ã€ŠHarry Potter : The Trinity of New eraã€‹


 A tour to Gulmarg, Kashmir

    [General POV]:

    In late summer, planes from Vijayawada frequently arrive late because of bad weather and busy air traffic. Today was no exception: late flights, crowded queues, and a cacophony of noise.

    Three young men were hurrying towards the runway to board their plane.

    "I told you not to flirt with the attendants at check-in," Sriman grumbled, clearly irritated. "I had to call my uncle to delay the flight. If my dad finds out, he''s going to lose it."

    "Just drop it, Sriman. This idiot never listens," Sravan sighed, exasperated.

    "Relax, brother. I''ve apologized like a dozen times already. Better to run fast than whine about it," Teja said with his usual nonchalance.

    They hurried up the steps, trying to avoid further delays and the frustration of their fellow passengers.

    "Welcome aboard, sir. I hope you have a comfortable journey. Thank you for choosing our services," the hostess said professionally, though her irritation was evident.

    ''How can they still smile after being so late'' she thought?

    "Ah! My apologies, lovely lady." Teja bowed, softly kissing her knuckles, making her blush" Please forgive my friends for the delay. They''re a bit challenged with punctuality,"

    The stares they were getting from the passengers did not impress the other two.

    "Perfect, just what we needed " Sravan muttered under his breath, laceed with sarcasm, clearly annoyed.

    The three friends settled into their business class seats, a first-time experience for Sriman and Sravan.

    "Fantastic, now I''m another idiot in your ''How to Charm Flight Attendants'' show!" Sravan growled, playfully lunging at the unsuspecting Teja and grabbing him by the neck in a mock chokehold. "I''ll be passing judgment on you, for the crime of lying,"

    "I''m sorry about that," Teja gasped, struggling to breathe.

    "Sorry for what?" Sravan demanded, loosening his grip.

    "Fuck you," was Teja''s reply before he scrambled into the washroom and locked the door from the inside.

    "Damn it! Slippery little rat," Sravan muttered, shaking his head.

    "Just let him be. The hostesses will get him out, eventually. But seriously, how did he pull that off at the entrance?" Sriman pondered in a hushed voice to avoid disturbing the other passengers.

    "He''s shameless. He does the same thing at college," Sravan mused, reflecting on his situation with girls. "Some guys just live dangerously." He replied as he reclined in the comfort of a first-class seat.

    A flight attendant arrived with the menu card, announcing dinner time and asking for their meal preferences.

    While having their food Sravan turned to Sriman with a professional , businessman like expression.

    "What do you say we sell him to the Mafia, so we can fly like this more often?" Sravan proposed, feeling it was an excellent trade off.

    "Nah! Someone will beat him up for harassing the women in the mafia gang, but we could use him for human trials in STD cures." Sriman added with a grin.

    "Human traffickers!!!!!" Teja, who heard their conversation, could only lament his bad luck for having such friends.

    Jokes and a few minor quarrels filled the rest of the journey. The three friends seemed incredibly close, their interactions consisting of constant teasing and laughter.

    "Announcement to the passengers," the hostess called out to get everyone''s attention. "Please tighten your seat belts; the plane is about to land."

    "Fuck! My throat is burning. I shouldn''t have eaten those hot peppers. If I knew landing would be this rough, I would''ve made Sriman eat them all," Teja said, trying to steady himself after washing his throat.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    "Ha! Serves you right for the trouble you caused," Sravan said, gloating at Teja''s discomfort.

    ~At the resort, before breakfast¡­ ~

    Sravan and Sriman were on the balcony, taking deep breaths and enjoying the serene surroundings while Teja was lying on a mat by the heater, reading a manhwa on his phone. Sriman turned around to see what Teja was doing, his face turning into a scowl as he saw him scrolling on his mobile instead of appreciating the scenery.

    "Stop playing on your phone and come here, you lazy bum!"Sriman grumbled.

    "Nah, let him do his thing." said Sravan, and took a snap of the lazy guy "This is a good scoop" he said with grin that made look like a sadistic reporter.

    "I''m forwarding this photo to your mom." Sravan announced loudly "Do you hear me? She''ll be dealing with your lazy ass,"

    "Ok! Ok! I''m coming, alright? Just delete those photos." Teja scurried over, trying to snatch the phone.

    "Nah! I''ll be keeping these," Sravan said happily, saving them in a private folder.

    ~Going to have breakfast...~

    "They''ve got good meals here,"

    "Agreed!" Teja said loudly, making Sriman wince as he was the closest.

    "Don''t shout in my ear, damnit!"

    "Do you guys remember the plan for today? If not, I''ll read it from the group chat," Sravan reminded them.

    "Don''t, I''ll look it up myself" Teja interrupted before mumbling ''He''s got voice of a troll''

    "I heard that, you bastard! " Sravan roared, chasing Teja till their bikes.

    Sriman unlocked his phone to search the group for details, ignoring their antics.

    [

    Day - 1:

    1. Gulmarg Gondola

    2. Kongdori

    3. Apharwat Peak

    Day - 2:

    4. Drung Waterfall (Frozen Waterfall)

    5. Alpather Lake

    6. Skiing in Gulmarg

    7. Tangmarg

    Day - 3:

    8. Khilanmarg

    9. Maharani Temple

    10. Glass Igloo Cafe

    11. Seven Springs

    Day - 4

    12. Gulmarg Ski Shop

    13. Ningle Nallah

    14. Gulmarg Golf Course

    15. Miasa Caf¨¦

    Day - 5

    16. Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

    17. Kanchenjunga Museum

    18. Imambara Goom

    19. Shopping in Gulmarg

    Day - 6

    20. Ferozpur Nallah

    21. Gulmarg Snow Festival

    22. Sledge Ride in Gulmarg

    23. Snowmobile Ride

    ]

    Sriman''s POV:

    The tour was planned as a celebration of Teja becoming Managing Director in the company.

    I can distinctly hear their quarrel.

    "You can ask me tips for getting laid, if you can''t do it." Teja boasted and drifted away before shouting, "But I can''t help if you are into boys, though."

    I could see a vein throbbing on Sravan''s forehead.

    "Sriman, get a shovel. We are burying him today." Sravan screamed as he chased Teja.

    I struggled to suppress my laughter. It used to be the opposite in college. Teja is lucky, the surprise plan on the last day is holding Sravan back from burning his happiness.

    ~An hour before Teja''s Microsoft Interview~

    "What do you think? Am I prepared for the interview?" Teja asked nervously.

    "Ask yourself that. What you consider good enough preparation is your choice, not ours," I replied, engrossed in playing Free Fire on my phone.

    "You guys had interviews, right? So, you should be able to decide whether I''m prepared," Teja said, expecting a response.

    "Sriman, do you see this? This guy asks contacts of every girl he comes across, claiming it is for a survey," Sravan quipped sarcastically. "Come on, lover boy, where is your confidence?"

    "This is my first interview, alright? It''s pretty normal to be nervous" Teja grumbled but stilled justified his past" and those details were for surveys, you get that?"

    "It was a first for us as well. Your resume has good grades and a recommendation letter from a HOD right? What else do you want? If you feel this is less, I''ve got a great idea for you. Wanna hear it?" Sravan explained and questioned.

    "What is it?" Teja asked excited at prospect of having better chances.

    "You know, the HR for the Microsoft interview is female. Work your magic there; she might just sign your acceptance. Who knows?" Sravan replied through his laughter, clearly enjoying the moment as much as I was.

    "You guys aren''t taking this seriously," Teja grumbled.

    "Just do what you can, man. Don''t fret too much. Show what''s needed for the position you want," Sravan said nonchalantly, trying to ease Teja''s nerves.

    "Ok, I''ll do that. What else?" Teja asked, prying for more suggestions.

    "Don''t flirt with the HR. She is hot, and I bet, you wouldn''t be her best choice," I added my playful jab, as Sravan gleefully kept the trolling going.

    ~ Back to Present ~

    It looks like they''re having a great time bickering with each other.

    "Hey, idiots! The green bike is mine. Don''t you dare put any scratches on it!" I called out lazily, not really concerned about their response.

    It seems we''re going to race to Gulmarg Gondola. I think that''s the name. I seriously doubt the person who named these places put any thought into how odd they sound. Who knows? Even if they did, it sounds funny.

    Trying to distract myself from these trivial thoughts, I called Sravan on the pods, in a group call. You need to be on a call for crisp hearing with all the air whizzing by.

    "Let''s slow down a bit. We''re going nearly 220 km/h, and I think the highway only has about 15 kilometers left," I informed him. Getting struck with traffic police in a tourist area is not a pleasant experience.

    "Remind the other guy as well. He''s at 250 maybe, The best part? This is his first time going so fast on a cold road. He is about to screw us." he replied

    "Are you senses tingling like Peter Parker." I questioned him, as i remember one of his quotes back in the day.

    ''A man who has read a good novel may use the wisdom of characters who suffered to gain it, and avoid suffering the same fate himself,'' he says. It sounds very philosophical, but I know he comes up with crap like that on the spot to justify the hours he spends reading manga instead of doing projects.

    "You hear that, Teja? Slow down now or we''ll be hearing sirens of a police car or ambulance." I reminded him as he too caught up in the thrill.

 [2]Family and Surprise Visit

    Teja''s POV:

    "You were riding at a speed way worse than me just minutes ago" I reminded them mirthlessly.

    ''Well, maybe I should slow down a bit. The highway is going to end soon.'' I thought after checking my maps, ''The police in Kashmir are very strict, cause this area is prone to militant infiltration.''

    Sravan had to consult his uncle in the Army about the situation here, to assure our families.

    His uncle is a lieutenant, and his grandfather is the General in the army. They don''t seem like their counterparts depicted in movies, who are cruel and greedy for control. They were pretty welcoming to us when we visited. Sravan is considered the kid of their household as they don''t have one of their own. They lost the chance because of an accident.

    Meeting the family, by the way, is one of the main reasons we planned a tour here.

    ~At the tea stall~

    "Get us 2 coffee and 1 rose milk," I ordered the kid serving there.

    "You should try coffee. It tastes good once you get a hang of it," Sriman suggested.

    "It tastes like shit," I said, as I enjoyed my tea.

    "Oh, so you actually tasted shit? I should have believed Sravan on this one," I could hear him murmuring.

    ''This bastard..'' I could only grit my teeth in annoyance.

    Ding..

    I checked my notification panel. It was a message from the other idiot.

    [Buy some biscuits for me. I am on a call with Mom. I''ll be there in 5 minutes.

    How did you know we stopped at a tea stall?

    I''m Omniscient. (Mu hahaha)

    Do figure out what I''m going to mix in your coffee.

    ]

    I grinned at the last part before pocketing my phone.

    Sriman POV:

    "What did he say?" Sriman asked, sipping his tea.

    "He''s on the phone with Aunty," I replied, and signaling the server. "Bring three packs of biscuits, please. Get the ones with chocolate flavor"

    Sriman suddenly asked, "When are you getting married?" completely out of nowhere.

    I choked on my coffee, caught off guard by the random question. "Pfft... where did that come from?"

    He grinned and shrugged. "I think it''d be healthy for you."

    These guys never appreciate my attempts to socialize with women.

    Just then, I heard a bike pulling up nearby. I turned to see Sravan approaching us, grinning widely.

    "Why''s this idiot so happy?" I raised an eyebrow, glancing at Sriman.

    "Are they coming here?" Sriman asked Sravan, both of us guessing what was behind his good mood.

    "Was I that obvious?" Sravan replied, clearly pleased. "They told me they''ll meet us tomorrow."

    "Where?" I asked, surprised. We were supposed to meet them on the fifth day. Well, good for him. It''s been a month since they last met.

    "At the ski spot," he said.

    "Great! No change of plans then," Sriman said, clearly relieved that all the planning hadn''t gone to waste.

    At 5 AM in Khyber Resort, three men were engaged in different activities.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    One had a chiseled jawline, high cheekbones, and a well-groomed beard. His blue eyes were focused and intense. He was muscular and well-defined, with broad shoulders and a toned chest. His biceps and triceps stood out, and his abs were perfectly sculpted. He wore a fitted tank top highlighting his physique and a pair of athletic shorts. His high-performance running sneakers and fitness tracker completed the look. He was on a high-intensity workout, lifting weights with perfect form, sweat glistening on his skin¡ªa testament to his dedication.

    The second man had a handsome face with a strong, straight nose and full lips. His deep brown eyes were warm and inviting, almost golden in the light. Lean and athletic, his muscles were defined but not overly bulky. With a towel wrapped around his waist, he stood under a rain shower, water cascading over his head and body. His hair, wet and slicked back, added to his allure as he occasionally ran a hand through it.

    The last man lay peacefully, his expression relaxed. His slightly tousled hair added a boyish charm to his strong features. His fit and lean physique showed visible muscle definition, even in sleep. He wore a simple, snug t-shirt that outlined his upper body and comfortable pajama pants. He lay on his back, his chest rising and falling with each breath, the natural light from the window highlighting his face.

    "Sravan, wake Teja and also put a towel on the shelf by the shower," Sriman reminded.

    "Get up, lazybones. We don''t have all day," Sravan said, tapping Teja''s stomach.

    "Ugh, I''m getting up. Just give me a minute," Teja mumbled, clutching his pillow tightly.

    Sravan grabbed a bottle of cold water and poured a capful onto Teja.

    "Damn it, Sravan! I said I was getting up," Teja yelled, as Sravan darted up the stairs, laughing.

    Later, the three visited the waterfall and lake as planned, but skipped Tanmarg to spend more time skiing.

    ~At the Skiing area~

    Sravan POV:

    I was thrilled to say the least, about yesterday''s surprise. According to our plan, we were supposed to visit their home on the fifth day. Grandpa and Uncle had duties until then, while Grandma and Aunty were stuck in Mumbai, unable to book tickets since we informed them a little late.

    I haven''t met them in years, and this would be a joyous occasion.

    We arrived at the skiing area around 12:30 PM. I was in the parking lot, catching up on company news while waiting for them. When I saw a white Benz pull up in front of me, I pocketed my phone. Army personnel customized for Grandpa the car, with its sturdy glass and sleek frame. He often boasted that it could take on a tank. Old folks sure take pride in their vehicles.

    "Hey champ, how''ve you been?" Grandpa greeted me with a hearty pat on the shoulder¡ªhis version of a pat was pretty strong.

    Standing at an impressive 6 feet 5 inches, even in his early 70s, Grandpa commands respect. His face, lined with wrinkles, tells tales of battles fought and years served. His piercing gray eyes, though softened with age, still flash with intensity. Neatly trimmed silver hair hints at his disciplined life. He maintains a robust physique, with broad shoulders and a straight posture. Dressed in well-fitted casual clothes, his deep, resonant voice carries authority, tempered with wisdom and kindness. In social settings, he''s reserved yet approachable, blending gravitas with warmth. He listens more than he speaks, but when he does, his words carry weight, reflecting the commanding officer he once was and the wise elder he''s become.

    "Ouch, that hurt, Grandpa," I winced at the sharp pain. "I''ve been great. How about you?"

    "We''ve been well, son. How''s your job?" Grandma asked in her soothing voice.

    Grandma has a petite but commanding presence. A former businesswoman and investor, her sharp brown eyes exude intelligence. Her elegantly styled, silver-streaked hair reflects her meticulous nature. Graceful and active, she''s often seen in chic, professional attire. Despite her stature, she carries herself with confidence and poise. Her voice is clear and decisive yet warm, making her a natural leader. She is engaging and articulate, making others feel valued. Her presence complements Grandpa''s, blending strength and elegance, reflecting a life of achievement and wisdom.

    "It''s going well, Grandma. I might get promoted if my project gets the Chairman''s approval," I said, moving behind her to escape Grandpa''s ''pat of love.''

    "Congratulations, Sravan. We''ll throw a family party if you pull that off," I heard Aunty Vimala say as she congratulated me.

    Aunty Vimala is a beautiful woman with a warm, compassionate aura. Her soft, expressive eyes radiate kindness and understanding. Her hair, often worn in loose waves, frames her face beautifully, adding to her natural charm. She works at a charity foundation, where her dedication and empathy shine. Her elegant yet approachable style, often seen in modest but fashionable clothing, reflects her inner grace and commitment to helping others. She is engaging and kind, easily making others feel comfortable and valued. Her presence is both calming and uplifting, embodying a blend of beauty, intelligence, and compassion that complements her husband''s strength and leadership. Together with Uncle, they form a harmonious and supportive partnership, admired by those around them.

    "Becoming an executive in just two years and getting your second promotion¡ªit''s definitely worth celebrating," Karthik Uncle added.

    Uncle Karthik, standing at 6 feet tall, is a lieutenant general. He has a commanding presence, with a strong, athletic build inherited from his father. His sharp gray eyes mirror his father''s intensity and wisdom. His neatly trimmed hair, just beginning to gray, adds to his distinguished appearance. Known for his leadership and strategic mind, he has earned respect and admiration from his peers and subordinates. His demeanor is calm and authoritative, yet approachable, making him an effective and inspiring leader.

    "Thanks, mom," I replied to Aunty, as she liked to be called ''mom'' instead of ''Aunt''

    "How come you call her ''ma,'' but you still call me ''Uncle'' instead of ''Dad?''" he asked, playfully sulking.

    "You promised me a bike of my choice if I got promoted, and it''s been due for a year," I reminded him, pointing out his missed promise.

    "I was planning to give it to you tonight," he said.

    "Thanks, Dad," I replied, which seemed to irk him a bit despite being satisfied.

    "Materialistic kid," he grumbled with a smile.

    "Don''t blame my son; it''s your fault in the first place," Aunty scolded him.

    "Let''s go inside. Kids shouldn''t be left waiting," Grandpa suggested.

    We had a great time together. Aunty had a hard time learning to ski. Surprisingly, Uncle and Grandpa weren''t good at skiing despite being in the military zone with most snowy hills.

    "I got promoted pretty fast because of my merits, and I didn''t need to do some training courses," Uncle defended, trying to justify his lack of skills.

    "Same for me and I had war merits, so I skipped some posts, thereby the training," Grandpa said, not at all embarrassed, unlike Uncle.

    "That''s pretty stupid if you ask me," Aunty said.

    "You are lucky that we are skilled, Dad. Our visits to Hill stations saved us from embarrassment," I said, making him feel more embarrassed. "Also, Don''t worry Mom, I''ll teach you," I assured Aunty.

 [3]The Terrorist Attack

    ~ Next day ~

    "Doesn''t the bridge feel strange today?" Sriman asked, his voice laced with unease.

    "Aww man, everything feels off for me," I replied, trying to shake off the lingering discomfort. "Maybe that weird vibe from the guard rubbed off on me." I still couldn''t get past the guard''s odd reaction when he saw Grandpa. When I asked about it, he muttered something about Grandpa looking like a ruffian because of his build and style.

    "Do you think he mistook your Grandpa for a terrorist? Or maybe he got spooked because your grandfather''s an Army General, and he knows that" Teja suggested with a half-hearted chuckle, trying to lighten the mood.

    "Don''t jinx it, idiot," Sriman snapped, clearly annoyed by Teja''s flippant comment.

    "Relax. Grandpa has already taken him into custody. There''s nothing to worry about," I reassured them, though the tension in my voice betrayed my anxiety.

    The bridge felt unnaturally warm beneath our feet¡ªa strange sensation, considering we were in a region known for its cold climate.

    "The bridge is probably warm because so many people have walked on it today," Teja reasoned, trying to quell Sriman''s rising paranoia. "There''s a big event at the temple, remember?"

    "Yeah, that makes sense," Sriman finally conceded, though not entirely convinced. "Half my fear is probably from that stupid terrorist movie we watched last night."

    As we continued walking, our chatter gradually faded, drowned out by the swelling noise of the crowd.

    Unknown POV:

    ''The plan was flawless, bombs were supposed to be in place by tomorrow. The dome on the bridge, made of glass, would make it difficult for snipers to aim, as it would be blurred due to the winter mist. Hijacking a bridge and exchanging the safety of the hostages for release of our boss ¡ª it was a brilliant move.''

    ''But all of it¡­ ruined by that old man and his son. I hope Omar and Khalid can take over the operation without me. They are new to these things.''

    ''Ugh! I should have got the main team here. I didn''t even have time to give a signal to them. ''

    ''I hope they will be careful with the remote. ''

    "AH!" I screamed as pain shot through me. The old man had just ripped off another nail.

    "Nabir Kasim," the voice from the speaker growled, cold and relentless, "I won''t ask you again. What is the operation, and how many of you are here?" The man on the other side of the glass stared at me with cold eyes.

    "Vijay Kumar," I spat back, blood dripping from my mouth. "You should have gone to that meeting in Delhi. You made a mistake and it will cost you, the lives of your family."

    I saw his face tighten at my words, his composure cracking for just a moment. "Your wife, your son, your grandchildren¡­" I hissed. His eyes darkened at the mention of his grandchildren. "Ah, yes, your grandchildren¡ªthey will die too."

    ''He has a grandchild?? Doesn''t matter. The more I rile him up, the better.''

    "They will die," I mocked, pushing the dagger deeper.

    A sudden, searing pain exploded in my head as I was struck hard with a steel spike. My vision blurred, and my consciousness slipped away. But before darkness claimed me, I mustered the last of my strength and shouted, "Tum kitne Afzal maroge, har ghar se Afzal niklega! Kashmir is ours!"(No matter how many of us you kill, more of us will come from every house!)

    General Vijay''s POV:

    "Damn these dogs," I muttered, the venom in the terrorist''s words still gnawing at me. "Karthik, where are Vimala and the children?" I asked, my voice thick with urgency.

    "They should''ve reached the temple by now," he replied, his expression grim.

    We were getting nowhere with this bastard, and I didn''t have the luxury of time to wait until he regained consciousness. We had no idea how many of them there were or what their objective was. I couldn''t wait for them to make the first move, to voice their demands. The temple¡­ The temple¡­

    "Are they planning to hijack the temple?" I asked, the question tasting bitter on my tongue.

    "No, Dad, I think we need to consider more possibilities. But just in case, I''ll have the choppers land at the temple. They should be there in a few minutes," Karthik said, already moving to execute the plan.

    But something kept gnawing at me. What else could they do? The temple¡­ no, it''s not an easy target. What''s the path they took to infiltrate¡­ the path¡­ THE BRIDGE!

    "THE BRIDGE! They''re going to either blast or hijack the bridge!" I shouted, the realization crashing over me like a tidal wave. '' It made perfect sense¡ªnarrow, difficult for snipers, and cloaked in fog.''

    "Call Anitha ma, I''ll inform Sravan," Karthik said, urgency now matching mine as other officers scrambled to update the reinforcements.

    Ring¡­ Ring¡­

    "Hello, Vijay. What happened with that guard?" Anitha''s voice came through the phone, calm but curious.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    "He''s a terrorist. Where are you right now?" I demanded, my concern sharpening my tone.

    "Oh Bhagawan, I''m just outside the counter, taking offerings from the luggage. Where are the children?" she asked, her voice tinged with growing worry.

    "I''ll call you back," I said hastily, ending the call before she could reply.

    "Karthik, did you reach Sravan? Where is he?" I barked.

    "He''s on another call. I called Vimala instead," Karthik responded, the tension mounting.

    The call connected.

    "Karthik, where are you?" Vimala''s voice was casual, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing.

    "I''m with Dad. Where are you?" Karthik asked his tone tight.

    "I''m on the bridge. People have stopped¡ªsomething''s happening ahead," she replied, irritation creeping into her voice.

    "The children, where are the children?" Karthik''s voice was rough, barely masking his fear.

    "He''s talking to Honey Beti," she replied, her voice softening when she mentioned our goddaughter.

    "You need to get off the bridge, NOW!" I shouted into the phone, my heart racing.

    "What''s going on? Why are you so anxious? Is it about that guard?" she asked, anxiety starting to seep into her voice.

    BOOM!

    The explosion ripped through the air, followed by the shrill beep of a disconnected line.

    "Damn it! Move! Get the guns from the locker!" I yelled at Karthik, who stood frozen in shock.

    Vimala''s POV:

    I felt anxious as my father-in-law ordered us to move away from the bridge. I was just about to inform Sravan when¡ª

    "BOOM!!!!!"

    An explosion erupted at the far end of the bridge, shattering the exit point. Everything vanished in a deafening roar, and my senses were overwhelmed by the panicked screams of the crowd. I couldn''t see or hear anything but chaos.

    Suddenly, the sharp sound of gunfire cut through the noise.

    "Quiet!!" a voice barked, menacing and cold.

    The crowd fell silent, fear tightening its grip on every soul.

    "The bridge is under our control. Silence your damn devices. I don''t want to hear a single sound!" the assailant commanded.

    My heart pounded in terror as the reality of our situation sank in. I turned , searching desperately to find Sravan.

    "Where are the other two?" I whispered, my voice trembling.

    "I think they''re ahead of us. I hope they''ve reached the temple. Are you okay, Ma? Are you hurt? What did Grandpa say?" Sravan asked, his words rapid and filled with concern.

    "I''m fine, beta. Grandpa ordered us to move back and maybe board the car," I replied, trying to steady my voice.

    "Don''t worry, Ma. We''ll get out of this. I promise," Sravan said, pulling me into a protective embrace.

    "We will, my child. We will," I murmured, resting my head on his shoulder, trying to draw strength from his resolve. I remembered how Karthik had sent Sravan through a rigorous two-month military camp. Perhaps it was that training that gave him this confidence now.

    ''Bhagwan Krishna, please help us,'' I prayed silently.

    "Sravan, Aunty, are you both alright?" Sriman''s voice called out as he and Teja crawled toward us. We were all forced to crouch, hands on our heads, obeying the orders of the terrorists.

    Then, a sound pierced through the stillness¡ªwee-woo, wee-woo¡ªthe unmistakable wail of police or military sirens.

    ''I hope we get out of this alive. Please, don''t let this become another Taj Hotel,'' I prayed fervently, feeling the icy grip of fear tighten around my heart.

    General POV:

    There were five assailants, each armed with rifles, their faces hard as they communicated with their superiors over the phone. Despite the crowd''s attempts to stay quiet, the collective murmurs filled the air, growing louder as time passed without any official response.

    Then, something happened¡ªa device slipped from one of the terrorists'' pockets and hit the floor.

    "BOOM!!!!! BOOM!!! BOOM!!!"

    Explosives detonated beneath the bridge, nearly collapsing it. The blast obliterated most of the terrorists, all except for their leader, who was hurled back into the crowd.

    Panic surged like wildfire. The crowd began to stampede, the bridge swaying under the sudden, desperate movement. Sravan, with his aunt in tow, was nearing the entrance when he heard consecutive shots ring out. Without knowing where the bullets were headed, he instinctively dropped to the ground, shielding his aunt with his body. The bullet struck his shoulder, pain exploding through him, but he didn''t falter. Steeling his nerves to bear the pain, he lifted his unconscious aunt and pushed forward, staggering toward the entrance.

    Meanwhile, Sriman and Teja struggled, children in their arms, their small bodies marked with bruises and shoe prints from the stampede''s chaos.

    "We made it, barely," Teja gasped as they reached the entrance, his voice trembling from fear and relief.

    "I told you not to jinx it," Sravan replied, trying to lighten the situation, ignoring the throbbing pain in his shoulder, adrenaline dulling the agony.

    "There are still children on the bridge!" a desperate voice shouted.

    "My son! He''s missing!" a mother wailed, her voice cracking with despair.

    "Come on, we can still find them!" Teja yelled, sprinting back toward the bridge without a second thought.

    "This is suicide! I told you Kashmir was a bad idea for a vacation!" Sriman muttered, despair coloring his words, but he followed anyway, knowing he couldn''t let his friend go alone.

    "Hurry, let''s make this fast," Sravan urged, his training kicking in, guiding him through the fear.

    As they rushed back, Sravan noticed a device lying beside the unconscious terrorist . It looked like control device. His mind raced¡ªthis could be an opportunity. He fished a USB stick from his pocket.

    "I''m putting SOLIS (Self-Optimizing Learning Intelligence System) into this thing," Sravan said, doing something he thought if successful could help damage the satellite it is connected to.

    "That is the company''s new project, isn''t it? We haven''t even tested it! That''s an half finished piece an it might damage the system." Sriman reminded him, panic rising.

    "If it fails, it''s their problem, not ours," Teja retorted, his focus unyielding.

    Sravan inserted the device and got back to rescuing the kids.

    Lot of young guys like them were doing the same.

    They gathered the remaining children, hoisting them onto their shoulders, and began moving away from the still-breathing terrorist.

    "Guys, one of them is moving!" Teja shouted, his voice sharp with fear. The small group still on the bridge panicked, their terror renewed.

    "To the entrance! Don''t look back!" Sravan ordered, his training dictating their best chance for survival.

    They ran, but it was too late. The terrorist triggered another explosive, the bridge collapsed in their wake.

    "Throw the kids! Now!" Sriman screamed, hoping that the children would be saved from the damage.

    They hurled the children forward with everything they had, praying they would reach safely without harm. But they didn''t have time to see if it worked.

    "Well, this is it. We''re all going down together," Teja said, a resigned smile playing on his lips, masking his fear.

    "Five more seconds, and we''ll see each other in the heaven. Teja, this is your fault¡ªyou jinxed it, so you''re going to hell," Sravan said, managing a weak laugh despite the gravity of their situation.

    The friends closed their eyes, bracing for the inevitable. There was no smile, no defiance, just the heavy weight of despair settling over them as they accepted their fate.

    Thud.

    Thus ended the lives of three brave friends, and many young people, who, unbeknownst to them, helped the world. Their act of inserting a half finished mechanical intelligence of their company had caused the bases of many terrorist group to be stored back in their personal server. Which was found by their families and sent to the governments. Countless awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, would later be bestowed posthumously upon them. But these events would unfold only after their sacrifice.

 [4] Line for AfterLife

    <b>[Sravan''s POV]</b>

    I should have listened to Sriman and canceled the trip. Maybe then¡­ Maybe I wouldn''t be dead.

    The thought hit me like a slap. Dead. It was such a heavy last word. My mind scrambled for distractions, reaching for anything trivial to stop me from spiraling.

    If there were an award for saving kids, my friends would probably get it. I''m just the guy who tagged along. I chuckled dryly. But hey, if they do decide to give it to me, at least I''m not around to argue about it.

    I clung to these random musings, using them as a shield against the reality creeping in. Pathetic, right? But what else am I supposed to do? Wallow in it?

    Then a strange thought struck me. Wait¡­ how am I even thinking?

    Panic bubbled up in my chest. Am I still alive somehow? Maybe my body''s in shock, and my brain''s doing this weird thing to cope. Or worse¡­ My heart¡ªor whatever I had now¡ªraced. Did some mad scientist find me and decide to turn me into their pet project?

    I prayed to every deity I could recall, even the obscure ones I wasn''t sure actually existed. Please let this be a dream. Or a mistake. Or¡­ anything but some Frankenstein experiment.

    Suddenly, a searing white light engulfed me. Reflexively, I raised my hands to block it, though I didn''t even know if I had hands anymore. As the light receded, I squinted and slowly opened my eyes.

    I was standing. Or at least, I felt like I was. Around me was a long line of people dressed in white coats, stretching endlessly in both directions.

    What the hell¡­? I leaned out of the line to get a better view, but a sharp jolt of energy zapped me back into place.

    "What the fu¡ª"

    [Teja''s POV]

    Where am I? The question repeated in my head, but the more it repeated, the more uncomfortable I felt. My last memory was falling, the wind tearing past me, my heart pounding as I reached out instinctively for something¡ªanything¡ªto hold on to. Then¡­ nothing. No pain. No darkness. Just¡­ here.

    I flexed my fingers, relieved that I could move them, though they felt strange, lighter somehow. Testing further, I swung my legs¡ªand immediately regretted it when I toppled over.

    "Fuc¡ª! That hurts!" I groaned, rubbing my back.

    Wait¡­ why did I fall out of bed? Slowly, I opened my eyes. A dog was staring at me¡ªno, it wasn''t just staring; it was studying me, its gaze unnervingly intelligent.

    I froze. That''s¡­ odd. Is this some kind of therapy animal?

    Before I could process it, a rough, gravelly voice interrupted my thoughts.

    "Move, human."

    I spun around, only to find the same dog standing upright. Its bird-like claws clicked against the floor, and its humanoid torso looked bizarrely well-proportioned. My brain scrambled for an explanation. Am I hallucinating? Is this some weird coma dream?

    "Did you not hear me? Move," it repeated, its tone sharper this time.

    "Uh¡­ sorry, sir¡ªI mean, um¡­ dog?" I stammered, standing up awkwardly.

    The creature sighed dramatically, its tail wagging slightly in what I assumed was exasperation. "I am Charlie Labrador from Pawndora, not dog. And you are?"

    I blinked at him, my mouth opening and closing like a fish. "Uh¡­ Teja?"

    "Hmm, typical human response," Charlie muttered, shaking his head.

    "Screw that question," I retorted, still unable to wrap my head around the surreal encounter.

    "How do you know I am human?"

    "Oh, obviously," Charlie answered, his tone now tinged with a shade of pride. "Humans are always lost puppies when they first come here- confused, frantic and endlessly curious. And you have that salted scent of panic. Dead giveaway."

    "Smell?".He is a dog alright.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    "Yes, smell. Do not stare at me like that; it is not a stink. Rather. very humanoid," Charlie said, wagging his tail excitedly .

    "Right. So, um, where exactly am I?" I asked, cautious .

    "You are in the queue to your last rest," Charlie reported matter of factly. "After death, we all are judged and then we are sent to where we''re supposed to go. Easy peasy."

    My stomach-or whatever equivalent I had now-dropped. "So, I''m actually. dead?

    "Yes, that''s how you end up here," Charlie said, tilting his head as if wondering why I was so slow to catch on. "Honestly, you humans are so dramatic about it."

    I opened my mouth to argue, but something-or rather, someone-further down the line caught my attention. A woman stood there, her feline ears twitching as she conversed with someone. Her figure was graceful, her presence magnetic, and her movements fluid like silk in the wind.

    I couldn''t help but stare.

    "Ah, I see you''ve noticed Miss Purrfection," Charlie said with a chuckle, following my gaze.

    "She''s¡­ beautiful," I said, hardly aware I was speaking out loud.

    "Careful, human," Charlie said, his voice serious now. "She''s a Sphinxette. They''re charming, sure, but they can be¡­ dangerous."

    I blinked, glancing away. "Dangerous? How?"

    "Let''s just say the last human who ogled her like that didn''t exactly stick around for judgment," Charlie said, his voice dropping ominously.

    "What happened to him?" I asked, my voice shaking.

    Charlie looked at me for a long time, then leaned in closer. "She ate him."

    I took a step back, my mind racing. "She what?"

    "You heard me," Charlie said, his tone casual, as if discussing the weather. "She grabbed him, tossed him up like a treat, and gulped him down in one bite. Honestly, it was impressive-disgusting, but impressive.

    I couldn''t help but let my imagination run wild. Images of her turning into a monstrous, toothy ''IT'' like creature filled my mind.

    "Bloody hell," I muttered, shaking my head to dispel the horrifying thoughts. "Why would she do that?"

    "Humans have a certain¡­ flavor," Charlie said, smirking. "You''re all so full of emotion and chaos. It''s irresistible to certain beings."

    "She didn''t look like a monster," I said, still trying to reconcile the image of her elegant beauty with Charlie''s words.

    "They never do," Charlie replied. "That''s the point."

    I glanced back at the woman, who had now noticed me staring. Her lips curled into a playful smile, and she winked. My face grew hot, a blush creeping up my cheeks.

    "Don''t do it, human," Charlie said, his voice a low growl. "Don''t let her think you''re interested."

    I looked away, my heart¡ªor whatever I had now¡ªracing. "Right. Got it. No eye contact with the man-eating cat lady."

    Charlie chuckled. "Smart choice. Stick with me, and you might survive this line."

    [Sriman''s POV]

    I should''ve canceled the tour when I felt that bad feeling.

    The idea stayed, weighty and sour. It matched the nagging sense I brushed off on the bus, that strange cold when we hit the bridge, the skin prickles when the kids ran too near the side. I ignored it all. Dumb. If I had just¡ª

    I stopped myself mid-thought. It made no sense to think about that. It''s not like I could fix anything now.

    Now? What even counts as now?

    I blinked¡ªor so I thought. It didn''t feel like blinking. It felt like remembering a blink.

    Everything around me was dark. This darkness didn''t just block sight; it seemed to eat every sensation. I couldn''t feel my arms or legs, but somehow, I knew they existed. My sense of time went weird¡ªseconds stretched into minutes, or maybe minutes shrank into seconds.

    Am I dreaming? No, this feels... different. Clearer. Sharper.

    A scary thought crept into my mind. Am I in a coma? Is this what it''s like¡ªtrapped in your head waiting for your body to give up?

    My chest got tight¡ªexcept it didn''t. I had no chest to tighten. Just the ghost feeling of fear creeping through a body I wasn''t even sure I had anymore.

    Then it dawned on me.

    Hold on... am I dead?

    The word bounced around in the void. My heartbeat¡ªor whatever was left of it¡ªsped up. No, that can''t be right. There''s supposed to be... light, or angels, or... something?

    I tried to remember my last moments. Wind howled in my ears. The bridge broke under us. I reached out to grab someone¡ªanyone¡ªbut missed. I fell and fell and fell...

    Oh God, I am dead.

    This thought hit me like a ton of bricks. My mind raced grasping at every scrap of info I''d ever heard about what comes after death. Do I face judgment now? Is there a heaven? A hell? Or is this... all there is? This endless void?

    A sudden blinding light cut through my panic. It wasn''t soft or like I''d pictured. It was harsh and sterile, like the glare you''d see in a hospital operating room.

    "Hey! Hello! Mister!"

    A high-pitched voice snapped me out of my downward-spiraling thoughts. I squinted against the light and saw a figure take shape in front of me. As the light faded, the outline sharpened into a girl¡ªno, a young woman. She had two pigtails that bounced as she moved and looked at me with annoyance, like how someone might look at a misbehaving child.

    "Cute¡ª" I said without thinking then wished I hadn''t.

    "Hmph!" she snorted folding her arms and lifting her chin.

    "I''m sixteen, you dummy! And just so you know, you should say beautiful, not cute!"

    Sixteen? I held back a chuckle. She looked no older than twelve.

    "I''m sorry, miss. I didn''t mean to upset you," I said trying to calm her down. "I''m Sriman. What''s your name?"

    She eyed me with doubt then gave in. "Mirinda."

    "Mirinda, do you know where we are?"

    Her frown vanished replaced by an almost cocky look. "You don''t know?" She let out a big sigh, like I''d just flunked an easy quiz. "We''re in the place where they judge us after we die. They''ll check our lives and send us to the right afterlife."

    Her explanation came with big hand movements that were charming but didn''t help much.

    Afterlife judgment? My mind reeled. This wasn''t a dream. I had died, and now some celestial office was about to choose my destiny.

    "Thanks for telling me, Mirinda," I said trying to appear cool. "I hope you end up in heaven."

    Her face lit up right away glowing at the praise. "Of course I will! I''ve been an angel my whole life. But you..." She looked me up and down, her eyes getting smaller. "You''d better watch out, or you might land... somewhere else."

    Her statement gave me the chills, but I couldn''t tell if it was because I felt scared or if the whole situation seemed too weird to be real.

 [5] John Wick

    [General POV]:

    As the three friends struggled to make sense of their bizarre surroundings, chaos erupted elsewhere. Inside the dimly lit corridors of the afterlife bureaucracy, two agents squared off in a heated debate, their angry voices bouncing off the cold marble hallways, creating an unsettling echo that made even the most seasoned spirits shudder.

    "What do you mean, ''Stop the process''?" Agent Marcus snapped, his face flushing with frustration. The mere suggestion of halting the afterlife judgment process made his blood boil, metaphorically speaking. "Do you have any idea how much backlog this will dump on the next shift?" he demanded, his fists clenching so tight his knuckles turned white. The stack of pending cases already threatened to topple from his desk, and this interruption would only make matters worse.

    Agent Sarah let out a long, weary sigh, the burden of her message weighing heavily on her shoulders. Dark circles under her eyes hinted at countless sleepless shifts spent managing the delicate balance between life and death. "Look, Marcus, it''s not my call," she explained, her voice carrying both resignation and determination. "The Boss issued the order himself. He said this matter is top priority¡ªit simply can''t wait."

    "The Boss?" Marcus froze mid-rant, his eyes growing wide as saucers. "You''re telling me he sent the message? Himself?" His voice cracked, betraying a vulnerability that rarely surfaced through his tough exterior. The last time the enigmatic figure¡ªone of the most powerful cosmic entities in existence¡ªhad directly intervened in anything, entire galaxies had shifted. If this wasn''t some cruel practical joke, then whatever was unfolding had to be earth-shattering.

    "Yes, straight from his cosmic line," Sarah confirmed, lowering her voice to barely above a whisper, as if speaking any louder might summon his attention. The surrounding air seemed to grow heavier with each word.

    Marcus slumped against his desk, massaging his temples as the implications of this development crashed over him like a tidal wave. "If it''s really him... this can''t be good. Not good at all."

    ~At the ''Afterlife Corps Headquarters''~

    "Miss Purrfection, what brings you to these halls?" Agent Reynolds asked, his sharp eyes scrutinizing the feline warden with obvious suspicion. The higher-ups rarely granted someone of her position¡ªeven a warden¡ªpermission to approach the Boss, the mysterious cosmic entity who ruled their realm with absolute authority.

    "They''ve assigned me some special work," she replied, drawing herself up to her full height as her ears twitched with anticipation. "A soul in my jurisdiction needs escorting here, nyah~. Two other wardens received similar assignments," she explained, her tail swishing back and forth with unmistakable pride at being chosen for such an important task.

    "Just complete the assignment quickly¡ªand for heaven''s sake, stop snacking on souls," Reynolds barked, his words cutting through the air like a knife as he fixed her with a disapproving glare. "Your personnel file is bursting with complaints about your questionable dietary choices."

    Miss Purrfection''s ears flattened against her head, and her tail puffed up in indignation. "Grrr... that backstabbing fool promised to keep my record spotless!" she hissed through clenched teeth, her razor-sharp claws extending and retracting rhythmically. Her golden eyes narrowed to dangerous slits as she muttered darkly, "One of these days, I''ll make him regret crossing paths with me..."

    With an irritated flick of her tail and a defiant "nyah~" that echoed through the hallway, she turned on her heel and stalked away, her graceful movements belying the storm of emotions brewing beneath her composed exterior. The click of her claws against the marble floor faded into the distance, leaving behind a tension that hung in the air like a gathering storm.

    ~Main Office~

    The faint tring... tring... of a bell pierced through the lavishly decorated corridor outside the grand office, its crystal-clear notes bouncing off the marble walls adorned with ancient tapestries and ethereal artwork. Inside, an imposing oak desk dominated the room, its surface deliberately cluttered with papers that created an organized chaos only its owner could decipher. The boss lounged behind it, making his antique chair protest under his weight as he studied a holographic report floating inches from his face, sharp eyes darting across the translucent display. The golden name tag gleaming on his impeccably tailored suit proclaimed "John Wick" in bold letters, though the choice seemed more like a playful rebellion against protocol than a mark of authority.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    "You can come in, Ismelda," his deep, commanding voice filled the room as the heavy door swung open with a drawn-out creak.

    Ismelda strode in, her movements precise and purposeful, radiating the brisk efficiency that had become her trademark. Her silver hair flowed behind her like liquid moonlight, complementing her razor-sharp, no-nonsense demeanor perfectly. "Do not call me by nicknames you invent, sir," she snapped, her words dripping with familiar exasperation.

    "Come on, lighten up, sis," John chuckled, his fingers dancing as he manipulated a golden coin between them with practiced ease. "And really, must you stick to these stuffy formalities? I''m your brother, not some medieval tyrant ruling from a dark tower."

    Ismelda''s piercing gaze cut through his jovial attitude like a blade through silk. "You''re the overseer of the afterlife, John. Show some dignity, especially when we''re expecting visitors. And that ridiculous name tag? Take it off right now before someone sees it."

    John let out an exaggerated groan but complied, tucking the offending tag into his pocket with theatrical reluctance. "You''re such a killjoy," he muttered, his expression mirroring that of a scolded child.

    "You brought this on yourself when you showed Mother those medieval period dramas. Now she''s determined to mold you into some proper aristocrat while explicitly banning any influence from your preferred entertainment choices."

    John''s lips curved into a mischievous smirk as he settled deeper into his chair. "Yet here you stand, playing the role of a devoted butler to perfection. Mother would be proud."

    Ismelda crossed her arms, her stance rigid with disapproval. "Two agents are approaching with the files you requested," she informed him curtly, steering the conversation away from dangerous waters and back to pressing matters.

    The playful atmosphere evaporated instantly, replaced by a heavy silence broken only by approaching footsteps echoing through the corridor. The door creaked open again, revealing two agents who entered with measured steps, their pristine uniforms and tense expressions betraying the gravity of their mission.

    "Here are the life records from the three lines you requested, Boss," the agent announced, her voice steady despite the nervous energy radiating from her. She presented the thick dossiers with both hands, maintaining proper protocol.

    John''s transformation was immediate and striking. The playful glint in his eyes disappeared, replaced by an intensity that seemed to charge the very air around them. His movements became precise and deliberate as he began examining the files, each page turn accompanied by the soft whisper of paper.

    "The wardens are finishing their paperwork outside," she added, standing at attention.

    John nodded without looking up from the documents, his focus absolute. "Send them in once they''re done," he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of his authority. "And make sure they understand this clearly, we have zero tolerance for any breach in discipline. They serve as our representatives, and I expect nothing less than perfection."

    The tension in the room thickened as John continued his scrutiny of the files, the fate of countless souls potentially hanging in the balance of whatever decision he would make.

    "Sir, there''s a complication," the second agent blurted out, his voice cracking with barely concealed anxiety. His hands fidgeted with the hem of his pristine uniform, betraying his nervousness in the presence of such authority.

    John''s piercing gaze snapped up from the documents, his eyes blazing with an intensity that made the agent take an involuntary step backward. "What complication?" The words sliced through the air like a sharpened blade, each syllable dripping with carefully controlled tension.

    "A warden..." the agent swallowed hard, his adam''s apple bobbing visibly, "claimed a soul from one of these lines." The admission hung heavy in the air, the weight of its implications pressing down on everyone present. Sweat beaded on the agent''s forehead despite the room''s comfortable temperature.

    "Was it a sinner?" John''s question came out as sharp as a whip crack, his fingers gripping the edge of his ornate desk until his knuckles turned white. The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.

    The other agent straightened his spine, squaring his shoulders as if preparing for a physical blow. "Yes, sir," he confirmed, his voice steadier now, though a slight tremor still lingered beneath the surface.

    John released a measured breath, his fingers beginning a rhythmic dance across the polished wood of his desk. The sound echoed in the tense silence like a countdown. "Then the situation isn''t beyond repair," he declared, his voice carrying both authority and a hint of calculated patience. "What''s your name, Agent?"

    The young man before him froze like a deer caught in headlights, genuine surprise flickering across his features. "I... I wasn''t given one, sir," he admitted, shifting his weight uncomfortably from one foot to the other.

    John leaned forward, his presence filling the space between them like a gathering storm. His unwavering gaze pinned the agent in place. "I''m not asking for a ''title''," he emphasized, each word precise and deliberate. "You don''t qualify for one yet. I''m asking for your name."

    The agent''s confusion was palpable as he struggled with the concept. "I''m not familiar with mortal conventions, sir, but I named myself Marcus" he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

    A slow, predatory grin spread across John''s face, transforming his stern features into something almost playful, yet somehow more dangerous. "Perfect," he purred, satisfaction evident in his tone. "From now on, you''re Cain."

    "As you wish, Boss," the newly christened Cain responded, bowing slightly at the waist, clearly relieved to have a designation at last.

    The tension in the room lingered like smoke after a fire as John leaned back in his chair, the files still clutched in his grip. "Now," he announced, his voice cutting through the atmosphere with surgical precision, "let''s deal with this mess before it spirals out of control."

 [6] Reunion

    [Sravan''s POV]:

    "What the fu¡ªwas that?" I groaned, my hands massaging my throbbing legs. The shock that had torn through my body felt like being hit by lightning while getting tasered ¨C definitely not an experience I''d recommend. Every muscle screamed in protest as if I''d just run a marathon through an electrical storm.

    My eyes darted around, trying to make sense of the bizarre landscape stretching endlessly before me. It looked like someone had taken a highway, painted it with starlight, and suspended it in cosmic mist. Faint trails pulsed beneath my feet, humming with an energy I could feel in my bones. The whole scene felt like stepping into a sci-fi movie, but the sensations were too real, too immediate to be special effects.

    That''s when I spotted him ¨C a figure that looked like he''d walked straight out of a fever dream about law enforcement. His uniform seemed to shimmer with its own inner light, and the glowing stick in his hand pulsed with what I could only describe as living energy. Each pulse sent ripples through the surrounding mist, creating patterns that hurt my eyes if I looked too long.

    When he noticed my presence, I hesitated before raising my hand in what I hoped was a friendly wave. "Hey, over here!" I called out, trying to ignore how my voice echoed strangely in this impossible space.

    His footsteps made soft tap-tap sounds as he approached, each step leaving brief afterimages of light. His uniform, I noticed, seemed to repel the swirling mist around us, maintaining its pristine condition as if protected by an invisible shield.

    "Thank you for coming, sir," I managed, forcing myself to sound calmer than I felt. "Can you tell me where we are?"

    He fixed me with a look that mixed sympathy with subtle amusement, like a teacher addressing a particularly slow student. "Looks like your world had some interruptions during the transfer," he explained, gesturing vaguely at the cosmic highway surrounding us. "That shock must''ve delayed the alignment of your soul and consciousness."

    Interruptions? Transfer? My mind raced to make sense of these cryptic terms, each one adding another layer of confusion to my already bewildered state. The cosmic highway seemed to pulse more intensely, as if responding to my growing unease. Before I could voice the dozen questions swirling in my head, he continued speaking.

    "When you reach the start of this line, you''ll be assigned to either heaven or hell, depending on how you''ve lived your life." His voice carried the practiced ease of someone who had delivered this speech countless times before. The glowing stick in his hand cast dancing shadows across his face, making his expression even harder to read.

    My stomach clenched tight, a very human reaction in this otherworldly setting. "Isn''t that... biased? I mean, isn''t it impossible to decide what''s right and wrong in an absolute sense?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them, echoing strangely in the misty void. As soon as they left my mouth, I wished I could snatch them back from the shimmering air. The cosmic highway beneath my feet seemed to vibrate with my discomfort.

    "I''m sor¡ª" I stumbled over my words, trying to backtrack.

    He lifted the glowing stick, cutting through my apology with a casual wave. "Oh, don''t worry. The judgment isn''t based on human moral principles or any abstract mortal ideas. The deities of your world set their criteria for judgment. We just follow their parameters." The stick pulsed brighter as he spoke, sending ripples through the surrounding mist.

    I blinked rapidly, my mind struggling to process this information while the starlit path continued its gentle hum beneath my feet. "Well... I guess that makes sense," I offered, though doubt gnawed at the edges of my thoughts. Trusting gods to define fairness feels like trusting a cat to guard milk. The absurdity of the comparison almost made me laugh despite the gravity of the situation.

    "Thank you for explaining," I said, forcing myself to focus on the figure before me rather than the swirling cosmic mist. "If you don''t mind me asking, what''s your role in all this?"

    His posture shifted instantly, pride radiating from every shimmer of his uniform. "I''m the warden of this line," he announced, his chest swelling with importance. "I ensure no rogue soul disrupts the process and oversee logistics for the transition." The glowing stick seemed to pulse in sync with his words, emphasizing each point.

    Even here, there are departments, I thought, fighting back an exasperated groan. Guess bureaucracy really is universal. The cosmic highway flickered beneath me, almost as if agreeing with my observation.

    "I see," I nodded, watching how the movement created ripples in the surrounding mist. "Thank you for your help, and good luck with your work."

    He responded with a slight bow, his stern features softening momentarily. "Good luck on your journey to the afterlife," he said, turning away. As he walked, the glowing stick left trails of light that danced and swirled in the misty air, creating patterns that seemed to tell their own mysterious stories.

    I watched his retreating form dissolve into the cosmic fog, each step leaving a fading footprint of light. The enormity of what lay ahead pressed down on me like a physical weight. Whatever waited at the end of this starlit path, I had a gut feeling it wouldn''t follow any rules of fairness I understood.

    The departure of the warden left a rather unnatural silence in the air, such as that which lingers after a loud sneeze: heavy, expectant, and slightly unpleasant. I looked down upon the cosmic highway below me, an ethereal pulsing glow casting gently under my feet. And then, to whether or not I should take a step ahead or stay standing there, hopefully waiting for a guide to explain everything. But in that seemingly infinite otherworldly space, I was filled with the impression of both unimportance and an unusual form of power. Apparently, fate had other plans because a soft, almost imperceptible beep came from my side, cutting through the cosmic silence like a gentle whisper.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    A sleek tablet materialized out of thin air, its emergence accompanied by a subtle shimmer of light that reminded me of sunlight dancing on water. It looked as if it were plucked from some sci-fi diner menu, complete with glowing edges and smooth surfaces, a floating display just beneath the crystalline surface. It floated there, hovering just out of reach for me to feel slightly annoyed, gently dancing in the space between us. You know, the sort of irritation when someone holds up their phone in front of your face when you are already staring at the screen, except this was somehow both more fascinating and more annoying.

    I reached for it, and with a gentle float back into my palm, the device''s interface suddenly lit up a warm, bright glow as though it already felt my hand snatching it, and the glassy surface was both solid, yet ethereal, under the touch of my fingers. On the screen glowed the greeting: "Welcome to your afterlife selection. Please select your paradise preferences, ", in elegant fluid text that appears to ripple around the screen like water.

    Wait, what? I just got a tablet in the afterlife. I couldn''t help but smirk at the absurdity of it all. "Wow, really upping the game, huh? This is like the next level of ''choose your own adventure''¡­ except without the chance to die over and over in weird ways." The irony of thinking about dying while already being dead wasn''t lost on me.

    The screen popped up with a menu so extensive it looked like a combination of Netflix, Uber Eats, and a dating app all mixed together, but with infinitely more options and categories that seemed to stretch beyond the boundaries of imagination. Paradise? Check. Luxuries? Double check. Eternal relaxation? Yeah, that was definitely on the list. But there were so many options, each more extravagant than the last, branching out into subcategories that seemed to anticipate every possible desire.

    "Want mountains of gold and feasts of endless delight? Or perhaps your own galaxy with a thousand suns to play with? Oh, and would you like the ability to throw in any extra features, say ''year-round beach weather'' or ''rain that smells of fresh pine''? The possibilities scrolled endlessly: each one a little more compelling than the last, like some cosmic wish list with no bottom.

    I snorted, my finger hovering over the screen. "I mean, why not? Why limit myself?" The idea of customizing my eternal existence was so patently absurd it left me simultaneously laughing and slightly overwhelmed.

    Suddenly, Teja''s voice echoed in my mind, teasing: "Sure, add ''infinite pizza that never gets cold,'' too. And maybe a theme park with zero rollercoaster accidents. Heaven, right?" Her familiar sarcasm brought a smile to my face, even in this surreal situation.

    I rolled my eyes, half in amusement and half in nostalgia. "Teja, you are so obsessed with food. But you know what? You''re not wrong. A pizza that never gets cold would be nice." The thought of eternal perfect pizza made me chuckle¡ªleave it to Teja to think about food even in discussions about paradise.

    Sriman''s voice joined in, flatly: "Yeah, but don''t forget the 24/7 all-you-can-eat snacks bar, the one with no lines. You know, for when you wanna grab a quick bite between ''eternal bliss'' sessions." His dry was a perfect riposte to this pomposity.

    "Perfect. I''ll just add a personal snack dispenser," I muttered sarcastically, tapping in my preferences with increasing amusement. "I mean, who''s gonna stop me? I''m dead. I should be able to choose whatever I want." The absurdity of customizing the afterlife like a mobile phone plan wasn''t lost on me, but somehow, it felt perfectly fitting for this bizarre situation.

    As I completed my selections, I couldn''t help but grin, amazed at how surreal all this was getting. This whole afterlife business? It was turning out to be pretty user-friendly, almost like setting up a new smartphone, except with infinitely higher stakes and considerably more cosmic implications. At least I wouldn''t have to deal with any bureaucracy back in the living world¡ªno more endless forms, no more waiting in lines, no more dealing with grumpy government officials. "Now that''s what I call ''living the dream,''" I muttered to myself, with just a little bit of sarcasm in my voice as I wondered how this cosmic restaurant could possibly top the sheer absurdity of this¡ªa customizable paradise ordered through what was essentially a celestial tablet.

    The tablet buzzed in my hands, its surface pulsing with a gentle light. "Selection complete. Proceed to next stage." And with that, I had officially entered the afterlife with my very own customized, slightly ridiculous paradise, complete with endless snacks and perfect pizza. But hey, who said the afterlife couldn''t be a little fun, or even a lot fun?

    Teja, in my head: "You know, I thought the whole judgment thing would be more. dramatic. This is practically a vacation planning session."

    Sriman: "Wait for it. There''s gotta be a catch. Paradise with no strings attached? That''s like expecting free WiFi without watching ads first."

    I snorted again. "Well, let''s find out what cosmic surprises await us."

    I froze mid-thought, my heart skipping several beats. Those voices pierced through my consciousness with an unsettling familiarity that made my skin tingle. With deliberate slowness, I turned around, and my jaw dropped so low I thought it might unhinge completely. "No way..." The words escaped in a breathless whisper.

    Teja and Sriman stood there, wearing those signature smirks that had annoyed and amused me countless times during our friendship. They looked exactly as I remembered them, as if they hadn''t just casually strolled through the barriers between life and death, shattering every rule of afterlife logic I''d begun to understand.

    "This is the best day ever!" Pure joy erupted from my chest as I launched myself forward, wrapping my arms around them both in a bone-crushing hug, making this surreal moment feel achingly real.

    "Should''ve known hell would look like this," Sriman quipped, but his face split into that characteristic grin that stretched from ear to ear, his eyes crinkling at the corners just like they always did when he was genuinely happy.

    Teja, quick-witted as ever and never one to let a moment pass without his signature sass, jabbed back with perfect timing. "If you two are here, I''m definitely in hell." His eyes sparkled with that familiar mischief that had gotten us into countless adventures¡ªand trouble¡ªback in the living world.

    "How dare you?!" I clutched my chest in mock outrage, channeling all my theatrical skills. "We''re the ones suffering here! We were on our way to heaven, living our best afterlife, and this is what we get¡ªyour face again." I gestured dramatically at his features, fighting to keep a straight face.

    Our laughter burst forth, rich and genuine, filling the strange space around us with echoes of pure joy. The sound bounced off invisible walls, creating a symphony of friendship that defied death itself. But a low, commanding voice that carried the weight of authority suddenly sliced our moment of reunion through. "You three really are good friends."

 [7] An offer you cant reject

    We spun around in perfect synchronization, and the atmosphere transformed instantly. The man before us looked like he''d stepped straight out of a high-budget action movie. He stood tall and broad-shouldered, power radiating from his very presence like heat from a furnace. Between his fingers, he manipulated a coin with casual expertise, the metallic surface catching and reflecting the dim light in hypnotic patterns. His sharp jawline could cut glass, and those piercing eyes seemed to see straight through our souls¡ªwhich, given our current location, might actually be possible.

    The name tag adorning his impeccably tailored suit read John Wick, and I swear the entire room seemed to bend toward him, as if even space itself acknowledged his presence.

    "I am John Wick," he introduced himself, his voice smooth as aged whiskey but with an underlying danger that made my spine tingle. "Pleasure to meet you."

    I straightened my posture instinctively, offering a slight bow. "Sravan. The pleasure''s mine." My voice came out steadier than I expected.

    "Sriman," my friend followed, his usually casual tone taking on a formality I rarely heard from him.

    I reached up to rub the back of my head, already cringing at what I knew I''d find. "The other guy is Teja. He''s probably off... making friends with your companion." I tried to sound apologetic while explaining our friend''s predictable behavior.

    John raised a single eyebrow but showed no signs of offense. "I see."

    And there he was¡ªTeja, in full dramatic glory, kneeling before what had to be the most ethereally beautiful woman I''d ever seen. She glowed with an inner light, her silver hair flowing like captured moonbeams, and her sharp features radiated authority. Yet those emerald eyes held a vulnerability that Teja, true to form, had instantly detected.

    "May I have the honor of knowing your name, milady?" Teja extended his hand with theatrical flourish, his charm cranked up to maximum.

    The woman blinked, her cheeks coloring a delicate shade of pink. Given that no one else in this otherworldly space seemed capable of blushing, this reaction was... intriguing.

    John''s chuckle rolled through the space, warm but tinged with mischief. "It seems your elf charm¡ªor perhaps your incubus instincts¡ªhave my stoic sister blushing."

    The woman cleared her throat, her composure cracking like thin ice under spring sun. "My name is Ismelda," she managed to say, her voice floating through the air like a whisper of silk, softer than anyone would expect from someone who radiated such power.

    John''s lips curled into a knowing smirk as he tilted his head toward his sister. "So, you''re finally embracing the name I gave you, dear sister?" His words danced with centuries of shared memories and playful jabs.

    Ismelda shot him a glare that could have frozen hellfire, but her fierce expression melted under his teasing like snow in sunshine. "Impossible," she muttered, her face blooming into a shade of crimson that would make roses jealous. "No mortal should have this effect on me. Not in all my centuries of existence."

    Teja, ever the opportunist and wearing his most charming grin, seized the moment like a master performer taking center stage. "I guess I''m not just any mortal," he declared, his eyes twinkling with that familiar mix of mischief and genuine warmth that had always gotten him both into and out of trouble.

    I groaned loudly, burying my face deep in my hands, feeling the familiar exasperation that came with being Teja''s friend. "Please, for the love of whatever''s holy in this realm, ignore him. He does this whenever things get too serious. It''s his... unique way of dealing with tension. Like a cosmic court jester."

    John didn''t seem bothered by the theatrical display. In fact, amusement danced in his eyes like starlight. "Interesting friends you have," he observed, his voice carrying notes of genuine intrigue.

    "Interesting is putting it mildly," I muttered, watching Teja continue his performance with a mix of embarrassment and fondness.

    John''s expression shifted then, his features settling into something more serious but maintaining that underlying warmth. "So," he leaned forward slightly, "what were your lives like before you found yourselves here?"

    I exchanged quick glances with my friends, reading the silent agreement in their eyes. "Well," I started, shrugging my shoulders, "we''re already dead, so there''s really no point in keeping secrets. Besides, I''m pretty sure you''ve got detailed files on all of us somewhere in your cosmic filing cabinet."

    The room transformed as we shared our stories, the formal atmosphere melting away like morning frost under sunlight. We laughed about our misadventures ¨C like the time Teja convinced us to crash a wedding just because he liked the decorations, or when Sriman accidentally started a flash mob in a library. We teased each other mercilessly about our embarrassing moments, and somehow found ourselves explaining some of our more questionable life choices to these cosmic beings.

    As the stories flowed, we learned that John and Ismelda weren''t just powerful figures in the afterlife ¨C they were fundamental to the entire judgment process. The revelation that these cosmic beings, who held the power to determine souls'' fates, engaged in sibling banter like ordinary humans added an absurd layer to our already surreal situation.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    By the time our stories wound down, I couldn''t tell if this was an official judgment, an informal interrogation, or simply cosmic beings taking a break from their eternal duties to be entertained by mortal tales. One thing stood crystal clear: this afterlife defied every expectation we''d ever had about death.

    The air grew thick with anticipation as Sriman leaned forward, his usually carefree demeanor giving way to seriousness. "John," he ventured, his voice steady despite the weight of the question, "can you tell us why we''ve been brought here?"

    John settled back in his chair, his piercing gaze sweeping over us like a searchlight. "First, let me be clear about something. I''m not just another cog in this machine. I run this entire afterlife judgment system." His voice remained calm but carried an authority that made the air itself seem to stand at attention.

    Teja''s face drained of color faster than a sunset in winter. "Hold up... You''re telling me I just flirted with the sister of the supreme boss?" His voice cracked like a teenager''s, horror dawning in his eyes.

    John''s laughter boomed through the room like thunder, shattering the tension. "Don''t worry about that," he said, flashing a grin at his still-flustered sister. "It''s been centuries since anyone made her blush. You''ve done me a favor."

    Ismelda shot another deadly glare at her brother, her cheeks still painted with a faint pink, while Teja tried his best to become one with his chair, as if hoping to disappear into the fabric of reality itself.

    John''s expression shifted, his playful demeanor melting away like morning frost. "Now, let''s talk about why you''re really here." He paused, letting the weight of silence press against their ears. His eyes held a depth that spoke of countless centuries, maybe even millennia of existence. "Living forever comes with its own set of problems. And the biggest one? It''s not what you''d expect ¨C it''s boredom."

    Sravan couldn''t help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from his chest like champagne fizz. "Boredom? You''re telling me immortal beings get tired of living forever? Come on! We humans survived years of calculus and still came out sane!"

    John''s lips twitched into a knowing smile, one that held centuries of understanding. "That''s exactly it. Try doing the same things not just for years or decades, but for thousands upon thousands of years. Even the strongest minds start to crack under the weight of endless time."

    He leaned forward in his chair, his eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement, like a child about to share a fantastic secret. "That''s when everything started changing. One of our entertainment gods ¨C yes, we have those ¨C came up with this brilliant idea. Instead of creating new worlds from scratch, why not dive into the incredible stories mortals were already creating in their own worlds?"

    "Hold up," Teja interrupted, his jaw dropping like a broken elevator. "Are you saying you guys actually binge-watch our stuff?"

    "Oh, it''s much bigger than that," John replied, his smirk growing wider with each word. "It sparked a revolution across the cosmos. Entertainment became the lifeline for countless divine beings. We couldn''t get enough of it. And then, just recently, this startup ¨C and yes, we absolutely have those up here ¨C pitched me something revolutionary."

    "Divine startups?" Sriman''s voice cracked with disbelief, his eyes wide as dinner plates. "Like some celestial version of Silicon Valley?"

    "Why not?" John shrugged, the gesture somehow both casual and elegant. "This particular one calls themselves Nebula Stream. They''re pioneers in mixing mortal creativity with divine innovation. Think Netflix meets cosmic consciousness."

    "What''s their big idea?" Sravan leaned forward, curiosity dancing in his eyes like flames.

    John rose from his seat with the grace of a cat, his presence filling the room like morning sunlight. With a casual flick of his wrist ¨C as easy as someone swatting a fly ¨C a new chair materialized out of thin air. The furniture looked both ancient and modern, impossible yet perfectly real. He settled into it directly across from them, folding his hands in his lap with deliberate slowness. His gaze locked with each of them in turn, like a spotlight finding its targets.

    "They want you," he said, his voice soft as velvet but sharp as steel.

    The trio exchanged confused glances, their expressions a perfect mirror of bewilderment. "Us?" Sravan echoed, the word hanging in the air like mist.

    "Yes, you three specifically," John confirmed, leaning forward slightly. "Nebula Stream wants to launch their first program with you as the stars ¨C it''s a groundbreaking concept where mortals become the main characters in a cosmic storyline."

    Teja''s hand shot up like an eager student''s, his face scrunched in confusion. "Look, I barely passed my school plays. I don''t think we''d make very good actors..."

    Ismelda''s laughter trickled through the room like wind chimes in a gentle breeze. "Oh, sweetie, this isn''t about pretending. This is about living."

    John''s grin widened until it seemed to light up his whole face. "Exactly right. Let me explain it better." He dropped his voice to just above a whisper, yet somehow it filled the entire room like thunder. "What if I told you there''s a second chance waiting for you? A chance to leave everything you know behind, start fresh in a completely different world, and write your own story from the beginning? No baggage. No restrictions. Just pure, unlimited potential."

    The silence that followed felt heavy enough to touch. Even Teja, who usually had a joke ready for every situation, sat speechless, his wit finally failing him.

    John''s voice resonated through the room with a mesmerizing cadence, each word pulsing with power. "You wouldn''t just exist as background characters ¨C you''d become the heartbeat of a story that spans across countless dimensions. Picture your every decision sending ripples through the fabric of reality, your journey witnessed by countless beings across the cosmos. This isn''t just about surviving; it''s about crafting a legacy where every breath you take shapes the universe itself."

    Sravan''s heart thundered against his ribs, each beat echoing the magnitude of what lay before them. The offer wasn''t merely about cheating death ¨C it promised something far more intoxicating: the chance to become legends in a story that transcended mortal understanding.

    "Tell me the downside," Sriman cut through the tension, his words barely disturbing the air. His eyes narrowed, searching John''s face for any hint of deception.

    John''s laugh rolled through the room like distant thunder, genuine amusement dancing in his ancient eyes. "The downside? Only that you''ll need to embrace uncertainty. Trust your gut when logic fails. Rely on each other when the path grows dark. This isn''t some scripted performance ¨C it''s raw, unfiltered existence at its most primal and unpredictable."

    The silence stretched between them like taffy, thick with possibility. John settled back, his smile taking on an almost predatory edge. "Well? Are you ready to step beyond the ordinary and into something extraordinary? To become the heroes of a tale that will echo across the cosmos?"

    The air crackled with electric potential, charged with a magnetic pull that seemed to tug at their very souls. Each of them felt it ¨C that irresistible urge to leap into the unknown, to grasp at something larger than themselves. The moment hung suspended, waiting for their answer.