The shadow of Husmain Ali

---

Chapter 3: The Shadow of Husmain Ali

The newsroom buzzed like a restless hive. Phones rang, reporters argued over deadlines, the glow of monitors painted faces in pale blue. But for Sushant, all that noise faded as he stared at a single name on his notes: Husmain Ali.

The whispers had followed him for weeks. A businessman with an empire of wealth, hotels, clubs, and warehouses. But beneath the polished image was a darker truth — drugs, human trafficking, political puppetry. Nobody dared write about him. Even police officers looked away, and fellow journalists spoke his name with lowered voices.

But Sushant couldn’t look away. He was too curious, too stubborn, too committed to truth. And maybe, deep down, he wanted to prove to himself — and to Rahul — that courage was not just about lifting weights.

His editor called him into the cabin. “Sushant, listen. This story is poison. People who touch Husmain’s name don’t live long enough to publish.”

Sushant forced a calm smile. “Then maybe it’s time someone finally does.”

---

That evening, he walked into a luxury hotel lobby where the meeting had been arranged. Crystal chandeliers hung above, polished marble reflected the lights, and soft jazz curled around the room like smoke. To any outsider, it was paradise. But Sushant felt his chest tighten with every step — this was a predator’s den.

And then he saw him.

Husmain Ali entered with the confidence of a king surveying his kingdom. Tall, broad, his dark suit perfectly fitted, he looked like wealth carved into flesh. But his eyes betrayed him — sharp, predatory, the kind of eyes that didn’t just see people, but consumed them.

“You’re the journalist?” Husmain’s voice was smooth, almost charming, but laced with danger.

Sushant stood tall. “Yes. I’m writing about the underworld connections in business.”

Husmain’s lips curved into a slow smile. He circled Sushant the way a lion circles prey. “Do you know what happens to men who try to expose me?”

“I know,” Sushant replied. His heart raced, but his voice did not tremble. “They disappear.”

Husmain leaned closer, his breath carrying the sting of whiskey. “Then why haven’t you disappeared yet?”

Sushant met his gaze. “Because I haven’t published it… yet.”

For the first time, Husmain’s smile faltered. Then he chuckled — low, cold, menacing. “Brave words, boy. But remember — bravery and foolishness look the same, until the grave proves which one you chose.”

---

That night, Sushant returned home with his notebook clutched tight. Rahul was waiting, arms crossed, brow furrowed.

“You’re late,” Rahul said. “And you look pale. What happened?”

Sushant forced a laugh, trying to mask the tremor in his hands. “Just a long interview. Nothing serious.”

But Rahul’s eyes narrowed. He knew Sushant was hiding something.

And Sushant knew… his life had just stepped into a shadow from which few ever returned.

---

---

🔻 Conclusion of Chapter 3

That night, long after Rahul had fallen asleep, Sushant sat awake on the balcony, notebook in hand. The city lights blinked below like a thousand restless eyes, but all he could see was Husmain Ali’s smile — sharp, dangerous, unforgettable.

Every instinct screamed at him to stop, to burn his notes, to pretend the meeting had never happened. Yet, his pen hovered above the paper, unwilling to surrender.

Rahul stirred inside, muttering in his sleep, and for a moment Sushant looked back at him. Rahul’s presence was strength, safety, love. But in the shadows, Husmain’s words echoed like a curse:

“Bravery and foolishness look the same, until the grave proves which one you chose.”

Sushant closed his notebook slowly, his chest heavy with fear and determination. He didn’t know it yet, but by crossing paths with Husmain Ali, he had stepped onto a road where love and danger would collide — and nothing in his life would ever be the same again.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***