Muthu's touch on Surya's shoulder brought forth a wave of frustration, prompting Surya to retreat towards the elevator in turmoil. Sensing Surya's unrest, Muthu gestured for the workers to continue their tasks before turning back to address Surya directly.
"I understand your frustration, Surya," Muthu began, his voice tinged with empathy. "When Arjun first approached me with his offer to save my son from cancer, I was bewildered and conflicted."
"Like you, I didn't want to resort to shady dealings for my son's well-being. I tried every legal avenue, seeking aid from relatives and friends, but nothing helped me to solve the problem."
"I couldn't bear the thought of losing my son's radiant smile, so I reluctantly accepted Arjun's proposition."
Muthu's words resonated deeply with Surya, reflecting the inner turmoil and ethical dilemmas they both grappled with.
Despite their initial reservations, the promise of salvation for their loved ones compelled them to embrace Arjun's offer, navigating a moral labyrinth in pursuit of a brighter future.
Muthu's narrative unfolded with a mix of gratitude and introspection as he recounted the pivotal moments that led him into Arjun's orbit.
"He sent me money for the operation and also to clear the debts," Muthu continued, his voice tinged with emotion.
"Then he called me here and told me to manage this warehouse. He gave me a home to live, a place to work, and a way to see my son's smile again."
Surya listened intently, absorbing each word as Muthu shared his journey from uncertainty to newfound stability. The weight of Arjun's generosity and benevolence was palpable, casting a glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of doubt.
"When I asked him how can I live when continuous threat is roaming on my head, he reassured me," Muthu explained, his tone reflecting a mix of vulnerability and resolve.
Arjun said to me, "What kind of threat is killing you? Huh! You don't need to worry. Even if I die, there will be no one who can touch you or your family or any person's family who is working with you. You just continue to do your work."
Surya marveled at Arjun's unwavering confidence and conviction, his assurances providing a semblance of security in an uncertain world.
Despite his initial apprehension, Muthu found solace in Arjun's words, embracing his role within the warehouse with a newfound sense of purpose.
"At the beginning, I was a little afraid even after listening to Arjun's words," Muthu admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "But gradually, it became my daily routine."
Muthu's words resonated with profound wisdom as he delved into the collective experiences of those working within the warehouse.
"Similarly, the people who are working there went through much worse situations than us," he reflected, his tone tinged with empathy.
"Some of them didn't even have a proper home. Arjun helped them all and gave them a proper way of life."
His observations painted a poignant picture of Arjun's impact, illuminating the transformative power of compassion and generosity.
In the face of adversity, Arjun had emerged as a beacon of hope, extending a lifeline to those in need and offering them the chance to rebuild their lives.
Muthu's musings extended beyond the confines of their immediate circumstances, delving into the complexities of morality and perception.
"You know, there are many mischievous things around us, and some of them are very absurd, but we neglect them," he remarked, his voice tinged with contemplation.
"Whether something is right or wrong isn't just about it being right or wrong. It's about what the majority of people agree with."
His words underscored the fluid nature of morality, highlighting the influence of societal norms and perceptions in shaping our understanding of right and wrong.
In a world fraught with ambiguity, Muthu advocated for a steadfast adherence to personal integrity and conviction, urging Surya to chart his own course guided by his innate sense of righteousness.
"So it is better to keep ourselves away from those thoughts and do what seems right to us," Muthu concluded, his words infused with a sense of resolve.
In a world where moral boundaries blurred and ethical dilemmas loomed large, he championed the importance of staying true to one's principles and following the dictates of conscience.
Muthu's reassuring words echoed in Surya's mind, "I am just clearing the debt of Arjun, and all those guys are also doing the same thing," he reiterated, his voice carrying a note of conviction.
"And you, too, are similar to us, but your job is much more dangerous than ours."
His words served as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks that accompanied Surya's newfound role, highlighting the gravity of the responsibilities he now bore.
Yet, amidst the shadows of doubt, Muthu offered a glimmer of reassurance, affirming Arjun's discernment in selecting Surya for the task at hand.
"If Arjun picked you, then there may be a reason behind it," Muthu continued, his tone imbued with a sense of conviction.
"And after seeing your first mission, I can say he was correct in picking you."
His words carried a weight of validation, validating Surya's capabilities and instilling within him a newfound sense of confidence.
Yet, amidst the assurances, Muthu extended an open invitation, offering Surya a lifeline in times of distress.
"However, if you feel anything bad, then you can tell Arjun anytime," he reassured, his voice laced with sincerity. "He will try to fix your problem."
In Muthu's unwavering support, Surya found a steadfast ally, a beacon of guidance amidst the murky waters of uncertainty.
With a sense of resolve, he nodded in acknowledgment, ready to navigate the challenges that lay ahead.
"Okay then, I will explain to you how things work here," Muthu concluded, his words ushering in a new chapter in Surya's journey.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Surya stood ready to embrace the complexities of his new role, fortified by Muthu's unwavering support and Arjun's enduring trust.
He then started clearly explaining the work Surya has to do there.
"Don't worry," Muthu assured, "Arjun said that he will send you the work you have to do in an audio as well as pdf form to your phone, and you have to remember it. So don't get too much tense, okay."
With Muthu's words serving as a balm to Surya's nerves, he followed him to the apartments, which were situated a little distance away from the warehouse.
Muthu handed him two keys - one for the house and the other for a bike. "There is no need to worry," Muthu repeated, "I also stay near your house. If you have any problems, then contact me."
As Surya entered the apartment, he noticed a helmet and a driving license placed above the shoe stand.
Upon closer inspection, he saw that the license bore his name - "Krishnan Deshpande." The sight filled him with a sense of belonging, anchoring him to his new identity in this unfamiliar realm.