Chapter 42:Subham's Dark Legacy

While Subham, Saheli, and Ankan were busy shopping for their African adventure, Master Vidur and Sam continued their grave conversation back at the mansion. The weight of Subham's past was still heavy on Vidur's mind, and he knew he needed to share more with Sam.

"There's more to Subham's story, Sam," Vidur began, his voice tinged with sorrow. "After that initial incident where he killed the thugs who kidnapped him, Subham didn't stop. He hunted down their entire gang, consisting of 500 people, and slaughtered them all. He found their bases one by one and wiped them out with the same cold efficiency."

Sam was stunned into silence, unable to comprehend the magnitude of what he was hearing.

Vidur continued, "In his childhood, while everyone thought he was just an innocent boy, the truth was far from it. Subham knew more than any of them. He wasn't bothered by the petty things that affected other children. He never fought back when bullied because he knew his true strength and the damage he could cause."

Sam shook his head, trying to process the information. "So, why didn't he fight back?"

"His inner demon," Vidur replied. "It was always there, lurking in the background, trying to manipulate him. To cope, Subham made a deal with his inner demon. He promised to give it control after ten years. He thought that would keep it at bay. But during that time, he found friends who gave him the will to fight against his inner demon. That's why, despite having such a monstrous inner demon, he managed to keep his sanity."

Sam looked worried. "But what happens when the ten years are up?"

Vidur's expression was grave. "The ten years are already up, Sam. The deal was made when he was ten, and now he's twenty. The reunion incident was just the beginning of the inner demon trying to take control."

Sam looked even more concerned. "Shouldn't we tell him?"

Vidur shook his head. "Not yet. He needs to be strong enough to handle the truth. Right now, we need to prepare him for the journey ahead."

Meanwhile, back in the bustling marketplace, Subham and his friends were wrapping up their shopping spree.

"Subham, you really think we need this much food?" Saheli asked, staring at the mountain of supplies.

"Trust me, you don't want to be stuck in the African wilderness without enough provisions," Subham replied, stuffing more items into their cart.

Ankan laughed, patting Subham on the back. "Always the overthinker. But hey, better safe than sorry, right?"

Saheli giggled. "Yeah, and besides, this trip is going to be amazing. We're going to make so many memories."

As they loaded their purchases into the car, Subham couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. He knew his friends depended on him, and the weight of his dark past and inner demon was a burden he had to carry alone.

That evening, as the trio relaxed back at the mansion, Vidur gathered them in the training hall. "Tomorrow, we begin the final phase of your preparation. Subham, your journey will be the hardest, but remember, your strength comes from within, and your friends are your greatest allies."

Subham nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "I understand, Master. I won't let my past dictate my future. I'll control my inner demon and protect my friends."

Vidur placed a hand on Subham's shoulder. "I know you will. Now, rest well. Tomorrow, we forge ahead together."

As Subham lay in bed that night, his mind raced with the revelations of the day. He knew his journey was far from over, but with his friends by his side and the teachings of Vidur, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Meanwhile, Vidur and Sam exchanged a glance, the weight of what they knew hanging heavy in the air. They both understood that the path ahead was fraught with danger, but they also knew that Subham had the potential to rise above it all. The only question was whether he could keep his inner demon in check long enough to do so.