The Gangster's Heart

The next day, Hashmi walked into Elliot's cabin, a look of concern etched on his face. "See this," he said, placing a file in front of Elliot. The words on the page seemed to leap out at him, painting a picture of a dire situation. "These people are not going to improve. We have to do something different, or else..." Hashmi's voice trailed off, but the implication was clear.

Elliot's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. Hashmi watched him, a knowing glint in his eye. He had seen that look before, the look that said Elliot was on the verge of making a decision that would change everything.

"Will we leave today?" Hashmi asked, his voice low and cautious.

"Let's see," Elliot replied, his voice noncommittal.

Hashmi nodded, his expression serious. "Okay."

Elliot emerged from his cabin a little earlier than usual, his eyes scanning the area as he walked. He didn't expect to see Haven, but there she was, standing by the bus stop with a bright smile on her face.

"Hey!" she exclaimed, waving at him with gusto. "Look, you can't play anything today. You are quick, and I am quick too."

Elliot raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. Haven launched into a breathless tale of her day, barely pausing for breath as she spoke. Elliot listened, his expression a mask of polite interest, but his eyes betraying a flicker of amusement.

And then, in a move that caught Elliot off guard, Haven stepped closer to him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I should know your name, right? Tell me your name."

Elliot's eyes locked onto hers, his expression a complex mix of emotions. For a moment, he just looked at her, his mind racing with thoughts and feelings he couldn't quite articulate.

The question caught Elliot off guard, and for a moment, he was taken aback by Haven's audacity. Doesn't she know who he is? His name is whispered in fear throughout the city, a cautionary tale told to frighten children into behaving. The police know him, and yet, this girl stands before him, claiming ignorance.

A spark of curiosity ignited within Elliot, and he took a step closer to Haven, his eyes narrowing as he searched for any sign of deception. "You don't really know me, or are you pretending not to know me?" he asked, his voice low and menacing.

Haven met his gaze, her eyes unwavering, and Elliot felt a shiver run down his spine. He was not used to people standing up to him, and Haven's bravery was both intriguing and infuriating.

Elliot's eyes flashed with anger as he tried to intimidate her. "Do you know why no one else can be seen around me?" he growled, his voice dripping with malice.

But Haven didn't flinch, her expression unchanging as she met Elliot's challenging gaze. Elliot's eyes searched for any sign of fear, but all he saw was a calm, steady gaze that seemed to bore into his very soul.

For a moment, the two of them stood there, locked in a silent standoff, the air thick with tension. Elliot's heart pounded in his chest, his anger and frustration simmering just below the surface. He was not used to being challenged, and Haven's bravery was pushing him to the edge.

"I don't understand," Haven said, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Elliot's eyes seemed to bore into her soul as he replied, "Look around, those girls are definitely attracted to my body or my face, but did you see any of them coming towards me? Did you see me talking? Leave girls, boys, or anyone, I never saw anyone standing near me."

Haven's gaze swept the surrounding area, her eyes scanning the crowds of people. Then, she turned back to Elliot, a mischievous glint in her eye. "No! What cop are you?" she asked, her voice dripping with amusement.

Elliot's laughter was low and frustrated, a sound that sent shivers down Haven's spine. "What will you do if I say that I am not a cop but worse than that?" he asked, his eyes glinting with a hint of danger.

Haven's eyes never left his face as she replied, "Your name requires such a long introduction." She placed a hand on her hip, her eyes locked on his. "You're not saying your name? Okay, but because we are meeting continuously for three to four days, I think if we meet someone for the first time, it can be a coincidence, then if we meet for the second time, then they can just say that it is a strange signal, or anything, and if they meet for the third time, that is, they are destined to meet and will continue to meet. So from today we are both friends."

Elliot's eyes widened in shock, his face frozen in a mask of surprise. He was taken aback by Haven's bold declaration, her words hanging in the air like a challenge. For a moment, he just stared at her, his mind reeling with the implications of her statement. Then, he restrained himself, his expression hardening into a mask of indifference. He stared at Haven, his eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and wariness.

Elliot's gaze remained fixed on Haven, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to process her boldness. "What? Why are you staring like that?" she asked, a hint of amusement dancing in her voice.

Elliot didn't respond, his silence seeming to embolden Haven further. She reached out and took his hand, her fingers wrapping around his wrist as she pulled him towards her. "Shaking hands," she said, a bright smile spreading across her face. "From today, we are friends. I am Haven, and you?"

Elliot's voice was low and rough as he replied, "Elliot."

Haven's eyes sparkled with delight as she repeated his name. "Elliot... all right."

As they stood there, a noise drifted from behind them, the sound of laughter and music carrying on the breeze. Haven's head turned, her eyes scanning the garden beyond the office building. "Come on, let's see," she said, already moving towards the sound.

Elliot didn't follow, his eyes fixed on the garden with a mixture of disdain and wariness. He didn't like loud noises, and the thought of a music band practicing in the garden was already grating on his nerves.

But Haven was undeterred, her curiosity getting the better of her. She walked towards the garden, disappearing from view as Elliot stood watching, his impatience growing by the minute.

As he glanced at his car, his eyes narrowing in frustration, he couldn't help but wonder what other surprises the day had in store for him. Little did he know, the music drifting from the garden would soon become a haunting melody, one that would echo through his mind and heart, forever changing the course of his life.