RED DAY ORIGINAL

The news spread like wildfire across Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: A man had died in a bizarre explosion. But the most shocking part? The explosion had happened inside the man. The entire country reeled in disbelief. News channels buzzed with heated debates, sensational headlines dominated social media, and the central government acted swiftly. A special investigation team--Team Solvers--was formed to uncover the truth behind this chilling mystery.---"What's the current status?" demanded the leading officer of Team Solvers, his voice sharp and authoritative. "Sir, progress is slow," replied a man at the computer desk, his fingers moving quickly over the keyboard. "The forensic reports are delayed, and the doctors can't seem to agree on the cause. "The officer's expression darkened. "That's unacceptable. Find out what's causing the delay and arrange a meeting with the doctors immediately. We need answers--now. "The tension in the room was palpable. Public panic was spreading like wildfire, fueled by rumors and wild theories. The government's pressure mounted, leaving Team Solvers with no room for error. Finally, a meeting was arranged with the lead doctors handling the case.

Dr. Agarwal, a seasoned physician with over four decades of experience, was the first to speak. His voice was steady, yet there was an undercurrent of disbelief that no one missed.

"I've seen strange cases in my career," he began, his gaze sweeping across the room, "but this... this is beyond anything I've encountered."

The room fell still, the air heavy with expectation. Dr. Agarwal continued, "The man who exploded was a rag picker. Initially, we thought it might be due to some rare infection or virus. But the truth is far stranger."

He paused, his words hanging ominously in the silence.

"A few days before his death, according to police reports, the man witnessed something unsettling--a dog's body, completely crushed and flattened, right before his eyes. Disturbed, he reported the incident to the local police station. But no one paid attention. To them, he was just a rag picker."

The officer's brow furrowed, but he said nothing.

"Soon after," Dr. Agarwal continued, "his condition began to change. His body temperature spiked to 110°F--an unimaginable level. A local doctor treated him with heavy medication and admitted him to the ICU. Miraculously, he recovered and was discharged a few days later. But then..."

Everyone leaned in, holding their breath.

"...the very next day, while he was back at work, it happened. In front of a crowd of horrified onlookers, the man exploded. His body burst apart, leaving nothing behind but shredded flesh scattered across the road."

A suffocating silence gripped the room.

Dr. Agarwal's voice tensed as he continued. "We found a viral video of the incident. Just before the explosion, his body turned deep red. His veins bulged unnaturally, as though they were on the verge of bursting. And then... they did. It was as if his blood overflowed inside his body until it could no longer contain the pressure."

The officer's jaw tightened. "Are you saying the man died because of... excessive blood pressure?"

Dr. Agarwal nodded solemnly. "It's the closest explanation we have. But what caused such a violent reaction? That remains the real mystery. "The room fell silent once again as everyone processed the gravity of what they had just heard. 

The details were more than horrific--they were terrifying. If something like this could happen once, what was stopping it from happening again?

The weight of an entire nation's fears now rested squarely on Team Solvers' shoulders. Their investigation had just begun, and every answer would only lead to more questions.

"What about the forensic reports?" asked the leading officer, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere of the room.

"They're taking a lot of time," replied one of the doctors seated at the conference table, a hint of frustration in his tone.

The officer scanned the room, his face grim. "We all know the pressure we're under. We need to submit the report as quickly as possible, so I've decided—declare it as side effects of the heavy fever." 

He paused, looking directly at the doctor. "Prepare the report based on the statements of the local doctor who treated him in the ICU. Collect all the medicines and injections used there as evidence. And get a meeting arranged with the local police officers. For now, I have to give a statement to the media before things get out of hand."

With that, the leading officer turned sharply toward the door. Outside, the media was waiting.

"Sir! Sir! What's the report?"

"Are we safe, sir?"

"People are worried, sir! Please tell us something!"

The crowd erupted the moment he stepped out, questions flying from every direction. Cameras flashed, and microphones stretched toward him.

He raised his hand to silence them. "There's nothing to worry about. It's just the side effects of heavy fever. The doctors are preparing the report, and it will soon be on the desk of the higher authorities. Everyone, please stay calm. Team Solvers are here to protect you. No further questions for now."

The officer pushed through the crowd, flanked by his security guards, and slipped into his waiting car.

"Let's go home," he said, leaning back and closing his eyes as exhaustion washed over him. "This day has been far too long."

The car started moving, the hum of the engine soothing in the quiet after the chaos.

On the other side of the city, the tension in Robin's office was palpable.

"Big bro, I know you're upset, but at least listen to me," Ritik pleaded as he circled Robin's chair. "When I got home, you weren't there. Hema bhabhi told me you'd gone to the office, so I rushed here. And now… now you're ignoring me."

Robin didn't look up, his fingers tapping furiously on the laptop keyboard. His voice was low, but the frustration was clear. "You're annoying me, Ritik. Do you know what happened when I got here? Everyone was congratulating me—congratulating me! And I didn't even know why."

Ritik paused, a playful smile breaking across his face. "Well, big bro, isn't that a fun way to find things out? Look, I admit I should've told you earlier… but think of this as a surprise!"

Robin suddenly stood up, the chair scraping against the floor as he did. His expression was serious, his voice sharp and commanding. "The only thing I want right now is your absence. Leave the cabin. Now."

Ritik froze, taken aback by the harsh tone. His playful demeanor disappeared, replaced by a quiet desperation. "I'm sorry, bhaiya," he said softly, his voice cracking. "I'm really sorry. I know you always tell me to focus on business, not waste my time on other things. But you need to understand something, please."

Robin didn't respond, but Ritik pressed on, tears welling up in his eyes.

"Racing is my dream, bhaiya. Since childhood, no one was there for me. Not you, not uncle—you were both too busy with the business. But at those times, cars were there. Racing was there. It gave me comfort. It gave me hope."

Robin's expression softened slightly, but he remained silent.

"You always say I should focus on the family business," Ritik continued, his voice trembling. "But can't you see? This field isn't for me. I know I'm different, but that doesn't mean I'm letting the Deshmukh family down. I'll shine too—just like you. My path is different, bhaiya, but I promise you… I'll never let our family name fall because of my dreams."

For a moment, the room was quiet, except for the soft sound of Ritik's unsteady breaths. Robin watched his younger brother, the tears in Ritik's eyes speaking louder than his words ever could.

"Wipe your tears, Ritik," Robin said, his tone calmer now as he sat back in his chair. "I don't want to create any scene here. We'll talk about this at home, okay? Now go and get back to your work."

Ritik gave a faint smile, his heart heavy. He quietly turned and left the cabin, but his mind wouldn't stop racing.

"That was so hard," he muttered to himself as he walked down the hallway, his hands stuffed in his pockets. "I don't even know if I'll be able to convince big bro or not. Think, Ritik, think… How are you going to tell him about Kritika?"

He sighed deeply, trying to clear his head, but the weight of his thoughts stayed with him. Little did he know, this was only the beginning of what was coming into their lives.

---

Elsewhere, Manik stared at his laptop screen, typing swiftly, his eyes reflecting focus and a quiet intensity.

"Hard but easy," he said under his breath, pausing to check his work. "I just need this to perform a little more. Looks like it's almost done. I just have to wait for the compiling process."

The faint smile on his face hinted at satisfaction, but his mind was already a step ahead. Picking up his phone, he scrolled through his contacts and dialed a number.

"Meanwhile, I should call Chetan for the next step," he murmured to himself as the call connected.

"Hey, Chetan. Good morning. I need your help," Manik said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of urgency.

"Of course, sir. Just tell me what to do," Chetan replied, always ready.

"One of my guests is arriving at Delhi airport today. I need you to pick him up and take him to a hotel. Make sure the hotel is far away from mine, okay?" Manik instructed firmly.

"Got it, sir. I'll pick him up and send you the location as soon as I settle him in," Chetan confirmed.

"Good. Once I get the location, I'll be there in thirty minutes. Inform him about this too," Manik added, his tone decisive.

"Understood, sir. Send me the details of your guest on my number," Chetan replied.

"I'm sending them now," Manik said before ending the call.

Leaning back in his chair, Manik's lips curved into a slight smirk as he sent the details.

"Finally… my next move is set," he thought, his voice cold yet calm. "Be ready, Mr. Robin Deshmukh. Your bad time is waiting for you."