Thriller Naked Eyes

[Mortalbeast]

 
 
I grabbed every piece of badminton equipment and left. After a long moment of waiting, Shetty Sir came out of another room. We spoke briefly as we made our way back to the court, and he continued to go over some fundamental badminton regulations with me and offer some advice.

Dad showed me how to play after we arrived at the court, and then, shockingly, mum and Latha aunty joined us. Unexpectedly, we all played together, with two of us on each team, and had a great time laughing and fighting. It was such a wholesome experience for me like having real fun and not some gimmick like in games. Since I was playing outside for the first time in years, I was naturally more exhausted than Sir and my father.
After a while it was getting late. Also, we all were very tired so we returned back.

Dad: So, what do you think, Chinna? Did you like badminton?

Me: Oh yes! It was so nice. It’s way harder than playing video games. Every shot was unpredictable, which made it really interesting! But I definitely get tired too quickly, and I’m not as good as you both!

Dad: Come on, you were pretty good for your first time, son.

Me: That’s because I’m gifted by our family’s powerful genes! Or else I would have been even worse.

[Everyone bursts into laughter, the sound echoing through the evening air.]

Aunty: [giggling] Heheh… oh my stomach hurts… hehe! What happened to you, Chinna? First you joined us, played with us, and now you’re killing us with your jokes!

Sir: Seems like Mumbai air did some magic on him!

Me: [pouting] Stop it! Why are you all laughing? This wasn’t any joke! I’m serious! First, you take my breath away playing for so long, and then you laugh at me like morons!

[The laughter erupts again.]

Mom: [smiling lovingly] Oh, my poor baby! Don’t worry, sweetie! Mama will punish them for laughing at my baby!

Me: [trying to sound serious] I am NOT any baby! I’m taller than most of you! Sure, I may be younger, but I definitely isn’t a baby! Babies don’t come out this big, not anymore!

[Their laughter rings out even louder, and I cross my arms in irritation. They look like they’re about to burst into more laughter.]

Me: [huffing] Okay, fine! You all want to laugh?

Me: [under my breath] Unbelievable...

After a while they all came and joined me in the pool.


Aunty: [from the distance, still chuckling] Looks like someone needed a cool down!

Sir: [laughing harder] Don’t worry, Chinna, the jokes will always be here waiting!

 
Me: Dad, when will I be as good as you? How long will it take?

Dad: It all depends on how much time and effort you put into it. Just remember not to stress too much; it’s a sport, and you should be enjoying yourself.

Me: Yeah, but I really want to be as good as you!

Dad: You have the talent, Chinna. You're a gifted child in our family. Whatever you dedicate yourself to, you excel at to a level that others can rarely match. Like with video games — you loved it and became so skilled that you competed in world tournaments, things many adults can only dream of. So I'm confident that anything you pursue, you’ll excel in.

Me: Sir, can you teach me how to defend against those powerful shots my dad was sending your way?

Sir: Of course, Chinna! But first, you need to work on your forearm strength. You see this part of your arm? You need to build some muscle there.

Me: Hmm, but I want to have big muscles like yours — in my arms and chest, I want to look strong.

Sir: Haha! Sure thing, Chinna, but not at your age. Lifting weights now might affect your growth!

Aunty: Oh, come on, Rahul — he’s already tall enough! How much bigger does he need to be?

Me: No way, I want to be taller than Dad and my uncle too!

Aunty: Hehe, are you listening, Bawa? Your son seems to be sizing you up as his competitor!

Dad: Let him be! I want him to achieve everything he desires.

Sir: Chinna, I’ll show you some exercises that will help you build strength and muscle. After that, we can work on your agility and endurance.

Mom: Oh my gosh, why all this? My baby might get hurt! Why apply so much pressure?

Dad: Jyothi! It’s his passion; he wants to pursue something, and we shouldn’t hold him back.

Aunty: Yes, Akka, Bawa is right. Rahul has plenty of experience with workouts, and he’ll guide him carefully.

Dad: "Chinna, can you do me a favor? It's getting late, so please start packing your bags and make sure you don't leave anything behind."

Me: "Why, Dad?"

Dad: "We’re leaving tomorrow morning for our flight. So, it’s best to pack early and get to bed so you can wake up on time."

Me: "But we just arrived yesterday. Why are we leaving so soon?"

Mom: "Your father has some urgent work to attend to, Chinna. It’s important that we leave as early as possible."

Dad: "I’m really sorry, Chinna, but don’t worry—our next vacation will be here before you know it, and I’ll make sure it’s something special.”

Me: "No, Dad. Let Aunty plan it. She’s great at this kind of stuff. This place has been amazing, and I bet she can organize even more exciting trips."

Latha Aunty: "Oh, Chinna! (feeling emotional) Thank you for saying that. You’re so kind. I’ve realized that you’re the strongest link in our family. Your father was right; you are the best thing that ever happened to us. Please keep being this wonderful—talk to us, play with us. We might be older, but..."

Me: "No, Aunty, you’re all very strong and fun. You're not old; you're beautiful and amazing."

Aunty: "Oh my gosh, Chinna, you think I’m beautiful?"

Me: "Yes, but not as much as my mom. She's even more beautiful than you."

Aunty: "Haha, yes, you’re absolutely right! Your mom is really beautiful. I love you, Chinna. Thank you for saying that." (She gives me a hug.)

Mom: "Looks like my little baby has grown up to be quite wise, hehe."

Aunty: "He’s not just your baby; he’s our baby—everyone’s pride and joy."

After exchanging a few more words, I retreated to my room but soon chose to lurk in the living room instead, eager to overhear their conversation and gather the latest details about the crime.

“Aunty, I can't believe I'm already crying!”

“Embrace it, dear,” replied Sir. “These are the best moments of our lives. Just enjoy it!”

“Children truly are a gift from God. I was so broken this morning, filled with guilt. But then he came into my life and everything changed. I forgot all my worries—I laughed, cried, and felt everything,” Aunty said, wiping her tears away.

“That's my son,” Mom chimed in. “But what guilt are you talking about?”

“Don’t change the subject. Chinna isn’t just your son—he’s my son too. You won’t distract me from that!” Aunty insisted.

Mom chuckled softly, while Dad interjected, “Okay, Rahul, what did security management say?”

“They assure us that there’s nothing to worry about. Everything is under control,” said Sir.

“What about the attack? Have they found any evidence, or identified who is responsible?” Dad pressed.

“Not really. It seems they’ve concluded it was just a gang fight, like you said. The security officer have stepped back, and now they’re trying to erase any evidence. Since this happened outside their building in an upscale area, everyone wants to keep it quiet so it doesn't damage their business reputation.”

Dad shook his head. “That’s what happens when you get involved in crime. You lose even basic rights!”

“Let it go; why dwell on it? Have they figured out what he did?” Mom asked.

“Not much. Most villas don’t have cameras for privacy, so they only have limited footage of him leaving,” Sir replied.

“That’s better. Then why are we wasting time? We can leave tomorrow!” Mom exclaimed.

“Jyoti! Don’t fret so much. We’re all here together,” Dad reassured her.

“W…What?! No, I’m not worried at all. In fact, I’m relieved that God has punished him for his misdeeds. It’s just that I don’t feel safe here—the security is terrible, and I’ll never forgive them for not stopping him before he entered this villa.”

“Akka, what’s wrong? Is everything okay?” Aunty asked, sensing Mom’s distress.

“Y-yes, w…what? I…It’s just... I get horrified thinking a criminal could enter and leave without any consequences. Why are we wasting our time discussing about him? We can leave as quickly as possible before anyone finds out. A…Also what if other gang members come back for revenge?” Mom stammered.

“Madam is right. Regardless of what they say about our safety, we need to be cautious and leave tomorrow,” Sir agreed.

“Let’s get out of here as soon as we can,” Aunty added.

“Alright, let’s do this. Jyoti, call Chinna to sleep with us, and you two can rest in his room. It’s still early, so everyone starts packing your things. In the meantime, I’ll reach out to management for extra security and order some food,” Dad instructed.

After hearing from dad everyone walked to their room. I too came to my room with much relief that I will not be jailed. Oh man! I don’t want him! This was crazy! What ever it is inside me, I can’t say it to anyone. Was that myself, like evil myself? Oh, I don’t want to think about it! Let’s just say all happened for good but I’m certainly never letting it out again. From today there will no more Chinna, only Aditya.

Yeah, Chinna is most pampered that’s why he is weak, weakest among us. From today I will take control of us. There will be no more weak-ass nor monsters, only Aditya.

While thinking and applauding my plan I packed all my stuffs. Not going to lie this place gave me many bad memories, some I didn’t wanted but enjoyed it while I hated few too. Still, I couldn’t forget that all of this made me a man. 

After a while mom called me for dinner and we all had it together than we went to sleep like my dad ordered. 

Next day I was woken up by mom and she asked me to get freshened quickly or we will be late for flight. We all got ready and took taxi for airport. 

At the airport I was scared and worried because being an international airport there were lot of security officer and security personnel's. I was mostly scared of those commandos. While checking in I got very nervous as it was for first, I had committed something that intense. So, no matter how strong will I had when I came before commandos all my confidence drowned and I began shaking in fear and anxiety as what would happen if they know about me. They will surely put me in jail. 

Because of all that fear, I began sweating and one of security personnel saw it. 

What happened, what you sweating so much? Are you alright?

Mom - sorry sir, actually he little afraid of flights. That too we made sudden plan so he might have gotten tensed. 

“Ohh, hahhah! Nothing to worry about beta. Look how fearless and beautiful your mother is. Hahaha! You’re very pretty madam!! Where are you from?”

As soon I heard this, again something happened in me, something inside me snapped. An unknown rage creeping above my fear like waiting to burst. My heart beat rose swelling my veins pumping me for some war.

Me - My father is just behind. I suggest you focus on your job rather than hitting on someone’s wife.

My mom immediately held my arm and tried to pull back but I was out of that zone. I felt anger towards him. 

Let me out…. let me….

Stop!

“What happened beta? I was just trying to make you and your mother comfortable dear.”

Let me handle it like a man! Let me out!

No! I can handle better than you. You stay away!

Me - what!!! What did you say?

Mom - Chinna!! Stop Chinna!!!

Me - Do you think I’m stupid or you trying to think I’m weak and dumb that you say anything to my mom in front of me. 

HUFF****HRRR***HUFF****

Beta, you’re unnecessarily getting angry and sweating so much. You shouldn’t treat elders this way!!! Just calm down beta!!

Me – HRRR…Why the hell should I care about you being elder!!!(shouted loudly) ERKK…...I will rip your elder throat apart and bath in your blood. Do you hear me!!!

Dad - Chinna what is going on? 

“Dad, he made a disrespectful comment about Mom! Don’t let him get away with it!”

“Chinna, stop! What’s going on, Jyoti? What’s the matter, sir?”

Mom - please take Chinna from here. He is over reacting!!!

Me: “What?! That guy is making offensive comments about you, and you’re just standing there? I’m not overreacting; I’m addressing the problem!”

Me: “What did you say to my mom?” What did you say to her? Speak!! (I moved towards him, fuelled with anger)

Him: “I only said she was beautiful; I swear I didn’t mean any harm, sir!”

Me: “What?!

HRRR…. ERKK…...How dare you say that again?!

URKK……Do you even know, who I’m?

(In a burst of rage, I grabbed his collar, shoving him sideways, causing him to stumble while my dad rushed to stop me)

HHRRR…HRRR… I’ll tear you apart!” YEEE…...KRR…

(As I was again the zone of high temper and with my adrenaline kicking. My blood rushing to veins as if forcing me to act violently. I lost myself and held his arms tightly against his shoulder, making him defenceless to my attack. I wanted to snape his neck but my dad caught me so I dragged him sideways towards the wall thereby he slipped and came on his knees. While all this I didn’t realise that my dad fell down)

Caught up in my fury, I lost all reason and only wanted to unleash my wrath on whoever was in front of me. Suddenly mom came in front of me in tear eyes as she was thinking I was getting attacked by the security personal. She began pleading to let me go. At that instance I could feel myself easing, my mind slowly getting to sense and I left his arms not wanting to create a doubt in my mom’s mind.

Suddenly, a sharp slap jolted me back to reality. It was my dad, gripping me firmly. Looking deep into my eyes, he shouted for me to apologize to the guard. Though I managed to calm down, I still felt a flicker of anger and my mind unstable.

Me – NEVER!!!! HRRR…... (deep growl) …

(Dad flinched in surprise and stepped back a little)

Dad – Stop it chinna why are you this angry? I will tell you what was your mistake later but for now accept your mistake for raising hand upon an elder and ask sorry.
“Leave it sir, he is just a kid. It was all my mistake. I shouldn’t have talked about his mother that way. I’m sorry ma’am. 

(Shetty sir and Latha aunty arrived on the scene, with Sir quickly trying to shield me.)

Sir - what happened Anna

Dad – Chinna, say sorry now!

(Mom looking in my eyes) Please sorry to him chinna. Let’s go from here.  

Me - I’m sorry!

Dad - where is the respect, this isn’t the way I taught you, son. Aditya don’t do it, go ask him sorry like you mean it!!!

Aunty - leave it Bawa!! Chinna asked sorry already! I’m sorry sir, he is just a child. He is tired from waking up too early that’s why he reacted this way but I promise he is a sweet child. 

Mom - yes sir, my son doesn’t indulge in anything like this. He is not himself today. Please forgive him. 

“It’s okay madam. I understand, it was all my mistake” I’m sorry beta, I’m sorry for disrespecting your mother!!”

“You are very lucky madam to have such a strong and protective son. Now a days kids don’t care about their parents but your little son just stood up to fight for you without even thinking twice. I wish, I had a son like him”

Mom - yes sir, he actually loves me a lot. Also, we are from Hyderabad and right now we are living in Bangalore. 

“Nehi...nehi madam don’t say such things your son doesn’t like it.

What are you planning to get beaten by him or what? Hahahah!!”

Mom - Aiyoo no sir, he is just a child. Forgive him for his silly mistake.

While mom and dad were having conversation with other security and few commandoes even due to people gathering. So, aunty quickly caught my hand and walked me out of there. while my dad didn’t look happy as my act did get lot of attention and people kept looking at us. 

After a while, we boarded our flight, and once again, aunty sat beside me. She began to explain things, emphasizing that while some people appreciate certain behaviours, it doesn't mean they're being negative; rather, it shows kindness. As she continued talking, my attention shifted to my parents, who were engaged in a serious discussion about me.

Dad said, “Did you see how he reacted?”

Mom replied, “Yeah, what happened so suddenly? He’s never like this. I was really scared.”

Dad responded, “He’s inherited this from our family—my father… Abahhh… this is concerning, Jyoti. It’s not good. Did you notice his bloodshot eyes filled with rage? He was so strong; he pushed me aside effortlessly and dragged that full-grown adult like a rag doll!”

Mom interjected, “No, don’t say that. It was an accident. He’s still my baby, and he’s so young.”

Dad acknowledged her, “I get that, Jyoti. He is our son, but this isn’t normal. We can’t just overlook this. That strength and rage? He got them from my father.”
Mom argued, “What’s so wrong with that? Besides, he’s nothing like your father. Mama Garu (father-in-law) is not only strong but also ruthless. He’s hurt many people and wrestles to get what he wants. Our son is different. He’s always ignored the outside world and immersed himself in games. Now that he’s seen more of it, it’s natural for him to react strongly.”

Dad insisted, “I’m not just talking about that. His eyes were bloodshot; I saw that rage in him. It was frightening and just like my father’s.”

Mom retorted, “He probably hasn’t slept well, which could explain the redness. Did you even notice his eyes before the incident?”

Dad answered, “No, but his strength was alarming. He tossed me aside like I was nothing and pulled that big man—who must weigh at least 80-90 kg—around like a rag doll. Did you hear his heavy breathing and grunts? It was as if he wanted to hurt him badly.”

Mom scolded him, “Stop talking about my son like that. You’re overthinking it. He didn’t push you; he loves you too much to do that. You tripped and fell. And he didn’t drag that guard; the man walked alongside him because he understood he was just a child. Don’t ever compare my baby to your father again.”

Dad sighed, “Hmm, maybe you’re right. I could be overreacting. Let’s try to get some rest.”

After a while my mom looked back and asked me to take rest. I nodded and smiled.

I needed a privacy so I went to washroom in the plane. I looked in the mirror:

I told you not to interfere, then why did you?

I had to; Still it was all you, I didn’t do much.

No! As I told earlier there would be no Chinna nor a monster. I’m enough capable to handle both sides.

HRR..What?! Who are you to decide that? Did you forget, you were born out of distress and anger like me?

No, I was born out of great reason. I’m perfect! Why don’t you look at me? I’m more strong, more capable than Chinna. While I’m less violent and monstrous than you. I fill every gap!

You’ll need me!

I don’t think so! I’m enough capable to handle whatever society will throw at me. Remember I’m far superior than chinna. I’m Aditya. But I can still behave like chinna for a while, then it’s only Aditya.

What?! You’re about to subdue our original self?!

Yes! HAHAHA!! I can and I will!

HRR…When? When I will be revived back?

Hmm…Let’s see, if situation arises

HRR…What?!

HAHAHAH!! See you both!!

Now you both go to an eternal sleep!!

Aditya wipes his face and takes a deep breath, shaking off the conversation. He steps back out into the aisle, eyes landing on Latha aunty, who is seated nearby, radiating a warm presence.

‘Ahh what a beauty she is! She was wearing a nice tight fitting yellow salwar and red leggings'

(He pauses, realizing the potential danger of his thoughts)

But chinna liked her very much so, if I will think about her, this might trigger it. Okay so let’s move on from her.
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END OF CHAPTER 4