Unexpected Tragedy

It was ten o clock in the evening and the the streets of Artis were still bustling with the people. Some were just returning from their daily work while others were enjoying in the entertainment district. The drones constantly moved around randomly scanning people whereas the police bots were taking care of the traffic and the safety of the people.

" Long live the Rajan," a news screen displayed.

Rajan was the code name that the people used for the dictator. Everyone trusted the Rajan for he was the driving force behind the Continent's prosperity. Rest of the world looked at the Rajan's society in wonder. It was almost a 100 years ahead of the rest of the world. Due to this other world leaders tried to declare war on the Continent but the Dictator's effort drove them away. In order to save his people he closed all the Continent's borders and ordered the people to move their families who lived outside to the interior.

" We are sure that there is life beyond death. It is not pseudo science. I am sure black holes have something to do with the cycle of life," a well dressed man spoke in the news display.

Two men carrying lab coats in their hands were walking down the sidewalk of the main street. On seeing this news Dr. Arwin Wonderbatch, a tall yet feeble man in his forties, started ridiculing the well dressed man.

" What a bunch of nonsense! Why are they even allowing such fools to talk on the news ?" He spoke in a frustrated tone.

" You might not believe this but I heard this man has a huge following. Order of Singularity , I believe this is what they call themselves. Moreover there are also rumors that this man might be a brother of Rajan," Dr. Dimus Sullen replied.

Dimus was a dear friend of Arwin. He was a relatively shorter than Arwin and but had a well build physique. Even then he refuses to get married as he was afraid of the burden and compromises associated with them.

The two men ignored this news board and walked ahead chatting about space.

" We should try to include a liquid nitrogen coolant in our design," Dimus suggested.

" Man we can look after that later. Let us finish his taco first," Arwin replied.

After walking for sometime Dimus bade Arwin goodbye and hopped on the street lift.

Street lifts were convenient as they connected some important apartments and localities with a lift like system. But Arwin's house was not near such lift and so he had to walk another 20 minutes to reach his house. On his way he stopped at an optics shop and brought a small telescope.

" I hope Uoy likes this gift. He is always interested about stars and planets. What a curious little one he is ?" Arwin giggled.

Finally he reached his house. Arwin took out a red card and swiped at the panel near the dome shaped door, which opened with a buzzing sound.

There was an unusual silence in the house. But Arwin payed no attention and walked towards the kitchen.

As soon as he switched on the light he saw decorations and a birthday cake with a lit ten number candle on the table . But after turning his eyes towards the fridge he was shocked.

Two bodies were sleeping on the ground or so he thought. One was his wife and other was Uoy. The telescope in his hands dropped and he ran towards them. He picked up Uoy and checked his heart beat. But there was not even a throb on his chest, same was the condition with this wife.

Arwin was still in shock.

" It must be a prank. Yes I think they are imitation bots," He muttered.

On closer examination he found no buttons. The bodies were purely flesh and bones.

Realizing the situation , he broke down and the tears gushed out of his eyes. He screamed in agony and anger while holding their bodies close to his heart. The birthday decorations looked at him with a lifeless yet sparkling face and the fire on the candle which was burning brightly, kept on dimming until it was extinguished.

(Next Day)

" I am really confused! How can they die without any reason ? Answer me you fool, how? Do it again, check again," Arwin screamed at the doctor.

" Arwin I know how you feel but why will the doctor lie ?" Dimus consoled him.

" I know he lied. I Know," Saying this Arwin hung his head down and started sobbing.

The doctor sympathized with him and told Dimus to take care of him.

" A man in this position is the one who is most likely to commit some form of self harm. Please do keep an eye on him," The Doctor advised Dimus.

Dimus drove him back home and asked it would be better if he also says with him for sometime.

" No Dimus ! I am fine. I want to think over a few things. Anyway thank you for helping me," Arwin spoke with an intonating voice.

" Any time man. Just give me a call if you are feeling better. I will talk with the boss if the need arises. No need to come back to the lab until you are feeling better," Dimus replied and with some hesitation he drove away.

Arwin slowly dragged his feet towards their bedroom. He took out some old photo modules and played them on the wall display.

As he was swiping through the photos he felt happy yet the pictures looked blur. His tears prevented him from going any further. He got on his feet and started thrashing the objects here and there. He slapped himself, screamed and even tried to suffocate himself, yet the face of this dead wife and son prevented him to do so.

All of a sudden his throat began to twitch and he started walking involuntarily towards the 'Cyberg'. The Cyberg was a famous bar which always serves top notch Nano drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Arwin was lucky enough to find a seat and after that he began his first drinking adventure. He poured the first glass with a little hesitation but after that he craved for more. Even the bartender was a little worried that he might ruin his health with such excessive drinking sprees.

Arwin's head became dizzy and he fell down on the street, on his way home. He could faintly hear the buzzing of drones and foot steps of a silhouette but nothing else apart from that.

(Next Day)

In the morning when Arwin woke up, he had a severe headache. He felt as if someone hammered him to a wall. After failing to recollect the events of the last night, he called his wife and asked her to bring a synaptic med. But he got no answer. Finally he realized what had happed the day before and he sat down on the bed with a broken heart. The sorrow hit him harder than the headache and he was unable to control his tears.

All of a sudden his eyes fell on a digital pad on the side desk. He rubbed his eyes and picked up the pad which had the following message.

" Hello Dr. Arwin Wonderbatch. I am really sorry for your loss. A loss like this is a lot even for a stern man like you. No one should feel this pain you are experiencing. But being a leading authority in space science, I know you can see your family again. No! I am sure there is a way for you to meet with your family. If you don't want to waste away your potential in idle drinking and would like to take action on your own then come meet me near the " DNA Spiral" monument today at the first bell of the evening," Your Well-wisher.

Arwin took a SyMed (Synaptic medicine) to clear his headache and orient his thoughts. He read the letter again and after contemplating for a long time, he dressed himself and walked towards his destination.


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