The Men in Dark | Episode – 10

K L V Saivardhan Reddy

What happened previously? Click here to read

A Tale of Ripples: Symbols, Secrets & Mockery

Right above the sofa, Aarushi and Prerna noticed a picture featuring the same logo they had seen on the envelope, as well as the logo of the company Ripples. 

Moving towards the sofa while looking at the picture, smiles appeared on their faces. They felt a sense of relief and belief that they had come to the right place and that the information received from the delivery boy was true.

Arjun followed them and said, “Here, have some water,” reaching towards the dining table to grab a tumbler and handing it to Aarushi. Startled by his sudden voice from behind, Aarushi slipped slightly and fell onto the couch, unknowingly pressing a remote button. 

The television in the living hall flickered to life, resuming a news channel. The screen displayed footage of Aviraj, the CEO & Managing Director of Ganesh Group of Companies, being questioned at the entrance of Ripples Company. Aarushi and Prerna recognized him immediately; they had seen him earlier during the traffic jam near Ripples Company.

The news broadcast was live from the location of Ripples Company. They realized this must have happened while they were in David’s Chamber, trying to uncover the facts about the mysterious envelope and its connection to the company.

“Mr. Aviraj, can you tell us the reason for your sudden visit to your rival company?” one of the reporters asked.

“Yeah! The beauty of this nature is that we cannot hold our excitement. While I was working at my office, I suddenly thought of Ripples Company. So I came here to clear that thought,” Aviraj replied with a smile on his face.

“Mr. Aviraj, what is that sudden thought that made you spare your precious time?” another reporter posed.

Aviraj bent his face with a smile, then raised his head and said, “As this company’s managing directors are hiding their identity and working remotely, I just got a doubt whether they have a chamber for a managing director in the building.” He then burst out laughing and continued, “And you know what? There is a room, but it’s not bigger than the washroom at my office.”

TMD’s loud laughter reverberated through the flat, causing Aarushi and Prerna to jump in surprise. “What was that?” they asked in unison.

Arjun, trying to suppress a smile, explained, “That’s my brother on a video call. Just ignore it.”

They turned their attention back to the TV screen, where the news continued.

Another reporter stepped forward and asked, “Why do you always mock this company? Do you feel bad that they are growing fast? Or do you have any personal grudge against them?”

Aviraj, with a serious expression, turned to the reporter, gripping the mic. “I am neither afraid of their growth nor jealous of their projects. And about the grudge, no one on this planet knows who they are. How could I have a personal grudge against them?”

The reporter’s face paled as Aviraj’s intense gaze bore into him.

Noticing the reporter’s discomfort, Aviraj laughed heartily. “You really thought I was serious, didn’t you? Well, I was, but not entirely. Calm down. I don’t have any grudge against this company. What I dislike is that they are doing such good work but hide their faces from society. If they truly have courage, they should show their faces and then compete with me. Only cowards play hide and seek.”

“Otherwise, I have great respect for their work,” Aviraj added, chuckling as he got into his car and drove away.

“How can he say such things?” Arjun reacted, visibly agitated.

Aarushi, sensing his reaction, asked, “Do you know him?”

“Of course! Everyone knows Aviraj,” Arjun replied, adjusting his throat. “But you haven’t told me who you people are and what you want from me.”

Aarushi and Prerna exchanged a quick glance before Aarushi spoke up. “My name is Aarushi, and this is Prerna. I received an envelope in the evening with the same symbol that you have on your wall.” She pointed towards the picture on the wall beside them.

“Okay! But how do you know that I have a picture of the same logo in my house, and what help can I do for you?” Arjun asked Aarushi.

“A delivery boy gave us information about your house; he said that he had visited your house today. We want you to tell us anything you know about this letter or the connection between you and that symbol. That may help us,” Aarushi requested.

“I don’t know how to address you, but there is no connection between me and that envelope. I have no idea what you are talking about,” Arjun replied.

“Hey kid! Stop acting smart, okay? Why the hell do you have that logo on your wall if you have nothing to do with the envelope?” Prerna asked in a firm, interrogative voice.

“That… is…,” Arjun began, struggling to find words.

Prerna interrupted, “Do not try to tell stories like you got it as a gift from someone else.”

“No, I am not trying to tell stories. Ripples is the only company that values mental capability over physical ability and prefers physically handicapped people for recruitment. I have been trying to get a job in that company for many years. So for inspiration, I got it hung there. Apart from that, I have no connection with any of it,” Arjun explained.

“Isn’t this a story? Which company hires kids?” Prerna retorted.

“Ripples company hires anyone above 10th grade if they have talent and the zeal to grow and enhance their talent,” Aarushi said, looking at Arjun. “Who told you about this company?”

“Oh my God! You are so good at making leads. Who do you think? It’s me, Aarushi, the person whose identity you have been trying to uncover all these days,” said TMD over the speakers.

“Brother! Do you know her?” Arjun asked.

“My dear little brother, she came all the way here to find out who I am, and she has been trying to uncover my identity for so many months,” TMD said.

“Aarushi was her name. She was so adorable. I am unable to track her,” Manikyam murmured, his voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and longing.

Upon hearing this, TMD’s voice came through the speakers with excitement. “Mr. Manikyam, I think your granddaughter is just outside this room in the living hall.”

Arjun turned to Aarushi, his eyes wide with curiosity. “Do you have a grandfather named Manikyam?”

Aarushi’s heart skipped a beat. “Yes, why? Is he here?” She felt a sudden rush of hope, her thoughts racing back to the old man the delivery boy had mentioned. Could it really be him? With a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, she called out, “Mani! Are you here?”