The three of them started walking with the uncle. As the path went forward, the jungle grew denser. The trees spread their branches above them, almost as if trying to hide them.
"Uncle, don't the people here know about the office?" Varun asked restlessly.
"No, son," the uncle continued looking ahead, "this place has been kept top secret. The public doesn't come down this path."
For a moment, Roshit glanced at Varun, then softly said, "I don't feel right about this, guys. I don't know where he's taking us. You both stay alert, we might end up getting robbed alone."
Varun nodded in agreement, "I say we run away now. I don't trust this guy either."
Ayaan took a deep breath and then said slowly, "What are you both talking about? We're in the middle of the jungle. Where are we going to run?"
The uncle suddenly stopped and looked back at them, "Hey, what are you all fussing about?"
The three of them instantly fell silent. Ayaan, trying to maintain composure, asked, "Nothing, uncle. We just wanted to ask if this office is really here?"
The uncle smiled and quickened his pace again, "Yes, beta, here we are, we've reached."
The three of them stopped in their tracks. In front of them was a place… but it was completely different from what they had imagined.
Ayaan, Varun, and Roshit stared at each other.
Roshit squinted his eyes and quietly said, "Is this the place?"
Ayaan took a step forward, then shook his head in confusion. "This is just a hut."
The hut looked completely old and simple. Walls made of mud and wood, a roof made of grass, and a tiny window that offered just a glimpse into the darkness inside.
Ayaan, Roshit, and Varun looked at each other, as if trying to confirm that this wasn't some kind of prank.
"Uncle, are you messing with us?" Roshit asked bluntly, irritation clearly visible on his face.
"This is just a hut! Why did you bring us here?"
Without saying a word, the uncle reached into his pocket and pulled out an old phone. The screen had tiny cracks on it, as if ready to tell an old story.
"Come on, let's go inside," the uncle said calmly, as if he was completely used to whatever was about to happen.
Roshit immediately took a step back.
"Uncle, we're not going in! We don't trust you—who knows what's inside," he said firmly, his voice full of resistance.
The uncle gave a faint smile, but there was an unfamiliar depth in his eyes.
"Oh kids, don't be scared! It's not what you're thinking. Just step inside once," he said in a mysterious tone.
The three of them were still filled with doubt, their feet rooted to the ground.
Varun folded his arms and said,
"Uncle, anyone would refuse to enter a place like this. How can this be an office? You're definitely up to something. We're leaving!"
The uncle took a deep breath and placed his hand on his head.
"You guys just keep talking!" his voice rose slightly, but there was still an eerie calmness on his face.
Then, He turned on his phone's torch and flashed it into the hut. "Just take a look inside once. You'll understand everything."
Inside was a small room, dimly lit by a little light coming through the single window. On the wall hung an old photo of Lord Shiva.
"See, there's nothing inside that could harm you," the uncle said calmly.
Ayaan was still confused. "But uncle, there's no office inside either. What are we even supposed to do in there?"
The uncle slapped his forehead, as if tired of their constant questioning. "BRO! the office is inside! Just come in first."
Ayaan was hesitant, but his feet slowly started moving forward. Varun and Roshit exchanged a glance, then silently followed behind him.
The uncle also stepped inside behind them. As soon as they entered, he took out his phone from his pocket and opened an app. A glowing button appeared on the screen, as if it was about to unlock a hidden secret.
Without saying a word, he pressed the button.
Suddenly—
The ground began to shake.
A strong vibration, like some heavy machinery had just been activated.
"What's happening?" Varun asked, panicking as his feet began to slip.
All three of them fell down, trying to grab onto walls or anything for support—but there was nothing to hold onto.
Then, it felt like the entire hut had come to life.
Glass panels began rising from the walls—transparent surfaces where their own reflections stared back at them.
Ayaan sucked in a breath. This felt like something out of a horror movie.
The lift began to descend. Slowly, but with a mechanical vibration.
Through the glass, they saw—a wide tunnel leading down to some unknown place.
Roshit's throat went dry. "Where are we going?" he asked in a low voice.
Ayaan touched the transparent walls of the lift with his hand, as if trying to confirm whether this was real or just a dream. "We're all in a lift?" he whispered, still filled with disbelief.
The lift continued to descend, and below, a new secret was waiting for them.
"We've officially entered our organization now, my friends. Be prepared for the challenges ahead," the uncle said with a faint smile, like he was hiding a deeper truth inside.
All three looked at one another, their eyes filled with confusion and a strange, creeping unease.
"What kind of challenges, uncle?" Roshit asked hesitantly. "And where exactly are we going? I'm getting scared."
The uncle suddenly turned, his voice sharp and laced with anger, "You fool!"
His face went dead serious, and he glanced at Roshit with a hint of contempt in his eyes, as if he wasn't used to hearing such questions.
"I already told you—the office is right here. We're going underground via this lift, to where our base is located."
A moment of heavy silence followed.
Then, the uncle stepped closer, his gaze turning sharper.
"If you ask any more useless questions, I'll bury you right here. Got it?"
Roshit's face turned pale. Not a single word came out of his mouth. He just nodded slowly.
The lift stopped. With a mechanical hiss, the doors opened. Without looking back, uncle said, "Now we're on the first layer. Here, you'll have to register as employees. Come, follow me. Ask the rest of your questions to the manager. My job was just to bring you here."
Ayaan, Varun, and Roshit followed him without saying a word.
As soon as we got out of the lift, uncle made us sit in a mini vehicle—a compact, metallic, futuristic car that moved smoothly without making any sound. The vehicle moved... and the three of them stared at the place. Floors made of steel, iron walls, automated lights on the ceiling, and sleek glass panels on the side. Automatic doors opened with a silent suction sound.
Ayaan's eyes widened slightly. 'I'm getting Resident Evil or Umbrella Corporation vibes,' he thought quietly.
'How can all this be underground?'
The vehicle stopped.
Uncle opened a door—a futuristic sliding door that opened with a soft vibration.
In front of them was a hallway. On the left, it said: "Manager Room." On the right, it said: "Assistant Room." Straight ahead was a big steel panel with a large image of the Trimurti gods. Slightly religious, but with a modern tech touch.
Ayaan took a deep breath.
'Is this real or a dream?'
Varun and Roshit looked at each other, as if thinking the same thing—'Where have we come?'
All three were silent, but had a thousand questions in their minds.
Uncle took us to another door. Beside it was a face scanner. Without saying anything, uncle scanned his face.
A mechanical voice came from the machine, "Ok, send them."
Uncle pointed toward the door with his hand."Go, all three of you, go inside."
After a small hesitation, Ayaan said, "Yes, sir."
The door opened with a smooth, futuristic click.
Darkness.
Complete blackout.
Ayaan reached out to feel something, but there was only air.
Then a soft mechanical voice was heard.
Lights… ON.
The room lit up instantly. A big, luxurious office. Heavy wooden bookshelves on the walls. A big wooden desk, a leather chair. A table lamp with a warm yellow light. And... a man, Wearing a suit, with a calm, gentle smile.
He softly said… "WELCOME."
Ayaan, Varun, and Roshit looked at him together.
The man pointed to the chairs and said, "You guys must be tired. Please sit down, I'll explain everything."