"Man, it's like growing up is the biggest crime in life," said Darren, now drifting deep into a wave of intoxication, in a bitter tone — "Growing up is nothing but ridiculous."
"Parents send their kids to school thinking they'll learn something useful for the future," Babu said, "without realizing that the biggest, most meaningful lessons of life aren't taught inside school, but outside of it."
"Lessons that aren't learned for fun, but out of necessity — learned with the fear of a beating," the driver added.
"First, study in school and college so you can land a good job. Then, if you get a job, a hundred new headaches come with it."
"And if you don't get that job?" Babu said. "A thousand problems."
"And if you do get a job, but it's not the right one," the driver said, "a million more."
"Anyway, brothers," Darren raised his glass and said, "this drink is for the life that we've managed to ruin with our own hands."
"Utterly ruined."
"And ruined with the hope that maybe, just maybe, it would get better one day."
"Which it never did."
"But ahead..." Babu thought for a second, "is there any hope it might improve?"
"None," Darren said, recalling his time at his flat.
"Maybe," the driver said, "maybe the one above will show us a path."
"Even when you walk on burning coal, invoking God doesn't stop your feet from burning," Darren said in despair. "There's no way out, no path left."
The driver didn't say anything further, but he noticed that the other two members in the decorated bar had now climbed several steps up the ladder of intoxication.
"I'll be right back," he said, raising his pinky finger.
"There you go, buddy," Darren burst out laughing, "we're the ones drinking, and you're the one diluting it elsewhere!"
Hearing this, first Babu laughed.
Then Baljeet laughed too... and got up and stepped outside.
---
Neeraj Kumar heard the buzz of his mobile and reached over to the side table to pick it up.
It was already 2 AM.
"At this hour!" Kumar looked at the name flashing on the screen and then answered the call.
"Hello?" he said in surprise.
"Sir, I'm sorry to bother you at this time," Dheeraj's calm voice came through, "but I really need to talk to you right away."
"If you think it's important, don't hesitate to call me — any time, in that case," Kumar replied. "Whenever needed, just call."
"Thank you, sir."
"Now tell me—what's the matter?"
"It's about that same mission."
"Hmm…"
"We might be able to complete it tonight itself."
"What!" Kumar said in surprise. "I don't believe this."
"I can deliver it," Dheeraj replied with confidence. "I'm on the edge."
"But how is that possible?" Kumar said, full of disbelief. "We just spoke earlier today."
"Just a coincidence, sir."
"You have a plan?"
"Definitely, sir."
"That you can execute?"
"Right now."
"You're exceeding my expectations."
"Like I said, sir — it's just a matter of timing."
"Then go ahead and finish the job," Kumar said. "What's the problem?"
"As such, there's no real problem, sir," Dheeraj said in a serious tone. "But because of this operation, tonight could be a stormy one for Delhi and the surrounding areas."
"The weather was shaping up anyway."
"It's already here."
"So — if you can conclude it," Kumar's voice became firm, "just do it."
"Yes sir. The task can be wrapped up tonight, but what follows may cause quite a stir, and you might have to take major responsibility."
"We'll take full responsibility," he replied. "Just make sure that common people suffer the least harm — to life or property."
"Yes sir."
"Do you want to share your plan?"
"I can do that, sir," Dheeraj hinted, "if you want me to."
Kumar remained silent.
"Sir, fighting is hard — and winning is even harder," Dheeraj's voice echoed in his ears. "The real skill lies in winning without fighting."
"No need for details," Kumar finally spoke after a long pause. "Just tell me — where exactly do you need us?"
"For this, we might need the cooperation of the police forces from the other two states."
"We can handle that — and if such a situation arises, we won't be disappointed from their side."
"Should I go ahead?"
"For sure. No second thoughts."
"Thank you, sir."
"Just keep one thing in mind."
"What is it, sir?"
Kumar told him.