“Sweety,” the guy muttered twice. He couldn’t restrict himself from thinking about his lovely wife. The memories of him fondly calling her Sweety and her cute response to that immersed him in joy. But at the same time, he didn’t forget the reality. His only driving force at that dreadful place was the beautiful memories of his love. He wished to go back home just for her. He longed for his wife’s tight hug.

Arivuchelvi’s voice brought him to the present.

“I am Arivuchelvi. I am here for a long time. My friends were taken away a long back, but I am still here.” the woman came again into the frame. She volunteered to speak whenever possible. Her voice didn’t represent even a slight fear or sadness.

“I am Elango.” The man introduced himself just by telling his name, he was calm by then. It was an easy task for him to switch his emotions. He was a short-tempered man.

One after the other started introducing themselves. Sweety was shocked to hear people following her and opening up.

“I am Sudalai.” As a surprise, an old man’s shaky voice emerged.

Sweety was able to relate the old man’s voice to the crackling cough which she heard for certain intervals.

She knew already there were silent spectators too.

“I am Raja.” Another new entry spoke. The voice was so composed and polite, No crying, nothing. He asked, “Is there any possibility to escape?”

“I am Gomathi.” The young girl said. “Ezhil, say your name too.” The girl spoke to the boy who wasn’t present there.

As soon as he heard the name, Ezhil, Elango took a long breath and calmed down.

The guy was filled with doubts. On one hand, he was confused by hearing so many voices. He believed one among them was the one who strangled him a few moments back. But more than that the name Sweety disturbed him more. “Is this my wife Sweety?” He asked himself.

“Saanvika.” The guy said his wife’s name and waited to hear Sweety’s response.

“What? Are your parents idiots? How can they name a man like this? Are you a man? Or Did I misunderstand you by your voice? Elango lined up with his doubts and mocked the guy. As usual, Arivuchelvi joined him.

“Who is Saanvika?” Sweety asked curiously neglecting others.

“Don’t you know?” He asked stuffing his emotions.

“How do I know? Who are you?” Sweety asked doubtfully

The guy had mixed emotions, but happiness dominated everything. He was happy that the girl Sweety next to him wasn’t his wife. He felt good to know that his wife was safe.

“I am Preash. I don’t want to know anything. I want to just get out of this place.”  

“I too,” Raja said

Raja, Sudalai, Sweety, Gomathi, Preash. A voice read out the names loudly.

You Missed us both. Arivuchelvi was disappointed as she was left alone.

Raja, Sudalai, Sweety, Gomathi, Preash, Elango, Arivuchelvi. A rap song filled the dark space. It gave a party vibe to them.

A guy guffawed and spoke. “I welcome you all, to the club. Nice to meet you guys. Well, I am GOD.”

Original Copyright © Sukanya Pon