The Men in Dark | Episode – 11

K L V Saivardhan Reddy

What happened previously? Click here to read

Unmasking Secrets: The Reunion and the Rescue

A complete silence spread through the entire room as they awaited a response. A few seconds later, an elderly man emerged from a side room, his eyes lighting up with recognition and joy as he saw Aarushi.

“Aarushi, my dear,” Manikyam said, his voice trembling with emotion.

“Grandpa!” Aarushi cried out, running to him with tears streaming down her face. They embraced tightly, the weight of their separation melting away in that moment. Prerna watched the reunion with a smile, feeling a sense of relief that Aarushi had finally met one of her family members after so many days.

Arjun stood by, still processing the unexpected turn of events. “So, you’re really her grandfather,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Yes, and I’m so glad you’re safe,” Manikyam replied, holding Aarushi close. “I never stopped looking for you.”

“You shouldn’t have worried, Grandpa. I left home on my own, and I can survive. But I understand that you missed me, and I missed you too. I love you, Grandpa!” Aarushi expressed with deep affection.

Manikyam smiled, his eyes misty. “I love you too, Aarushi. Welcome back.”

“Aarushi! This is Arjun,” Manikyam said, gesturing towards him with gratitude. “I was exhausted and feeling lost at the bus stop. No one noticed or helped me, except him. He’s the one who brought me here and took care of me.”

Arjun gave a modest nod, slightly embarrassed by the praise. “I just did what anyone should do,” he said.

Aarushi turned to Arjun, her eyes filled with appreciation. “Thank you so much, Arjun. I don’t know how to repay your kindness.”

“No need to thank me,” Arjun replied with a smile. “I’m just glad everything turned out well.”

“I am happy for you both,” the voice from the speaker continued. “I can understand your rush to unveil my identity, but you took a lot of risk following the instructions of an anonymous delivery boy. You wouldn’t have done that if you had read my letter.”

“Anyways, everything happened for the best as she found her grandfather here,” Arjun said, breaking the tension with a warm smile.

Aarushi nodded, her eyes still shimmering with tears of relief and joy. “Yes, I’m so grateful for that.”

Manikyam, still holding Aarushi close, turned to the speaker. “Thank you for helping bring my granddaughter back to me, even if it wasn’t the way you intended.”

The voice on the speaker softened. “Family is the most important thing. I’m glad you’re reunited.”

“Okay then, you people enjoy the moment. I have some important things to attend to,” TMD said over the speaker, his voice fading slightly as he seemed to prepare to disconnect.

Aarushi glanced at the speaker and then back at her grandfather. “Thank you,” she said softly, not entirely sure if TMD could hear her.

“Take care, and stay safe,” TMD’s voice responded.

Just before the line disconnected, Prerna raised her voice, “You have some unsettled issue with me.”

There was a brief pause, and then TMD’s voice returned, calm but with a hint of curiosity. “What issue might that be, Prerna?”

“You know very well,” Prerna replied, her tone firm. “You owe me an explanation. Where was Karthik taken?”

“Karthik?” TMD responded, his voice tinged with genuine confusion. “Who is Karthik?”

Prerna’s eyes narrowed, her frustration evident. “Don’t play games with me. Karthik was last seen being taken away by people who work for you.”

There was a moment of silence before TMD spoke again. “I really don’t know what you are talking about?”

“There was a boy working in a hotel at the bus stop. She was about to adopt him. But it turned out that you have taken him in already. She was worried all day about his whereabouts,” explained Aarushi.

TMD’s voice softened with understanding. “I see. It sounds like there’s been a misunderstanding. Let’s clear this up. Can you all come to the conference room? There’s some discomfort with the camera covering you here.”

Aarushi, Prerna, Arjun, and Manikyam exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. “Sure,” Aarushi said. Arjun took the lead as they made their way to the conference room.

As they entered the room, the door closed behind them, and the atmosphere grew more serious. A large screen flickered to life, showing TMD’s image.

“Okay! Miss Prerna, I understand your concern. If he was taken by my people—by the people of our society—then he is in good hands, and there is no need to worry about him,” said TMD.

Prerna’s eyes narrowed with skepticism. “Ohh! I doubt that. You do not even know his name or recognize him. How can I be sure that he will be safe in your hands?” Her voice was thick with disbelief.

“My dear, he is not the only child taken in today. There are many, and I am talking to them one by one. His turn just hasn’t come yet. Maybe I will meet him after this call,” TMD replied softly.

Prerna was not convinced by TMD’s explanation. She wanted to take Karthik with her and, in a firm tone, demanded, “Give him back. I will take care of him.”

Aarushi, concerned, went close to Prerna. She laid her hand on her shoulder and patted her gently. “He will be okay with TMD. Trust me.”

TMD’s voice took on a more paternal tone. “I am sure you will take care of him for now, Prerna. But believe me, life is unpredictable, and not everything will happen as we wish. There is a lot of life ahead for you. A person who will be entering your life may have problems with Karthik. It is better for him to be with us.”

Prerna looked conflicted, her eyes darting between Aarushi and the screen. She knew Aarushi’s words were meant to comfort her, but the uncertainty in TMD’s reassurances gnawed at her.

“You don’t understand. I promised him a better life, a family,” Prerna said, her voice cracking with emotion.

“And he will have that, Prerna,” TMD assured her. “But in a way that ensures his future stability and happiness. You can still be a part of his life, just not his sole guardian. It’s about what’s best for him in the long term.”

Prerna took a deep breath, trying to process everything. She glanced at Aarushi, who nodded in encouragement. Slowly, she began to relent.

“Fine,” she said quietly, “but I want regular updates on him. I want to know he’s truly okay.”

TMD nodded. “Of course, that is only fair. We can arrange regular check-ins, and you can visit him whenever you like.”

The tension in the room eased slightly as Prerna’s fierce protective stance softened. Aarushi smiled at her friend, grateful for her understanding.

“Thank you,” Prerna whispered, wiping away a stray tear.

The connection on the screen flickered, and TMD’s image faded slightly. “Alright then, I’ll leave you all to enjoy your reunion. If you need anything, you know how to reach me. And Prerna, rest assured, Karthik is safe and will be well taken care of.”

As the call ended, a sense of calm settled over the room. Aarushi, Prerna, Arjun, and Manikyam stood together, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and connection. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, they knew they could face whatever came next together.