Retaliation

3

"Second chances do come your way. Like trains, they arrive and depart regularly. Recognizing the ones that matter is the trick."

- Jill A. Davis.

***

Oxygen was at the graveyard where Angela's body was buried. He came along with Karl and Mr Schmitz. He was staring at her grave, seeing her rest in peace.

"You shouldn't have left me, dear. I thought you would leave me for a week, but you left me forever. What did I do wrong?" Oxygen said, mumbling to himself.

Soon, his satellite mobile rang. He saw that it was a call from Agent Arsenic, who is one of the Senior Detectives at Inspygency, and the head of Operation M. CAUTION! SHE'S DANGEROUS!

Oxygen felt guilty to pick up the call and speak to her. Still, he has to update her. No matter what.

He moved as far as away from Karl and Mr Schmitz and picked up the call.

"Agent Oxygen here," Oxygen said in a humble tone. Or rather, embarrassed.

"Agent Arsenic here. Agent Oxygen, do I have any updates regarding Operation M?" Arsenic asked in her usual bossy tone.

"Well, boss... Bad news," Oxygen said, closing his eyes out of fear.

"What is it?" Arsenic was monotonous.

"The file... M is having the file, boss."

There was silence there. Utter silence. Oxygen knew that the more silent she was, the more screwed up he was.

"Agent Oxygen," Arsenic spoke up and a minute of silence.

"Yes, boss?" Oxygen replied humbly, while his heart was beating at the speed of a Maglev.

"I'll be sending your suspension order soon. Be ready to receive it. You will be resuming your job after 20 weeks," Arsenic said and hung up the call, leaving Oxygen utterly disappointed and embarrassed. See? She's dangerous.

"What happened, Ajay?" Oxygen heard Karl's voice and quickly turned to him.

"Well, I just wanted to be alone. So..."

"Okay. It's getting late. Shall we go?" Karl asked back.

"Ummm, sure!" Oxygen said and followed Karl.

***

TWO MONTHS LATER...

Life in New Delhi became cold, just like Oxygen's life. He became like food without salt: Nothing. He lost both his dream life and dream girl, and now survival itself had become a dream. So, to meet his demands, he was working in one of the branches of Café Coffee Day, as a full-time worker. Until his suspension ends.

He got a new friend at his workplace, named Pramod, on the first day of work. And he was still in touch with Carbon.

Oxygen slowly got used to the new normal, when things resurfaced one day.

It was around eight at night, raining cats and dogs in New Delhi, and there was only one customer at the café, waiting for his Americano.

Oxygen was serving that customer, while Pramod was changing his dress to go home.

While Oxygen went towards the customer, Pramod called him.

"Ritik!" Pramod called Oxygen. Yes, Ritik was his name at the workplace.

After placing the customer's order, Oxygen replied, "Yeah, Pramod?"

"You've got a missed call," said Pramod.

"For me?" Oxygen asked back.

"Then was that for Alia Bhatt?"

Chuckling, he replied, "Okay, I'll come and check."

After sending off both the customer and Pramod, Oxygen closed the café and went home.

While he took his mobile, as usual, he remembered Pramod informing him about the call he received.

He saw that it was a call from an anonymous German number. Later, he noticed that he got a WhatsApp message from the same number. So he opened it to read it.

Dear Amit,

First of all, let me inform you that this is my number. So, save it. Secondly, thanks for this one month with me. I didn't know how life would've become without this whole month with you. Lastly, the thing is, I need this contentment to last forever. I was never this happier until I met you. Now it becomes like life is impossible without you. Let me get straight. I love you, Amit! I could never afford to lose a guy like you. I swear.

That particular last line reminded him of Angela. Still, he continued reading.

I didn't know if I sound lovesick, but that's the truth. I'm in Berlin right now. I'll call you later.

Xoxo,
Aurelia Bergers.

Aurelia Bergers, Oxygen repeated her name in mind. He didn't know why but he felt like he must meet her. Something in his heart was screaming at it.

Soon, he took his satellite mobile from his chest drawer and dialled Carbon.

"What happened, Oxy?" Carbon asked as the call connected.

"Carb. I'll send you a mobile number. Could you please ask Bromine to find that owner's house address?" Oxygen asked.

"Hey! You gotta stalk someone for money? God, if Arsenic knows this, then she'll feed you the real arsenic. And that guy, Fluorine, he won't spare—"

"God, stop it, Carb! I'm not stalking anyone. Just... It's something personal."

"What do you mean by personal? I can't do all such stalking stuff."

"Ugh, please, Agent Carbon! I'm already an agent in this agency. I won't be doing such things!"

"But, Arsenic asked me not to help with any illegal things. I hope she—"

"She told this to me during the training itself. So... Please help your dear O2."

"Okay, but... Mind me telling the personal?" Carbon asked.

"No," Oxygen said firmly.

"Okay! Friendship failed. Send me the number. I'll send you the address," Carbon said and hung up the call.

Oxygen felt happy to meet his new person. Aurelia Bergers.

So here we are, at the second chapter of Retaliation. Hope you guys enjoyed it! Please drop some constructive criticisms. I'm waiting.

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