Ch-3 Mr Shark

They climbed a 4 story-building and entered the office room on the highest floor. It was neat and tidy just as the man it belonged to. The principal of Gyan Vidyagar Higher Secondary School had led a life of righteousness. He was a model citizen, never breaking the law and maintaining high standards of morals justifying him aptly as a good man. His reputation was also impeccable.

"My children, how have you been?"

Shani and Jhansi treated him respectfully, "Principal Sir. We have been well."

"Good, how are the members of 'The Nikambes'? I received news of the ruckus at the school gates."

Shani said, "Luckily, no one was harmed. Neither the school students nor my friends."

"You both don't like to waste time on trivial matters. I will get to the point, New Horizon Higher Secondary School has come up with a devious plot for our school's downfall."

Shani and Jhansi's expressions became serious.

"A Duel has been scheduled between our schools."

Shani inquired, "What do we stand to lose?"

"Alloteted government resources for the next year."

Jhansi exclaimed, " What? That's too big of a risk. "

The principal said with a wry smile, " I know, but I can't refuse the challenge."

"Why not?"

"That conniving bitch of New Horizon pulled some strings to get someone from inside the government to issue the challenge. It's an order from the government."

"Why follow the order if it's unfair and against our wishes?"

"No, I won't break a rule. Besides, if I go against their order, then Gyan Vidyasagar Higher Secondary School would have to be shut down. The school can't run without the resources provided by the government."

"What do they gain by shutting us down?"

"Money." Jhansi and Headmaster stared at Shani with big questions on their faces.

"I have heard this New Horizon has been involved in shutting down many schools over the last few years. They say, the school hired gangs to harass the students and teachers of many schools forcing them into shutting down. It aligns with the sudden appearance of gangs attacking schools in Mumba in the last 5 years. If only 1 school is present in Mumba, then imagine the amount of money they will earn from the students. It's a well-thought plan. They have decided to deal with our school this time."

"Oh my god, will Gyan Vidyasagar Higher Secondary School my pride and joy need to be closed because of these devious schemes."

Shani spoke with confidence, "Don't worry, 'The Nikambes' can face any challenge. We will play their game and win. After winning, our school would be given two years' worth of resources. That's double the amount. Using these resources our school could soar high."

Jhansi supported his confidence, "Yes, don't sweat the small stuff. 'The Nikambes' will win the duel, no problem. Don't take stress for such trivial matters, let your mind be stress-free."

The headmaster had a defeated expression, "I am completely powerless, nothing I do can change the government's decision. I leave the school's fate on 'The Nikambes'. I can't save my school from this crisis but my experience lies in running the establishment. I promise to help reach the school to new heights if I receive 2 years' worth of resources."

The bell rang, indicating the end of lunch break and calling all the students back to class. The leaders of 'The Nikambes' left with many thoughts running through their minds.

At noon 2:00 pm rang the last bell of the day signalling the end of school. Throngs of students came out of their classes meeting up with friends and discussing their school experience.

The Nikambes were no different gathering at their usual spot and discussing the hectic day. Their leaders Shani and Jhansi had something important to discuss with them and they were waiting for the right moment. When telling important information, one must consider the location and mood of the crowd. It affected the way they would receive it.

The Nikambes had stepped out from the school gate just for a hovercar to block their path forward. It was the latest HVR-101 model, and it was famous for its fast speed and expensive price. They furrowed their brows in dissatisfaction, the hovercar surely hadn't come here with good intentions.

An old man wearing a tuxedo got out of the hovercar, "I am Steve, the butler of Mr Shark. You", his wrinkled finger pointed straight at Shani, "Climb the car, Mr Shark awaits for you inside."

'The Nikambes' had a mixed reaction to this new situation, wondering why Mr Shark approached them and how did they plan to deal with them. They thought of many possibilities.

Jhansi said, "Shani won't enter the car alone, I will come with him. "

"Mr Shark has only requested an audience with this young man. No one else can take part in the meeting."

"No, you have to allow me.."

Shani cut Jhansi, "He won't dare to harm me. I will be back before you know it."

"But.. "

"Don't worry, I will be back before you know it. Use this time to tell them about the duel." Shani took confident strides and gave a scary glare at the butler before entering the car. He entered HVR-101 coming face to face with Mr Shark.

Mr Shark smiled at Shani showing his gold-filled teeth which sparkled brightly. If it weren't for him displaying his teeth, he wouldn't have known his attempt of smiling with his smothered nose and dead eyes.

Looking at Mr Shark's face, the image of a shark popped up in Shani's mind. Perhaps, this is why the title of 'Shark' stuck to him.

" 'He looks like a shark' These are your first thoughts, ha. Then, I will warn you, my behaviour is also like a shark. Weak preys are fodder meant to appease my hunger, they are delicious meals I can't miss."

"That's what all the schools shut down by your gang were? Weak prey?"

"Of course, give them a little pressure and they give in easily. It is pathetic how less they struggle as their life is snatched from them. "

Shani did his best to contain his emotions, "Why do this?"

"It is in my nature to eat the weak, I can't help it. Especially, when I am being paid for it. A man's dream is to work in a field he loves, my relation to this work is something like that."

"The Headmaster of New Horizon Higher Secondary School is paying for your services, right."

"It's your assumption."

"This time, the Shark wants to eat Gyan Vidyasagar Higher Secondary School. But they are not weak prey, are they?"

"No, they are not but fierce creatures ready to fight till their last breath. See, I admire the fire you guys have and a part of me doesn't want it to extinguish. I want to offer a proposal to 'The Nikambes."

Shani calmly processed Mr Shark's words as if he expected it, " What proposal?"