The characters were are as follows:
A men who's family was kidnapped. (Mr V)
Kidnapped people : Wife (around 60), daughter, son in law, 1child (~ 6 months), Boy (3-6 years)
Me: Negotiator
Kidnappers den :
Kingpin
3 musclemen
2 members i was speaking to frequently. (M1,M2)
The plot begins with the family already kidnapped and the first round of negotiations already gone wrong. I was instructed by someone (not Mr V) to save whatever i can.
I am in a village waiting to be received by some one, when M1 arrives. He is a mature young man who is here to talk business and sincere towards having a deal. We walk towards a guesthouse where he makes me comfortable with general inquiries. After refreshing we started discussing the deal.
I was told the family is taken good care however they only have one more day if this negotiation fails. We talked at length and the day concluded where i need to come up with a final offer.
The next day i was greeted by M1 and M2 and told that Mr V is coming for talks with the boss. I was blindfoldedly taken to the location where everyone was. It was a typical village location with open fields on the back and a large structure, a mesh of houses, almost fortified in front.
There M1 excused me on a charpai, put under trees, with M2. M2 was 18 something, enthusiastic young lad who believes in his family business of kidnapping.
After a hour, I saw a white sedan, chauffeur driven, arriving at the gates and a suited man being escorted inside. M2 told Mr V has arrived and would be meeting with the boss. Something within relaxed me as if i was on a vacation. Next 3 hrs i spent with M2 chatting and joking, going through fields and nearby pond like i was at a friends place.
When having meal M1 joined and broke the news that negotiation failed and the family will be executed today. Everything blew apart, blank and then when could get a grip i begged everything is not over. I started saying whatever i could make of, Mr V not doing as good as it looks, him being a bankrupt.I begged Mercy for the newborn and then the boy who just started understanding the world , the old lady a mother, the young couple and the new parents. M1 and M2 almost apologetic just listening to me and trying to console. I offered a deal from my side and tried everything i could, and then i heard a dim blast followed by a cry, cry of a baby, getting louder by each moment.
M2 broke "It must be the son in law. He was due first." The cries now even in the head became unbearable. I started running away but the cries kept growing. I wanted to go to Mr V. I had so much to ask?Head started burning, scenes changing rapidly from a crowded worship place, to a fast highway, to a island.And then i suddenly woke up.
It doesn't end there, but now the thoughts were controlled. First reaction was revenge but then Why followed.
Why did it happen?
Why Mr V didn't give in?
What is he going through?
Was the demand too much, he could have at least save someone?
Didn't they gave a fair chance?
Who is at fault?
Its not revenge. It is much more complicated. A strike to kingpin's den may get some temporary peace but it will set a cycle of rage and blood in motion. It can be a resolve to methodically strike, beyond personal grieving,down outlaws and the kind. A resolve to eliminate the root's rather than trimming branches.
Another way "Gandhian way" would be to deny anyone to bend the will by force. This would require immense courage and heart, well beyond what I and most have.
I can still hear the cries of the baby just don't want to think beyond.
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