with vulnerability, leaving his heart bare.

Mixed with the inconsolable dread that the person in front of him might slip from his grasp leaving him with sorrow of emptiness and loneliness to handle alone once again.

The anguish and grief in his eyes made the former’s heartache with agony. His throat burned in pain from the words that he couldn’t let out.

Tears glistening his eyes with a sense of regret and helplessness. He wiped the latter’s tears gently, too afraid cause any more pain. With trembling grief soaked voice he could only stammer

..................... Chapter 1 ends here

Stars were sprinkled all over the nocturnal sky, twinkling across the horizon painting a beautiful picture of serenity. Wind billowing without any care, a deep contrast to the scene inside the luxurious car, that glided swiftly and smoothly across the deserted roads.

The air was tense, even the soft jazz playing in the radio couldn’t make the atmosphere any less suffocating.

The pair of pale green eyes kept looking at the man sitting beside him. The man was silent, tired after the vulnerable outburst of his emotions. It felt like the calm after the storm.

Suddenly, the driver informed,

Narwin gently held the other’s hand, stroking it with his finger.

Due to his emotional outburst a while ago his voice came out bit raspy,

Sai couldn’t bring himself to say anything.

What could he even say?

After all, every word he thought of speaking sounded nothing but, excuses to him.

He didn’t even notice that he was boring his nails deep into his skin that it almost drew out blood

Narwin frowned and immediately held his other hand too, gently rubbing it. He said,

Narwin’s eyes locked with Sai’s.

Sai could see nothing but pure genuine emotions.

...................... chapter 2 part 1 ended

Sai was about to speak, but the car stopped.

They had already reached the mansion.

The deep nostalgia filled him.

Many seasons had passed but the grandeur of the place remained the same. Memories of them sharing their past, both beautiful and tragic. This place held the witness of their childhood, love, sorrowful nights, shy glances and secret that only he and these grand magnificent walls of this palace like mansion held.

A secret...

That MUST remain buried deep...

No matter what.

It didn't matter what price he had to pay, Even if he had to pay with his life, lose everything that he cherished... he would guard it...

For his world

His love...

He would go to ANY length....

Their shoes tapped as they walked on the finest marble. The doors that can make any ordinary man feel small opened one by one as they walked. Robotic eyes scanning them confirming their identities.

Every inch of the estate screamed of luxury, grandeur and of rich history. The estate was beautiful and elegant blend of luxury, nature and technology. Wide range of robots of various types and functions spread across the estate going about their everyday work. Some big robots doing the heavy work in the garden alongside the gardeners who were giving them directions. While, some small robots busy doing delicate works.

Two tiny whimsical looking robots with glowing smiles on their screens came flying towards them. They hovered around Sai, In a whimsical voice they said,

Narwin moved them away from Sai. He spoke in a firm voice,

Their screens flickered with pouty expression.

Sai gave them a small smile and followed him. His eyes roaming around the familiar space.

Their footsteps stopped in front of a room.

........................ Chapter 2 part 2 ended....