"Who are you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Maya's expression was sympathetic. "You have a choice to make, Arjun. Utha le jaunga - rise and walk. Or stay in the darkness, forever lost."
The air was heavy with anticipation as I stepped into the dimly lit alley. The year 2025 had brought with it a mix of euphoria and dread. Cities were smarter, technology more invasive, and yet, there was a palpable sense of unease lingering in every corner of our advanced lives.