"When secrets wear the mask of blood and iron, only truth can break their grip."
Veer stood in the alley, the echoes of the recent confrontation still reverberating in his mind. His gaze fell upon a metallic badge lying near where the mysterious girl had stood. He picked it up, noting the intricate design of a winged tiger and the engraved name: "Pihu."
He slipped the badge carefully into his pocket, feeling its weight settle there like a promise. Behind him, Kartik was stirring on the ground, groaning as he tried to push himself upright.
Veer Confronts Kartik
Veer approached Kartik during lunch.
Kartik ..
"Who was she?" Kartik asked, wincing. "She's a real psycho."
Veer shrugged, pocketing the badge. "I don't know."
They exchanged a look, a silent agreement forming between them.
...
But she left this." He pulled out the badge and held it out for Kartik to see.
Kartik looked at the badge, confusion spreading across his face. "Pihu? Never heard of her."
Veer nodded. "Me neither. But she seemed to know you. And me. She called us by name."
Kartik ran a hand through his messy hair. "That's impossible. Why would some random girl know your name?
Kartik sighed. "Look, I don't want to fight anymore. I'm preparing for government exams, and any police case could ruin my chances."
Veer nodded. "Fair enough. But tell me, who's behind the Aradhya incident?"
Kartik hesitated before revealing, "It's my superior, Rohan. He's the one you should be wary of."
Veer's eyes narrowed. "If I confront him now, will I stand a chance?"
Kartik smirked. "Not without training. But I can teach you boxing, heavy punches, the works."
They both shared a look, a silent admission that something bigger was at play. Veer stood and dusted off his shirt, offering Kartik a hand.
"Come on," he said. "Let's sort this out."
A Conversation in the Alley
Veer led Kartik toward a slightly less sketchy part of the back alley of the school, far enough from prying eyes that they could talk. The setting sun cast long shadows that stretched across the cracked pavement as students trickled out of school.
Kartik walked beside him gingerly, supporting himself on a brick wall. "You got any idea who sent her? Or… why? She could have left me there to die."
"Maybe she felt sorry for me," Veer replied, feeling awkward. "Or for you. I mean—look, both of us are in this because of what happened to Aradhya."
Kartik scoffed, but there was a hint of seriousness in his eyes. "Listen, I told you—Rohan's behind all of this. He's my senior, my 'boss' if you want to call it that. He runs things here—bullies, extortion. But I never thought any girl would come out of nowhere and beat me down."
Veer frowned. "Rohan… the same guy you said was connected to Aryadhya's case?"
"Yeah. He's the one I have to report to. He's the real power here. If you want anything to change, you need to go through him. But I'm not fighting him directly. I'm prepping for government exams—if I get involved with the police, I'm ruined."
Veer's jaw tightened. "So we have to find another way."
Kartik rubbed his arm where it had been hit by the baseball bat earlier. "I guess you want to learn to fight properly, and use that to stand up to Rohan?"
Veer nodded. "I'm willing to learn."
"You're in luck," Kartik said, managing a weak grin. "I can teach you some boxing—my dad used to box. Just not anything too fancy. And you need to get in shape."
Veer smiled. "I'll do whatever it takes. But first, tell me more about Rohan. How do I find him?"
Kartik shook his head. "He's usually hanging around the senior block or the back gates. If you want to face him, you need to be ready. You can't get knocked out like I did."
Veer's eyes were steely. "I won't."
Veer said to Kartik, "Ah, wait! You can join my gym."
...
Kartik replied, "Huh?"
Veer continued, "Come on, bro! We can do boxing or anything; it's low-cost."
Kartik thought for a moment and then said, "Okay."
Boxing Begins: Veer and Kartik Team Up
That evening, Veer and Kartik walked to the Mehta Combat Academy
They pushed open the gate and entered the familiar gym smell—sweat, leather, and old wood. Punching bags swayed in the dim light, and the faint sound of gloves against pads echoed from the back.
Rudra looked up from a stack of hand wraps. He recognised Veer and gave a small nod. The instructor did not trust Kartik, but since Veer had vouched for him, Rudra allowed him entry.
"Veer," Rudra said quietly. "Back so soon?"
Veer managed a small smile. "I need to learn more. This isn't just about me now. It's bigger."
Rudra nodded, then turned his gaze to Kartik. "You want to train too?"
Kartik swallowed. "I—yes, sir. I can help Veer."
Rudra raised an eyebrow. "Very well. But let's keep this simple. You'll start with basic footwork and jabs. No fancy moves yet."
Kartik nodded and unwrapped his hands. They made their way to the ring in the centre.
Inside the ring, just as the Rudra had instructed, Kartik faced Veer. They both wore protective headgear and gloves.
"Remember," Rudra said, "footwork first. Keep your guard up."
Veer stumbled with the first few steps, but Kartik moved more naturally, having practised as a kid. He demonstrated a basic jab-cross combination.
Veer tried to mimic it, throwing a jab, then a cross. The glove slapped against the Rudra pad.
"Not bad," the instructor said. "But your stance is off. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart."
Veer adjusted, and Kartik nodded approvingly. "Good."
Rudra had them spar lightly—just jabs, crosses, and blocks. Kartik's punches were accurate but gentle; the instructor controlled the intensity. Veer discovered muscles he hadn't used before, and sweat poured freely.
After a few rounds, they took a breather.
Kartik patted Veer's shoulder. "You're a fast learner."
Veer grinned. "Thanks. But I need to get stronger."
Kartik looked serious. "You will. Just keep showing up."
Rudra added, "Tomorrow, we start with heavy bag work—build your endurance and power. I'll be watching."
Veer nodded, wiping his face. Kartik clapped him on the back. "See you tomorrow, Veer."
The Instructor's Unexpected Knowledge
Later that night, Veer approached the instructor as he was locking up the gym.
"Instructor," Veer began, "I found this today." He pulled the badge from his pocket. "It belonged to Pihu."
The Rudra's eyes went wide. The badge gleamed under the dim bulb.
"Pihu," the instructor breathed. "That name… it can't be."
Veer stared. "You know her?"
The Rudra rubbed the badge, as if touching a ghost. "Yes. She's my… almost my little sister."
Veer's eyebrows shot up. "Little sister?"
The Rudra exhaled heavily. "Years ago, I was part of a group—mercenaries in the shadows. Pihu was like my sister—an orphan I rescued from the streets. I taught her everything: survival, discipline, combat. But she… she was always more fearless than I could have imagined."
Veer took a step closer. "What happened to her?"
The Rudra face darkened. "After one mission, I thought she was dead. The squad was ambushed; we lost many. Pihu vanished. I searched for her. She resurfaced occasionally, always fighting for the helpless. But she never stayed."
Veer's mind raced. "So that's why she's so skilled. And dangerous."
Rudra nodded. "She's unpredictable—sometimes helping, sometimes… I don't even know why. But if her badge is here, she's back in the city."
Veer swallowed. "I need to find her. For answers. And maybe… to find a way to help Aryadhya."
Rudra placed a hand on Veer's shoulder. "You're on the right path. But be careful. Pihu doesn't trust easily."
Veer nodded, determination burning in his chest. "I understand."
A Week of Intense Training
Over the next seven days, Veer's life revolved around the gym. Each morning at dawn, he and Kartik arrived. The instructor had them running sprints, dragging tires, and doing innumerable push-ups and pull-ups.
At midday, they sparred in the ring—Kartik teaching him boxing footwork, Veer practising cross-hooks and defensive manoeuvres.
Each evening, Veer did shadow-boxing alone, imagining Rohan standing in front of him. He replayed every memory of Aryadhya's injury, every moment of fear and helplessness. His fists tightened as he looked at his reflection. He wouldn't be that boy again.
By the end of the week, Veer felt stronger, faster, and more confident. He still wobbled occasionally during sparring, but his punches landed with more force, and his footwork was firmer.
They grew closer—two former enemies finding a shared goal. Kartik even apologised genuinely one night after Veer had shifted his stance during a spar, saving him from a heavy blow.
"Sorry, man," Kartik said, rubbing his jaw. "I didn't recognise how far you've come."
Veer shrugged, smiling. "We all change. Thanks for your help."
Kartik nodded. "Good luck with Rohan. And… thanks for not holding a grudge."
Veer patted him on the shoulder. "We're even now."
Chapter 10 End
Chapter 11 -Pihu's Cryptic Invitation