Rani and Raja , a newly wedded couple moved into a new complex recently.
Both looked cute as they were a couple around twenty- five years of age
The next- door neighbours were Ram and his wife Sita, a middle- aged couple who stayed with their elderly parents. They had two teenaged children, Rahul and Ragini.
As good neighbours, they welcomed the couple and told them, “ If you need any help, feel free to ask.”
The couple seemed to be simple and helpful. As they were working people and were working on a BPO, they left late and came in the morning . They slept till late on most days.
Once, when the couple had an off day, Ram and Sita called them over for lunch. Al
All had fun and enjoyed each other’s company and shared many things. The children clicked photos and showed them around their room .
At times, they took the help of the couple for their school projects . They felt that being young, Rani and Raja would know more about the present day things. The children mingled with them very well. Sometimes the four of them went to the Mall together, watched movies and had food outside.
Life moved on happily and it was nearly two years since the couple had come to stay in that complex.
In the park, when the residents met, they talked about that simple and friendly couple and all loved them. The couple too greeted all with a smile.
Once the society arranged for the Annual Picnic to a nearby Picnic spot. They arranged for a bus and the caterer was taken along . The ladies were especially happy to be free from kitchen work for a day.
Games were organized and everyone had fun.
The game of music Antakshari and the whole group sang with joy.
Tombola, a popular game of all, was played. Good fun. Some won full house cash amounts and some were unlucky and could not win a single line amount too. It was a game of fun and entertainment.
“ Time for lunch, “ an elderly lady announced. The children helped the elders seated on the benches and the rest sat on the carpets , which they had carried in two opposite lines. Good food of everyone ‘s choice was served. All thanked the caterer, Shiv, from their hearts.
After lunch, the elders preferred to relax and the couple excused themselves and went for a stroll. They received a call. The children wanted to go with them, but their mothers told them,” No , you all play nearby.”
They understood the couple needed some space.
Evening came and the snacks were distributed when everyone noticed that Rani and Raja had not returned. Worry slowly crept into the gathering. Some went in different directions to search for them. The children too went around looking for their favourite friends.
The elders murmured amongst themselves,,” What could have happened.?. Where have they gone without informing anyone.?”
It was getting dark and time to return home. Those who had gone searching for them came back one by one,without any news. All boarded the bus with heavy hearts, each quietly wondering what could have happened. Where had they vanished?
The secretary said, “ Let us inform the park authority to look for the couple and let us know about them. “
Back at the complex, the couple’s door was locked.
They decided to inform the police after a day as then only they would be able to register a case.
A day passed and the Secretary with two residents went to the police station and filed a missing complaint. They had all the necessary information in the building register as details of every resident were collected when they first moved in.
The children missed their friends. One night, Rahul and Ragini wanted to stroll in the park after dinner. That was when they noticed something. Raja and Rani’s door was slightly open.
The children saw what they were never meant to see.
Their friends lay on the bed, hands interlocked, still and silent. A small slip of paper rested near Raja’s hand.
The children ran back screaming, “ Papa and Mummy , Come fast, please come.”
The parents rushed in and froze. The secretary was called . He picked up the letter and read it aloud with trembling hands.
“ Sorry Dar one’s , We are taking this drastic step because we have both lost our jobs and we do not want to live as a burden to anyone.”
The children wept uncontrollably and they were gently taken away from the room.
The police were informed . The entire society gathered in the park , pale and shaken.. Their bodies were taken away.
The police found a bottle beneath the bed.
From their mobiles, they found their parents’ numbers, saved as Amma and Appa, and the parents who never knew were finally told.
The elders were sad to see such insensitive children’s drastic step.
Rahul and Ragini could not sleep that night , or for many nights after. They had seen what they were never meant to see.
They were in depression and were taken to their Nani’s house for two days.
And some things, once seen, can never be unseen.
