Author - Pagadala Vijay Kumar

Death Command

Death Command My second Book, Crime Fiction's available on Kindle.

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A retired ex-army, a sniper's, ordered to take up a job he did not like, and resigned. He's forced to accomplish an order, to shoot and die. Discipline and sincerity are tough to cease, and fortunately, he easily adopted a civilian's life.  He's called 'Dabwi', an honest and patriot soldier. What should he do to avoid the job? What could be the repercussions?

An ex-officer plays a Double Dragon game and Double crosses Dabwi to get involved, be accused. So he designs a death game and pushes him to accept. Will his command obeyed or denied, well, the time has few more, many moment's to teach him the real life. Meanwhile, few unstoppable deaths surprise the 'Death City.' 

A young female officer Ms. Kluafray, assigned with a new task, to nail the honest soldier Dabwi. But her investigation proves life threatening and circumstances makes her job difficult and lags behind the schedule.

An inquisitive college kid's eagerness and unprofessional attempts involves him with easy clues to get caught. Though, he never retreats; intriguing mystery pushes him further.

New police commissioner's posted to the notorious city the Death City, he has his plans for the culprits and to nab the city's merciless criminals. Will he perform his job?

Dectective Aukj, while pursing his murder case, get involved with the army investigation and confronts with Ms. Kluafray. And he decodes the mystery, by the serial murderer's clues, written on the bare back of a dead woman.

Well, the Crime never stop and the Fiction never end. A new concept of Fiction.

~ 1 ~

A life gives no choice sometimes; birth is a process of evolution to breath, live and die.

A part of law was recently amended, and granted the permission to help relieve the sufferers by its order. But the issue of Euthanasia’s still debated on legality, individual right and on agenda of medical council.

The latest technologies and the techniques for treatments were in vain, and still at its root level for few critical cases. Finally, the inevitable death’s left as a choice to them, to select and decide a time according to one’s convenience. There’s more pain for few to live, as it mattered with the money, care and love. Despite affordability, others are not satisfied as their wish to live further was beyond the mark of satisfaction and the medicine. Subsequently, a few agreed to undergo painful treatments, agreed for clinical trial and experiments. Pathetically, others practiced the ancient and barbarous methods for ending their lives. A few patients determined, self-efficient and still believed in the medical miracles. While others, helpless, tried after various tests, and are always on medication; yet, still recuperating. People lost self-reliance, balance of their mind, behavior and relied on others to get advice. This gradually inculcated a habit of dependence and decreased mental function and ability; thus they are prone to an untreatable terminal illness and the suffering. He helped them with his tips and advice. His suggestions received well by his new acquaintances and internet friends. Everyone appreciated his relentless effort to give good suggestions, legal, and personal in every aspect and field.

Dabwi stays in a two bedroom flat, on the eight-floored residential block. It’s an old landmark of the area and named after a unit of British army, when they ruled the state. The quiet and peaceful locality often wondered a few people; and thought whether the place really existed in the busy city? Sunlight reflected on the photographs in uniform on the living hall's wall. That’s the only wealth he possessed after the retirement and felt proud sometimes watching them.

He returned from the supermarket and emptied the grocery in the kitchen storage. The house’s dirty as the housemaid stopped attending, asked neighbor’s housemaid to clean at least twice a week. She agreed and may visit any moment as he reminded her on the way to the supermarket. He wants to prepare his favorite tuna dish after she leaves; mixed the ingredients, herbs and placed marinade in the refrigerator. Took a newspaper and settled in the balcony. Within half an hour she arrived, cleaned and left. He was watching the children-playing cricket in the ground. The kids tried to hit a six besides, want the ball to fly and hit a window glass. But no one could, and the hot sun drained their energies. Later, one after the other, everybody returned home after their mother's call for lunch. He prepared the rice and fish, and completed his lunch. He fed his dog ‘Bravo’ with rice, fish and with the dog food. Later, took it out for a walk. It’s idle time to walk his dog in the afternoon than in the mornings. A few residents complained of the dog, so he regulated his dog at this hour of the day. Returned after fifteen minutes, released the dog in the west balcony and took a nap with the soothing music of Mozart.

Dabwi’s 49, five eight, medium built, oval face with deep sunken eyes. He served the army for twenty-eight years and retired voluntarily. He was assigned with troops at the borders. His perfect aim and elimination of enemy brought him many awards and medals. He’s simple and a dignified soldier friendly with everybody. Proved himself trust worthy to his motherland; to his job, friends and the society. Everybody called in short as ‘Dab,’ a few as ‘Dub’ and others as ‘Duggy’. He just smiled and never bothered to correct them.

He never complained of anything until now; believed in a practical and simple life. Prepares himself before the sunrise and plan the bright day for the happy moments. His father was unemployed, and took up various jobs to support his family. He worked as a mason, plumber, painter, carpenter, mechanic and he was perfect at any job. Dabwi’s the eldest son in his family of five; right from his childhood acquired the trade qualities of his father. His father insisted him to complete his graduation and to take care of his family after him. He loved his father and appreciated him for never complaining nature. They strolled in the moonlit night after the dinner, and his father explained the hardships of a grown man and the responsibility of family. He completed his graduation, selected in the army and was posted at a remote border. His devotion towards his duty was so immense that he missed his meal twice or thrice a week. Rarely seen at ease, even while off duty or at the casual parties. His love for music made him learn the musical instruments and played at parties. His caliber recognised and honored in his battalion. The perfect shots scared the enemy camps and forced them to retreat into their lines. A perfect executioner of enemy at border was none other than Dabwi, the Designated Marksman of his squadron.

Later, he opted voluntary retirement on health ground; and the squad missed a good musician and the best sniper. His retirement function was a grand celebration and first of its kind with a musical night in the unit. Later, all units sought the similar farewells; and officers assured they shall celebrate similarly in the future.

Dabwi woke by the knock, opened the door, signed and took the letter. He opened the letter, read and placed in the draw. He dressed and left his apartment. Its fifteen minutes past five pm, and the intense of heat’s still hovering all around. He walked to the park, a few metres away from his flat. At one place, the stones are skillfully arranged. It gave a look as though, they rolled down from a height and gathered. He sat on a stone, it’s his usual place and away from the other visitors. The place gave him peace and old memories. The mid-September and frequent showers were drenching the commuters. He walked to a big banyan tree; stood under the huge branch and loved to watch the people on the road.

Remembered his childhood, he was excited when his father bought him a football. He scored all goals while his father defended as a goalkeeper. His kicks never missed, and his father appreciated him for his brisk movement and straight shots into the goal. His father encouraged him to participate in his school team, and later, he’s announced as the best player in the last year of his schooling. After a while, he returned to his flat, heard a delightful yelp from the balcony. Bravo sensed master’s arrival; he opened the balcony door and let the dog inside the house. It raised the fore limbs with joy, and he’s pushed onto the sofa. Later, climbed on his lap and tried to sit, the huge body didn’t adjust, and it slid down to his feet, and on the floor. He laughed, sat beside on the floor and started stroking head and the back. He gave few biscuits, groomed and asked to sleep on its bed. Bravo curled comfortably and observed him. He switched on the TV and watched a show, which was explaining the combat tactics of the Asian countries. Meanwhile, a black car was parked and its passenger window’s slightly lowered. It has been there for the past half an hour. The spilling clouds scattered, and the sky turned dark. After a while, the car took a turn and drew away.

~ 2 ~

Being honest and helpful is good, but it’s hard to live so, sometimes.

Dabwi’s at his liberty as a civilian after retirement, and took sometime to reschedule his time of the day and night. It took a week to convince himself that he was no more a sniper—Designated Marksman of his squadron. Felt like he was self-confined, imagined himself in a dungeon as wounded soldier unnoticed by the medic and the search team. Staying at home all-day idle was something new for him now.

He’s called a generous and helping person. If anyone of the housing welfare society needed help, never says no and everyone approached him first. His ideas appreciated, accepted and carried out for betterment of their housing society. Sometimes, his contributions are beyond one’s imagination, and once he paid a huge amount for the purpose of plantation. He never hesitates either to spend for maintenance of the water filtration unit or to maintain the children’s park. The national and religious festivals are well organised and celebrated. Eventually, he’s a full-time caretaker of the colony welfare by his choice and he sought not to propose him with any official post.

He was happy and enjoyed his freedom. Now there’s none he has to report, or maintain the time or a duty bound discipline. In day-to-day affairs and realized this freedom’s called the retirement. But he did not agree, believed he’s still capable of taking up a new job. Thought he’s still dispensable for any job and started searching the online jobs. After a few days, he was offered a job. The office is just few kilometers away from his house. And was he glad for an attending nine to five pm job as a civilian. Never bothered about the salary, went shopping and bought a few pairs of formal clothes and shoes for himself. He’s excited and nervous too and at sharp nine he reported to the retired major. His office dealt with liaising of the ammunition. He was assigned the job of checking the specification and precision of the weapon accessories.

Days past cool with the known and new introductions, and satisfied with his job. Earlier, he used the weapon and the cartridges and now, he learned the manufacturing procedures and technical aspects.

With his first salary, he celebrated a party with his colleagues. Everyone appreciated his friendly nature. His daily routine was set, even the Bravo’s trained to walk late at night. He met a few former colleagues at the office, some he liked, and others who loved him. One year completed, and he didn’t realize the time. There was a celebration at his office. Partners were the high rank retired officers, some of whom he remembered and the other recognized him. Almost, every guest was from the army or from the related offices. Some if they are still in-service and others retired. The evening was wonderful and everyone rejoice with good music and food. Next day, Dabwi’s sacked citing a vague reason. He didn’t agree and want to prove his correct figures of precision. The accuracy, travel, distance and the drop of the bullet he explained was unheard and ignored by his adamant boss. Later, a letter was served stating he did a grave mistake, by which their organization incurred huge expenses. Couldn’t tolerate the insistent behavior of his boss, took the letter and said goodbye. Felt unhappy for losing his job. Nevertheless, he left as an esteemed employee, working with prior knowledge of the spares that his office dealt. He was thorough with the line of assembly of the deadly weapons with, which he served his nation for twenty-eight years.

Lately, he learned how these companies work in practical, mediating the politicians, government the defense. Any fresh recruit shall take a long time to learn the accuracy or just ignore the precision and statistical data to avoid the confrontation with such boss. But being aware of facts, and preserving a holy silence was self-deceiving in his view. Despite, being insulted he didn’t react or expressed his anger. That’s how he trained himself now to deal the reality in life.

After a few months, he met one of his colleagues and he promised him a job. He’s asked to wait for two days; later, he told that they run a band called ‘Happy.’ They perform shows for the genuine music lover of old melodies. The band lost its best drummer in an accident, the vacancy’s offered to him. He was happy for musical fulfillment too. Next day he met the group, half of them retired and others are with the regular jobs, and performed the shows for the music lover.The group practiced thrice a week, every alternate evening. Sometimes, they rehearsed the old melodies on the Sundays too. He joined the Happy group, the next weekend, one of the city’s businessman booked a show, and the requested the old melodies. The band pleased Dabwi, as all musicians were obsessed with the music, and they loved his performance. Except, two middle-aged women and a young guitarist, rest of them enjoyed the pensions and the part-time jobs. The time rolled on and there were shows every weekend and his earnings increased more than his pension. He paid the money to the medical expenses of his paraplegic sister at a private hospital. It’s Saturday, and he planned to visit his sister.

He called the hospital, enquired the requirements and left his flat. His car’s clean and tidy after being idle for a month. He paid the security guard a tip and drove away. His first younger sister married her lecturer, and now staying away in Europe. His parents and brother-in-law were dead in a deadly car accident three years ago. The youngest sister’s the lone survivor and paralyzed. His job did not allow him to look after her with his frequent transfers to various frontiers. Hence, he bought a flat and hired an attendant; she worked for a few months and left. He could not find any good caretaker to assist her round the clock; and convinced her to stay with him after his retirement. But she refused, asked him to admit in a hospital where the nurses are available round the clock. After a hard battle within, he agreed.

He meets her sister once or twice every month and provided the prescribed medicines. Spends time talking of their childhood days and she shared the memories of her husband. Whenever he met, their time rewinds their past pleasant moments. He narrates and the stories of the border, infiltrators, and that encouraged her and gave the mental strength. Told her, he consulted another Doctor and fixed an appointment next month. Her lifeless smile squeezed his heart; still, he presented himself with a strong hope. She asked him to get Bravo on his next visit; he took the permission from the in-charge and promised. She raised the puppy when their neighbor left it, while moving away to another state. It was a two-month old German Sheppard puppy. It played with him, squeezed closer, crawled and slept over him. And he had to stay in same still position for a while. The moments reminded him, his still position and aiming the target. The praises and rewards for his killing job convinced him to name his pet as ‘Bravo.’ Earlier, he visited his parents, his sister and her in-laws once every six months, and spent a short but a good time. Her in-laws liked him for his love towards his sister. Later, accident ticked a different time for him and his sister. Her in-laws developed a dislike; they hated her for the loss of their son. Their agony doubled, as they had no one left to lead their bloodline.

Whole journey he had to wipe his tears as that blurred his view. Reached his flat and released Bravo, it smelt him, and sensed the missing person. He sat on the couch and asked his pet to sit. Bravo jumped and sat on his lap, and he took its big jaws in his palms. Kissed him on its head and it caught his hand, a playful bite. He pushed his right fist further into the mouth and it tried to chew, but couldn’t, as its whole cavity’s wide open. Later, he knocked its face with brisk slaps; it grabbed his arm and started growling—a playful act and he played for a short while. Often people observed and misunderstood the act as a ferocious attack. Once, one of his neighbors enquired about the bite injury, and he had to explain the playful nature of the lovely dogs. After few minutes, Bravo was sleeping in his lap; the warm breath was wetting his left thigh. He carefully placed his head on the couch; saw him and slept.

~ 3 ~

Culpable negligence is the foremost precaution to be taken care while suggesting or advising, only a few learn first and advice later.

Can anyone suggest or advice without meeting the person? Yes, Dabwi’s the most loved person by his net friends for his justified suggestions. He’s freelancer and referred by friends on a good note. His advice seekers are from students to senior citizens; contact was only through mail. Appreciated for his help and few wanted to meet him. But he never agreed to see anyone in person and preferred the acquaintances only over the internet. Did not want to disclose his identity, thought, if met they may make him obliged with the financial obligation and offer a fee. It’s a voluntary service, and did not agree a fee paid for his passionate service. Two years passed and tailored his life style on a mere pension and he was accustomed to living alone after his discharge from the service. Savings or investing wasn’t a choice for his single life. Occasionally, he went to restaurant once or twice a month, and engages a cab to pick and drop. His discipline ignored for a few good moments. He imposed a personal restriction and obeyed civil standards of the society. He never imitated or followed the other people, has a good analyzing ability over the issues and understood fast.

Finally, his tips, suggestions and advice have become a daily job for him. After a while, people mailed him their personal, financial and family problems and he advised them reasonably and thoughtfully. He Spends hours over internet to give correct information to his friends. It has become a routine and painful job, still he loved his work. Switched on pc, and saw a new mail from retired ex-colleague of wireless division.

Hi Duggy,

How are you brother, I am in a bad state nowadays, and dragged into debts month after month. Fortunately, still my children are on the school rolls.

I need your help to reduce my debt. I have my car for sale and my house’s on a loan. Suggest me which to sell, to clear my overhead and how much would I get at this prevailing market conditions. I met few buyers who want to buy my house that’s on repayment of loan for next five years. Please, help me I shall be thankful. If there’s any fee or charge I’ll pay you.

Thank you.

Dabwi replied asking him not to sell the house, stated the infrastructural industry’s gaining in the market. Asked him to approach the bank from which, he took the loan and convert it into a reverse mortgage plan. A tabulation of a reverse mortgage’s attached and asked him to sell the car. And it depreciated fifty percent of its value. Referring the fee, he asked not to mention it in the future, warned him and said he shall delist him and his referral from his mailing list. Later explained, and said he works free, with goodwill. Read the next mail, it’s from a wife of a businessman. Her husband’s business partner saw her twice in a hotel with her friend. Threat’s still on the attic, but she’s willing to kill herself. She’s not able to decided, either to tell her affair to her husband and ask for a divorce. Or ask her husband’s business partner to ignore and never discuss the matter. If he insisted what shall be the cost of keeping it as a secret. She’s in a dilemma, as her five years daughter's future’s in jeopardy and desperate. Now, Dabwi’s busy working on the paramours, extramarital affairs and divorce. The matter’s serious, and he’s yet to gather the subject’s thorough knowledge. He checked the latest amendments and replied asking her for sometime.

The third mail’s from a woman from Europe. Checked the mail; it’s from a woman aged forty-five, a working mother of two children. Her country’s nominated as the best country to live in the world. He’s curious, what’s forcing her to end her life.

Dear Dub,

I do not want to alive anymore; I am satisfied with my life. I have two lovely children, a boy and a girl. My husband’s a loving and sincere man. But I don't wish to live with my ill health, meaning staying alive. I am always driven by an idea to choose my own death than live as a crippled person. I dislike seeing myself as a patient in the hospital. My disease shall not recede; few chances and I left my job.

Please suggest me the best way to end myself, without repentance and with a free will. I am sending a detailed, rough figure of assets and balances. Also, please tell me know the best way to pass away peacefully.

Appreciate an early reply.

He searched the internet for the information, marked few points and made a note of them. He took a sip from cold cup of tea that was placed an hour ago and leaned back. Thinking over her assets, he has to advice her according to information of national policies for the respective country and citizens. Mentioned the single insurance policies of reputed insurance companies, suggested her to transfer her investments and the mutual funds on her children. He asked her to switch over to debt funds for better appreciation in future. He pitied for her request to die and was disturbed.

Recollected the day, he was deputed to PKF for two years, and the platoon stationed for five hours awaiting a transit pick. The country was beautiful with lush green and wonderful natural habitat. There was a festival celebration; the platoon was presented with sweets and flowers at the airport. The love and kindness of the citizens brought tears in his eyes. Now, from the same peace capital a woman’s asking him for help. Help to kill herself, thought his suggestions are taking a wrong side and prayed for her health and her family. His freelance services are not for the people to end themselves, but few took the message wrong and requested the best way to end life. Most of them are patients, deceived and divorced, tormented or threatened, business failures and bankrupts.

His routine has more requests for ending their lives and it made him annoyed and tired. He wants to end his free service, but his conscience never let him do so as he could feel the others pain and their need. First suggests for amicable compromise over the time, then he will recommend an alternate method. He mentions a vivid picture of what happens and how. At last, he gives the final decision depending on the intensity and depth of the subject. One, last mail had a happy conclusion of a childless thirty-seven years engineer. His addicted wife deceived him for the money. She used his reputation for loans, and made him to go in huge debits. He advised him to make her stay in her parent’s house for sometime. Meanwhile, asked him to repay his debts as early as possible.

The engineer followed the suggestion and after a few months, parents were vexed up by behavior, warned, but she didn’t change her style and finally she was pushed away by her parent’s. Later, her friends knew her state and avoided her. Her pride crushed, provoked by her worthiness and the insults she faced, and finally she regained her self-control. She’s an interior designer, her real image made her stand tall. Supported herself taking up a job and realised her lavish style’s too expensive and not suitable for a happy family life. Obviously, after few months her die hard habit deceased, convinced and enjoyed a happy time. They adopted an orphan and were living happily for the last one year.

Dabwi smiled, few people lost even the general thinking and understanding. If the issue’s discussed with friends or relatives; they could have said and suggest similar to his view. It shows they are closely wrapped up to themselves. People are accustomed listening to other than insisting on their own mind, ignored the ability of self-decision and judgment. The trend of depending escalated with the income and the methods of earnings. Now, one hardly spared time for self, and ignored calculating their real needs. This trend made him wonder and caused pain. The next day’s newspapers reported the death of a businessman’s wife. Dabwi did not read the newspaper or watched the TV news.

~ 4 ~

Death by choice is seldom a wish, but some take up as a job, to kill or die.

Dabwi woke up by the barks of Bravo and checked the time, its twelve noon. Took the Bravo inside, fed it and took out for walk. After, ten minutes walk, he was returning home, suddenly leash unhooked, and Bravo chased the bike. The kid scared and stopped, and Bravo stood in front of his bike and barking at him. Dabwi asked the kid to not to move. Later, ordered his dog to sit; hooked the leash, pulled aside and apologized to him.

They walked to the elevator; the kid walked towards them and stopped. Bravo again started barking at him. Dabwi warned his dog and said

“It’s ok boy, you can take the elevator I’d take the stairs.”

“No sir, you take the elevator.”

“Do you . . . Stay here?”

“Yeah 503,”

“I didn’t see you before?”

Kid smiled and introduced himself and said he knew him and his dog. They had a few words, and both entered the elevator; Dabwi asked Bravo to sit and stay calm. It did, kid stood to a corner, afraid and walked out of the elevator on the fifth floor. Dabwi entered his flat; fetched the freshwater, filled Bravo’s bowl and let it free. He connected to internet and checked his mails. There are two new mails. He clicked the first mail.

Hi Brother,

How are you? I have a problem with my birds these days. The sale at the end of the day seems less than my investments. It’s strange and I would like to have some information on chicken. Please help me out brother.

Regards and love.

Dabwi knew the remedy, in the summer birds stop gaining and start losing weight due to the heat. He was aware; a small chicken shop owner wouldn’t afford or spend for the coolers or can give the vitamin supplement. So replied him not to store large flock of birds and suggested him to store the bird meat in freezers than dressing before an order. Then, he saw the next mail.

Hello! Dead boy,

Surprised, you are still breathing and wasting your time staying idle. Get up you lazy ass, I have a job for you. The same job you did all your life.

Warm up immediately and be prepared.

Say ‘YES’ you are dead.

Say, ‘NO’ you will be dead.

I’ll arrange the Tools and Beetle.

Have a bad day.

Dabwi’s confused, it’s unlikely someone sends him such mail, read thrice and was upset. Saw the sender’s mail id, and it’s alphanumeric. Tried to remember who this prankster is and what’s the job? And why he wants him to take up the job. What it meant by same work. Does he know where he worked? Does this person know him and if so to what depth does he have his information, he thought. What else does he know about him? He offers him a job and says he did same job all his life. So how does he know his earlier job? Besides, caution’s him to warm up and be prepared. Be prepared for what? To shoot! None will offer such job, after knowing his credentials. He recollected all his acquaintances and friends, but he could not get any relevance. The mailer trying to fool him, he shall not have offered the job easily. If it’s an online job, the mailer may ask for fee and promise the job later. Read the last lines, they meant a challenge and a brutal action, and could not guess who’s going to kill him if he does not accept the strange job.

Say ‘YES’ you are dead.

Say, ‘NO’ you will be dead.

Were the last words a threat? A warning, the mailer wants him to shoot somebody, that would be the meaning. Where and when? Does this anonymous mailer want him to shoot someone? It did not mention the target, wrote tactfully, and syntax that’s well understood only to them.

If others read these words, they would first think that the employer’s casual in offering the job. Few may presume the employer’s job was of a plumber. ‘Have a bad day’. ‘I’ll arrange the Tools and Beetle’ these words could mean the job was of plumbing, drainage work, tower erecting job. Or the work dealing with heavy machinery as, the contractors usually provide the tools. Then what was the Beetle, a Beetle nut? For a chewing gum, it’s strange he thought. From any corner, Dabwi could not relate the mailer, his aggressive and commanding style to any known person. Now, he knew someone’s watching him and has been closer to him from the past; while he was in and out of his service. He’s scared for his online presence over the internet. Realized his movements are observed, and doubted he’s under the surveillance. And he could not stay calm as his thoughts were racing with the past and present.

Dabwi had a hot cup of tea and decided to reply the sender. He remembered the kid, as he’s studying the computer science; thought he may help him find the sender of the anonymous mail. He opened the mail, cut, copied the text into a file and erased earlier mails, sent and received. Left this threatening mail, deleted the subject line and the text of the message. He determined not to disclose his online activity to the kid. But he was not aware of the software, which can retrieve data and usage. Locked his flat, went to the flat 503 and rang the doorbell. After, a minute the kid appeared saw him and searched for his dog beside him.

“Don’t worry Bravo’s not here, I need little help boy.”

“Sure, in what way?”

“I received a mail, and it had no text and the sender I am not aware. I want you to find out who’s the sender. Can you please help me?”

“Why not sir, I’ll be back,”

The kid went into the next room beside the door. Dabwi viewed the living room; it had shelves filled with books. The computers related books piled to one side. The kid took a flash drive and a CD, and came out. Both reached flat 808, eighth floor. Dabwi entered first and called the Bravo into the balcony it went waging its tail, he asked him to sit and locked the door. It started barking, opened the main door and let the kid inside the flat. Later, he connected, opened the mail, and asked the kid to check. Kid viewed the mail and through another browser opened his mail. He forwarded the text-less mail to his mail id. Dabwi went into the kitchen, prepared two cups of tea, returned and offered one to the kid. Meanwhile, kid took out his flash drive, uploaded and copied the files. Later, he ran his CD. He took few sips and said

“Sir, I had forwarded the mail to my mail id, sent a test mail to you. You reply for a confirmation and then I can trace the sender.”

“Thank you I appreciate your patience and help.”

“Please don’t, and you call me if you need help?”

“Sure son.”

“Bye.”

The kid left, he replied and log out. It was seven pm; Dabwi took bath and went for a walk. In fact, he was walking his wild thoughts than walking for his health—daunted and bewildered for his honest and selfless work. After he returned, checked the inbox and there was another mail, from the same sender. Hesitated for a while and opened.

Hey! Dead boy,

I don’t want you to walk miles on rough terrain, say thanks. You can find the Tools and the Beetle in the park at your regular place.

Pick them immediately, or else you’ll get your ass hunted. Now kick your lousy-ass out of your house. I’ll be watching you, bastard.

Dead day.

He’s annoyed, but realized he was already into troubles, and without wasting time he rushed out of his flat. Walked towards the park and as the mail said ‘your regular place,’ he briskly walked to the rolling stones.

“Sir, the park’s closed.”

“Oh! Is the second gate open?”

“Yes sir,”

“Ok, I’d leave through the second gate.” He hurried towards his regular place and stopped. Inspected, there’s nobody in the park, he searched for the footprints and movements. He moved around the rolling stones and there’s something long wrapped package, and a corrugated paper box of one foot by one in length. He glanced over the park, every direction, there’s no one nearby. Saw the street, except a few cars passing and three women waiting at the bus stop. His gaze followed the other side of the road; opposite to the bus stand. There are two cars parked beside his flat’s entrance gate, and he knew to whom they belong.

A few feet away he saw a black car parked, and it’s a dirty place to park, he thought. Again, he observed, not a regular car. None would park at that place, beside a garbage collector. He’s right, after a minute the right rear window opened. A billow of smoke emitted out, and a hand tossed out the cigarette butt. Now, he’s aware that he’s been watched, and the observers are eager, and wanted him to pick up the delivery. He’s in dilemma, knew the package’s a rifle and the box contained the bullets. If he picks it up, any moment he could be caught and booked for illegal possession of arms in the public place and without an arms license. If he leaves it there, he’s still liable to be booked stating he placed a suspicious and unidentified object. He remembered the words ‘YES’ dead and ‘NO’ dead. He’s framed and there’s no way out.

A memory flashed before him, an incident of a snowy winter and it was mid-afternoon. He had a clear view of his enemy from behind a snow-covered rock. At a distance of seven hundred meters was a dead soldier; in a position, as if waving his men to come. In fact, he’s frozen to death while signaling his men to move away from the range. This mistaken gesture attracted another soldier to go for help. The soldier moved forward cautious, ducking and crawling, it took him a few minutes to reach him. He stood to look around, and didn’t realize, he’s in a perfect target’s range.

The next second the metal cracked his cranium. He collapsed in the lap of the dead soldier, and the shot echoed. The silence after the shot always wondered him, and thought where would these sound waves travel to and how far. Thus, he became a good listener. After, a while the other soldiers didn’t dare move forward and never dared to recover the dead bodies or the weapons under the clear sky. Dabwi wants to see; how perfect his aim was and carefully approached the dead men. The scene gave a good photographic view of the patriotism. He prayed in his heart and returned the other way. The package’s wrapped in a bubbled polythene sheet, his eyes are peering at it and he’s sweating now. On the small single rock beside was the carton. He took the package, started walking and observed the black car moving, from his right corner of his eye without turning his head.

The kid didn’t attend his college as his friends planned for a movie. He checked for the updates. Later, he opened Dabwi’s mail; he remembered there was only one new mail, while retrieving the data. Now, he found two mails, opened the first mail, and read it twice. It meant to collect tool and beetle from the park. He retrieved every mail by the date and time. He opened the mail, read the contents, smiled at the word rough terrain. The kid knew there was something interesting going on, it’s a strange warning. Learned, it meant a serious matter and wants to find about the tools and beetle. The second mail was from a woman, a thank you reply. At once remembered an orphanage and worked out a plan. He thought of the woman and has an idea, to send a mail asking for a donation. If she agrees to pay, he roughly calculated the currency conversion and satisfied himself by the heavy catch. Decided to send a request mail for donation to his friends citing he’s helping an orphanage. The kid was excited by his innovative plan.

The kid went into the balcony and observed, he found none inside the park. He walked to the park, the gate locked and searched for Dabwi; and there’s no sign of him or any object. The kid jumped the fencing wall of the park and started looking for him; he searched the bushy plants, under benches and the places he guessed safe to hide. His search was in vain and waste of time, returned to the first gate, and stopped. He turned back, saw the other gate open and started running towards the second gate. He stood in the middle of the park and watched every direction, but did not find Dabwi.

Dabwi came out of the second gate, saw a cab waiting and got in with his luggage. The cab arrived at the destination. He remembered he forgot something, and asked the cabdriver to take him back to the place where he boarded. The driver turned his head; said he forgot to pay the shop owner. The driver turned his car and reached the place from where he picked him. Dabwi lowered the window and called the woman and said,

“Sorry, I forgot to pay,” She smiled and said,

“It doesn’t matter sir, understood you run short of money, and knew you would pay it next time.”

“No, I was in a hurry,” he said and gave a hundred rupee note. She took the note and walked inside her shop. He saw the kid coming out of the second gate. He’s walking towards the shop and said, “It’s ok, I’d collect the change tomorrow.” and asked the driver to go, and after a few feet the driver had to stop, an old woman was crossing the road. The driver yelled at her for her trembling walk and speed up rashly from beside her. Dabwi turned his head, saw the kid at the shop. Driver mumbled that he’s getting late, as he has another pick up in ten minutes. The cab travelled around the park; five kilometers journey in five minutes and reached the destination. He paid the fair and thanked him.

“Sir, I must thank you for your honesty.” Driver said politely, Dabwi collected his package and driver smiled and said,

“I am sorry for charging you twice, sir”

“Never mind and we’re bound to live honestly, don’t be sorry. It’s your job.”

“Thank you, sir.” Said the driver and drove away. He hurried and walked to the elevator, but didn’t use and intentionally took the stairway. Walked up four floors and peeped out of the corridor. Saw the kid talking with his friends under the shade of a tree beside the front gate of the park. Dabwi’s still confused, scared and calm his running mind to relax.

He realized, from this moment, his life takes a different turn and may lose control over his days.

Copyright © 2014 Pagadala Vijay Kumar.

Kindle edition https://www.amazon.in/Death-Command/dp/B00RGWK46U

Paper back https://www.amazon.in/Death-Command/dp/1634151240