Devil
“Hello, is anyone there?”
Daisy knocked on the door, waiting anxiously, her stress palpable.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
The door opened, revealing a little kid.
“Yes, Aunty? Who are you looking for?” the kid asked.
“I wanted to see Mary,” Daisy replied softly, looking pale, trying not to alarm the child.
“Mother Mary is out, looking for our big sister, Priya,” another child called from inside.
Daisy closed her eyes, understanding the situation all too well.
She and Priya’s friend had been waiting in a cafe for Priya to come out of the bathroom. When Priya didn’t return after a long time, Daisy had searched everywhere for her.
Unable to find her, Daisy knew who might have taken Priya – her own son, Priyank.
Though she couldn’t recall seeing Priyank at the cafe, she was certain he was involved. Despite asking at home and Priyank’s office, no one had seen him, leaving Daisy to wonder where he could have taken Priya.
After sending Priya’s friend home and searching all day, Daisy realised she needed to speak with Mary, knowing she must be as stressed as she was.
“Aunty?” the kid called again, seeing Daisy lost in thought.
Daisy snapped back, “Do you know Mary’s number? I need to talk about your big sister.”
She hoped to find Mary’s, as the situation felt beyond her control. Despite her efforts, Daisy couldn’t locate Priya, confirming her fears.
“Yes, we know Mother Mary’s number,” the kid answered eagerly, sensing that Daisy had some information about Priya.
“Please dial it for me,” Daisy said, handing her phone to the kid.
The kid dialled the number and handed the phone back to Daisy. “Here, Aunty,” he said, looking at Daisy with curiosity.
“Don’t worry, it’s going to be fine. We will find Priya fast,” Daisy tried to reassure him, seeing the concern in his innocent eyes.
But deep down, she couldn’t believe her own words.
It’s about Priyank, and if he didn’t want to be found, not even God could locate him. There was no way she or anyone else could find him if he didn’t want to be found.
“Hello,” the voice from the phone echoed in her ears.
“I’m Daisy,” she answered.
“Who’s Daisy?”
“Priyank’s mom,” Daisy introduced herself.
“Damn, why the hell are you calling me? Your son kidnapped my daughter again. This time, I’m going to get him arrested, no matter even if I have to go to hell for that,” the voice on the other end erupted in anger.
“I’m in front of your orphanage. Please come, we need to talk,” Daisy sighed, sensing Mary’s anxiety.
“I’m coming. You better stay there and keep your hands away from my other kids,” Mary warned before the phone abruptly cut off.
Daisy had never felt this humiliated, not even when her own husband left her for a mistress. Well, it wasn’t exactly humiliation, but rather a deep sense of frustration and helplessness.
She understood her son kidnapped Priya as if it were a part-time job; this was the second time it had happened. She knew that Priyank’s silence often preceded chaos, but she never expected it to escalate so quickly.
Yet, she couldn’t shake off the regret of taking Priyank out in the first place. However, she also realised that she wouldn’t have needed to take him anywhere for him to find Priya and take her with him. He would do it without mercy, and he had done exactly that.
After twenty minutes passed, Mary came rushing over to Daisy, her voice trembling with fear and anger.
“Tell me, what’s wrong with your son, Miss? Why does he have to terrorise my innocent child like this? He practically kidnapped her! I’ve been searching for Priya since this afternoon. Do you have any idea how terrified I am?” Mary exclaimed, standing in front of Daisy at the gate.
The children inside watched the scene unfold, sensing the tension in the air.
Mary had dashed over as soon as she received Daisy’s call, her heart pounding with anxiety.
She didn’t know what Priyank wanted, but she had always been afraid of something like this happening, which was why she had hesitated to send Priya anywhere. And now, her worst fears had come true – just a few hours out, and Priya was once again in the clutches of that beast.
Daisy felt the weight of Mary’s words like a punch to the gut. She struggled to find the right words to console Mary, knowing that nothing she could say would erase the terror and anguish she was feeling.
“I’m so sorry, Mary. I never imagined Priyank would…” Daisy’s voice trailed off, unable to finish her sentence. Guilt gnawed at her insides, knowing that her own son had caused so much pain and fear.
Mary’s eyes brimmed with tears as she shook her head in disbelief. “Your sorry is not going to help at all.”
Daisy felt the sting of Mary’s accusation like a knife to the heart. She had no defence, no excuse for her son’s actions. All she could do was stand there, feeling utterly helpless and ashamed.
“Now, tell me, where is my daughter? Why are you here? Why didn’t you bring Priya back if she’s inside your house again?” Mary demanded, her voice trembling with fear and frustration.
“If only that were the case. Priyank didn’t come back with her to the house. I don’t know where he took her,” Daisy explained, her heart sinking with each word.
Even if Priyank had brought Priya home, Daisy knew there was no guarantee anyone could take her away from him.
Priyank wouldn’t allow it to happen again, not after what had transpired the first time. This time, he would surely lash out, maybe even hurt Mary in the process.
But at least if Priyank had brought Priya home, Daisy could have some peace of mind, knowing that Priya was safe under their roof.
Now, with Priya’s whereabouts unknown, Daisy dreads to think what Priyank might have done, especially given his recent bouts of anger.
“What the hell? What are we going to do now? Your son is literally a devil,” Mary panicked, her words laced with curses aimed at Priyank.
Daisy felt a pang in her heart hearing someone refer to her son as a devil, but deep down, she knew she couldn’t defend him this time. She could justify his anger or his behaviour in many situations, but kidnapping a girl was beyond justification.
And she couldn’t understand what Priyank saw in Priya to become so infatuated when he typically despised women, viewing them as leeches. The situation seemed even more perplexing and troubling.
“Don’t.”