An Old Friend

The next morning, our day began with a wonderful surprise: Taeri's freshly brewed coffee, and she wasn't lying when she said she was the best barista ever. Her coffee tasted like a new hope, well, I don't know how to describe it. Maybe heaven? It was a moment that made me feel like we had a real, complete family. As I sipped the coffee, I looked around and realized how fortunate I was to have this moment. It was a simple act of love and care that brought a sense of warmth and togetherness to our lives, a reminder that even in the midst of our investigations and challenges, there were moments of joy and connection that made it all worthwhile.

Jin, Woo Shik Hyung's son, was still fast asleep while the rest of us enjoyed our coffee. Taeri, already dressed for work, was bustling around the kitchen, preparing a delicious breakfast for all of us. The aroma of her cooking filled the air, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Hyung (older brother, Kim Woo Shik), and I quickly got ready for our day, knowing that Taeri had a special meal waiting for us.

Once breakfast was ready, we all gathered around the table to eat together. Jin, the little bundle of energy, finally woke up and made his way to the kitchen. He spotted his dad, Woo Shik, and gave him a warm, morning hug, a heartwarming display of their close bond. Then, he turned to Taeri, giving her an equally loving hug, showcasing the strong connection between them. Finally, he came over and plopped down in my lap, which had become his favorite spot. I couldn't help but adore Jin, and my feelings for him ran even deeper than I could express.

Amidst all this warmth and togetherness, Kang Woo's wife kindly offered to take care of Jin, along with her two daughters. It was a relief for us, but Jin wasn't too thrilled about it. However, it turned out to be his lucky day because the new living quarters were ready. So, we made a plan: Taeri would help Kang Woo's family with the move, our friend Austin would assist Kang Woo and Aman and I would head to the police bureau to continue our work.

Our first task was to explain the mysterious anonymous notes to the commissioner. He listened to our concerns with a thoughtful demeanor and suggested a practical solution. He proposed that we set up an office directly in the camp, allowing us to work more efficiently and eliminating the need for constant travel to the police bureau. This idea resonated with us, as it would make our work more accessible and integrated with our daily lives in the camp.

The commissioner also assured us that all the necessary case files would be sent directly to our new office in the camp. This meant we could focus on our investigations without the interruptions and delays that had previously occurred when we had to travel back and forth. It was a significant step forward in our mission to uncover the truth behind the mysterious crimes that had been plaguing our community.

With the commissioner's support and the practical arrangements in place, our team was better equipped to address the challenges that lay ahead. The move to the camp had brought us closer as a family, and the establishment of our office within the camp would further strengthen our bond and efficiency. We were ready to face the mysteries that awaited us, armed with determination and a newfound sense of purpose.

With our new office set up and the commissioner's support secured, Aman and I embarked on a journey to visit Rajesh Sir. Though not directly involved with our investigative team, Rajesh Sir's wisdom and advice have proven to be invaluable. We recognized that his experience and guidance would be crucial in navigating the complexities of our current case.

As Aman took the wheel and drove us to Rajesh Sir's house, he initiated a conversation. The weight of the case and its deepening mysteries had settled on our shoulders, and it was essential to discuss our hopes, concerns, and the uncertainties that lay ahead. We knew that every lead, every piece of information, would be vital in our quest for justice.

During our conversation, we acknowledged the gravity of the situation. The unknown territory we were venturing into was daunting, and the well-being of the people involved depended on our ability to solve the mystery. However, we also held onto the belief that, with our team and the unwavering support of individuals like Rajesh Sir, we were determined to unravel the enigma and bring those responsible to justice.

Our visit to Rajesh Sir was not just a professional consultation; it was a reaffirmation of our commitment to the pursuit of truth and justice. We were ready to face the challenges and uncertainties that awaited us, fortified by the wisdom and support of those who shared our mission.

"Tarun?"

"mmhmm"

"How was yesterday?"

"Good, it was not like how I thought it would be"

"Like?"

"Disorganized, energetic child, strict father" I chuckled

"Wait really? hyung isn't strict?"

"Not at all...he is like a huge teddy bear to his son"

"You seem to be fond of him?"

"Yeah, after all he went through...it was really hard for him to connect with people, but I was the first one who he spoke to in the first meeting"

"Really? What did you say to him?"

"We connected on a personal level, it was like I saw me in him," I told him peeking out of the window.

"Are you okay?"

"I am, I got closure...my mom would never say what she was feeling and how hard was it for her, but yesterday speaking to Hyung he made me understand her perspective and I helped him to understand Jin's. Jin saw his mother die in front of him"

"What?" he turned towards me shocked.

"Focus on the road!" he turned towards the road.

"Jin was three when he and his mom were in an accident. Both had major injuries, the last time he saw his mother was in a pool of blood. Thankfully, he doesn't remember any of it, his shock made him forget that incident. From then her family blamed Jin for her death and so Hyung decided to take him away from them."

"I never thought about him like that"

"Neither did I..."

"Are you okay Aman? you seem a little off...I have been observing you, every time the VISA is delayed you get more and more anxious...what is happening?"

"Today is not about me"

"And why is that? you think I am not worthy enough to share?"

"It is not like that..." he stopped the car at the nearer rest area and we went into the cafe that was around there.

We ordered coffee and he started spilling the beans...

"I don't know, I don't understand my wife and I don't know what she expects from me and what she wants from me..." he started rubbing his temples.

"What is it?"

"You know I was dating her from high school right?"

"mmhmm"

"She was the one who encouraged me to join the academy, she said her father would accept us if I was in either the police department, the military, or in the bureau. So I joined, she was happy even when I was not. my passion was something else, I always wanted to become a photographer, it was so hard for me to convince my father but eventually, he agreed, he even bought me a vintage camera. But for her, I gave it all up..."

"so that is why you were distant with people at first?"

he nodded and continued

"Imagine giving up my passion for her, the one I craved for my entire life...but it wasn't much of a sacrifice according to me because every time I thought of marrying her, it would make me happy and let me forget the sacrifice I made. I met you and the tables turned, I actually started liking this..."

"She completed her studies and we got into the bureau, so it was easy for us to convince our families, we got married and had a wonderful time together until...until we were sent to some other place for investigation. She started feeling that I didn't care about her feelings anymore, I didn't spend time with her anymore. She started arguing for every petty thing."

He took a sip from his coffee while I sat there in silence having no clue what to say.

"I took her on trips, on dates...I took her everywhere she asked me to. I spent all my free time with her...and now she says she hates my job and wants me to quit"

"What?" I almost spilled my coffee.

"She either wants me to quit or get a divorce from her"

"Aman, are you sure you understand what you are saying? Quitting? Divorce?"

"I know right...the reason why their VISA is getting delayed is because of this, she doesn't want to come here, she says I am putting her in danger too along with me..."

"Do Maa know about this?"

"Yes, Aunty is helping me, she is trying to make Aarthi understand what she is asking for and how ridiculous it sounds...I am sorry Tarun, it is because this aunty isn't here"

"You don't have to apologize if Maa didn't know about this, I would have asked her and insisted she convinces Aarthi...don't worry about me, let us just pray that Maa convinces her and you don't have to give up anything"

"I am really sorry"

"No, I am sorry for asking...I just couldn't stop myself from asking...I kept on wondering about this case that led us here...is making me feel all sorts of emotions...some I never thought that I would be capable of"

"True bro, I have been feeling the same...if this wasn't our team, I don't know probably I would have lost my mind" and we both chuckled.

"You know what they say right? Hug it out, bro..." I stood up and he embraced me.

and we continued on our journey...

"Didn't you think that it was a little embarrassing back there when we hugged it out?" Aman asked.

"Oh! if you call that embarrassing then you should have seen me yesterday night..." I hit my head for blurting it out.

"Yo! What happened? I need to know now...like right now" he said enthusiastically.

"Last night I was having a dream about my dad...fragments of our memories..."

"What is so embarrassing about it?"

"Nothing about it, but I was sweating heavily...Hyung woke me up, went into the kitchen, and brought me a glass of warm milk"

"That is so sweet of him, but still I don't think that you need to feel embarrassed about it"

"Just let me finish okay?"

"sorry go on," he said laughing at me

"He said Jin used to have nightmares and warm milk helped him calm down. He would then hold Jin to sleep"

"So did he hold you to sleep?" he was laughing uncontrollably by now.

"shut up already! No he did not" I was yelling at this point.

he couldn't control his laughter, tears were rolling down his cheeks but he did not care.

"He said he cannot hold me...but I held his hand and slept" and I started laughing too...

we were laughing until we reached Rajesh sir's house.

Sir invited us inside, and he told us to make ourselves comfortable at home, he went to the kitchen to make us some coffee. Aman was checking out the house and I was curious about the pictures on the wall in the study room. I went in and took a closer look...

"Tarun come check out the view...it is amazing..."

I stood there motionless...

"Tarun?"

By this time, sir returned with coffee but noticed me and Aman...he asked 

"Aman, what is wrong?"

"No idea sir, I was just telling him to check out the view, but he isn't moving from there staring at those pictures"

"Oh, those...you should look at them too"

"You see him? he was my best buddy....we were friends from the academy just like you guys...looking at you both every single time reminds me of him," he said

"Where is he, sir?" Aman asked

"He isn't anymore with us, I remember the day like it was yesterday..."

"What happened?" I asked.

"He was leading our team on that fateful day. We were far away from any danger, just enjoying the simple pleasures of life by a nearby lake, singing songs and sharing laughter. He had a special knack for finding joy in the happiness of others. No call, no warning reached our ears. It was a day of absolute peace, and then, out of nowhere, the peace was shattered by the deafening sound of gunshots.

In a frantic rush, we dashed back to our camp to retrieve our weapons, only to find it completely burning down in flames. The world as we knew it was disintegrating. But, with determination, we managed to secure our weapons and began firing back at those responsible for the chaos. He, with unwavering courage, ordered the others to safety, placing me in charge of ensuring their protection.

There was a brief moment when it was just him and I left, standing side by side amidst the chaos. I went to his side, but it was too late; he had been struck by a bullet. He refused to give in, displaying incredible resilience till his last breath. He was a true fighter, and he was also my dearest friend.

Every day, I carry the heavy burden of missing him. He had a way of always bringing up his beloved wife in conversation. When they welcomed their son into the world, he couldn't contain his joy, sharing stories and beaming with pride. His son was his world, and he often asked me if he was doing enough for him, ensuring he received all the love and care he deserved.

But after he was gone, a shadow fell over his family's life. His wife, in her grief, made the heartbreaking decision to relocate their son from the place they once called home. None of us have any idea where they are now, and the mystery adds to the weight of our loss..." he said all this and gently wiped his tears.

I stood there, his words echoing in my ear...I couldn't even cry, I felt guilty for thinking he never thought of me, for I was always in his mind and heart...I didn't deserve his love...I stood there numb.

"Tarun?" Aman shook me.

I regained my consciousness and looked at him with a hollow expression.

"Is everything alright? You are zoned out from the moment you saw those pictures" he asked

"Are you okay?" Rajesh sir asked.

Tears flowed down my cheeks, I knelt down crying...Aman held me tightly and at that moment I really needed it.

"He spoke about me?" I stuttered.

Both had absolutely no clue what I was talking about...Aman looked at me confused, Rajesh sir is unsure of how to react...

"So you are saying you knew him?" I asked.

"Yes, I have known him for years, such a kind soul...he was wise, brave, and definitely a fool who died for us" he answered and asked

"Do you know him, Tarun?" he looked at me expectantly...

"Yes, I know him very well, he is the reason for all my what-ifs..."

"I don't understand...care to explain? do you know his family?"

"Yes, I know his family..." 

Aman was shocked to hear me...

"Right from my childhood, I always asked myself what if he was here...would he play with me? take me to the park? be my best friend? and whatnot...the only position that made a void in my heart...the only person I miss the most every single day...whose absence made people hate me, bully me...who I love the most...he is my father...your best friend, the one who died a hero, sacrificing his life for others...he is my father."

Their eyes widened in surprise, a mix of astonishment and shock washed over their faces as I shared this unexpected news. What was meant to be a visit to gather information had turned into a deeply personal revelation about my own family. The room was filled with a heavy silence, as my heartfelt confession hung in the air.

My newfound longing for the father I never knew and the weight of guilt for the judgments I had held about him weighed on my heart. The truth had a way of reshaping our perceptions and bringing to light the hidden emotions and connections that lay beneath the surface. Our visit had unexpectedly unveiled a profound chapter of my life, and the room was now charged with a sense of shared understanding and empathy.