Echoes of the Unseen: The Forgotten Man

ＰＡＲＴ [02]: "The Start Of Discussion"

Liam, Ethan's unwavering friend from childhood, stood as a steadfast presence. Despite Ethan's disorder driving others away, Liam remained a constant, nurturing their unbreakable bond.

And now, in the present...

Seated within the plane's cabin, Liam ignited a cigarette, tendrils of smoke curling upward. As the haze billowed, so did Ethan's irritation.

Ethan expressed his frustration, stating, "You are irritating me. "Liam, seemingly unfazed, responded with a hint of amusement, "Wow, am I irritating you?" Ethan remained silent, leaving the question unanswered. Liam, reminding Ethan of their friendship, said, "I am your friend, bro." Ethan's reply was blunt, "For benefits."

Liam then shifted the conversation to the task at hand, saying, "Alright, alright, let's get down to business. I've sorted out a swanky hotel for your stay and everything you need for the cases. But I'm curious, what's driving you to dive into this case?" Ethan initially remained silent once again, prompting Liam to push further. Ethan, I asked you a question," he insisted.

Ethan finally opened up, admitting, "I can't quite fathom why I'm doing this, but deep down, I see it as a chance to finally validate myself." Understanding his friend's motivation, Liam lightened the mood, concluding with a casual request, "Got it, dude... Mango shake!"

(A glass of shake exchanges hands, and Ethan's grip tightens around the bottle.)

Liam expressed his enthusiasm with a simple, "Great!"

The airport emerged, and Ethan continued to gaze beyond the window. The aeroplane cessation

Their company's special car awaited them at the airport, its polished exterior gleaming under the warm sunlight.

Liam casually asked, "Mind if I take the wheel, driver?" To which the driver replied respectfully, "Of course, sir."

With a helpful hand, Liam aided Ethan in loading their luggage into the car. Despite the sleek surroundings, Ethan's unease was evident. Settling into the vehicle, they embarked on their journey to the hotel-a sanctuary managed by MS group, designed to cater to Ethan's every comfort.

The hotel attendant offered his assistance, saying, "Sir, allow me to assist you." Liam graciously accepted, replying, "Certainly, you can guide us to the room. We'll handle the luggage."

Once in the room, Liam sprawled on the bed, engaging Ethan in a conversation about family and his newly married sister's life.

Ethan shared his observations, saying, "She's short-tempered but sweet. I hope her husband understands her." Liam added, "Indeed, they share a remarkable bond. They're even going to be parents." Ethan, showing interest, asked, "Really? What about dinner, then?" Liam assured him, "It's on its way."

Liam then made a plan, saying, "Alright, after eating, get ready. I'll be waiting in the car." Ethan offered no reply, leading to a somewhat exasperated emoticon from Liam, 😑.

After finishing his meal, Ethan ventured toward the parking lot. However, the sight of people halted his steps.

Ethan, struggling to communicate, requested, "Hi...Hi... Oo.. ok..ok.. can.. you (exhaled), can you guide me to the parking area?" The waiter, understanding Ethan's difficulty, replied, "Of course, sir. There are two main entrances that lead to the parking lot."

However, Ethan hesitated and then stammered, "N-no, actually, I'm sorry. Could you suggest an alternate route?" The waiter obligingly suggested, "Certainly, sir. You can access the parking lot through the kitchen."

Ethan, clearly relieved, expressed his gratitude, "Thank you...... thank you..... (from a distance) thank you."

As Ethan approached the parking area, his footsteps were accompanied by the sound of his racing heart.

Liam, concerned, asked, "Hey, what's the matter? Did someone say something to you?" Ethan's response was curt, "No, just drive."

The journey to the research center continued in silence. As they arrived, the meeting was already in progress. The first question was directed at the cabinet minister, probing the validity of the unsettling rumors.

The Cabinet Minister voiced concern, stating, "The entire nation is pointing fingers at our party." Frustration seeped into their words as they continued, "I want this issue resolved immediately, whether through diplomacy or force. These f****** people are too fickle. We've spent millions on them, and they..."

The Scientist, trying to shift the focus to the real issue, interjected, saying, "This isn't about our party, but a potential national crisis." However, the Cabinet Minister's response was dismissive and derogatory, "Oh, so now you'll teach us about security? You, a mere 12th-pass scientist."

The Cabinet Minister continued with criticism, saying, "What do scientists and doctors do? They either cure people or waste resources on research that other countries have already mastered in the name of 'Make in India' or 'Develop India.' It's all a waste of government funds."

Amidst growing dissent, some members left the council in disagreement.

Tensions flared in the room as the Cabinet Minister's anger erupted, commanding, "Go on, leave! We don't need money-guzzlers like you." Ethan, unwilling to back down, retorted, "But you need us."

Liam, sensing the situation escalating, intervened with a calm demeanor, saying, "Ethan, calm down. Let me handle this." Ethan emphasized his point once more, stating, "Yes, you need us."

The Cabinet Minister, consumed by anger, lashed out, calling Ethan a psychopath. The Assistant to the Cabinet Minister stepped forward, urging the Minister to reconsider, saying, "Sir, please step aside."

The Minister was taken aback and inquired, "What...?" The Assistant explained, "Please, consider your position. Ethan isn't the owner of his company, but his family is. He holds indirect influence."

The Cabinet Minister, still fuming, questioned, "You think I'd bow to that m*****f***** psychopath?" The Assistant advised, "No, sir. Just maintain your image. Approve the investigation and praise Ethan's company."

Back in their room, Cabinet Minister drank a sip of water and then spoke.

In a surprising turn of events, the Cabinet Minister relented, admitting, "Oh... Ethan, you were right. I'm approving the investigation and signing these documents," as he signed over some documents.

Ethan approached the Cabinet Minister and offered a parting sentiment, saying, "I wish for your long life." Vijay, in a lighter tone, added, "Truly, man... I think today your wife's year of fasting for you has saved you. Control your voice box, man... otherwise he would... You know, know it."

The Cabinet Minister responded with a hint of authority, stating, "You know who I am." To which, Liam replied with a touch of mystery, "No, I don't, but you know who Ed is."

SILENCE FILLED THE ROOM