“Tell me something, AR.” Aksh waited. “When the mission ended… and you were sitting alone in that hospital room… who were you then?” For the first time— Silence from Aksh wasn’t strategic. It was heavy. After what felt like an eternity Aksh finally spoke. “Who I was, who I am doesn't matter, Hukum.” And there was another blow.

The word Hukum pinched Rishikesh like never before. The word lingered. Hukum. Rishikesh didn’t react immediately. He just watched him. Then he spoke. “Don’t call me that.” There was firmness behind his words in the way his jaw tightened. Aksh’s expression didn’t change. “It is accurate.”