The missing survivors

Taeri's unexpected openness about her past left me in a state of both surprise and reflection. It was as if she had granted me access to her innermost thoughts and emotions, a privilege that I didn't take lightly. I knew that I had a profound responsibility to handle this delicate situation with the utmost care, ensuring that her feelings and trust were protected.

In that vulnerable moment, my mind wandered to my mother, who had often encouraged me to contemplate the concept of marriage. Until that point, the idea of marriage had merely been an abstract thought for me, something to consider in the distant future. However, as I gazed at Taeri, a sudden and unanticipated readiness for the idea of marriage began to stir within me.

From the very first moment I laid eyes on her, I had felt an unexplainable and deep connection, one that seemed to be more than just a mere chance or coincidence. It was as though destiny had silently woven our lives together, drawing us strongly toward each other. As Taeri shared her vulnerabilities and dreams, I found myself contemplating a future where our paths merged in a partnership bound by love and shared experiences. This realization filled me with a newfound sense of purpose and determination, and I couldn't help but wonder if our destinies were intricately intertwined, waiting to be explored and cherished together.

Gathering my thoughts, I left some room on the bench for her to sit beside me. I wanted her to feel comfortable, so I made sure to keep a respectful distance. I believed this would help her feel safe, especially since she had put a lot of trust in me by sharing her distressing experiences, including what happened in that spooky tunnel. It was the least I could do.

As we sat together on the park bench, there was a feeling of anticipation in the air. I was ready to be a good listener and support her as she started telling me about the unsettling things she had seen and been through. I knew it wouldn't be easy for her to talk about these things. At that moment, our connection grew stronger, and I was determined to be the person she could trust with her darkest secrets.

When Taeri began to speak, her voice shook with emotion. She described the scary events in the tunnel, the fear, and how everyone felt lost and confused. It was clear that she had been through a very tough and frightening time. I listened carefully, trying to understand how she felt and showing that I cared.

Our conversation moved slowly, allowing Taeri to share her story at her own pace. I was there for her, offering a comforting presence and a shoulder to lean on. As she continued talking, it became clear that this was a turning point in our relationship. It was a moment when our trust in each other grew stronger, and I felt more committed than ever to helping her find justice and closure.

Our time in the park became a crucial moment in both of our lives. Taeri bravely shared her traumatic experiences, and I silently promised to stand by her side as she worked to heal and uncover the truth. Our conversation went on like this, with me being there to support and listen, and Taeri finding the strength to share her difficult journey with me.

"Tarun right?"

"yes"

"mmhmm!"

A heavy, awkward silence descended upon us as we sat together on the bench under the cherry blossom trees. Nature was at its finest, with the flowers on the brink of blooming and the sky adorned in shades of purples, pinks, reds, and oranges. Everything around us was perfect, a picturesque scene painted by nature itself, yet the silence between us was eerie and haunting. Out of millions of possibilities destiny brought us together...yet an unknown air flowing around us made it very difficult to understand what was happening.

I never imagined that silence could be so unsettling. In the midst of this quietude, the sound of my own racing heart was amplified, beating a million times faster than usual. I found myself glancing around, uncertain of how to break the silence. I had many questions I wanted to ask her, but I hesitated, not wanting to intrude upon her privacy.

As I gazed at the blossoming trees and the colorful sky, I realized that sometimes, words can't capture the depth of emotions or experiences. Perhaps there was a lot running through her mind, and it was important to respect her pace, allowing her to open up when she was ready. The silence between us, though uncomfortable, seemed to serve as a bridge to understanding her better, a bridge that didn't rely on spoken words alone.

So, we sat there in that beautiful setting, each lost in our thoughts, waiting for the right moment to share, to listen, and to heal. The silence, in its own way, was a testament to our willingness to be there for each other, and that spoke volumes without the need for words.

"He loved me"

"Who?" I asked.

"The guy you saw dead the other day, he loved me and no he is not the killer everyone is thinking about".

"Are you sure? because looks can be deceiving especially with good-looking murderers"

"I know one when I see one, I knew he loved me"

I did not want to argue with her. I thought she was being completely irrational about him. Guess that is what love does to you, it blinds you.

"He was happy around me, enjoyed every single minute until his phone rang, his expression immediately used to change, and he used to become a little moody, angry and would leave saying he has work to do."

I simply nod my head, because once I open my mouth I am not sure of what I will be talking about.

"I had no suspicion until we went on the vacation. The phone kept on ringing, at first he avoided it, but then he couldn't, he left the room to take the call and that is when I had my suspicion, I checked all his belongings and got to know that he wasn't with any financial institution, he is with some dangerous people. I was sure and still am sure that he became a part of it with no choice. could be his financial situation, family status...I don't know, when he kidnapped me he was begging me the whole way not to hate him, he pleaded saying it isn't his choice".

"How are you so sure that he is not the killer?"

"Because if he was, he would have killed me there...let's say he trapped me, got my trust, and took me somewhere, a completely different country, wouldn't it be perfect for him to kill me? but he didn't. Let's say he wanted to torture me, by then he could have tortured me in various methods, but he didn't. He wasn't even kept in the tunnel with us, he was taken away and by the way, they treat him, I believe he is a family of theirs."

"weren't you scared? how could you possibly observe all these when being scared? I mean you were kidnapped"

"I was scared, but that shouldn't get to your head, the first trait of a detective should be that right?"

"So you are saying you are a detective?" (I was honestly very surprised)

"Technically not, but could have been"

"wow, how?"

"My major was criminology, I was always fascinated by mysteries, but the reason I wanted to become one was to get access to information of the citizens. I wanted to know who my real parents were and why did they leave me."

"you never knew your parents?"

she nods her sideways...

"My life had a tough beginning. I was left at an orphanage, watching other children find new families while I stayed behind. People had all sorts of reasons for not choosing me, and it made me wonder if my parents had something to do with it. The years passed, and my spirits sank lower with each passing day.

But a turning point came when I had a heartfelt conversation with one of the sisters at the orphanage. Little did I know that this talk would completely change my life. She decided to adopt me and became my mother. We moved to a small village, and she raised me as if I were her very own. She saw potential in me and sent me to college in Seoul.

I often told her, "Omma, one day, when I become a detective or a police officer, or something similar, I promise you that I'll find my parents. I'll let them know I had the best childhood and the most wonderful momma, and they'll regret the choices they made." She used to laugh, pull me into a tight hug, and reply, "And don't forget to tell them that you're the best daughter in the whole wide world."

Her love and support were my driving force. With her encouragement, I pursued my studies in Seoul, working hard to fulfill my dream of becoming a detective. I was determined to make her proud, to show that the love she gave me was worth it, and to uncover the truth about my past. I wanted to give her the world.

Now, I'm on the verge of fulfilling my promise to Omma. The journey to becoming a detective has been tough, but every step I take is fueled by the memory of her laughter, her warm hugs, and her unwavering belief in me. I'm ready to find my parents, to tell them about the life I've had, and to show them that their daughter has become someone they can be proud of. Omma's love gave me the strength to overcome the odds and become the best version of myself, and that's a gift I'll carry with me forever.

The story of my childhood was not easy, but the love and guidance I received from Omma transformed my life. Her decision to adopt me and her unwavering support changed the course of my existence. It wasn't just about being her daughter; it was about the boundless love and trust she placed in me.

I often wondered why no one had chosen me at the orphanage. Perhaps my parents had a reason for leaving me there, a reason that was beyond my understanding as a child. But as I grew older, I became more determined to find out the truth. Omma's love-fueled that determination, and it became my life's mission to locate my biological parents.

College life in Seoul was challenging, but Omma's sacrifices and her belief in my potential kept me going. She never let me forget that I was capable of achieving great things. Every time I felt like giving up, her words echoed in my mind, and I pressed on.

Now, as I stand on the precipice of finding my parents, the memories of Omma's love and sacrifice accompany me. I am ready to meet them, to share the life I've lived, and to show them the woman I've become. Omma's love gave me the strength to overcome adversity and become the person I am today. It's a priceless gift I will cherish forever.

Silence took over once again...she moved a bit closer to me and sat controlling her tears.

"I was doing great in college, loved all the case studies we had until..."

"take your time"

she nods weakly smiling at me.

"When I got a call from the hospital saying my mom was ill. Omma had cancer and she used all the funds to my education. She didn't use a single penny for her education. I gave up everything and with the money I had, I opened a cafe in memory of her. I never wanted to become a detective from that day, because it cost me her life, I wanted to give up what I had and I wanted to carry her legacy...but I guess life had different plans."

"What about him?"

"He helped us at the tunnel, he saved a few children from the torture down there. The other day, he was there to save us, but can't believe he killed himself, I actually don't know how to feel. should I feel betrayed? should I feel pain? Did I at all love him?" she sighs.

"You know, I feel like he might be a good person, or at least he is in your eyes and all those victims he helped, so let me help you let him be good".

"what do you mean?" she looked at me confused.

"I am sure you can handle the truth, will you?"

she nods her head in agreement.

"Well, I have a partner Aman..."

"Oh! I didn't know you were..."

"Partner? work partner? Aman's wife wouldn't be happy about it"

she smiled apologizing.

"So?"

"So, Aman and I were restless the entire night, we couldn't sleep, oh! Aman and I have been partners since our academy days, we solved every case study together, every case we were assigned, we did it together. Our hunch never went wrong. Last night Aman came into my room and expressed his concern regarding you know the person who died. We had a hunch that it wasn't just suicide but it was planned."

"What are you implying? he was killed?"

"Well yes and no, if whatever you said is true, then they might have thought that he is their weakest link and wanted to get rid of him. They might have said something to him like kill someone, maybe you, they might know that he loved you, so they might have put him in a tough spot to test him."

"And he couldn't kill me, but also at the same time he might be tired of listening to them so he took his life".

"Could be, but as I said, his suicide might be spontaneous but that entire act was preplanned."

"I am sorry but I don't get you" She looked at me confused.

"The autopsy reports were handled to us this morning and they found two bullets in his head"

"You mean, if he hadn't committed suicide he would have been killed anyway".

"Yes"

"I am sorry, I need to be alone right now" and she left...

the truth must have scared her, but it was the right thing to do. I can't help but think about what she and those people went through in that tunnel. And just then I had another vision.

"Niveditha...my name is Niveditha"

"Mohan, come fast, we are going to be late for the movie"

Her face kept popping in my dreams, I felt familiar but still very much unknown. I saw her clearly this time and fainted. I woke up to find Taeri beside me in the hospital...

"There are missing survivors"

"What?"

"you know when we were tortured, we were given choices, and those who adhered to the choices would get food for the day, and those who didn't aren't seen anymore...he said they killed some and the rest of the survivors are taken to somewhere far away".

And with that piece of information, I faint again...