6 years ago.
Adiya
I'd been on rub for the past two days since my parents' incidents, whenever I was tired, I would take a rest under a tree or a vacant shop until I stumbled upon a mosque. I entered the mosque unannounced on my tattered cloth, looking distraught. I was tired, I crumbled the paper tightly before scanning for the Imam. I scurried away from others as they were watching me like a hawk, walking to the Imam. I handed the slip to him and he collected, reading what was written with pity. He asked since when I'd been walking and I replied to him. He asked one of his men to get me something to eat but the food was least of what I wanted. I just wanted to sleep.
"Please call uncle" I responded to all their questions. He brought out his phone and called my uncle.
After waiting for some hours, my uncle arrived looking tired. I ran to him in full speed and sobbed, "Diya baby, what happened dear," my uncle asked me concerning, patting my head adorably.
I trembled in shock as mucus was running from my nostrils. I was still in a shocking state," men came, papa mama burnt and I watch" I hip cupped loudly. "They hit mama's tummy and mama said I should run" I shook in fear. "Then I ran here and told the Alfa to call you" I wailed in between my sentences.
"They beat them, they they" I stuttered, wiping my running nose.
Uncle crouched to my height level, hugged me and patted me lightly while my body shook with a sob. "It's okay, I'm here now, everything is alright" he cooed me softly.
"But will mum and dad come back" I raised my wet lashes up to look at him.
"Yes, I'll make sure of it" he promised and I believed him.
Mom, dad I'll see you soon.
****
I'd been staying at my uncle's place for the last two years and we hadn't talked about my parents.
I went to my uncle's office meekly because he disliked been disturbed when he is working but I needed to ask him about what he promised.
I saw uncle working on his laptop, through the glass window and I knocked softly.
My uncle had been patient with me, he took care of me like his daughter. He helped me with my nightmares.
I loved them but I wanted to be with my parents. It had been so long I'd see my parents and feel their warmth.
"Diya dear" he glanced up, smiled softly at me and then returned his gaze back to the laptop.
"Em..uncle" I paused because he said it always pained him when I asked him about my parents.
"I'm hearing you dear" he urged me to continued. "When will I see papa and mama. It has been so long, I missed them uncle" my voice crackled.
"Okay," he replied curtly.
Is he mad at me, I wondered.
"I'm so sorry uncle, I don't mean to.."
"Okay"
"I can see my parents?" I asked sceptically and he nodded. I ran to him and hugged him.
"Go pack your properties, I'll call some of my men to take you" he took his phone to make a call while I closed the door behind me softly.
He hated noises.
I ran to my room excitedly, beaming with happiness. I packed just two extra clothes because I knew mama and papa will be very happy to see me. And going to buy another set of clothes for me.
I can't wait to see mama, papa and little brother, I thought eagerly.
I stood patiently on the couch, waiting of uncle's men. The door rang, I ran to the door and opened it for them to enter.
"Ma'am, please the car is ready" the first man stood beside me, taking my bag from me. I shouted for my uncle's name.
I went outside happily, waiting for him and his wife. Uncle came out with his wife while holding some tissue papers.
"Diya, take care of yourself, dear. Greet mom and dad for me when you meet them. Tell them I missed them. I love you so much baby but I need to eliminate the obstacle" he kissed my forehead, his wife also kissed my forehead. As I entered the car, one of the men sat at the front while the two others sat beside me. I turned back to wave at my uncle and saw my uncle with his wife smiling victoriously at me.
What's wrong?
Were they happy that I was gone?
**
The car had been moving non-stop for like three hours. I tried to make conversation with the men but they glared at me to shut up.
My butt was paining me for sitting so long and I wanted to pee.
"emm, I want..."
"Shut up" one of the men sneered while I winced. "You talk too much, why won't he want to eliminate the obstacle" he chuckled darkly which made me shivered in fear.
"What do you mean?" I asked timidly before I knew what was happening. I was backhanded hard across my face. I bit my lips hard to make me stop from crying out.
"Another word there, I won't hesitate to kill you" he growled.
"Leave the poor girl alone" the man at the front grinned.
I panicked, where are they taking me to?
Obstacle?
Eliminate?
No!
"Help" I shouted, trying to stand up but the two men held me down while I struggled to shout. The other one brought out a handkerchief. He held it to my nose and made me inhaled. I fell into an unconscious state.
Everything was foggy when I opened my eyes, I tried to move when I noticed my hands and legs were been tied. I tried to shout too but my mouth was gagged.
"I see you have wake up princess, Now let the fun begins".