The Serein

By Harry Raphel Thuruthipuram

Would you risk your life to save an unknown girl? How far would you go if you fall in love with her?
Rex heard about Ruby from his close friend. Sympathy gradually changed into love and he wanted to save her. But Rex didn't know that the journey would change his whole life forever, his love would be cornered and he has to take some unbelievable decisions for him to be with his love. Someone else also wants him and how could he come out of the triangle of love?
To be a hero, there is always a battle to be won. Rex found himself in a state of battle within himself too. Is he up to the task?An edge of a seat thriller romance with so much emotions and suspense and drama.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Harry Raphel Thuruthipuram
• Release date: May 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9780463732434

Harry Raphel Thuruthipuram

Harry Raphel is a mechanical engineer by profession but writing is his passion and hobby. He has written more than a hundred poems in Malayalam language and few short stories. He is single and lives in the beautiful village of Thuruthipuram in Kerala.He is single. Author can be reached at [e-mail].

Book preview

Prologue

He stared at the roof only to see the ceiling fan rotating effortlessly above him. He took a few moments to adjust his vision and senses.

Was that a nightmare? Then he noticed the daylight peeping through the window. What time it is? He checked his watch. Seven in the morning. So it can’t be a nightmare. It is a daydream. A nightmarish daydream?

He didn’t understand what that was exactly.

Then he remembered he had a dream or a thought about her.

What was that?

A filthy apparition of a woman was walking away from him. He couldn’t see anything else. Everything around them was dark. She was holding someone’s hand and he could definitely say that was a man and it wasn’t him. They were walking towards a door from where vibrant light was coming. She was moving away and her body language said she was happy. Then she looked back staring at him, her face was full of blithe and was serene, her eyes sparkled with joy. She smiled at him, an angelic twinkle he never wanted to see on her face. She waved at him goodbye.

-*-

She woke up and stared into the dark.

Where am I?

She could only feel the scorching pain behind her head. A muffled scream escaped her lips. She kept both her hands behind her head and squeezed. Teardrops came running from her eyes.

She was lying on the dirt of a rough concrete floor and the stinking smell of cow dung and urine and the dead decomposed livestock pierced through her nose. She knew she is in some cattle shed maybe with few cattle probably dead. She tried to focus on her surroundings letting her eyes adjust to the darkness. There was no sound. So there are no animals here but me.

She wanted to scream, but her mouth was dry and the pain was immeasurable and intolerable. Soft sobs escaped from her.

What sin did I do to suffer this much pain? When is it going to end?

She twisted her body to cope up with the pain.

Help me. She wanted to cry but she couldn’t.

There won’t be any escape from here. No one will ever find me. I am going to die here. Only she could wish was the death to come sooner to her. It probably ends here.

Where am I? She looked around. The room was too dark. There was no ventilation for any rays of light to enter. No one came to her. She didn’t know who took her or why they took her.

What she could do was just pray. Oh God please help me. Please hear me this one time. Save me from here.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. Muffled sobs escaped from her mouth. She realized this is a situation where there is no escape. She didn’t know what she did to have such a pathetic life. No one is coming and no one is going to save her. Even Gods have abandoned her.

At least give me a painless death.

She knew no gods will be listening to her prayers. They haven’t heard her till now, why would they listen now?

She wished to see some light. The smell of urine and rotten dung was unbearable. She tried to stand up but her body was too timid. Somewhere there should be a light switch. She didn’t know where or how big the room maybe. She wanted to crawl towards the wall but the disgusting smell stopped her from doing so. She did not want to crawl over animal wastes.

She still couldn’t cope up with the pain behind her head. She didn’t have any idea how deep the wound could be. But she had to believe that it is much worse than she would imagine. She closed her eyes so hard and gritted her teeth.

She asked silently to the darkness surrounding her. Will they torture me before killing me? A terrible jolt went through her heart and her body twitched.

She wondered if she had any tears left. How long she has been there she didn't know. The concrete floor was warm. She doesn’t know where she is. Is it a basement? She heard no noises until now. She felt like she had been here for eternity.

Why is God so blind and deaf towards her? Why he ignored her? She didn't have the answer. She doesn’t know whether she broke any commandments but as far as she knows she hasn’t. She hated God for abandoning her.

I only wanted to be happy. And look what you gave me. You are tearing me into shreds. She cursed her god. I don't need a fucking god who is biased and only becomes supportive depending on the bribe and donations you receive. I don't need a god who gives pain and suffering to show love and offers prosperity to his haters. She removed her rosary and threw it away into the dark hoping it would land on the animal stool. That’s where it deserves to be.

She decided one thing. If she survives, this would be her last day as a devoted Christian and she won't be following any religion or any gods.

You are the God of your life. Someone mumbled inside her.

I am not a God; I am just a cursed soul. She replied.

At that time a door opened and light filled the room. She was blinded by the light. She saw someone walking towards her. She didn't know who but that the person who abducted her is. Is it a male or a female? As she watched the person reached so close to her. She wanted to know who that is and why she was targeted. Then she heard the person clearing the throat. It’s a man! She now knows. He kneeled in front of her.

-*-

What’s the matter? What are you thinking about so early in the morning? She had a mischievous grin.

He shook his head. Those screams … He couldn’t say more about it. He felt guilty. I still can’t believe these things will happen in Goa. It feels like a bad dream unlikely to happen. He muttered under his breath.

Alka looked at him smiling. Don’t worry. That already happened but we are here together under one roof. That is the only thing matters now.

She ran her fingers through his hair.

You are right but I should have done something about last night. How can I be such a fool? It was really one hell of a risk to take but it would have been worthwhile. He looked at Alka.

She didn’t understand what he was saying. Why should you take any risks? How would it be worth it? Are you blaming me for stopping you and turn around to a different path?

I didn’t get your point. She said in a low voice and stopped brushing his hair.

She didn’t know the exact turnaround of incidents that were happening in Goa and he bothered not to tell her all the details. He had to give her a rough idea but he had to be careful not to be on the wrong side. He started the story.

1

Rex came out of the steel elevator and strode along the narrow mild cream hallway well lit with sky blue LED bulbs. He ended up in front of a two-panel glass door and gently pressed his thumb into the punching machine on the wall beside the glass doors.

It said 9.00 am. Right on time!

As his fingerprint was accepted the door automatically unlocked and he pushed himself gently to enter into a magnificent reception area with crimson and lily-white shades and traces of pale blue adding to the beauty.

He exchanged a few lazy smiles and good morning wishes to the receptionist and his colleagues and went into his cubicle. He sat down on his seat and stretched his arms upwards.

Shit. The Sunday hangover remains.

The hard musk cologne he wore filled the room. The cubicle was small with a desktop table having a honey oak finish and a black velvet revolving chair.

I should have stayed at home.

His eyes were heavy with lack of sleep and his body was longing for rest which he couldn’t afford for the moment. He was feeling dizzy.

Lazily he switched on his computer. Slowly the monitor came to life. He patiently waited and once it is fully ready he refreshed the screen a few times. Even before he checked his last week’s works he signed in to his Facebook messenger.

His eyes rotated in their sockets. His irises were unable to focus on a definite position. He closed his eyes partially and looked onto the screen.

In the next instance, two messages popped up.

Hi.

What is your age?

Message sent by Nikita.

What kind of a morning wish is this?

He never expected such a question from her. It was so unlikely. Such a bizarre question to ask so early in the morning! She could’ve just checked his FB page. He has clearly mentioned his birthday in his profile.

It was quite a few days since he hasn’t logged into his Facebook. He felt it boring nowadays. Yet he checks his inbox for messages once or twice a week. It is one of those days he thought he will check for the pending messages on his Facebook.

He checked the date and time. It was sent today morning at eight.

He gently slides his fingers across his forehead and closed his eyes to regain his posture.

Why does she want to know my age? Curiosity was growing inside him. He decided to give her the reply.

I am 32. He typed. Why? What happened?

Then suddenly he noticed she is online.

He waited for her to see the message and reply.

He saw some dots coming to life, she is typing something.

Will u marry a married woman? Her reply was another question.

He was stunned. Who is she suggesting?

Nikita is married and she has an 8-year-old son and she loves her husband a lot. She is 7 years elder than Rex.

He waited few more seconds. What should I answer back? He was really clueless. He tapped his fingers on the table and closed his eyes for a moment thoughtfully. The question was too sudden and he knows he has marginal time to think about it. Whatever he replies he will be responsible for his word. He doesn’t have enough time to analyze the outcome of such a decision.

She was eagerly waiting for his response.

Instead of answering he decided to ask for details. He needed some more clarifications. Finally, he asked. Who is the person? Is it you or, any friend?

She must have felt a little frustration. She would be expecting an answer rather than another inquiry. She needs to shed light on the entire scenario.

Hmm. She is my friend. Her name is Ruby.

Ohh. Ok. He felt a little relief. But he needs to know about this new girl. Who is she?

Hers was a love marriage. But, just only for namesake. Don’t know what to say. It is complicated. More details were coming.

He encouraged her for details.

What’s her age? He didn’t know where this was heading but decided to go on with the flow.

More or less she is your age. They fell in love. Then they dated almost for a year. She answered his question along with more information about her.

How you know her? There were lots of questions popping up in his mind. He needs to get the answers one by one.

She is my friend. We were a seven-girls group.

So she actually married or what?

Yes. They got married and also had physical encounters.

Obviously that will happen after marriage.

Yes right.

So, they got divorced or separated? What the reason behind the breakup?

They haven’t broken up yet. But we want to break this relation.

Something is wrong. The situation’s crunch is too deep than he anticipated. His mind said he shouldn’t be involved unless he gets all the details.

What??? Why? What the hell is going on?

I already told you it is complicated. I don’t know how to tell.

But I want to know. You just give me a rough idea about her life. He couldn’t just let her back off.

One year they loved or simply dated. Then suddenly, he changed. Maybe it was some family issues that lead to his change of behavior. He became so complaining and kind of started disliking her presence. Thus their number of meetings decreased. Then next four years, it was like, silent; don’t know they even loved. They seldom met this period. Sometimes they talked on the phone. She decided to marry him because everyone knew about their relationship. She didn’t want any rumors to spread against her. I even told her not to marry that guy. He won’t keep you happy. But she was helpless. She loved him very much. She didn’t have the slightest idea of what to do.

The consequences of one-sided love are always complications and pain.

He waited for her to continue without interruptions. But, maybe she thought he left without reading her messages, she paused.

Then… He made his presence felt.

The pause was longer.

She decided to get married and he accepted her proposal.

Nikita continued.

She slept alone on her wedding night.

Oh, fuck! How could someone even do that? What kind of person will leave his wife alone?

It was a routine for most of the following nights. Why he married her, we don’t know. For almost four months he ignored her. After that also he rarely comes near her.

But, why? What happened between them? Is her story is full of suspense?

2

"We all expect certain things after marriage, other than coupling. Joy, happiness, love, care, unfortunately, she never got anything. Not even real pleasure from intimacy. When she shared these things with me I was shocked. We tried to find out why he is behaving like this and found that he had a relationship with a distant relative. She was his father’s cousin and so he can’t marry her. But he didn’t want to leave her. His marriage was just a cover for his affair."

Once you make a decision, you have to bear the consequences that come along irrespective of it being fair or worse.

Words dried in his brain. He felt his fingers numb. What should he reply, he didn’t know. This was more complicated than he ever expected.

Actually Rex, you both are Christian. That’s why I decided to talk to you. Anyways, you also need a partner.

Tell me about her family.

She has her mother. Dad passed away five years ago. He was a drunkard all his life. She doesn’t have any siblings. They are very poor. It was a point-to-point description which was so easy to get a clear picture of the scenario.

He really felt sympathy for her. But, there is no point in sympathy. She needs to be saved.

And that’s why she went through all the ignorance and pain without any complaints. Even the neighbors also told her that it was going on for a long time and his parents silently supported it. It was really heartbreaking for her.

No girl would accept such a thing. They don’t wish to share the love they need to get from their spouse.

What's her education? He didn’t know how to handle this situation. He really felt something inside his heart for her.