CHAPTER IV
The tension was palpable; the threat loomed larger with each passing moment. Soldiers from every corner of the globe were mobilizing, preparing to lend their strength to America's cause. Among them, our own Indian contingent was readying itself, and my heart swelled with a mix of pride and trepidation as I remembered the rigorous police training I'd undergone. My name was on the list. We were tasked with a mission of utmost importance: to rescue the innocent, the vulnerable, the unaffected, and to shepherd them to safety.
The news crackled with urgency, reporting that my superior, Rajdeep Arora, had already departed for America with his team. I immediately reached for my phone, my fingers fumbling as I dialed his number. "Sir," I began, my voice thick with emotion, "I'm also in America." The relief in his voice was immediate, a wave of warmth washing over me. He expressed his elation, his need for officers like me – those who would not hesitate, who would risk everything to save others. It was a profound honor, a call to duty that resonated deep within my soul.
But a new wave of anxiety crashed over me. My parents were with me, and their safety was paramount. I voiced my concerns to Sir Rajdeep, my voice laced with a plea. He understood, and with a nod of approval, he agreed to help. However, he informed me of the plan: the families of all the soldiers on this mission were to be escorted to a safe room in California. The journey, a staggering 2,808 miles from Boston, would be long and fraught with peril. The risks were immense, but the thought of my family's safety eclipsed all fear. I thought of my parents, and I knew I had to do everything in my power to ensure their safety.
Without a moment's hesitation, I retrieved the weapons I had hidden away, the tools of my trade, meticulously prepared for just such an occasion. I contacted the city police, and with their assistance, I secured a van, a vehicle I had a feeling I had prepared for this very day. With a deep breath, I set off towards California, my heart pounding in my chest, my resolve unwavering. My mission had evolved, now encompassing not only the rescue of others but also the protection of my own family.
My journey had begun, and my mother was terrified. My father was trying to reassure her, his voice filled with a forced calm that did little to ease the tension. Connections to all countries had been severed, plunging the world into darkness as the electricity failed. We couldn't even make a phone call; the silence was deafening. Seeing my mom's fear, my heart ached. I felt a crushing weight of guilt, knowing that in some way, my actions had led to this nightmare, trapping my parents in this desperate situation. Remi now understood the gravity of the situation; the realization that her family was gone must have shattered her. The road ahead was long and perilous; I had to protect Remi, along with my parents, from whatever dangers lurked.
To minimize stops, I decided to hit the petrol pump first. With trembling hands, I filled my van with as much fuel as possible, praying it would be enough. Each drop felt like a victory, a small step against the encroaching darkness. I'd prepared for this as best I could. The petrol pump was a success, but the supermarket, where I needed to gather supplies, felt like a trap.
As I stepped out of the van alone, I thought it would be a good idea to grab some essentials for our journey, so we'd be prepared for any unexpected challenges along the way. But little did I know, my trip to the supermarket would turn into a nightmare. The moment I entered the store, the eerie silence seemed to hint at an impending danger lurking in the shadows. I tread carefully, trying not to make a sound, hoping that if there was indeed something sinister lurking around, it wouldn't notice me.
But fate had other plans. As I reached the first shop, I was met with a ghastly sight - a zombie feasting on a human being. My heart sank, and my mind went blank. I thought to myself, "Maybe I can just grab what I need and slip out unnoticed." After all, I only needed some milk for the road. But it seemed my past actions had caught up with me. The moment I reached for the milk packet, a girl came running towards me, screaming, with her mouth covered by a scarf. My eyes darted towards the zombie, and our gazes met. It was as if time stood still. The zombie's eyes locked onto mine, and I could sense its hunger and rage. Before I could react, it lunged at me. I raised my gun and fired, ending its undead life with a single shot.
The adrenaline rush was intense, and my heart was racing. I stood there, frozen for a moment, trying to process what had just happened. The girl, still screaming, ran past me, and I was left standing alone in the milk shop, wondering if I had just made things worse. The silence that had greeted me upon entering the store was now replaced with an unsettling stillness. I knew I had to get out of there, but my legs felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot. The milk packet still clutched in my hand, I took a deep breath and tried to compose myself. I had to get back to the van and ensure our safety. But the question lingered - what other dangers lay ahead?
With a newfound sense of determination, I carefully made my way out of the shop, gun still at the ready. The supermarket seemed deserted now, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched. I quickened my pace, anxious to get back to the safety of the van. As I reached the van, I locked the doors and took a moment to catch my breath. The encounter had left me shaken, but I knew I had to keep moving. We had a long journey ahead of us, and I couldn't let one incident deter me. I started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot, my eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
The drive was tense, my senses heightened as I navigated through the deserted streets. I couldn't help but wonder what other challenges lay ahead. The zombie encounter had been a harsh reminder of the dangers that lurked in this new world. But I was determined to keep going, to find a safe haven for us. As I drove, the silence between us was palpable, punctuated only by the sound of the engine and the occasional rustling of the wind. I glanced in the rearview mirror, checking on my companions, and saw the fear still etched on their faces. I knew I had to reassure them, to let them know that we would get through this together.
"Hey, we're going to be okay," I said, trying to sound calmer than I felt. "We just need to stick together and watch each other's backs."
The words seemed to offer some comfort, and I could see the tension in their bodies ease slightly. We drove on, the landscape unfolding before us like a canvas of uncertainty. But I was determined to navigate through it, to find a place where we could start anew. The journey was far from over, but I was ready to face whatever came our way.
As I collected the milk packets from the supermarket, I knew I still needed to grab more essentials for our journey. So, I pulled over at a nearby grocery store. The glass door, smeared with bloodstains, made my father hesitant. "Sam, don't go in there, it might be dangerous," he warned. But we desperately needed food and supplies, and I had no other choice. "Don't worry, Dad, I'll be quick. I'll just grab what we need and be right back," I reassured him.
I stepped out of the van, and Remi asked if she could come with me. Knowing the potential danger inside, I firmly told her no. I locked the van securely, loaded my gun, and approached the store with caution. Just as I was about to enter, a voice stopped me. It was coming from the trunk of my van. I tensed up, gun at the ready, and cautiously approached the trunk.
As I peered inside, I was met with a shocking sight - the same scarf-clad girl who had led me into the zombie's trap. My heart sank, and my finger hovered over the trigger. But before I could react, she spoke, her voice familiar. "Don't shoot, I'm not infected." I hesitated, my grip on the gun still firm. I demanded she remove her scarf, my curiosity and fear warring within me.
With trembling hands, she slowly lifted the scarf, revealing a face that made my heart skip a beat. It was Malvika Dixit, a blast from my past. Seeing her was like being punched in the gut, memories flooding back like a tidal wave. My emotions were in turmoil, and for a moment, I forgot about the danger that lurked around every corner.
The shock of seeing Malvika Dixit was indescribable. It was as if the past had come back to haunt me. I stood there, frozen in time, my mind racing with questions. What was she doing here? How did she survive? And why was she hiding in my van? The familiarity of her face brought back a mix of emotions - happiness, sadness, and a deep sense of loss. I felt like I was reliving a part of my life that I thought was long buried.
My gun still trained on her, I tried to process the situation. Was she friend or foe? Could I trust her? The questions swirled in my head, but my eyes remained fixed on hers, searching for any sign of deceit. The silence between us was palpable, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions.
As I stood there, gun in hand, facing Malvika Dixit, I felt a wave of memories wash over me. Memories of our time together, of laughter and tears, of moments that defined our relationship. It was as if no time had passed at all, and yet, everything was different. The world around us had changed, and we were both survivors, fighting to stay alive in a world gone mad.
The emotional turmoil was intense, and I struggled to keep my composure. My voice was firm, but my heart was racing. "What are you doing here?" I demanded, trying to keep my emotions in check. Malvika's eyes locked onto mine, and I could see the fear and uncertainty reflected back at me. She took a deep breath, and her words spilled out in a rush, explaining her presence in my van. I listened intently, my gun still trained on her, as the past and present collided in a way I never could have imagined.
To be continue.....