The basement parking of the high-rise was poorly lit, the fluorescent tubes overhead flickering and casting long shadows between the rows of cars. The air smelled of oil, concrete dust, and the faint exhaust that never fully cleared. Jamini had just stepped out of the elevator after a late shift, her keys already in hand, when the four figures moved in from the far end of the level.

Amit was the first to speak, his voice low and steady. “Arre, ruko. Kahan ja rahi ho itni raat ko?” (Hey, stop. Where are you going this late at night?)