Chapter 01
Prem couldn't believe his luck when he received the job offer to work in Miami. It felt like a dream come true, a stroke of fortune he hadn't anticipated. The job opportunity had come about through a chance encounter at a wrestling match in Goa, India, where he met Devrat. To his astonishment, Devrat offered him a secret agent position accompanied by a bag full of money, rendering Prem temporarily speechless.
Prem had wrestled with personal hardships, particularly his mother's ongoing medical needs and financial struggles. It was these pressing concerns that drove him to reluctantly accept Devrat's offer. He understood that given his circumstances, this opportunity was one he couldn't afford to refuse.
Among the recruits, Prem was far from the first to be offered this role; many had faltered and abandoned it before. Devrat took it upon himself to educate Prem about the perilous and precarious nature of the secret agent's life. He showed Prem photographs, providing him with a preliminary understanding of the tasks ahead. Following this, Devrat introduced Prem to Sejal, a striking woman who acquainted him with the impressive mansion-like office.
Prem's introduction to the other team members, including Sahil, Pooja, Reeta, Sikander, Rajeev, and Sejal, brought him into the fold as the seventh member.
" Has the boss met him yet? " Sahil asked, leaving Prem puzzled about the identity of this enigmatic figure, given Devrat's leadership role.
" Devrat interviewed him, he's in. He'll be taking Yogesh's place as per orders, " Sejal reassured Sahil, though there was a hint of uneasiness in her tone.
" The boss is going to be furious... Devrat was told not to make decisions without informing him. We'll all pay for this, " Sahil voiced his concerns, sowing further worry in Prem's mind.
" I thought Devrat was the boss, " Prem mentioned to Sejal, seeking clarity.
" He is, until the big boss shows up. He comes and goes as he pleases. Don't stress about it. Get settled in and prepare for Friday night, " Sejal offered some solace.
The imminent arrival of Friday signified Prem's first assignment, which set him on edge. He needed to acquaint himself with this new world quickly. After the office tour, Sejal showed him to his room, explaining that they had breaks during the week, but they had to be present when the boss was around. Prem hoped the boss wouldn't fire him on the spot.
" Does he fire people for no reason? " Prem sought assurance, still anxious about their prior conversation.
" He's not pleasant when he's in a mood, but he's mostly okay. He loses his temper if things don't go his way, so avoid him when he's upset. He's rarely here anyway, " Sejal tried to alleviate his concerns.
Left to settle in, Prem explored his almost penthouse suite. Each team member had their own suite. What he knew about the job so far was that it was a high-stakes operation with an elusive and potentially volatile boss. The thought of Friday night's task kept Prem on edge. As he unpacked his belongings, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had stepped into a world far more complex than he had ever imagined.
The following day, Prem joined the team for their pre-mission briefing. Devrat outlined the details of their assignment, emphasizing the need for precision and secrecy. Prem felt a mixture of excitement and apprehension as he absorbed the information. He was determined to prove himself, particularly considering the boss's formidable reputation.
Friday night arrived, and the team gathered at the opulent office. As the hours ticked by, Prem's tension grew. He kept a watchful eye on his colleagues, trying to gauge their reactions and strategies. Sejal's calm demeanor stood out to him - she seemed to possess an air of experience and confidence that he hoped to attain.
Finally, the anticipated moment came. The boss arrived, commanding attention with his imposing presence. Prem observed him discreetly, noting the aura of authority that surrounded him. Devrat introduced Prem as the newest member of the team, and the boss's intense gaze locked onto him momentarily, making Prem's heart race.
As the mission unfolded, Prem found himself swept into a whirlwind of action. He was adorned in an exquisite Armani suit, his hair professionally styled and given a subtle touchup. When he caught his reflection in the mirror, he could hardly believe the transformation. He looked like a supermodel — a far cry from his usual self. Glancing at the other team members, they exchanged amused looks, clearly sharing the sentiment of being out of their element.
Upon arriving at a highly secure location reserved for the elite, it became evident that their new attire was fitting for the occasion. Drenched in opulence, each member was bedecked in gold and diamond-laden accessories, blending in among the wealthy attendees. The crowd included not only high society figures but also, to Prem's alarm, notorious drug lords. The situation was more complex than he had imagined.
Facing this new reality, Prem grappled with uncertainty about how he would navigate his first mission. However, he understood the gravity of the situation and realized that, for the sake of his family and their dire circumstances, he needed to push his reservations aside and carry out the task at hand. Keeping his family unaware of the dangerous path he had embarked upon was a protective measure, shielding them from unnecessary worry. Despite maintaining a daily video call with his mother, the weight of time slipping away was a constant reminder of the urgency of their situation.
As Prem prepared to fulfill his role, he couldnt help but reflect on the stark contrast between his previous life and the world he was now immersed in. The mission was not just about money; it was a lifeline for his family, particularly for his mother fighting a fierce battle against cancer.
During dinner, Sejal motioned for Prem to join her, and to his astonishment, he saw a nude woman covered in food was lying on the dinning table. People around her unabashedly grabbed the food to fill their plates.
The side effects of being rich and ways to get rich. He thought, trying to make sense of the scene. Devrat's team dined in an intimate room, a contrast to the grand formal dining area.
" So, what's your take on the 'eatable' lady? " Pooja teasingly asked Sahil who was purely vegetarian.
" | don't know how I'll digest this food now, It's better to vomit. " Sahil responded, his shock evident.
Laughter rippled through the group.
" Better get used to it. You'll need to feign interest in their businesses and become familiar with the surroundings. Gathering information may also involve engaging with women and captivating men. Flirting is acceptable, but it must be done with finesse. Maintain an approachable demeanor, but avoid appearing cheap. And remember, don't form any kind of emotional attachments with any of them. If i catch wind of it, you'll be swiftly removed from the mission, " Devrat explained in a measured tone and Prem absorbed the advice.
" Today, let's go with new names, shall we? " Reeta prompted, reminding them of the alias protocol. Each member had to choose a new name to address one another.
" I'm picking Sharon, " Sejal announced.
" Sahil will be Sebastian."
" Call me Rosie,''Reeta said.
" Roman suits me," Rajeev chimed in.
" Phoebe for me, " Pooja added.
" Sikander will go by Sam."
" From now on, I'm Preston," Prem declared.
As the group continued their meal and lighthearted conversation, Prem was beginning to understand the intricacies of his new life. The team's camaraderie and the transformation of their identities highlighted the complexity of their work. The line between reality and facade was becoming increasingly blurred, and Prem was fully immersed in a world where appearances were everything.