In the busy streets of New York, I hurried towards the subway. My expression showed that if I didn't make it on time, I would be in trouble.
Once on the subway, I took the first train to Manhattan. I quickly grabbed my phone from my pocket and opened my dialer. At the top of the list, I saw a number labeled "Darling." I called it right away.
After two rings, someone answered on the other end. In a scolding tone, she said, "Amar, did you forget about our date again?"
I hurriedly replied, "No, Lina, I didn't forget anything. I'm currently on the train to Manhattan. I'll be there soon."
With that, I ended the call. I let out a breath; I had been running since leaving my office. Reflecting on my journey, I realized how far I've come. I was once a simple teenager in Mumbai with many dreams. After earning my biotech degree, I worked hard to get hired in top labs, driven by my curiosity about the microscopic world.
I've always been fascinated by the microscopic world. I would often lose track of time, but it never bothered me. As an orphan, I had no family to care for, so I could pursue my passion freely. It was tough growing up in an orphanage, and getting scholarships was a challenge too. Sometimes, I wished someone cared about me.
About six months ago, I met Lina. I think I fell in love with her at our first meeting. After a few more dates, I proposed, and thankfully she accepted. Now, I have everything I could want: a stable job at a multinational company with a six-figure salary, and a beautiful girlfriend who loves me.
I still have some bad habits from before, like forgetting everything when I'm focused on the microscopic world. Thankfully, today I set a timer. Before I could mess up our date, my alarm reminded me to leave the lab on time.
Now, on this train, I was heading to the place Lina chose for our date. When the next station arrived, I got off and walked towards the café where she was waiting.
Soon, I reached the café. Standing in front was my Lina, looking stunning in a green one-piece dress that complemented her black hair and fair skin. Her features blend Asian and American as she told me her mother is Indonesian. People around couldn't help but glance at her. Not wanting to upset her more, I approached and hugged her tightly. After hugging me back, she said, "You know you're late."
I responded, "I know, darling, but let's forget about it and enjoy our date." With that, we walked together, traveling to many places and having a great time. As night approached, we decided to stop at a bar for drinks before heading home.
While we were walking, a van suddenly pulled up, and two burly men stepped out, both holding guns. They ordered us to get into the van. We looked around for help, but we were on a quiet road. Before I could call the police, one of them aimed his gun at Lina, which terrified me. Reluctantly, I got into the van.
Surprisingly, they only wanted me. I told them to let Lina go, and they agreed. But my foolish girlfriend, seeing me being taken, yelled something about calling the police, which got her kidnapped along with me. Now, we sat side by side in a dark warehouse. I said to Lina, "Why did you have to say anything?"
Lina replied, "What was I supposed to do? Just let them take you? Amar, listen, even if we die, we die together."
Hearing her words warmed my heart, but it wasn't the time to get emotional. I needed to assess our situation. The burly men still stood in front of us. Soon, a third man, looking like a special agent with a headset and a laptop, entered. He opened the laptop, revealing a video call with my boss, Stalin.
Confused, I asked, "Boss, what does this mean? Did you kidnap us? If I've done something wrong, we should handle it legally. There's no need for this."
He replied, "Amar, this is how I handle things. I don't owe you an explanation. Just tell me where my sample V2 is, and I'll let you live."
I was perplexed, "Boss, what are you talking about?"
Stalin retorted, "Don't act innocent. I know you stole sample V2 from our lab. The cameras showed you putting a sample tube in your pocket."
At that moment, the burly man beside me checked my pocket and pulled out a test tube containing a sample. I realized what was happening.
I said, "Boss, I think there's a misunderstanding. I accidentally put it in my pocket in a rush."
Stalin said, "Every thief says that."
I responded, "No, boss, you don't understand. That test tube doesn't contain sample V2; it's just Bacteriophage virus. If you don't believe me, have someone check it."
Stalin showed a confused expression and ordered the agent to check it. The agent soon placed the test tube in a machine the size of a washing machine. After 15 minutes, the results confirmed that it was not sample V2.
Stalin frowned and asked, "Then where is my sample V2?"
I said, "Boss, did you check the laboratory safe?"
He frowned again and told someone to check the safe. Fortunately, the sample was there. I then asked why he jumped to conclusions. He replied, "Your colleague Jerry came to us, saying you stole sample V2 and hurried out of the lab."
I quickly realized that Jerry had framed me, but now that Stalin understood the truth, he said, "I apologize, Amar, for the trouble you've faced. I'll make sure Jerry gets fired from the company. As for the loss of your date, I'm very sorry. To make it up to you, I'll arrange a trip for both of you to Hawaii for some relaxation."
With that, he ended the call, and the burly men released us. They asked if we wanted a ride, but I politely declined. I stepped out of the warehouse and found myself on a road, still close to New York, as I could see the Statue of Liberty in the distance. As we walked, I said, "I think I need to change jobs."
Lina replied, "Do it after the Hawaii trip, idiot." We both laughed, but just then, I heard honking. Turning around, I saw a speeding truck losing control, barreling toward us. It tried to dodge Lina, but we both got hit.