Secrets That Remain: The Untold [Book 1]

Chapter 17: Lectures and Chases

Clarification: Mr. Singh/Singh/Santokh Singh are interchangeably used in the chapter below. They all refer to one person i. e. Mr. Singh, who was previously introduced in the Chapter 2 of this book.

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The sky is sparkling in glimmers of purple and red as its endless corners greet the glooming night in a strong embrace. This fusion of hue and darkness looks gothic yet sacred, bewitching enough to hold Sara's fickle mind.

The car is running at an average speed of sixty kilometres per hour on an almost empty State Highway giving Park siblings— sitting in the backseat of the Audi e-tron— a three-sixty-degree view of the enormous Sky Tower that looms over the beautiful city. The gentle crashing of waves far into the coastlines sounds like a lullaby, making this long, exhausting drive bearable.

Santokh Singh, who has his eyes focused on the road, has been driving his car for a good twenty minutes— is yet to utter a single word to his captives. His breathing is rapid and deep. Occasionally, he would fish a handkerchief out of his front pocket to dab away the sweat buds from the side of his forehead. Often, he would rub his sweaty, slippery palms against the fibres of his pant to get rid of the excess moisture. He looks both tense and anxious, a combination that is good for neither party involved.

Unfazed by Mr. Singh's anxiousness, Alex looks unconcerned about their safety in their intruder's car. He, who should be fidgeting, making escape plans with his sister— is right now drenched in the guilt of not complying with his mother's request.

Sara, on the other hand, unaware of her mother's concern and request—is currently vibing in the backseat—looking out from the black one-side tainted glass, wondering why Mr. Singh dragged them out like that. Singh, who fearlessly barged inside Sandra's apartment and dragged the kids out might be an uninvited guest to the household but he never felt like a threat to Alex and Sara. If anything, they felt quite safe and content in his company—obviously, that contentment was mutual. Despite their usual contentment, today's unusual mysterious aura surrounding Singh and the heavy atmosphere of the car is not helping but making chills run down her spine. The lack of digital gadgets is only making it worse.

Maddie—who saw the whole ordeal unroll in front of his eyes—doesn't trust Alex and Sara in Singh's company. He would rather follow them in his old SUV to the pit of hell than to leave them alone in his presence. His simple-minded self blames itself for opening the door—a simple decision that pushed his loved ones into possible danger.

"The number you are currently trying to reach is switched off. Please call—" he slams his right hand aggressively on the steering wheel out of frustration. Maddie is dialling every number he can, even his parents to get some help for Park siblings as he follows after them at a safe distance of a few metres. He dials another number on his device. The ringing sound from the device echoes in the empty car.

The obnoxious sound is testing his patience.

Grunting loud, he slams his palm again on the steering. "Pick up the fucking pho—"

"Hello?"

"God dammit- wait, hello! Hey, Mom, I need your help. I am st—"

"Wait, call your dad. I am about to have an important business call, so just call and talk to your dad. I am busy."

"But he's not picking up his phone. It's urgent."

"Then keep trying until he picks it up, sweetheart. I am busy. I cannot do anything for you right now."

Each word coming out from the other person's mouth is fuming his soul. Tightening his grip on the wheel, he tries to control his augmenting rage. Adjusting his voice to sound as gentle as possible, he continues, "Mom, try to understand, I genuinely need your help—"