After returning from the IMAA building, Aryan settled into the back seat of Darjan Singh's taxi and gave a firm command.
Aryan: "Summon the rest of your training partners. Take over the operations of this IMAA branch immediately."
Darjan Singh (hesitantly): "But... the invaders...?"
Aryan: "If they come seeking revenge, tell them this — a disciple of Master Brahmananda has taken up his duty."
Darjan Singh (startled): "Wait... you're a disciple of the Great Grandmaster Brahmananda?"
The truth was that IMAA — the Indian Martial Arts Alliance — had been founded by Master Brahmananda to revive the ancient Indian martial spirit across the nation. However, after his sudden disappearance, several foreign martial clans began infiltrating and either trying to control or completely dismantle the traditions IMAA upheld.
Aryan (calmly): "And I've known from the beginning that you're no ordinary driver. You're a martial artist."
Darjan Singh: "What level are you trained in? Third tier? Fourth?"
Aryan: "Third."
Without another word, Darjan dropped Aryan off at the hotel. Before leaving, Aryan shared two secure contact numbers with him and gave a final instruction — not to allow any disruption under any circumstance.
In reality, IMAA followed an ancient seven-tier martial system. Most practitioners barely reached the second or third levels. Aryan, however, was already at the seventh — the final level. Upon its mastery, one would be honored as a Great Grandmaster. Yet Aryan preferred to stay grounded, keeping his identity hidden.
Later that day, Darjan Singh returned to the IMAA building. He summoned his former training partners and seniors. Word spread fast. Soon, people of all social classes — elite, middle, and lower — gathered outside the building.
Darjan Singh (addressing the crowd): "From this day forward, this branch of IMAA is under our command."
Martial Artist from the crowd (nervous): "But this branch was controlled by Shaolin Masters!"
Another martial artist: "If they find out we're practicing Indian martial arts in their absence, they won't hesitate to kill our entire families."
Darjan Singh (firmly): "They won't be returning. Five of their top masters were defeated right here — each slain with a single strike."
Crowd (buzzing): "Who is the new master?"
Darjan Singh: "I know you're all curious. But now isn't the right time to reveal his identity. What I can tell you is this — he is not one of the eight known disciples of Great Grandmaster Brahmananda. He is someone new. Someone who wants us to rebuild IMAA from the ground up."
Crowd (whispers): "Could it be Ravish Shergill? Another disciple of Brahmananda?"
Darjan Singh: "I can't confirm that. But our new master has given his command — revive IMAA. And he will attend our inauguration ceremony soon."
Martial Artist: "But what if the Shaolin masters return for vengeance?"
Darjan Singh: "Fear not. Our new master will stand with us."
Motivated and inspired, the martial artists quickly got to work. By the end of that very day, under Darjan Singh's leadership, they had regained control of all martial arts zones in Maharashtra.
---
The Next Day — A Call
Darjan Singh (on the phone): "Greetings, Master Aryan."
Aryan: "Yes, Darjan. What's the update?"
Darjan Singh: "We've secured all operational zones within 24 hours. The inauguration is scheduled for tomorrow. But there's a problem — funding. All of IMAA's financial assets were stolen by the foreign invaders. Each member is now trying to gather funds through their own networks. We hope to raise enough for future activities."
Aryan: "Don't worry about the money. Come to my hotel."
Darjan Singh: "I'll be there shortly."
---
30 Minutes Later — The Hotel
Darjan arrived in his taxi. Aryan stepped in and gave directions to an old mansion on the outskirts of the city. Upon arriving, Darjan couldn't help but ask:
Darjan Singh: "Master Aryan, why are we here?"
Aryan: "There's something I need — weapons. Special ones."
Darjan Singh: "But we already have an arsenal strong enough to counter foreign invaders."
Aryan (sharply): "Would those weapons work... against Master Brahmananda's other disciples?"
Darjan Singh (surprised): "But why would Brahmananda's own disciples fight against IMAA?"
Aryan: "Because they all want to claim the Grandmaster's legacy. Sooner or later, I'll have to face them. And when I do, I'll need something... exceptional."
They began searching the mansion. After some time, Darjan found a collection of rare weapons and laid them out.
Aryan (disappointed): "None of these are what I need."
He walked toward a thick stone wall that separated two rooms. Placing his hand gently on its surface, the wall crumbled instantly — revealing a glowing sword embedded in stone. Aryan grasped it. The blade responded to his touch.
He turned to Darjan.
Aryan: "We'll take everything. Especially this."
---
Later That Evening — A Quiet Park
Aryan: "How much funding did you say you needed to run IMAA?"
Darjan Singh: "About ₹5 crores would be sufficient."
Aryan: "I'm giving you ₹100 crores. But don't run IMAA the old way. Expand. Spread your wings — not just in the surface world, but into the underworld as well."
Darjan Singh (respectfully): "As you wish, Master Aryan."
Aryan: "Use it wisely."
Darjan Singh (after a pause): "But... there's a bigger issue than money."
Aryan: "What issue?"
---
What challenge is Darjan Singh facing beyond finances?
Can Aryan truly resolve these deeper conflicts?
And who exactly are the other disciples of Master Brahmananda?