The Dark Knight

NOTE: This story is a continuation and sequel of my previous action-thriller stories Knight and NH-544 respectively. It’s my first multi-verse concept under the title, “Adhi Universe.” People have to read out the story of Knight and NH-544 in order to understand those story’s connections with this story.

2020:

MUMBAI POLICE HEADQUARTERS:

“India consumes nearly 1 tonne of heroin everyday which is worth more than Rs 100 crore. While countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan remain the main suppliers to India, the trade in the country is controlled by the Israeli, Russian, Italian and Nigerian mafia. There are political supports too for this.” SP Harichandra Prasad tells to Nikhil Reddy and Harshitha with a guilt consciousness striking him.

“Nikhil. You should again go undercover in order to eliminate those 100 mafia leaders.” As Nikhil glared at him, Harichandra Prasad tells him to do so.

“Ok sir. I would do as per your instructions.” Nikhil said.

“I hope you won’t be meeting with any troubles in this mission!” Harichandra asked him to which Nikhil turned back and said: “No sir. I hope I won’t meet such difficulties. Since, it’s just the beginning.” He proceeds to go for the undercover mission, accompanied by Harshitha, who too had been sent by Harichandran as an undercover officer after they looks at some files- related to 100 Drug kingpins of India.

ONE YEAR LATER:

NOVEMBER 2021:

COIMBATORE COMMISSIONER OFFICE:

Meanwhile Ravindran(a resident of Periyar Nagar, Thuvakudi, Trichy district), Arul(another resident of Periyar Nagar) and Ali Bhai(Friend of Ravindran) are murdered by a group of masked vigilantes, who calls themselves as “Dark Knights.” This brings a huge tension in the police department. Henceforth, Police chief Rathnavel organizes a meeting with fellow police officers, further bringing in Akhil and Sai Adhithya.

Akhil and Sai Adhithya salutes the police chief and said: “Sir. We got some important information from Manikandan’s house in Pollachi.”

“What did you get?”

As he asked this, Akhil switched on the PPT and said: “Sir. Manikandan is a Hindu Munnani party leader and have political connections with each and every people. As you called me for investigating this, I gone along with Rashmika in disguise as a trip and got to meet Manikandan’s pregnant girlfriend Yazhini, whom they were to kill. However, we were unable to save her and instead followed her up to Thattoor. There Manikandan’s men mercilessly gang raped Yazhini.”

“Why didn’t you save Yazhini from their clutches guys?” asked JCP George Krishnan to which Sai Adhithya replies: “Sir. She was the only route for us to find Manikandan’s secret warehouse in Thattoor region of Pollachi.”

“What did you find there?” As the police chief asked this, Akhil replied: “As Manikandan and his friends gang-raped Yazhini on one side and Rashmika witnessing it on the other side, I and Sai Adhithya went inside the warehouse of Manikandan. We were shocked to find people wearing masks and producing dangerous drugs inside the building sir. Adhithya collected the evidences through his phone. While, Manikandan’s gang were alerted by our presence and we were forced to escape.”

Quietly hearing this from him, Commissioner Rajalingam asked them: “Let all this be asides guys. How did you both escaped from those dangerous gang?”

Akhil’s three other teammates- Krishna, Vijay, Tejas and Pramoth entered inside the room, where Adhithya now tells: “I faked my death in order to save Rashmika from the clutches of the gang sir. While Akhil finished off the gang of Manikandan, having collected some important information related to drugs. Shockingly we found out that, Manikandan’s arch-rival Mahendran too was supporting his drug business and several other illegal activities. Yazhini was murdered as she got to know Manikandan’s drug trafficking.”

For some hours, the entire police department was in silence when they heard how brutally a corrupt police Inspector was murdered by Akhil in self-defense. Then, Krishna asked Rathnavel: “Sir. Let this all be asides. Why you asked us to come now?”

Silence for a while, he replied: “Akhil-Adhithya. You and your teammate have to investigate about the three murders of three influential people and the mastermind behind that.” They agrees to investigate the case. While, the commissioner asked police chief: “Sir. Why did you give this case to Akhil, even after knowing that he is ruthless and mean?”

“They are undercover police officers, man. They don’t have any identity. You know? Their occupation as IT Employee is just one way of work for them. While, their work would completely be different in other times. They don’t have a proper place. Till their death, they shouldn’t reveal their identity and work.” Akhil and Sai Adhithya meets up with Rashmika, to whom Akhil doesn’t reveal anything about the mission and makes sure that, she is safer in their house having been transferred to Coimbatore. The guys deliberately makes a mistake in an important IT Company project, after which they are fired from the job permanently.

While going to the house of Ravindran in Trichy to investigate, Adhithya asked Akhil: “Akhil. Why you are this much concerned with Rashmika da? She would be safer right?”

Akhil looked at him for a while and asked him: “Have we ever experienced the feel of love when we were children da?”

Adhithya bowed his heads down and Akhil said: “When we were 8 years old, we lost our entire family in 2008 Mumbai blasts. Since then, our only mission was to protect our nation from terrorism and drugs. At that time, I got this pure gift called Rashmika. So, I should handle her with care right?”

As he looked at him, Akhil additionally said: “You too is a good friend da. Present in my difficult situations as well as during our important investigations.” While Adhithya and Akhil goes to Ravindran’s house, Krishna and Pramoth goes to investigate about Arul and Rajendran in the same locality. During the investigation with their family, they revealed these things:

Nagarathinam’s wife said that he was a driver and further said: “Police have arrested and jailed him telling that, he is another man wanted in connection with a drug trafficking case at the Coimbatore airport, when he was to go for an important business contract. Even when he told to the Security force that his friends had given him an empty suitcase and that he was skeptical about it.”

Arul’s wife said: “During the search, 1.2 kg of drugs worth Rs. 2 crore were found in the suitcase. Investigations revealed that my husband Arul and another man Ali Bhai had given the empty suitcase. Police led by DSP Manoharan of the Narcotics Control Bureau were searching for them.

Having collected this information from these two, Pramoth investigated Zareena(Ali’s wife): “How was your husband arrested?”

“Police arrested Arul and also arrested my husband after coming to know that he was hiding in the Athupalam area of Coimbatore last night. I learned that they have been acting as agents and have been giving drugs by a drug trafficking gang in Kerala. I don’t know anything prior to this sir.” As the lady said this to them Adhithya, Krishna, Pramoth and Akhil returned to their house and forms a meeting.

“So, Adhithya. What’s your point of view related to this case?”

Adhithya says: “Akhil. I think, this murder won’t stop just with the death of these three people. It could go on to continue until, we find out who is that Dark Knight and his motives.”

“Yes sir. I too have the same opinion. We have to investigate a lot more about this case, I think.” Krishna and Pramoth said. While, Rashmika entered inside their room with coffee.

“Guys, Take this coffee.” Akhil gets angered and said: “How many times should I say Rashmi? You shouldn’t come inside this room. It’s our personal room. Go outside and stand.” He behaves harsh with her. Hurt, she left the place and stands sadly looking at the sky.

Adhithya feels sad upon hearing this, yet remains quite. While, Akhil continued: “Guys. We have to intensify our investigation method. I mean, we should know lots about the drug mafia in Coimbatore.”

Posing as an post-graduate Visual Communications student out for an important research, Adhithya meets one of his college friend Sanjay Veerarajan in Ramakrishna Arts and Science college, where they embrace and talks for a while, recalling about their school and college days.

Sanjay mocked Adhithya: “Adhithya. You said you would become a filmmaker in future and put me as a hero. Now, you are in post-graduation course at the age of 29 years. What’s this?”

Adhithya however managed and said: “Now, I am doing research for that story da Sanjay. Wanted to know more about drug trafficking mafia here.”

“Why?” As Sanjay asked this, Sai Adhithya said: “Sanjay. I heard from Sanjay Kumar during our second-year that, he used to meet some ganja mafia and drug peddlers to get drugs from them. He have even insisted me to taste the ganja for writing stories. That’s why I am asking.”

Sanjay takes him to the other side of Ramakrishna Arts and Science college, where he showcased the students, consuming drugs, smoking cigarette and drinking alcohol. Adhithya was extremely shocked by seeing this and asked him: “Was there a place like this in our college da?”

Sanjay laughed and said: “Doesn’t you know about this da? Three years, you have studied here too in this condition. It’s just a trial. There are lots that you have to see da.”

“Who sells these drugs da?” Adhithya asked to which Sanjay said: “There are 100’s of drug kingpin in India da. None have seen those people in person. But, one thing I have heard from Sanjay Kumar is that, a person named Samuel is running this drug empire in Tamilnadu. He is settled in Coimbatore.”

“Who is he da?”

Sanjay was initially reluctant to tell about Samuel to him. But, as Adhithya forced him to say, he said: “Don’t tell about him to everyone da. I trust you and say this as said by Sanjay Kumar. He is the leader of the League of Shadows. With this, he sells drugs all over Tamilnadu. But, we never know who is selling him these drugs! None have seen him in person too. But, he have strong political connections.”

Having got these information from Sanjay, Adhithya takes an exit to meet Akhil, after calling him. However, he gets blocked by an woman. Looking at her, he was extremely shocked.

“Darshu. Are you still in Coimbatore? How are you girl?”

“Yeah. I am still here and fine too. Where are you roaming here? You was working as an IT employee right?” Darshini asked to which, Adhithya replied: “Yeah. I have came here for a leave. Tell me about your family. Are you married now? How’s your sister and father?”

Darshini’s face swelled into sadness as he asked this.

“Shall we go to Vinayaka Bakes?” Darshini asked to which Adhithya gladly agreed and went along with her. Darshini said: “Adhithya. My sister was brutally murdered by Drug mafia, when she complaint about them selling drugs in Bangalore. My father died of heart attack, unable to bear her loss. Brother-in-law took his child for safety and I am still now living in Coimbatore.” She broke into tears, after coming from the bakes.

Adhithya said: “Darshini. If you permit, shall I take you with me to my house?”

She hesitates initially. But, agrees to come along with him and embraced him. When going, Darshini recalls how Adhithya loved her madly during the college days. He further was an active participant in NCC during the college days. Since she rejected his love fearing for her sister, Adhithya moved on and joined IT company, learning that she doesn’t love him.

In the house, Darshini meets Akhil and Rashmika and the other guys. Rashmika and Akhil patched up after he apologized to her for his harsh behavior. Darshini comes to know that Adhithya and Akhil were dismissed due to an improper issue in IT company. Yet, she relived herself and started to experience some happier moments with them.

SINGANALLUR RESIDENCY:

Meanwhile, Minister Azhagappan goes to meet Samuel in his house at Singanallur, where he is invited by Samuel’s wife Jessica and Samuel’s younger brother Joseph. After drinking some amount of coffee, Azhagappan requests Samuel to safeguard him fearing for his life, to which he accepts.

When coming outside, Azhagappan’s men asked him: “Brother. Why did you beg him like such? Doesn’t we have men?”

Turning to him, Azhagappan said: “Samuel have connections with each and every influential people da. From police department to terrorists, he is having link. So, we need him now.”

Samuel runs a big drug empire in Tamilnadu and have been working for Ishaan, a ruthless drug-smuggler settled in Daravi ports of Mumbai, from where he have been running the business. None of them have seen Ishaan’s face except Samuel and a few. Apart from being a drug-smuggler, both are god-fearing crime boss, who goes to Church and temple during each and every special events, festivals.

Meanwhile, the sleuths of the Narcotics Intelligence Bureau and the City police spread a dragnet for the drug network following a tip-off that a gang had descended on Coimbatore with packets of heroin or commonly known as brown sugar or smack, which is a drug made from the resins of poppy. Ten drug traffickers who were trying to sell heroin packets with labels stating “100% Afghanistan” have been arrested. However, they are Samuel’s gang members.

A meeting had been organized by Samuel’s henchman Analappan Naidu near to Fun Republic Mall of Coimbatore district. There his men asked: “Brother. Why this sudden meeting?”

“Police suspect us about the recent seizure of Heroin da. It’s actually sent by Ishaan in Mumbai. Police have tightened the vigil in other parts of Tamil Nadu, the drug dealers from Mumbai are pressurizing us. If we are unable to take the drugs, then our entire family would be killed by Ishaan’s men. Hence, we have to take a step to bring back those heroin.” As he is saying this to his men, “The Dark Knight” gang enters inside the room and fights with Analappan Naidu’s men.

At the same time, Adhithya and Akhil were looking for some clues in the case file, given by their Police chief Rathnavel. While studying about the case, Pramoth raise his hands: “Sir. An important newspaper have come here!”

“Show it. What’s that?” Adhithya asked to which, Pramoth says: “Sir. Everything is connecting NH-966 road of Palakkad. There were 224 drug cases since poll announcement on March 11. However, there’s no trace about other things, related to this.”

Akhil however comes across Mumbai newspaper, which had SP Harichandra Prasad’s photo. He looks at Adhithya and said: “Adhithya. Do you recognize him?”

Looking at him, he said: “Yeah da. Is he our senior police officer Harichandra Prasad? Why does he come in this news da?”

“He had been killed by terrorists, a few months back at Jawaharlal Nehru International Port of Mumbai. After this, our other teammates Nikhil Reddy and Harshitha too were killed by terrorists.” Looking at the suspects of drugs, Adhithya comes across: Analappan Naidu, Samuel, Arul, Ali Bhai and Ravindran. He realizes Analappan Naidu to be the next target of those vigilantes. Warning Akhil about this, they rushes to the location of Analappan Naidu to save him.

However, Analappan is killed before Akhil and Adhithya could arrive to the spot. Angered, they chases the people, going in the bike. Akhil shoots one of the vigilantes and capture him, bringing him into his custody. He is none other than Nikhil Reddy.

Looking at some files related to the drug trafficking case, Akhil said: “ACP Nikhil Reddy. We all were the batch of 2011-2013. We took oath to serve for the nation. In this mission, you sacrificed Arul and further had plans to continue the mission of nabbing the drug peddlers as per Harichandra Prasad sir’s orders. Why did you become like this in between then?”

Nikhil Reddy looks up to Akhil and Adhithya. With a smile he asked them: “Adhi-Akhil. Do you remember your childhood days?”

Adhithya remains silent and Akhil doesn’t even utter a single word. Nikhil Reddy said: “You can’t even tell anything about our childhood days da. Because, Mumbai was attacked like such in 2008. We lost our family in that blasts. Since then, our life took a turn. I too was like you only. Dedication and Patriotism. However, Harshitha’s entry changed my whole life. As per the orders of Harichandran sir, I and Harshitha investigated about the drug smugglers. We got to know several shocking truths that, 100 Drug kingpins were spread all over the country.”

As Akhil was silent, Nikhil continued telling: “At that time, we informed police department about the sale of drugs through wedding cards, drones and hidden in sea cargo. Several criminals were arrested. As a retribution, they killed our SP sir and I lost Harshitha too in this mission.”

Nikhil wiped off his tears and said: “We shouldn’t reveal our identity when we are in undercover. But, we lose several of our beloved ones. I lost Arul Aravinth at first. Later on, I lost Harshitha.”

“If you all take revenge like this, then the whole earth would turn graveyard da!” Akhil shouted at him to which Nikhil said: “You won’t understand what I say now. But, will understand later about my pain, when you lose one of your beloved one. During that time, your hands will shiver. Your legs become wet.”

At the same time, “The Dark Knight” group enters inside Minister Azhagappan’s house where he have organized a party to his members. They threatens the people by holding him hostage and kidnaps him. While, an angry Adhithya and Akhil chases him in their respective bikes. As they tried to catch the head of “The Dark Knight” he slits the throat of Azhagappan. Angered by this, Akhil said: “If you are a man, show your face da.”

Watched by Samuel and several police officers, “The Dark Knight” head opens his mask. He have a thick beard, moustache and sports a box hair-cut look. He looked at Akhil and said: “ACP Akhil. Shall we start our mission?”

“Soldier Akash Kumar. You are keeping your promise for the country.” Akash goes in his bike. Samuel and his men laugh upon seeing Akash Kumar’s face.

COMMISSIONER OFFICE, COIMBATORE:

Police Chief Rathnavel calls Adhithya and Akhil to the office, where they are asked by the officers: “Akhil. Any information about this case?”

Akhil tells: “India’s illicit drug trade is being fuelled by prescription drugs and controlled chemicals. India ranked among the 10 countries reporting the biggest opioid seizures in the world in 2019, the report said- India’s opium haul in 2019 was the fourth biggest in the world and of morphine and heroin the seventh-largest.”

As they said this, Rathnavel stopped them and said: “I didn’t ask about drug smugglers or Samuel. I am asking about the head of ‘The Dark Knight.’”

Akhil looked at him and said: “Sir. His name is Akash Kumar. Son of a rich businessman and social activist Ravichandran. When he was ten years old, their business partners: Arul, Ravindran and Ali Bhai murdered his parents in front of him. He was raised by the family butler, Nadesan. Akash spent his next fourteen years travelling the world training in combat. He joined Indian Army and chose to work undercover in trapping Drug smugglers. He exposed the smuggling of prescription drugs and controlled chemicals. Since then, he killed criminals, involved in this case.”

Akhil and Adhithya refused to take up this case telling that, “They are not backing out from this case due to personal reasons. But because, he is executing the criminals for good of the society.” However, Rathnavel follows him and asked: “Why didn’t you reveal several other secrets guys?”

“If I reveal those, then you have to be in prison sir. We know that, you are the mole working for Samuel. From the seizure of 6.5 kilogram of drugs and other precursor chemicals, you have been informing their gang. And you have killed Harshitha brutally with Samuel’s help, as she and Nikhil learnt about your involvement.” Akhil and Adhithya leaves the place. While, Rathnavel’s neck sweats out of fear.

Meanwhile, Akhil and Sai Adhithya takes a M16 gun to Samuel’s house. Surrounded by their men, the duo mercilessly shoots everyone including the cars. The drugs are burnt alongside several of Samuel’s men, including his brother. Samuel escapes the attack with his wife and children, and swears to take revenge against the guys. Akhil destructs Samuel’s house with a bomb. At the same time, Nikhil Reddy escapes from the prison, with the help of Akash Kumar and his men by killing the prison securities and police officers.

Having did this, Akhil and Adhithya decides to go from Coimbatore and informs Darshini and Rashmika to come sooner, so that they can go to Mumbai. However, Samuel’s henchman kidnaps the girls alongside, Akash Kumar’s girlfriend Meghana(as per the information from Rathnavel), whom they kidnaps from her Martial arts school. However, she fights them off bravely and kills those guys.

Meghana is Akash’s childhood friend, grown up with him. They used to play cards, chess and share several things about their life since then. Akhil and Adhithya panicked and goes after to save Darshini and Rashmika as per the locations, prescribed by Samuel. However, it’s too late. Since, Rashmika and Darshini are beheaded by Samuel.

Seeing them, Adhithya and Akhil are completely shattered upon seeing them dead. The guys remembered the words of Nikhil. Deeply frustrated, Akhil-Adhithya joins the gang of Akash Kumar. Due to this, Rathnavel is feared a lot. He arranges the protection for him. However, the guys entered with Pramoth and Krishna’s help.

Rathnavel tries to justify his act to the guys and begs them to spare him. However, Adhithya mercilessly beats him up. As he takes a knife to stab them, Akhil brutally stabs the abdomen of Rathnavel. With tears he said: “Hey. You the fucking retch. Rashmika doesn’t even know about my profession da. We were to start our life together. You spoiled everything eh da!” He stabs the eyes of Rathnavel brutally with the knife. The bloods flowing from his eyes, Rathnavel begs the guys to spare him.

Adhithya however said: “We are going to kill you inch by inch da. I loved Darshini since my college days. She yearned for her mother’s love da. I too got a love. But, you killed her eh da.” He too maims the eyes of Rathnavel. They subjects him to brutal tortures by electrocuting him. Rathnavel begs them to kill, to which Akhil refused and chops off his hands and legs. As he is half-dead, Akhil shoots the forehead of Rathnavel and Adhithya shoots Rathnavel’s dead body for multiples of times.

Looking at Akash and Nikhil, Adhithya and Akhil said: “Akash-Nikhil. We have to kill each and every persons involved in this brutally da. Their death should instill a lesson in the minds of criminals.”

“Hey. Stop da. What nonsense are you talking! If we kill them, will these criminals stop selling drugs? They would continue to harm the lives of several people da. In school days, we have seen people consuming ganja and drugs. It would be shining and happier initially. But, would impact our lives later on.” Akash said to Nikhil Reddy. While, he looks at Akhil and Adhithya to whom he asked: “Just as they killed your family, you wanted them dead for personal reasons. But, don’t forget that 100’s of those people still exist in India. Our main target is to make our India a drug-free society. Drugs are the main reasons for increase in criminal activities.”

The guys realize their mistakes and decides to continue their mission in tarnishing the drug-culture. Akash goes to his secret location, where he have stored seized drugs and further informs Samuel and his men. After making ready the LAW-80 and Mimi Machine gun, Akash brings Meghana to the place, where she kills Samuel’s men. In the process of fighting the men of Samuel, Nikhil dies by implanting suicide bomber in his body. While, Akash destroys the vehicle of Samuel and kills several of his men. Samuel is left with no one. Hence, he injects himself with a morphine, through which he fights off with Akhil and Adhithya. They fell down the ground.

Meghana destroys the drugs of Samuel by bombing the go down, where they have stored the drugs. Samuel is shattered. Since, his dreams to form a own drug empire are all shattered. He runs behind Meghana to kill her with a knife. However remembering the death of Darshini and Rashmika, Akhil-Adhithya steadily gets up and throws a grenade towards Samuel, which makes him to fall the other sides. The guys fights off with Samuel brutally. In the ensuing fight, Akhil and Adhithya emerges as a winner.

Akhil takes his gun to shoot down Samuel, remembering the death of Rashmika. However, Akash Kumar stops him and said: “Now too, you are not using your presence of mind friends. He shouldn’t experience his death with one bullet.” Akash takes a knife and keeps it in the neck of a frightened Samuel and said: “His death should be like this. Slight amount of blood should come from his neck.”

“No, no. No!” Samuel shouted. While, Akash continued saying: “He must be feared and then, his head should go somewhere far.” Akash beheads him brutally. Akhil and Adhithya were still more dissatisfied with this and stabs the dead body of Samuel multiples of times, until their tears come to control.

TWO MONTHS LATER:

DARAVI, MUMBAI:

Akash gains Meghana’s respect and love, which he had been longing for so many years since childhood days. However, Akash said to her: “Meghana. I love you begins by I, but it ends up by you. My love for you is past the mind, beyond my heart and into my soul. But, we can’t be together!”

Meghana feels sad and asked him: “Why Akash?”

“Because, India needs me at present. If India no longer needs my help, we can be together.” Akash said to her, to which Meghana emotionally hugs him. Akash and his men become a public hero for destroying the drugs, that are harmful to the society and Akhil reveals to Adhithya that he has purchased important arms and weaponries from a Russian gang for their undercover mission. They mourns the death of Darshini and Rashmika before leaving for the next mission. While, Akash’s senior officer calls him and tells: “Akash. An important update about Ishaan. He had organized a meeting with his men in Daravi.” He promises to look into it and goes to the place.

“Ishaan. Everything is over. Our drugs were burnt. Main people behind this are: Akhil, Sai Adhithya, Akash Kumar and Nikhil Reddy. Nikhil had been killed along with Samuel. We doesn’t know the location of other people.” Ishaan plays chess with his partner Luis and hears the words from his men.

Another henchman of Ishaan tells: “Ishaan. We have developed this crime syndicate by starting from scratch, opposing several gangsters like Dawood Ibrahim and Haji Masthan. But, public are getting aware of Drug consuming’s impact. It’s better we can shift for other business. We are fearing for our life now.”

Ishaan takes a knife and beheads his henchman. Laughing with an evil smile, he said: “Should we fear or close our business? Drugs are the major business in our country da. How can we stop it.” Looking at his men, he said: “Guys. Those who are opposing us should be killed. Ok.”

“Yes sir.” His men said and they dispersed the meet. Ishaan wears his spectacles and goes inside his car. Unknown to him, Akash Kumar had been watching his moves and he calls Akhil telling him, “Akhil. You and Adhithya remain in Tamil Nadu to execute this mission da.”

“Then, what about you da?” Akhil asked in panic to which, Akash said: “I have lots of pending work to get accomplished at present da.” Implying to them that, he is continuing the mission of RAW Agent with the pseudonym of “The Dark Knight.”

EPILOGUE:

Akash Kumar, Akhil and Sai Adhithya’s mission continues.