Chapter 1: A small crack
In the depths of a menacing prison...
A place where the worst of humanity gathers... There's a mix of murderers, rapists, robbers, gangsters, and even innocent people… Yes, even innocent ones. There's such an individual in this prison as well who ended up here because of our flawed justice system.
***
In a dimly lit hall, the air was filled with the scent of blood.
A man's eyes burned with pleasure and satisfaction as his fist collided with the soft flesh of his victim. Each blow struck with merciless force, leaving trails of crimson trickling from broken lips and shattered noses.
The victim, beaten and marked, struggled to remain awake, his energy fading. Amidst the Chaos, the sounds of pain echoed through the hallway, creating a chilling melody of brutality...
The victim couldn't endure anymore and yelled with all that was left of him, "Why are you doing this? Isn't it enough already?"
With a sinister grin, the preparator taunts,, "You really think that i will leave you after just this much 'love', Dhruuuvv?"
Even while speaking, he continued to beat the shit out of Dhruv, not willing to waste even a single second.
'F-Fuck, at least stop while speaking' thought Dhruv.
Dhruv's wish was about to be granted, as after looking at his condition, One of the gang members stepped in and said, "Enough, Dekion. He might actually die if you continue."
Dhruv let out a sigh of relief upon hearing those words and understood that today's beating had finally come to an end.
The gang member didn't suggest Dekion stop because he cares for Dhruv's life; They wouldn't even bat an eye even if he died. It's just that... They just don't want to get their name in the bad book of the warden. Because the result of the ones who mess with him is not very pleasant after all, especially in this prison, which is his playground.
Upon hearing this, Dekion had the same thought and ceased the assault. He delivered one final blow to Dhruv's face before walking away towards his cell, with a hint of sadness on his face.
Anyone who happened to catch a glimpse of his face at that very moment would be forced to think that Dhruv was definitely the culprit and not the innocent and adorable figure he seemed to be. His expression resembled that of a young child who had just experienced the heartbreaking loss of their favorite toy.
'What a fucking psycho! How can anyone have the audacity to make a face like that after beating someone up?' Dhruv thought after looking at him.
At last, some peace for the time being...
However, this peace comes at a heavy cost. The cost of reliving the agonizing past, where his entire life was doomed within a single year by that heartless businessman. If only he hadn't set foot in that hotel that Cursed day, he wouldn't have made that mistake.
As Dhruv's mind turned to that ill-fated day, a faint trace of sorrow engulfed his heart. It wasn't the grief caused by mere physical beatings; it was something far more painful. It was the grief that came from losing loved ones.
"Forgive me, Mom," he whispered, his voice filled with remorse.
"How I wish I hadn't taken you there that day."
"How have I failed in my duty as your son and elder brother?"
"If only it were all just a dream," he yearned.
"If only I were trapped in a nightmare, with the hope of one-day waking to reality. Escaping from this constant torment."
Yet, alas, it was nothing more than wishful thinking. Unbeknownst to Dhruv, as he dwelled on thoughts of his family, tears cascaded uncontrollably from his eyes.
A moment later, a hand comes from behind and taps on my shoulder.
Dhruv knew very well whose hand it was.
"Charlie, What's the matter?" He said this while trying to hide his tears. He doesn't know why, But he doesn't want to show his weak side to his only friend in this prison.
"Dhruv, you know what's the matter.. Don't you? Then why are you keeping secrets? Please talk to me…" Charlie said this with a worried expression.
"Charlie..." Dhruv's voice quivered, and despite his efforts, tears streamed down his face. If only this pain were physical, he thought, it would be easier to bear. But the guilt eating him from within left him helpless.
After seeing the tear fall from his eyes, Charlie hugged him. Providing him some comfort in the moment of his torment.
"If you don't want to share, don't share; who am 'I' to ask you that?" Charlie said, with a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
"Charlie, how can you say that? You're the only person I consider a true friend in this world, and you know it."
"Dhruv, it's just that if you truly value our friendship, why keep secrets from me?" Charlie said, rolling up his eyes, attempting to hide his contempt.
He tried to mask it, but Dhruv could see right through him and decided to ignore it.
Charlie waited in silence, giving Dhruv a few moments to speak. But until the end, not a single word escaped his lips.
"Dhruv, if you don't want to share, I won't force you. Just remember, I'm always here for you, even if I can't stop the beatings," Charlie reassured him.
Charlie mentions that, despite fully understanding that it isn't about getting beaten, it is about something else, something much more painful than being beaten. But His main goal was to divert him from his mental misery by talking about physical abuse.
Although not the perfect strategy, it did, at least, work on him as Dhruv's mood began to lift. He was glad that he had such a man as a friend—and not just a friend but a best friend.
However, there are moments when ignorance proves to be a blessing. In Dhruv's case, not knowing the full extent of the truth brought him a fleeting sense of relief.
***
Once they had finished talking, it was time for them to head to their own rooms.
As soon as Charlie got up and started heading toward his room. He overheard Dhruv saying something to him.
"Thank you, Charlie. I'm grateful to have you as a friend. Your presence and understanding mean a lot to me, even if you can't directly stop them. Your support gives me strength." He heard.
"Ohh! You don't have to say it, Dhruv. I'll always be here for you, no matter what. We'll get through this together, and I'll do whatever I can to help you deal with this difficult situation. You're not alone, my friend," Charlie said, continuing his journey toward his cells.
After walking some distance, Charlie looked back, but he could not see the dhruv anywhere.
After confirming Dhruv wasn't anywhere near him, He wiped away the smile from his face, And it was obvious from his face that he was disgusted.
"What a pathetic crybaby!" he muttered under his breath.
"Why can't he just toughen up and stop crying like a baby for once?"
Charlie knew this wouldn't cut it. If the crying continued unchecked, there was a real risk of him losing his sanity. And if that happened, Charlie would once again become the target of Dekion and his friends. He couldn't allow that to happen.
He needed to understand why he cried so much and somehow put a stop to it, ensuring his mental state remained normal. so beatings would never end.
'But he never talked about his past—what he did to end up in this prison and why.' The lack of information frustrated Charlie to no end.
He had to find out the truth, understand the man's history, and use every ounce of his persuasive abilities to coax him into revealing everything.
Everything….. depends on that. If he fails to achieve that, the result wouldn't be very pleasant, and Charlie knew this.
***
While All this was going on here.
In the heart of the wilderness, a dense forest thrives. Towering trees with branches interwoven to create a leafy canopy, filtering sunlight into ethereal beams.
Moss-covered rocks and fallen logs serve as nature's stepping stones. The air hums with life—birdsong, rustling leaves, and the whispers of hidden creatures.
In the middle of this wilderness, where no human presence could be found. A small crack emerged into existence in empty space; blue-colored vapor could be seen passing from it, and on some occasions, some small insects could be observed passing as well.
It is not just a matter of one place, such incidents can be seen in many places. It is just a matter of days before someone notices this mystical phenomenon.
And It can be said that Dhruv was among the first people to notice the event in question.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
COSMIC04
COSMIC04 Hey! guys...
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