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Thriller: The Ultimate Choice

Discussion in 'Stories (Fiction)' started by Tamrakshar, Jan 25, 2020.

  1. Tamrakshar

    Tamrakshar Platinum IL'ite

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    Episode 24

    Archana was eagerly listening to the rants of the Joker. She had nothing to say. She was worried about her husband Rajan. So, she asked,

    "Is my husband safe? His life is more important than mine."

    "Ha ha ha ha!"

    The Joker seemed to have lost his composure, as he smiled like an adolescent boy!

    "Really? Really Archu? Really?"

    "Of course! Are you doubting me?" Archana's voice raised spontaneously, as she hadn't have an iota of doubt.

    "Okay, okay! Don't get angry. I am happy to announce that he had already passed the first two tests, and like everyone else he will pass the third test, too. But well, I don't have no idea whether he will pass the remaining two tests or not!

    But, I have a bad news for ya. You know what? The last 2 tests are the toughest. 70% of the participants lose their lives in the 4th stage, and the rest in the fifth. Good luck to you for the remaining tests."

    Suddely, the screen went blank leaving Archana's doubts unanswered. She also felt a sensation of chill running down her spine.

    "What did the Joker say? 70% of the participants pass out in the 4th stage. That means the next stage will be the toughest of all. Oh God, why are you not helping me? Aren't there anyone who can free us from the clutches of the Joker?"

    Archana's thought process flew nonstop for long. She noted that the Joker hadn't mentioned any date about the next test. Archana placed her left hand on her forehead, and tried to sleep.

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------​

    As usual, Rajan woke up at 5 on dot. He was ready to be taken to the field by the Bengali masked man, whom Rajan, now, was pretty sure, was his batchmate at the IIT, Ranjan. But, the door, which opened and closed on its own, didn't open. Rajan was a tad perplexed, as this hadn't happened so far during his stay here.

    He was looking here and there thinking what to do. Suddenly, the face of the Joker appered on the television monitor. Watching that freaking face, Rajan's heartbeat stopped for a moment. Generally, the Joker had announced about forthcoming tests well in advance so far. But last night, no one had informed him about any test. Was he going to take the third test right now?

    "Relax! You don't have to appear at any test right now. In fact, I want to tell you that you have got a break from running, gardening and all other works today. You can take rest, or do whatever you like. But, if that is a good news, I have got a bad news for you, too. You will have to appear at the third test on 8 PM tonight."

    Again, Rajan's heartbeat stopped for a moment. "What test, Sir?" These words came out spontaneously from his mouth.

    "You will know." The television monitor went blank.

    Rajan stood there standstill for at least 10 minutes. Third test! Would he be able to pass that?
    What kind of test that would be? Rajan slowly sat on the bed.

    Rajan again thought about the queer dream he had a few hour ago. Was it only because of revelation of Ranjan's identity in his sub-conscious mind or something else, Rajan was thinking about it, and suddenly an incident which happened a few days back flashed through his mind.

    Even though, Rajan had to run like a donkey for 2 hours, he was given no reprieve from gardening. At 8 AM, as usual, he got the break for refreshment, when he met Roger and Chan. As the time of the break was very limited, most of the time, they were busy in eating and drinking as much as possible. They had very little a chance to talk.

    But, that day, Rajan was determined to know why Roger could not escape despite coming so close to it! Rajan had previously asked the question many times, but Roger had evaded the answer so far. But, that day, observing Rajan's determined face to know the answer, Roger said,


    "Okay man! I will tell you what happened next. The moment I touched the fence, I got a huge electric shock, and I fell down on the ground. Within 5 seconds, two masked men with 4 doberman pinschers cannonballed towards me.

    I hurt my spine from the fall. Before I could get up, one of them shoot a dart in my leg, and I became senseless. I was tortured very brutally by the Joker's men for two consecutive days. When I was on the brink of death, the Joker's face apperaed on the television screen. He said he followed every movement of every captive every second. He inserted a GPS cheep in the flesh below our eyes. We can't go anywhere without his knowledge, and we can't remove the chip without damaging our eyes.

    Since then I didn't try anything extravagant."

    Rajan was startled by what he heard, but he got extremely disturbed by what he saw next. Before departing back for work, Roger passionately kissed Chan lip-to-lip in front of Rajan. Watching Rajan's bewildered face, he winked and said, "We are gays man! If you don't like gays, I have two words for ya: **** you!"

    The workload throughout the day was so heavy that Rajan could not pay too much of thoughts on the words he heard. At night he pondered over it, and came to the conclusion that these two guys had been making fun of him. But, somehow the incident had an impact in his subconscious mind resulting in that queer dream.

    To Rajan's utter repugnance, he was shown 5 **** clips throughout the day. Gay **** was the last thing in the world that he would have seen if he were a free man. But here he knew from the experience that disobedience could result into his death. So, he had no option but to watch something which made him puke a couple of times.

    By 6 PM the agony was over. Rajan threw himself onto the bed. He was in prostrate position, tears rolling down his eyes constantly. Homosexuality was the thing that he had hated throughout his life. But in Joker's house he was forced to watch the abominable acts of subhumans whom he thought had no reason to exist.

    To be continued on next Wednesday ​
     
  2. Mistt

    Mistt IL Hall of Fame

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    It is confirm that Joker was familiar with Archana & Rajan's life. Oh next Wednesday! Sure, Looking forward to read more details about their tests and eager to know how they will be going to get freedom from joker.
     
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  3. Tamrakshar

    Tamrakshar Platinum IL'ite

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    Thanks Mistt for your nice feedback. The real test will begin. It's not going to be easy. The next episode is coming tonight.
     
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  4. Tamrakshar

    Tamrakshar Platinum IL'ite

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    Episode 25

    Archana had to go through her regular exercises and yoga season as usual in the day. The masked yoga instructor today sounded completely different. She sounded distraught. While instructing, she had no concentration whatsoever. Sometimes, she gave completely wrong instructions which by then Archana had no problem in detecting. Archana was forced to ask,

    "What happened to you today, Ma'm? Any mishaps?"

    She heaved, "You know what? I will miss you."

    Archana couldn't stop a hearty laugh, "Really? But pray tell, why would you miss me? I come here everyday, and spent 5 hours here. Don't I?"

    The shortish, plumpish lady, who didn't seem as heartless as the rest of the ill-fated, iron-hearted beasts here paused for a few seconds and looked utterly confused. She seemed to have gulped down a sob.

    Watching her dilemma, Archana told her in a comforting voice, "Don't worry! By now, I know well that you are not permitted to tell certain things. If you think it's prohibited as per your code of conduct, you don't have to tell me."

    All of a sudden, the masked instructor came forward and hugged Archana tightly. Withing a few seconds, she released her and in a sobbing voice said, "Go back to your room. This is the last time we meet. We shall never meet again. Your stint with this gym ends today. Good luck! I wish you the best."

    So much of emotions! Dumbfounded, Archana slowly departed from the gym. So, this was the last day for her in the gym. That meant that the end would come soon. As the Joker said in his ususal nasal voice, Archana understood that the last two tests would be completely different from the previous 3 tests. The Joker had warned Archana that 70% of the contestants failed in the fourth stage. That meant that the fourth test must be the toughest of all the stages.


    At 6 PM, the disgusting face of the Joker appered on the monitor. Archana's heart probably missed a beat. She wondered what kind of torturous task the monster was going to tell her to perform!

    "Don't be afraid Honey! Don't be afraid when you don't have to. Take every moment as they come to you. Life is the best gift that your God has bestowed you. You shouldn't waste a moment which is meant for enjoyment!"​
    Archana was shocked so many times in this hell house that she no longer got amazed. But, she had no idea what the Joker was talking about.

    Looking at her confounded face, the otherwise morbid face of the Joker seemed to have smirked behind the mask. In a sarcastic tone he said,

    "The next few hours are meant for your enjoyment. Tell me what you want in dinner, which will be served at 8 PM. You can order any number of exquisite delicacies from any part of the world. My chefs are the best in the world. I know you are a foodie. This may be your last meal and this is the only time when you are allowed to choose your meal. So, don't hesitate to utilize this opportunity."

    Joker's words again sent shivers down Archana's spine. On one hand this lunatic fringe told Archana to enjoy her meal, but on the other hand he had the obnoxiousness to reveal that it could be her last meal. What the freak!

    Watching Archana's bewildered face, the Joker said,

    "You know what? There is only a thin line between pessimism and optimism. An optimist person may not be actually an optimist in real sense, while a seemingly pessimist in reality maybe an optimist. It depends on the situation and time. If you noticed carefully, I used the word may. You are educated enough to know the grammatical connotation of the word may. So, don't be afraid to unleash your taste buds, who I promise will get a field day.

    Now, stop the negative feelings, and tell me what you would like to have at dinner. I will give you some choices, even though you are free to choose anything of your liking. You can order Souvlaki, Caprese, Puchero, Tom Yam Goong, Tonkatsu, Borsch. The list is endless Honey. Just tell me what are your choices."

    "Pesarattu and Gongura Pachadi! Thanks! Now, can I have some private time please?" Archana curtly replied. The mere presence of the Joker seemed unsettling to her. Besides, she needed some private space to think about the impending danger.

    "Of course, Honey! Take your time, as tonight at 10 PM you will face the biggest challenge that you have been facing." As soon as the television monitor went blank, Archana threw herself on the bed hiding her face in the pillow.​
    • ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^​
    In Rajan's class at the IIT, there was a student who had a sardonic sense of satisfaction in creating panic among his peers. He would invent stories that would cause trepidation among the less prepared students. For example, before the final semester he once said that he had heard that the teacher of electrical machine had told one of his colleagues that he would set the test in a way that would make sure that the 50% of the students would fail. Everyone would ask him a lot of questions like what else he had heard. But, Rajan was one of a very few students who never panicked. He studied hard throughout the year, he had no hesitations in approaching his teachers to not only clear his doubts, but also to check the answers of the mock tests. But, this time, before test, he had no such courage, he had not even an iota of confidence, because the Joker knew his weak points.





    To be continued on Sunday morning
     
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2021
  5. Mistt

    Mistt IL Hall of Fame

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    Good one! Sometimes, we ignore all logics, probabilities which are against to us and still have hope of something which we want going to be happen. The 4th test appears to be the toughest but no idea of what kind of test it is.
    I'm eager to know details of 4th test and how Archu is going to deal with it but I have to wait till Sunday.:icon_pc:
     
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  6. Tamrakshar

    Tamrakshar Platinum IL'ite

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    Thanks Mistt for your nice comment and showing interest in the story.
     
  7. nandinimithun

    nandinimithun IL Hall of Fame

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    @Tamrakshar

    I read all the 25 episodes in one sitting. I dont know how i missed this... Wonderful, gripping and thrilling to the core.

    Waiting for the next episode...
    Regards
    Nandini
     
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  8. Tamrakshar

    Tamrakshar Platinum IL'ite

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    Thanks Nandini for your encouraging comment!
     
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  9. nandinimithun

    nandinimithun IL Hall of Fame

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    @Tamrakshar

    Continue writing, all the best .... Your way of narration is nice

    Regards
    Nandini
     
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  10. Tamrakshar

    Tamrakshar Platinum IL'ite

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    Episode 26

    At 8 PM he was taken to a room that he had never visited earlier. This room from its mere appearance was different from most of the rooms that he had visited so far. It was pink, the colour that Rajan had never liked. The size of the room, too, seemed a bit smaller than the other rooms. There was no furniture in this room, but for a green thick mattress lying on the floor, and a basket on one corner of the room.

    Unfortunately for Rajan, it was not the look that was a matter of concern, but it was the obnoxious smell that was coming from the basket. Rajan thought he knew that smell. Yes, it was the smell of semen coming from used condoms kept in the basket. The intensity of the awful smell indicated that it could not be coming from one man's semen.

    Whether it was a coincidence or not was difficult to tell, but the guy who accompanied Rajan was none other than the Bengali guy whom Rajan was absolutely sure was Ranjan. Rajan was taken blindfolded to this room. So, as soon as he noticed the fact, he was going to say something. But, before Rajan could reveal his great investigative work, Ranjan said,

    "Congratulations! You have guessed it right! I am indeed your classmate at the IIT, Ranjan, the gay guy. So you remember me! Do you remember what you did to me?"

    "Yes Ranjan! I do remember. I shouldn't have done that. I shouldn't have lied to the Dean. At that time I was blinded by my hate towards gays. But, now I realise that what I did was a grave mistake. I ruined your career for no fault of yours. I wholeheartedly seek your mercy for the wrongs I did to you."

    Ranjan in a very surprising move, took off his mask, and put it inside his pocket. He hadn't changed much over the years; that gaunt face, that beak-like long nose, the creases on the forehead, nothing changed a bit. Very strangely he had been able to hold his age to a standstill. But, he didn't seem to be impressed by Rajan's answer. Smirking, he said,

    "You are lying! You never had any compunctions about your deed. Now that you found yourself entangled in a snare, you think that seeking pardon from me would disentangle you."

    There was a moment of blush on Rajan's cheeks, because he knew what Ranjan had just said was true. But, this was a do or die situation for him. At this critical juncture, he would not hesitate to call even a donkey his father. So, he tried his best to hide his true feelings, and tried to bring some real emotions on his face. The gravity of the situation was such that it required almost no acting skill to bring an expression of deep regret on his face.

    "I am really sorry brother! Your appearance might not have changed over the years, but you should be aware that people's perception changes over time. I am indeed sorry for what I did to you. I seek your mercy. Will you pardon me?"

    "Indeed! You shouldn't have done that. Yes, you ruined my career. I was suspended by the IIT for 5 years. I could get my engineering degree, after 5 years. But, when I got that, I was 28 years old, and no good company was willing to recruit me even though I was no less eligible than you."

    Rajan had to come up with a fake cough to resist the sudden outflow of laughter, even at this precarious juncture, as he failed to understand how Ranjan, who was just a mediocre student, could compare himself with him, who always ranked among the top ten!

    "Oh oh oh! I see you have a big objection for my comparison with you in merit. I can't deny that you always scored at least 5 percent more than me in every subject. But, do you think that the marks are the only criteria for merits? Did you know that by the time I was rusticated, which eventually was changed to 5 years of suspension on my prayer, I had 3 patents in my name?"

    Rajan's jaw dropped, "What? 3 patents at that age? You never told us about that."

    "Yes! I didn't tell you as I had no intention to become famous. Inventing new machines had been my passion. My father himself had been a scientist. He had lived in Switzerland for most of the time, but he had built a big laboratory in our house. He worked like a clockwork even during his holidays with us. He always encouraged me to do innovative things. From a very early age, I have fallen in love with machines. They became my passion. I studied electrical engineering with you. But, you maybe surprised to know that I am no less eligible than a mechanical engineer or an instrumentation engineer of any premium institute of our country."

    Rajan could not believe what he was listening. There was clearly a sign of disbelief in his face. Ranjan's keen eyes couldn't have missed that. He took out few papers from his pocket, and showed them to Ranjan.

    "I knew you will not believe me. You are so obsessed with your mediocre achievements! Please take a look at the papers. These are the patent certificates, and I humbly submit that you could see 15 out of the 22 patents that I have in my name."

    Rajan's surprise knew no bound. As he perused the papers, Rajan's eyes simply popped out. Rajan had graduated in electrical engineering, but he chose his career in software development in various MNCs. He was more interested in his own field, but as a successful engineer he had no difficulty in understanding that Ranjan had invented various sophisticated instruments, which he had never heard of.

    "Impressive! Very impressive, I must say. But, what are the other 7 patents that you didn't show me?"

    "From your facial expression, I can clearly see that you haven't understood much about my inventions. To help you, I should tell you that all these 15 instruments required application of electrical, mechanical, electronics and software engineering. The other 7 inventions, which I haven't shown you, have been my best inventions, and these have been commercially very successful."

    The awful smell of the room was suffocating Rajan. So, he said,

    "I never knew that you have such a sharp brain. But, why are we standing in this disgusting room? Can't we have a discussion on your inventions at a better place?"

    "Ha ha ha ha!" Ranjan had a hearty laugh! Rajan didn't understand what was so funny in his proposal!

    Again looking at Rajan's face Ranjan mocked, "So, you found my laughter very rude? Are you so dumb to fail to understand what is going to happen to you now?"

    To be continued on Wednesday night​
     
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2021

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