“Isn’t GOD, am I right, the kidnapper is one among us?” Asked Preash.

 He felt one among them was helping the spooky-voiced person who visited at certain intervals. He had a strong feeling that Elango, GOD, and Arivuchelvi were intoxicated. So, he felt if that was true, there was a possibility for escape. He planned to provoke one among them to help with their escape or remove their blindfold.

GOD didn’t even care about Preash. He wasn’t interested to speak to others in many instances. His focus was mainly on Sweety.

“Sweety, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen; I am falling in love with you,” GOD tried flirting with Sweety.

Within a fraction of a second, she reacted to him. “What?”

“Am sure this fellow’s eyes are tied up too, am hundred percent confident,” Sweety said in an irritated tone.

“I think, he is under the influence of drugs Sweety, so just don’t respond,” Preash murmured 

“Isn’t it, Oh! Oh my god. How do you know that Preash?” Sweety was driven by waves of thoughts.

“Preash, please, can you do me a favour, please? I couldn’t bear this pain, I know I will be taken away soon, please.” Raja pleaded for help; he felt his time was nearing.

“I will. Tell me, what should I do?” Preash asked. He didn’t want to disappoint Raja. But within him too, the space for hope was shrinking.

Raja cried he wasn’t able to speak, he couldn’t control his emotions. The suppressed emotions so far flooded in various tones. He spoke simultaneously, but no one was able to understand.

They waited until he stopped.

He finally finished off by saying “I didn’t do it purposely; I didn’t do it purposely.”

 Preash was confused as everyone around, but he didn’t aspire to know Raja’s words. Everyone was in a horrible situation; he knew if he too opened up, he would end up blabbering his sorrows like Raja.

But Elango on the other hand went into an investigation mode. “What did you do? What didn’t you do purposely?”

Raja’s weeping sound was the response. Elango didn’t stop there, “Did you kill somebody?”

The final question shook everyone. More than the question Raja’s silence triggered multiple thoughts within them. The way he howled and his cry was an indication of regret.

Elango said, “I knew from the beginning. I knew. Who are you? Who are you, man? Why did you do that?”

“Who are you, man? Why did you kill someone? How could you do that? Oh my god! Am I with a killer? GOD couldn’t bear the fact. For the very first time, he reacted consciously.

GOD’s reaction was a surprise for everyone there. For Preash it was a shock.

“Can you tell my mom that I am sorry for everything? Tell her that I miss her. Please, I beg you.” Raja cried.

“Say to her that whatever she wants is in her home. Tell her to look under the cage.”

Cage? Were you living in a zoo? Elango repeated

“Who is your mom?” Arivuchelvi asked

Raja didn’t reply for some time. All waited without uttering a word. Most were lost in their memories.

“Who is your mom Raja? How will I find her?” Preash asked. Even though he couldn’t think beyond an escape, he asked it for Raja. He knew whatever may happen to Raja or any of them.

Finally, Raja spoke in a steady voice somehow controlling his emotions.  He was ready to accept whatever comes his way. All he was wrapped up in was regret and angst. He recalled his life.

Original Copyright © Sukanya Pon