The new reality

Rahul somehow spent his entire day in the office thinking about the events from the previous night, the events he saw on the news, and knowing that one of their friends Kumar is missing. What if he was going to have the same fate as Kumar? The thought made Rahul shiver.

Rahul stayed in the office as long as he could. He felt that office was a safer place as compared with his home. The group knew where he stayed but probably they did not know very he worked. Finally when it was too late he had to leave the office and he went home.

The cctv cameras had already been received. He decided to place them at his home at soon as he could. He was glad that fixing the cctv cameras was an easy task and he could do that within 1 hour. While he was having his dinner the doorbell rang. He was about to open the door but then he decided to confirm the identity of the visitor.
"Who is that?" He asked hiding his fears.
" It's me Rahul, Kumar" he heard the voice from outside.
Rahul immediately open the door and he was surprised to see the visitor. His missing friend Kumar was at his doorstep.
"Where have you been? All of us were really worried for you. You disappeared without telling us where you were going. Sujay was going to file a missing person report for you. But first tell me where were you?" Rahul was overwhelmed because of his emotions.
Kumar entered the home and sat down on the sofa. He looked calm and composed, "Rahul please do not worry about me. I am completely fine. I had gone on a journey of discovery. That is why I did not inform anyone, though I had applied for the leave on our company's portal. I have come to you as a changed man. I know I can help you too. With my and my group's help, you will be able to overcome your fears. You yourself would take down these cctv cameras that you had fixed".

Rahul was shocked. Kumar had been in his house for less than 5 minutes but he had noticed the cctv cameras. He decided to speak about his worst fear, "Kumar did you also see a group of people wearing red robes? I saw them yesterday and I am petrified".
"You do not need to worry, Rahul. Now that I am here everything will be fine".

The next time when Rahul opened his eyes he was surrounded by the group of people wearing red robes. Kumar was sitting next to him. He too was wearing the same red robe and he had a lantern in his hand. Before Rahul could say anything Kumar stopped him and said, "I told you not to worry. You are safe here. You are one of us now. Nobody would be able to hurt you. Now all we have to do is walk to Sujay's house. It will be your responsibility to recruit Sujay".

Rahul could not understand what was going on with him. He looked at himself and he too was in the same red robe. He was unable to speak as if his lips where sealed. He was struggling which Kumar saw.
Kumar whispered, "don't worry my friend. Accept your reality. Accept your group identity. Once you do that the group leader will be kind enough to give you back your ability to speak. After all that is the ability you are going to use to recruit Sujay in our group. Till then enjoy the silence and walk with us".

Rahul had no other option but to join the group in their procession. They marched and stood outside Sujay's home. Kumar informed Rahul, "consider first three days as your days of training. On Sunday you are going recruit Sujay. Till then enjoy three days of silence".

Kumar smiled at Rahul. Rahul stood with the group waiting for the orders. He had accepted his reality now. Now he had to wait for a 3 days so that he can win back his voice.

- The end-