A Deal in the Dim Light

Chapter 1: A Deal in the Dim Light

June 26, 2026. 2:50:14 PM. Keraniganj, Dhaka.

The black Mercedes purred to a stop in front of massive gates, slicing through the afternoon's stillness. Inside, Adnan felt an emptiness, a hollow void. Just a month ago, this Mercedes was merely a fraction of his family’s opulent fleet; today, it felt like the last vestiges of a lost empire. Adnan, sixteen years old, wore a simple grey t-shirt and jeans, a futile attempt to conceal the storm raging within him. His eyes were bloodshot, as if painted by sleepless nights and countless sighs. Leaning back in the rear seat, he stared out the window, his brow furrowed, watching the world outside. The sun glinted sharply off the asphalt, and in the distance, the towering skyscrapers seemed to mock his plight.

Beside him sat Nawab Ali, Adnan’s family butler, a dignified man of about sixty. His white hair was neatly combed, his suit impeccably pressed. Nawab Ali had been a silent witness to every rise and fall of Adnan’s family for over thirty years. His steady, concerned gaze rested on Adnan, as if he could sense the boy’s internal struggle at every moment. His voice was calm and measured. "We've arrived, Master Adnan."

Adnan nodded slowly. "This last bit is also going today, Nawab Uncle." His voice held an unusual hardness, ill-suited for his age.

"What's gone will return, and more, Master," Nawab Ali said firmly. "Your intellect and wit are not bound by any document."

They stood before an old but grand commercial building, its entrance collecting dust. This was the office of an old friend of Adnan's father, where today's transaction was set to take place. The remaining 10% of Adnan's family's businesses—a few minor software companies and real estate properties—were on the block. There was no one left to manage them, and Adnan couldn't risk losing these last remnants. At least with the cash, he could start planning his future.

As they walked through the lobby, Adnan’s gaze caught on a car showroom next door. Through the large glass windows, a young woman was admiring a bright red sports car with an expression of awe. It was none other than Adnan’s cousin, Rifat Jahan Riya. Just two years ago, Riya lived in their family home, making various demands to Adnan’s father. Adnan's family had supported her generously, but she had disappeared after their deaths.

Now, Riya was bargaining animatedly over the price of an expensive model car. She wore a sparkling dress and carried a chic handbag. A confident smile played on her lips, as if she commanded all the world's wealth. Adnan froze. He remembered how Riya always sought out bargains, preferring the cheapest clothes in the mall. And today, she was capable of buying such an expensive car?

"Master Adnan, what are you looking at?" Nawab Ali’s question brought Adnan back to reality.

"Nothing, Nawab Uncle," Adnan whispered. His eyes held a mix of emotions—surprise, suspicion, and a hint of sarcasm. He thought to himself, ‘Riya must be buying this with her pocket money and a small family saving. If I hadn't spent all my money building my labs and bases, maybe I'd be buying frivolous things like this too.’ His mind drifted back to the secret work of the past few years, the days he clandestinely acquired funds from his family to build his hidden network. A faint smile touched his lips. ‘If Riya only knew what my real hobby was, and how much it truly cost…’

They had no time to waste. Nawab Ali gently squeezed Adnan’s arm. "Let's finish the business, Master."

Adnan sighed and tore his gaze from Riya. She was still laughing and chatting with the showroom staff, completely oblivious that just a few feet away, her once-wealthy cousin was selling off his last remaining assets.

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