The Men in Dark | Episode – 13

K L V Saivardhan Reddy

What happened previously? Click here to read

An Appreciation Letter : Unfolded Surprise

After Aarushi, Manikyam, and Prerna departed, Arjun took some time to organize his flat. He meticulously arranged everything before sitting down to write in his daily journal. The ritual of recording his thoughts brought him a sense of calm and closure for the day.

Eventually, he moved to his bedroom. He positioned his wheelchair parallel to one side of the bed, preparing to transfer himself. As he did so, the thought of the letter Aarushi had mentioned flashed in his mind. He wondered what important information it might contain. Distracted by his thoughts, his hand slipped from the bedsheet, and he fell to the ground with a thud.

Instantly, alarms throughout the house started beeping, and within milliseconds, a screen popped up showing a group of concerned people. “Are you okay?” they asked in unison.

Arjun, slightly embarrassed but touched by their concern, reassured them, “Yes, I’m okay. I just slipped. Nothing much, you guys go to bed.”

A sweet voice from the back of the group chimed in, “Do you want us to come over for tonight?”

Arjun smiled at their care but declined. “No need, my brothers. I’m okay. You guys carry on with your work. I’m going to bed. It’s been a long day, and I’m tired.”

Agreeing with him, everyone said, “Good night,” and the alarms stopped beeping.

Arjun placed both hands on the bed, pushing down on the cushion to lift himself up. Once his waist was level with the bed, he used his arms to pull his legs onto the mattress, adjusting his position to find comfort. As he settled in, he cleared his mind, reassuring himself, “Whatever the letter may contain, it must be for good.” With that thought, he grabbed his blanket, covered himself, and closed his eyes, ready for sleep.

Aarushi, Manikyam, and Prerna took a cab and reached their place. Manikyam’s eyes were glittering with happiness, a joyful light that had been missing for far too long.

As Aarushi unlocked the door of their flat, Manikyam stepped inside and was immediately awed by the sight before him. The walls were covered with newspaper articles, photographs, and notes—a testament to Aarushi’s journey and the people she had met along the way.

Seeing the look of surprise on Manikyam’s face, Aarushi gently placed her arms on his shoulder and said, “Grandpa! All your questions will be answered first thing in the morning. For now, go and rest.”

Manikyam nodded, still taking in the overwhelming evidence of Aarushi’s experiences and growth. “I understand, my dear. It’s just… so much to take in. I’m so proud of you.”

Prerna, standing nearby, smiled at the heartfelt exchange. “We all need some rest after today. Tomorrow will bring clarity.”

They helped Manikyam to his room, ensuring he was comfortable. Aarushi gave him a tender hug. “Good night, Grandpa. Sleep well.”

Manikyam smiled warmly. “Good night, Aarushi. I am really happy that I met you at last.”

Aarushi and Prerna watched as he settled into bed, his expression peaceful and content. They quietly left his room, closing the door softly behind them.

Prerna turned to Aarushi, a mixture of admiration and curiosity in her eyes. “Now let’s go open the letter in the envelope.”

Aarushi nodded in agreement and they both headed towards the living room where Aarushi placed her hand bag. Grabbing the hand bag, Aarushi sat on the couch. Prerna sat beside her.

Aarushi opened her handbag and picked up the envelope. Keeping the bag aside, she pulled her legs onto the couch, preparing herself to explore the letter. As she removed the letter from the envelope, a few rose petals fell out, surprising both of them.

Prerna gasped softly, her eyes widening. “Rose petals… Is this a kind of Love letter?.”

Aarushi smiled, a hint of curiosity and nostalgia in her eyes. “It’s like adding a touch of elegance.”

She unfolded the letter, revealing the neatly handwritten words inside. Taking a deep breath, she began to read aloud.

"Dear Aarushi,"

Her voice was steady but filled with curiosity.

"You are going to read the most important thing in both of our lives. So I request you to pay more attention for a few minutes. By the way, I am well known as The Man in Dark."

Aarushi paused, glancing at Prerna with wide eyes. Prerna nodded encouragingly, urging her to continue.

"In these years of my journey, emerging from a single man to building the society of the Men in Dark, many people tried to find my true identity. None of them succeeded. To be precise, I didn’t let them come near me."

Aarushi took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she continued reading.

"Do not panic; this is not a letter to frighten you. The reason I didn’t let them succeed is that they were not sincere to society. They wanted to reveal my identity for their own self-development. Some even intended to endanger me, to kill me. But your approach is far unique, and I saw your sincerity towards society and your work. Treat this as a letter of appreciation."

Aarushi paused, absorbing the words. She glanced at Prerna, who gave her an encouraging nod to continue.

"Today you believe you were inches away from succeeding. But the truth is you succeeded. And the person who was about to reveal my identity to you is safe with me."

Aarushi paused, her mind racing. The revelation left her both relieved and anxious. Prerna leaned in closer, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“Who do you think he means?” Prerna asked softly.

Aarushi shook her head, still trying to process the information. “I don’t know. But if they’re safe, that’s all that matters.”

She continued reading, her heart pounding.

"The journey doesn't end here. In fact, it is just beginning. The person is an important part of our community. They will continue to work with us, contributing to the cause we hold. Your determination has proven that it is time to reveal my identity."

Aarushi’s breath caught in her throat. She glanced at Prerna, who nodded, urging her to keep going.

"The countless trials, the unwavering dedication, and the sincerity you have shown have not gone unnoticed. You have earned the right to know who I am. My name is... No! No! I think I should give you an interview as a surprise gift for all the efforts you have put in for this day.”

Aarushi’s heart pounded in her chest. She turned to Prerna, her voice barely above a whisper. “An interview?”

Prerna’s eyes widened. “It sounds like he wants to meet you in person.  Come on read it”

Aarushi nodded slowly, her eyes welling up with tears, feeling a mix of happiness and anxiety. She continued reading.

“You should be the only person who has to introduce me to society. You have earned it. Let's arrange a bigger stage where you interview me. Our community will make the arrangements. It is a place where 10,000 people can accommodate to watch the interview and ask me questions. You are the host. All the venue related details and bookings will be made available by tomorrow evening on our community website : themenindark.org.”

Aarushi’s hands trembled as she put the letter down, her emotions overwhelming her. She looked at Prerna, who was staring back at her with wide, astonished eyes.

"The path ahead will not be easy, but you have the strength and wisdom to navigate through it. Remember, you are not alone. You have allies, friends, and family who support you. Trust in them and in yourself."

The letter continued, detailing the responsibilities and challenges that lay ahead for Aarushi, but also the support and guidance she would receive.

"You are special, Aarushi. Your heart, your courage, and your determination are what the world needs. Use them wisely and always remember why you started this journey. You have the power to make a difference."

As Aarushi reached the end of the letter, she felt a sense of resolve settling within her. The final words of TMD echoed in her mind, filling her with a renewed sense of purpose and strength.

"With all my love and faith in you, TMD."

Aarushi folded the letter, her eyes brimming with tears. Prerna reached out and embraced her, offering silent support.

“Can you believe this?” Aarushi whispered, her voice choked with emotion. “He wants me to introduce him to the world.”

Prerna’s face broke into a warm, encouraging smile. “Aarushi, this is incredible! You’ve worked so hard for this moment. You deserve it.”

Aarushi wiped away a tear that had escaped down her cheek. “I never imagined it would turn out like this. I was just doing what I thought was right.”

Prerna hugged her tightly. “And that’s why you’re the perfect person for this. You’ve shown true dedication and integrity. You’ve earned this honor.”

As they sat together, absorbing the magnitude of the letter, Aarushi felt a surge of determination. “I need to prepare for this interview. It’s going to be the most important event of my life.”

Prerna nodded. “And I’ll be right here to support you every step of the way.”

Aarushi took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anticipation and resolve. “Let’s make this happen. It’s time for the world to meet The Man in Dark.”