Timekeeper

"Rancho, you've saved my life!"

Joy Lobo was ecstatic. He had just received a call from a prestigious photography agency offering him an internship. It was the opportunity of a lifetime.

"I can't believe it! I'm going to be a professional photographer!" Joy exclaimed, his face beaming with joy.

Rancho smiled at his friend's enthusiasm. He knew how much this meant to Joy. For years, Joy had dreamed of becoming a photographer, but he had always been discouraged by his family and friends who believed that it was an impractical career choice.

"Congratulations, Joy! You deserve it," Rancho said sincerely.

"Thank you, Rancho. I couldn't have done it without you," Joy replied gratefully.

Rancho's heart swelled with pride as he listened to his friend. It wasn't the first time that someone had thanked him for their success. In fact, ever since Rancho had transferred to Imperial College of Engineering, he had been quietly helping his classmates achieve their dreams.

Farhan Qureshi was one of those classmates. Farhan had always wanted to be a wildlife photographer, but his parents insisted that he become an engineer like them. However, with Rancho's encouragement and support, Farhan managed to convince his parents to let him pursue his passion.

Similarly, Raju Rastogi also benefited from Rancho's guidance. Raju came from a poor family and was burdened with the responsibility of supporting them financially. He struggled academically and lacked confidence in himself. But with Rancho's help, Raju not only improved his grades but also found the courage to stand up for himself and pursue his own dreams.

Rancho was proud of what his friends had accomplished, but he never sought recognition or praise for himself. He preferred to stay in the background and watch as they blossomed into successful individuals.

However, Rancho's actions did not go unnoticed for long. One day, as he was leaving the college campus, a man approached him. He was tall and well-dressed, with a serious expression on his face.

"Are you Rancho?" the man asked.

Rancho nodded cautiously. He had never seen this man before and wondered how he knew his name.

"I've been hearing some interesting things about you, Rancho," the man said cryptically.

Rancho's heart skipped a beat. He felt a surge of unease as he wondered what this man wanted from him.

"You have a unique talent, Rancho," the man continued. "A talent that could be of great use to us."

Rancho's mind raced as he tried to comprehend what the man was saying. What talent was he referring to? And who exactly was "us"?

"We are an organization that has been studying people like you," the man explained. "People who possess the ability to manipulate time."

Rancho's eyes widened in shock. Manipulate time? Was this some kind of joke?

"I understand if you find this hard to believe," the man said calmly. "But I assure you, it is very real."

Rancho didn't know what to say. He felt like he was living in a dream or maybe a nightmare.

"We would like to offer you an opportunity, Rancho," the man said earnestly. "An opportunity to join us and use your powers for a greater purpose."

Rancho hesitated for a moment before replying, "And if I refuse?"

The man's expression hardened as he replied, "Then we will be forced to take more drastic measures."

Rancho's heart sank at those words. He realized that he had no choice but to accept this offer, whatever it entailed.

"Alright," Rancho said quietly. "I'll do it."

The man nodded in satisfaction. "Good. You won't regret this, Rancho."

But as Rancho watched the man walk away, he couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. He knew that his life was about to change in ways that he could never have imagined.