17/12

Disclaimer: All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental.

Arun read the letter once again to confirm it was true, and so it was. It was not shocking news to him that he was terminated from work.

Just then, his mobile phone began to ring. He answered the call to find out that it was his colleague Imran, and learnt that Imran too had received the termination letter. Arun soon found out that many others of his colleagues were also fired from work. But none of them were sad or disappointed about losing their job. Earning lakhs of Rupees every month, they had already made a fortune. Moreover, many of them were promised a handsome amount if they let go off their jobs.

Bharath Airliners were now facing an acute shortage of pilots. They couldn’t continue with their old pilots, who went on strike every now and then. And thus the decision to terminate those staffs that were on strike, despite the warning notice, was issued. The airways now had to recruit at least one hundred and fifty new pilots so that the charts were not disrupted to a great extent.

9 months later

“Yes, fifty-two it is”, said Aslam over the phone, very delighted.

“I think it is time then”, was the reply, in a commanding tone.

“Yes Sir. We are prepared. Just give us a date”, Aslam asked, a little nervous.

“17^th… 17^th of December”, came the reply.

“So shall it be”, ensured Aslam.

10:15 hours, 17th December

Breaking news: 38 planes of Bharath Airways have crashed into various locations across India. As per initial reports, at least 6400 people were on the 38 aeroplanes. From what it looks like, it seems to be a very well planned and executed terrorist operation.

4 years later

The only terrorist who was caught alive after the 17/12 incident is still awaiting his fate behind bars.

-          THE END       -