The Royal Enfield Continental GT roared through Mumbai's streets as Ishaan rode toward Ravi's house, the chrome and black finish catching every eye. People turned their heads, marveling at the handsome man astride the dashing bike, his long hair tied in a bun fluttering slightly in the wind. "This feels good," he thought, a quiet pride in his posture.
At Ravi's flat, Ishaan knocked, and the door swung open. "You're late!" Ravi exclaimed, a mock frown on his face. "I thought you changed your mind."
"No, I got caught up in something," Ishaan replied with a grin. "Sorry about that."
"No problem, come on!" Ravi said, his enthusiasm bubbling. "Let me show you." He led Ishaan to the newly prepped room. The green paint had dried, lights were mounted on tripods, and the DSLR was set up, ready to roll. "Let's make a few reels today," Ravi announced. "Here, I made you a mask." He handed Ishaan a half-mask crafted from computer parts and thin wires, embedded with LED lights that gave it a sci-fi vibe, leaving his striking eyes visible.
Ishaan slipped on the mask, adjusting it. "Looks cool," he said, impressed.
Ravi positioned himself behind the camera. "What should I do?" Ishaan asked, standing ready.
"Just be natural—like you showed me on the rooftop. Do some moves in style," Ravi instructed. "And also remove your shirt—show off that physique!"
Ishaan nodded, shedding his shirt to reveal his chiseled frame. He launched into graceful moves—flips, kicks, and spins—each executed with effortless style. The LEDs on the mask flickered with his motion, adding a futuristic flair.
After a while, Ravi clapped. "That's enough for 4-5 reels! I'll edit them and upload them on a channel I made. What do you think of the name 'Modern Ninja' for the channel?"
"Whatever you say," Ishaan replied, trusting Ravi's judgment.
Ravi dove into editing, his fingers flying over the keyboard. After an hour, he finished and uploaded the reels. "Now we wait," he said, leaning back with a satisfied grin.
Ishaan nodded. "Let's see what happens." They chatted for a while—about old times, new plans—before Ishaan stood. "I should go. Thanks, Ravi."
"Anytime, bro!" Ravi waved. Ishaan left, mounting his Royal Enfield, and headed to Ari's office. He parked at the same spot, waiting for her with a calm anticipation.
The office crowd thinned as Ari emerged, her eyes widening at the sight of the Royal Enfield Continental GT gleaming under the streetlights. "It's such a good-looking bike!" she exclaimed, turning to Ishaan. "Looks very costly…"
"I know," Ishaan replied, his tone even, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his mind about whether she'd believe his story.
Ari's brow furrowed, questions bubbling up. How could someone lend such a costly bike to anyone? she wondered silently. Ishaan caught her hesitation and spoke up. "He loves bikes but can't drive it because he's always busy with work. He said it's a shame to keep it parked always… that's why he gave it to me to use."
She nodded slowly, still processing, but climbed onto the bike. "Alright," she said, settling behind him. They rode off, heads turning once more as the dashing pair cruised through the streets, the engine's rumble drawing admiring glances.
When they reached home, Misahay had just returned, his eyes narrowing at the Continental GT. "Is this the bike your friend lent you?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion. "Are you sure you did nothing bad to get it? I can't believe anyone would give such a good bike for you to drive."
Ishaan stayed silent, his expression neutral, refusing to rise to the bait. Misahay, sensing an opportunity, pressed further. "It doesn't suit you," he said, a sly edge to his tone. "You know what? You should drive my bike, and let me drive this—it'll suit me more."
But Ari interjected, her voice firm. "It can't be, Father. If Ishaan's friend sees him with any other bike, he won't agree to it and will take it back." Her words silenced Misahay, his mouth opening then closing as he grumbled under his breath.
Ishaan parked the bike, exchanging a knowing look with Ari. "Let's go in," he said, steering them past the tension.