The Reason

 The Reason

By Varsha Venkataraghavan (11K) & Dhrupad Mahanta (12K)

It was finally the 27th of July - the day which I’d been waiting for, for my entire life, I

thought. This would be the day when I, May Hemler, would finally be appointed as the Director

of the FBI, Trenton. I have been with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or the FBI, for nearly

twelve years, and in all these years, I’ve solved over hundreds of mysteries, and have met a lot of

new people and many families.

I walked over from my seat to the stage, for I was excited to be honoured by the former

Director of the FBI - Agent Sean Bradley. Agent Bradley had been my Supervisor for seven whole

years, and the thought of myself as his successor simply blew my mind. The entire hall was

crowded, and a deafening silence prevailed, as I climbed on the stage. This silence was broken

by Agent Ruth Porter, who formerly worked with me in my department, along with Agents

Walter Stravonea and Kelly Athens.

Ruth stood behind me on the stage and started whispering in my ear. “We’ve received a

call, Agent Hemler,” she whispered. “A girl in Southern Bordentown has been kidnapped. As a

former agent in the department dealing with kidnappings, we need your help.”

It was always like this. Always. A case would always fall out of the sky when I least expected

it. The last time I had a case, Agent Porter interrupted me while I was in my bath - and guess

what, I have no clue how she even caught up with me there! Before that, I was bargaining with

my local baker for a loaf when this woman pounced upon me from absolutely nowhere to tell

me that there was a case. Ruth was always following me about, like a shadow. And now? I’m at

one of the pinnacles of my career, and here she is, with another case.

Well it’s not her fault really, this is America after all... What was it she said? Kidnapping?

How awful!

Kidnappings are always the most complicated. They’re mysterious, absolutely a pain to

solve, on top of which, one is pressed for time. In a murder, one can still take some time - of

course, not work at leisure - because the victim is already dead. Kidnappings are much worse,

there is pressure to save the victim. And we hardly know the intentions of the kidnapper: does

he or she intend to kill the kidnapped? Use the victim for illegal activities? For sexual slavery? For

ransom? And it’s always worse if the victim is a female. You never know what the kidnapper

wants to do with their victim. Did Ruth say she was a girl? Yes, a girl. I heard right.

Where did she say the case was? Southern Bordentown? Where on earth is that? My geography

of the United States remains pathetic to this day, even after twelve years here. Why am I even

here? How did I even get here? How did I even become an FBI agent? My life here in the West

has been something of a rollercoaster ride, and one that I haven’t particularly enjoyed. I don’t

remember ever wanting to be an FBI agent. There was a time in my life I never even knew such

a job existed. And when I did know, I never really wanted to be one. It’s really not something I

hate doing, I guess, and being on stage today, is really a matter of honour, a thing of aspirations,

but somehow, it was never really my dream. It’s strange how all Americans seem to consider this

one of the most prestigious things to do. Well, perhaps it’s not strange if you’re an American,

but I’m not. By citizenship? Maybe, but perhaps not by heart, by culture, or blood. My mind still

roams in the noisy, dirty streets of my childhood.

Oh, why is Agent Bradley staring at me like that? I honestly never liked Bradley, not for

the past seven years I’ve worked for him, and not today either. It seems as if he’s never tired of

flirting with me, which is even worse, considering that he’s married, and has three kids. I wish I

was married, then I could tell him to his face to stop ogling at me. Maybe I still can. Maybe not,

if I value my job. I don’t really. But I suppose I do, it’s all I have. It’s a strange job, which has

swallowed up all my other dreams and aspirations. And I can’t hate it because it’s all I have.

I guess he isn’t ogling at me. I guess I did something I shouldn’t have. What did I do

wrong now? I don’t know why. What now? For these past twelve years, everybody has been

looking at me as if I did something wrong; as if I had made a mistake. I get that look even if I

solve a case, even if I do something great. Is it because I’m brown-skinned? But of course not, it

can’t be. They don’t know I’m brown. They think I’m white. They think it’s my tan. But it isn’t

really. I’m not white. I’m brown. I wouldn’t have been in this job if they didn’t think I was white.

They say America is a free country. What a load of nonsense. How many people in the FBI are

not white? I’m not. But I’m thought to be.

Why do I lie about my identity? Is it just to remain in the FBI? Well, it’s not as if it’s my

dream job. But I’m here. I’ve been white for the past twelve years.

What was it that Ruth just said? A girl in Southern Bordentown...kidnapped... Why me?

Oh yes, because I was in the Kidnapping Department.

I was young when I joined the FBI. Young and naive. I had been kidnapped too, and I

felt it would be noble to help others who had been kidnapped. What noble? Yes, I’m standing

here today. I’m going to be promoted and honoured. And until last night, it seemed like that

was all I ever wanted. Did I though? Or did I want something more?

I always remember wanting to be a performer in India. Back when I was in Kozhikode,

in Kerala, that was all I wished. I learnt Carnatic and Hindustani singing. I learnt Mohiniattam

and Bharatanatyam. I learnt the piano. I learnt jazz. I took theatre lessons. If my life had worked

out how it should have, perhaps today, I would have been the All-India performing star, May

Smallykutty, and not FBI agent May Hemler. Maybe what I do now is nobler? I solve important

cases. I save lives. But, how noble can something be, if it swallows up one’s dreams and

aspirations? How noble is it to give up something you are passionate about for something that is

seen to be ‘noble and prestigious’?

“Agent Hemler.”

Who was that? Oh it’s Bradley... Am I to be appointed as his successor? That means I’m

not working under him anymore then? Look at me now! Until last night I was excited because

of the position! Because I thought it was amazing to become what I’m going to become now, and

now, look at me now, the only thing I’m looking forward to now is that Sean won’t be my

supervisor anymore. What is he doing now, though? Is he coming towards me?

“Agent Hemler, please...”

Was that Ruth? Oh dear God, I can’t think, what’s happening? Ruth is calling me. And

so is Sean. What does she want? I hate Ruth! What on earth is her issue... oh, the kidnapping.

Why is Agent Bradley here? Oh it’s...

“Agent Hemler, are you alright?”

What’s that Sean is saying?

“Oh yes of course, I’m alright! I...I...I...”

“Yes...”

“Agent Hemler.” Oh, it’s Ruth again, “Do please make it quick! The girl’s mother is in

hysterics. It’s been quite a while since it was reported...”

Why is she speaking so loudly? Everybody will hear her. Is she trying to embarrass me?

Everyone here seems to be trying to embarrass me! How strange they all are, on the outside they

keep giving me promotions, awards, accolades, but inside they all hate and despise me. Because

I’m the best, no matter how narcissistic that sounds... I don’t go about saying it to people, but I

know I am, and so does everybody else. I’ve come this far because I’m the best. The FBI needs

me because I’m the best. And everyone hates me - no matter the praises, no matter everything -

everyone hates me because I’m the best. Except Ruth. She loves me. She’s awfully annoying!

What is she doing here? Why is she tormenting me?

Ugh! I feel like I’m going mad!

“Agent Hemler?” Is that Bradley again?

“Agent Hemler?” Ruth?

“I have to go!”

What did I do? Did I just turn away from Bradley like that? What about the ceremony?

Well, who cares, let’s see what the case is all about. The look on Bradley’s face! Legendary!

Imagine his shock! The person he was about to appoint as his successor suddenly turns away and

walks off! Does this mean I’m not to be promoted? Of course not. This is just a mere ceremony

and a formality. It’ll be announced later on, I guess.

Ruth looks lovely today. Is that a new dress? I hate Ruth. She thinks I don’t have a life

other than these cases. Maybe she’s right though. She loves me, I can see it. She’s so annoying.

Where are we going today? Ah yes... Southern Bordentown, wherever that is...

It felt awkward being in a car without Bradley. Ruth and I were the only people in the

car, and now that I was the Director, I had to drive. Walter and Kelly were working on another

kidnapping, which is why I was stranded in the car with her. For all these years, I always took the

role or position as a shotgun. Whenever Bradley drove, I had to tolerate his flirtatious remarks,

for he never hesitated to flirt with me. It was always extremely awkward to hear his remarks,

especially in front of Ruth and the other agents in my team.

I would rely on my phone and a pair of earphones during the car journeys with the team.

Not only did music stop Bradley from flirting with me - it also took me back to the time when I

was in India. I don’t like Pop and Rock, unlike most Americans that I know, so the only songs

on my phone are those of M.S.Subbulakshmi, Lata Mangeshkar, Mozart and Frank Sinatra.

However, I have a great affinity towards Indian music, for the melodious voices of people from

my own country would make me feel like I was back in India. It would take me all my strength

to stop myself from singing ‘Vande Mataram’ with Lata; Ruth didn’t like any kind of music,

especially mine.

I have always hated Ruth, and will always hate her. She is the dullest person that I’ve ever

met. Just close your eyes for a minute, and imagine a person who has no variety and no passions.

Yes, that’s Ruth. I guess the only reason she became an agent was to make her family proud, and

that’s something that she shares with me. I still regret having become an agent. I wish that I

hadn’t passed the FBI agent test. I wish that I were in India with my parents, sitting under a

coconut tree and drinking a glass of cool coconut milk, while listening to M.S.Subbulakshmi’s

rendition of the Bengali song - Dhano Dhanye. The song is about what a great country India is,

and that no matter where you go, you will never find another country as great as India, for India

is the Queen of Countries. I never really took the meaning seriously until I came to the States,

and obtained American Citizenship.

Ruth’s high-pitched shriek brought me back down to earth.

“May, you’ve taken a wrong turn ! You’re supposed to turn only at the next signal.”

Of course, I would make a mistake. My Geography is pathetic. Why, even one of Bradley’s

children can do way better than me in that subject. Even though Bradley still resigned, I still

listened to music on the way. Well, listening to music is way better than listening to Ruth.

I tried taking a U-turn, but I was on a one-way road. It would take goodness-knows-how-

long to get back to the right track. As the road grew longer, so did Ruth’s frown. Is being serious

the only thing that she knows? Oh why, oh why, did I even join the FBI in the first place, when

I could have been a performer? An artist has assistants. Here, I am the country’s assistant, for I

have sacrificed all my dreams and aspirations just for myjob. My state, New Jersey, has the highest

population of Indian-Americans. Yet, no one seems to understand my passion for my country

and its rich culture and heritage.

My thoughts stopped when I felt a sudden jerk. Ruth, who was sitting next to me, simply

reached out her hand, and pulled my earphones out of my ears.

“If you can’t concentrate on your duty, you might as well not listen to music while

driving.”, she said.

“I’m not doing anything against the law,” I protested. “I’m only using earphones as you

don’t like music.”

“It doesn’t matter.”, said Ruth. “I should have been made the Director instead of you.

You became the Director just because Bradley liked you. We’re getting late! Hurry up, May!”

Did she really say that?

How do I respond to something like that?

What a terrible thing to say! Even a child is more sophisticated than to say something

like that! It’s one thing to think that way - so many people do - and one thing to talk like that.

Anyway, what’s the point of judging that ninny? Honestly, I sometimes don’t understand

this woman, which is so strange, since I’ve worked with her ever since I’ve been in the FBI.

Sometimes, she can be so rude that I’d think she’d love to see me dead. I don’t understand it,

really. Generally she doesn’t mean any of the terrible things she sometimes says to me. I suppose

she loves me as a person and hates me as a colleague? If that makes sense...?

Oh what now, is she talking again? What’s that she’s saying now?

“I never understood one thing though...why do you like Indian music of all things?

Where on Earth did you hear it?”

“What do you mean? Of course I...”

Oh no!... Ah, thank goodness I stopped! Just imagine, I almost told her I’m originally

Indian. Phew... I never get it how someone as careless as me has never got caught! I should have

learnt my lesson and stopped flaunting my Indianness long ago... Sometimes I wonder why I

can’t just be like other Indians here in the US. They all live openly as Indians. Why do I have to

pretend to be an American woman with an expensive tan? And then I remember why. It’s all to

do with how I came here, all to do with the kidnapping.

I didn’t want to start an argument, especially while on a case, so I decided not to say

anything further. I just decided to ignore Ruth’s comments and continue driving. At this point,

I was simply relying on the signboards to take me to the right address. Apparently, FBI agents

are supposed to know their geography really well. We aren’t allowed to use Google Maps or any

sort of GPS on our drives. Right now, I completely regret having skipped most of my geography

classes during my school days. Anyway, I have many regrets in life. I often wish to turn back the

clock, so that I can get an opportunity to fix the many mistakes and bad decisions that I’d made

in the past.

As I continued driving, while hopelessly searching for the correct signboard in the middle

of goodness-knows-which street, I thought about my past. I mean, I always think about my past,

but this time, my thought was more than just a mere thought - it was a vision, which played like

a movie, right in front of my eyes. I had a flashback or two.

“You look perfect, May!” said my mother. Her name is Angela Smallykutty, and Amma

is what I call her. “You’ll do great on stage. Just remember to be brave and sing from your heart.

A simple mistake doesn’t matter, as long as you’re doing what you love. It’s your first concert,

and I’m sure that you’re going to rock it !”

That was from my first music performance, when I was eight years old. Amma’s words

make much more sense now, for I’m an adult working in the field of Law Enforcement now.

“You are one of the most versatile people ever.”said my father. His name is Jimmy

Smallykutty, and I call him Appa. “You did amazingly well on stage! I’m not telling you what you

ought to be when you get older, but you have a lot of options. Choose wisely.”

That’s what Appa told me after the Annual Day at school. I should have listened to them,

and taken the words of advice offered very carefully. Amma and Appa have much more

experience than me. I just want to go back to Kozhikode and visit them. I should have chosen

wisely, as Appa told me. And instead, I ended up becoming an FBI agent, living far away from

my own country and my own roots. When I was younger, I thought that being an agent would

give me the ultimate authority and success. I wasn’t wrong when it came to thinking like that,

but I never received happiness, and I didn’t love my job. I decided to move to America for better

opportunities, but the move only made me hate my job more.

Luck was on my side, and I ended up at the right address. As I parked the car, I heard a

huge sigh of relief coming from Ruth. As we got out of the car, armed with our guns and our

badges of authority, we were greeted by several people standing outside, instead of just a person

or two. This wasn’t surprising, considering that the address was that of a mansion. The

kidnapped girl’s family was really affluent and prosperous. My guess was that the girl was

kidnapped for ransom.

“Thank goodness you’re here!” was the first sentence we heard, after having reached the

entrance of the mansion. “I’m Rachel Smith, and these are my servants. I won’t tell you their

names now, to avoid confusion. My ten-year old daughter Megan has been missing for a day, and

we really need your help in finding her.”

“Nice to meet you Rachel,” I replied, “I’m May Hemler, and this is Ruth Porter. We’re

with the FBI, and would like to examine the house before starting our investigation.”

“Anything that pleases you.” replied Rachel.

Within ten minutes, we found ourselves inside the mansion, which I personally thought

was a labyrinth. Rachel led us up the winding staircase, and after a minute, she showed us to a

room, the walls of which were painted with pink, from the ceiling to the floor.

“This is Megan’s room,” she told us, “Megan loves the colour pink, and painting the

entire room took the servants a fortnight. The last time I saw her was right in this very room,

before she went missing. I was helping her with some last-minute homework before she left for

school.”

Ruth’s shrill voice changed the entire vibe of the room. “I’m sorry Rachel, but you need

to be more precise and clear. We’re not here to visit this palace - we’re here to help you find your

daughter, so if you want to help, please stop beating around the bush. We need details.”

I was amazed with Rachel’s reaction. I mean, I’d have certainly lost my temper if I’d been

in her shoes. Although she seemed cool, she definitely had tears in her eyes.

“There’s nothing much to be honest, in terms of details,” replied Rachel. “Megan was

just getting ready to go to school, the last time I saw her. She didn’t come back at three, like she

did every day. We’ve even contacted the school - they haven’t seen her the entire day.”

“Sounds like a kidnapping.” I said. “Have there been any anonymous calls?”

“Not yet.” she replied.

Just then, one of the servants entered the room, with a rather frantic look on her face

and a note in her hand.

“I just found this outside in the garden.” she said to Rachel. “It’s a ransom note. It looks

like there’s some hope after all.”

“By all means, please show it to the agents.” said Rachel.

This is a rough transcript of the note:

TO THE PARENTS OF MEGAN SMITH

As you may have already guessed, your daughter has been kidnapped. We want a million

dollars to be sent by midnight today. Drop the money at the bridge crossing the Ecstacy River.

Send It By Today, or else...

So my guess was correct. She had been kidnapped after all, and the kidnappers weren’t

anonymous this time.

“Looks like SIN strikes again.” commented Ruth.

“SIN?”

“SIN is a rather infamous and anonymous gang that kidnaps young children and holds

them as hostages until a certain sum is paid.” I explained to the confused Rachel. “Their targets

are usually girls from rich and affluent families.”

“Have any of the children been rescued so far?” asked Rachel.

I didn’t know what to reply. How do I tell an anxious mother that she might never ever

see her child again? Of course, I could be blunt and abrupt and could have told her the truth.

However, I have feelings, and could only imagine her agony and despondency.

Ruth on the other hand, was rather blunt. “I don’t think you’ll ever see her again.” she

abruptly said. “No child has survived a SIN kidnapping so far.”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” I replied. I didn’t want Rachel to completely lose

hope. I didn’t want to see her sad.

“You know what, let’s just get some large sacks, fill them with bits of paper, and drop

them off at the bridge.” I said. I was simply hoping for Megan to survive. “Anyway, we have to

drop the ‘money’ at midnight, and hopefully it’ll be too dark for them to notice.”

“That sounds like a good idea.” replied Ruth. “That’s probably the first time I’ve ever

heard a good idea come from your mouth.”

An hour ago, I hoped that Ruth wouldn’t taunt me and embarrass me, as she would do

in every other case. I hoped that it would stop after my promotion. But some things never stop,

like SIN’s kidnappings, although I someday hope it will.

After having conducted the interviews of the various servants, Ruth, Rachel and I

climbed down the stairs. It was there, where I saw a grand piano. As a pianist myself, I was

fascinated and tempted to play the piano, but Ruth’s scornful look instantly killed my

temptation.

“Do you play the piano, Rachel?” I asked.

“Oh yes,” she replied. “My favourite composer is Mozart. Don’t you think that it’s such

a pity that such an amazing composer like him was deaf for most of his life?”

The day flew by, and the clock struck ten. I was driving the car, while Ruth and Rachel

sat behind me, where Ruth was trying to console Rachel. I couldn’t listen to music this time

though - I had to focus on the investigation.

We reached the place half an hour before midnight, keeping our eyes open and trying

not to fall asleep. At midnight, we saw a shadow lurking behind us, with an object in the hand,

closely resembling a gun.

“WHERE’S THE GIRL?” Ruth had instantly jumped out of our hiding place. What an

impulsive woman! Without any further thought, she concluded that the shadow was a

kidnapper’s shadow.

It was only a minute later, when I realised why that silhouette seemed familiar. I had

seen that silhouette nearly every day for seven years. I crept out of my hiding place.

“Agent Bradley, I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Do you agents think I’m a criminal to shout at me like that?” he asked, in a

disconcertingly calm voice. “I didn’t expect such a greeting from you agents.”

“I’m sorry, we were under the impression that you were the kidnapper.” I replied.

“Agent Hemler, you always surprise me.” he replied. “Your attitude is the main reason

why you have been appointed as the Director of the FBI.”

What a liar! I had the worst attitude in the entire FBI. Clearly, he had something up his

sleeve. He was the most complicated person ever. With his flirting and his comments, I had a

feeling that he had something up his sleeve.

“What do you mean?” I asked. “My attitude is terrible. Even Ruth has a better attitude

than me.”

“You always doubt yourself, even when you’re very close to the truth.” he replied. “I’ve

always liked that about you. For example, you’re doubting the fact that I’m a member of SIN.”

“So you’re a member of SIN after all?” asked Ruth. “We were always under the

impression that you were an honest officer of the law.

“False. I’m not a member of SIN. I am SIN.”

It took me all my strength and intelligence to believe that my former boss was a

criminal in the eyes of the law. Also, why did I ever believe that SIN was a gang of people and

not a single person ?

“Where’s the money?”

“Here, in these bags.” I replied.

I tossed the sacks of paper to Agent Bradley, hoping that he’d fall for the trap. Instead,

our plan was ruined in an instant.

“Sean, it’s great to see you. It looks like we’ve fooled even the brightest of the agents.”

said Rachel.

Let me be absolutely honest. I’m not gullible in nature. If anything, I am manipulative,

but this one time, I didn’t believe that Rachel was Agent Bradley’s accomplice.

“You know her?” asked Ruth.

“Know her? She’s my wife.” he replied. “Of course, you must have thought that Lily was

my wife. In reality, she’s my ex-wife. I had her murdered a couple of days ago, and no one

knows where I’ve hidden her corpse. The FBI have absolutely no clue about this. I’ve given my

children away to social services, for I don’t want to take care of them anymore. I never loved

them, and I never loved Lily the way I love Rachel right now.”

“Wait... so is Megan your daughter?” I asked Agent Bradley.

“No, she’s Rachel’s daughter after all. Her parents are divorced, and she’s never met her

real father.”

I wish I could call for backup, but the two kidnappers were armed - they had their own

guns.

I never thought that I’d live to say this, but Ruth saved the day.

“I never even thought of calling the cops, how did such an idea occur to you, Ruth?”

“It’s common sense. I have more experience than you. I’d have called Walter or Kelly,

but they’re still in the middle of solving the same kidnapping, so the next option I had was to

call the police force.” she replied, as we saw the cops take Agent Bradley and Rachel, who were

handcuffed, to prison.

Just then, I received a call from Walter.

“Hey, big sis, Kelly and I have just solved the other kidnapping.” he said. He called me

‘big sis’ as his birthday was just one day after mine. I was born on the 23rd of May, and he was

born on the 24th of May. “I tried reaching Ruth, but she wasn’t picking up.”

“Her phone’s dead.” I replied. “She’s made a lot of calls, which have eaten up the

phone’s battery. Ruth and I will be back in an hour or two. We just need to find Megan, and I

think I know where she’s being held captive.”

“Do come fast!” he replied. “Kelly’s gone home as she felt really ill after solving the case,

so it’s just me. Also, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell Ruth. I’m pretty sure that you

already know this, but I’m in love with her.”

“She wants to tell you the same thing.” I replied. “I’ve seen her blush whenever your

name is mentioned, Sherlock. Okay, I’ll talk to you later. Ruth and I need to head to the car,

and find the girl. I’ll hang up now. Bye.”

Ruth and I just got in the car, but there was a voice in my head which was telling me to

listen to Ruth, instead of the music. I removed my earphones, and was determined to start an

intriguing conversation with her.

“Have you always wanted to become an FBI agent?” I asked her.

“For as long as I can remember, working at the FBI has been my dream.” she replied. “I

used to love reading books in the mystery genre, and as a child, I craved for power and

authority. My elder sister used to blackmail me into doing things that I didn’t want to do.” So

that was the reason behind her snobbiness. “I remember feeling proud the day I found out that

the neighbour was stealing peaches from our orchard. Of course, things have changed

tremendously, but there’s still a bridge of hostility behind my sister and I. What about you - did

you want to be an agent too?”

“I thought I did.” I replied. “However, I have other passions. To start with - I like the

performing arts. Oh! and how could I forget? - I’m actually Indian. My name’s May

Smallykutty.”

Ruth was shocked for a minute. “Is that why you always listen to Indian music?”

“Precisely. I’ve learnt various forms of Indian classical music and dance, and have also

taken classes in theatre, classical piano and jazz.”

“How would that be useful now?”

“Oh, you’ll see in a minute. I’ll tell you when we enter the mansion.”

I hope she saw my smile through the rear-view mirror, the same way in which I saw a

twinkle in her eyes, and a grin on her face.

We reached the mansion, and as we were let in by the servants, I started explaining

everything to Ruth.

“Do you remember what Rachel said when I asked her about the piano?” I asked her.

“I’m afraid not.”

“She said that she loved to play Mozart, and also said that Mozart was deaf for most of

his life. She was wrong - Mozart had perfectly fine hearing. It was Beethoven who was deaf for

most of his life. Every pianist should know this. My guess is that the piano has something to do

with Megan’s disappearance. The piano is the key.”

“No pun intended.” replied Ruth, and for the first time, I saw her chuckle.

We reached the piano, and when I tried to play it, I noticed that the keys were just mere popsicle sticks. On further investigation, I found out that the inside of the piano was hollow. On breaking the piano open, we found not only Megan, but also the corpse of Lily-Bradley’s ex-wife.

“Where’s my mother ?” asked Megan.

“I’m sorry to break the news, but she’s in prison.” I replied.

“I’m so glad! She was horrible to me!” she replied.

“Megan, I’m Agent May Hemler and this is Agent Ruth Porter. We’re with the FBI.”

“What’s FBI?”

“We’re like the police.” said Ruth. “We catch the bad guys and lock them up in

prison.”

“Before we speak any further, I think we should explain the entire incident to Megan.”

I suggested.

Ruth and I tried coaxing the girl and started explaining the entire story to her.

“I’m so glad to be out of that place!” Megan exclaimed. “It was extremely dark inside

the piano. To make matters worse, there was some red liquid that was flowing inside, and

ruined my dress.”

Ruth and I exchanged a glance. We instantly knew that Agent Bradley had hidden his

ex-wife Lily’s corpse inside the piano. No wonder the poor girl was scared!

“Megan, you have to accompany us to the FBI Headquarters.” I said. “You have no

family now, and we have to talk to the other agents before we decide what to do with you.”

“I’m fine even if you put me in an orphanage.” she replied. “Anywhere is better than

this place. I don’t care if I’m rich or poor - I just want to be loved. Growing up with a silver

spoon in my mouth won’t make me a good person - it would only make me a snob. I’d like to

make friends with the other children there.”

“Let’s head back to the headquarters now. It’s almost going to be dawn.”

Ruth and I headed back to the car with Megan, and drove back to Trenton.

We were greeted by Walter when we reached the headquarters. He seemed excited to

see me, and even more excited to see Ruth.

“You have a surprise waiting for you.” I told Ruth.

I saw her smile, her cheeks as red as the brightest rose you could ever find. I saw Megan

grinning in the back, controlling her laughter and excitement for a better life. This was the first

time I’d ever felt such happiness in the FBI.

That was a year ago. I was different then. I’m now known by the name May

Smallykutty. The pseudonym Hemler is dead. The day when I revealed my true identity came,

and now, no one calls me Agent Hemler - they call me Agent May, as my last name is too

difficult for them to pronounce. I had no clue that that one simple mystery could change my

entire life. I had no clue that that one simple mystery could change Ruth’s opinion of me. I

had no clue that that one mystery could change my entire life.

Things are way different now. Walter and Ruth are married, and have four children,

one of them being Megan and the others being Bradley’s children. I feel happiness as I write

about them here, on this very page. Megan has been blessed with a family - a beautiful one. She

has two loving foster parents and three wonderful siblings, who treat her like she’s their sister

by blood, and not by law. I only saw her yesterday, when I went to her house to tell her foster

mother something.

“Ruth, your dream shall come true.”, I said.

“What do you mean, May?” she questioned. “I’ve accomplished everything that I’ve ever

wanted to. I have a wonderful family and I get to work with wonderful people at a wonderful

job.”

“I’m leaving Trenton.” I replied. “I’d much rather do something I’m extremely

passionate about. I like the performing arts. However, I’m the Director of the FBI, and before I

resign, I have to appoint a successor. I choose you, Ruth. I remember the times when you’d

chide me for being irresponsible, and you told me that being Director was everything you ever

wanted.”

“I’d much rather move to India than become Director.” she replied. “I never thought

I’d say this, but I’m going to miss you with all my heart. Nearly ten years ago, you were my

worst enemy and now, you’re my best friend.”

We exchanged tearful glances, and after a warm hug, I decided to head back home. I

needed to prepare for my resignation. I needed to start packing.

On the way out, I called my mother.

“Hey Amma, it’s me - May.” I said. “I’m on my way home now.”

Five years after my resignation, I find myself doing what I like. I’m back in Kozhikode.

I’m the All-India Performing Star. Although there are times when I wistfully remember

America and the times I had there, I love my life here.

I had a surprise visit from Walter, Ruth and their children yesterday. They decided to

visit me in India.

“But your jobs ?”

“Oh, Kelly’s in charge of the team for a few weeks.” replied Walter. “She’s even brought

in some new employees. Although they’re really good at solving mysteries, they’re not like you.”

Ruth and I smile on hearing this. I look around the garden where I’m seated with

them, to see Megan try getting a coconut from the tree. She tries climbing the tree with

immense difficulty, but falls back on the grass every second or so. I get up and decide to help

her.

“You can’t climb the tree with your bare hands. Let me fetch my ladder from the

garage.”

I return back in a minute with the ladder, and hand it over to Megan.

“Thank you.” she replies. “I mean, thanks for everything, from making my life better to

being my best friend. Now that I’m much older, I’d like to repay you. What do you want in

return ?”

“I don’t want any gift from you.” I say. “I just want you to follow your passion, and do

whatever you love. Whatever you want to become when you grow up, just make sure that you

love it. Love your life. Do whatever makes you happy. Don’t choose the wrong path, and make

sure that you don’t have any regrets in life. I just want you to live life to the fullest. That will be

the best gift ever. Your happiness is enough for me.”

I’m at home now. I live with the most amazing and supportive parents ever. My best

friends are visiting me now. But am I happy? Why, of course I am. I’m happy to be back in

India and doing what I love.

Megan tells me that her friends at high school are facing some hard decisions, and need

advice, and I’ve written this story not only for them, but also for you, dear reader. The reason I

left the FBI and came to India was because I wanted to follow my passions. You’re conquering

life beautifully, as long as you love it and appreciate its beauty. You’re going to succeed and

achieve your dreams, as long as you follow your passions. Learn from this story, and learn from

my mistakes. Even if you don’t follow your passions, it’s never too late to change. Take the

other road. Take the road less travelled. It’s fine to make mistakes, as long as you realise them

and succeed in the end.

***THE END***