Ronnie sat in the corner of his room, curled up, arms wrapped around his knees.
"Dad… dad…"
The same word… over and over.
A faint sound came from the window.
Tap.
Tap.
He slowly walked over and opened it—
A rock came flying in.
"Hey!"
He ducked instantly.
"Who's that?!"
A nervous smile appeared from outside.
"Raj…"
"What was that for, idiot?!"
"Sorry! I thought you didn't hear me… so I threw it again."
Before Ronnie could reply, Raj had already started climbing the wall.
"Idiot! We have a door!"
Too late.
Raj jumped inside.
"Who was that man? Did he kidnap you? Are you hurt? Why do you look like a zombie? Are there cameras—why aren't you answering?!"
Ronnie looked down.
"My dad's… no more."
Silence.
Raj stopped.
All his questions disappeared.
He stepped forward and hugged him.
"I'm sorry…"
Ronnie didn't react.
Just stood there.
Empty.
"Then what are you doing here?" Raj asked softly.
"Go back… do the final rites."
Ronnie shook his head, tears slipping.
"I tried… I'm not allowed. Dad's orders… I don't know what to do… I just want to see him… at least his grave…"
His voice broke.
"I want to go back… live where he was… where I was…"
Raj cut him off.
"No 'buts.' Stop crying and start packing."
Ronnie looked up.
Raj sighed. "Don't give me that look. I'm doing what's right. Now move."
Minutes later—
Ronnie reached for the door.
Raj stared at him.
"You going to the market?"
Ronnie blinked.
"We're escaping, idiot. Window."
"I'm not a thief."
Raj held back a laugh.
"Mr. Not-a-thief, we're escaping. Now jump."
Somehow… they made it out.
Climbed the wall.
Reached the road