There was a time when terrorism was at its peak in the state of Punjab. One frequently heard about incidents of firing and kidnapping across the state. These incidents were more rampant in certain areas.

One day, a family was visiting one such region in Punjab. A couple and their two sons, aged 12 and 16, were traveling to meet their grandparents. They arrived safely and were grateful that nothing bad had happened during their journey. They spent their holidays relaxing in the quaint town with their large family.

One day, the elder son was sent to the market to buy groceries, but he never returned. Hours passed, and the entire family grew worried. They searched everywhere, but there was no trace of the boy. Hope started to fade. Some of them cried until they had no more tears left.

Three days later, the father received a call from a mysterious man whose voice was deep and chilling – so much so that one could freeze just by hearing him. The man claimed they had kidnapped his son and demanded a huge ransom for his release. The father refused to pay such an amount because it was impossible. No common man could afford even half of what was being asked.

The boy’s grandfather was a retired police officer. He came up with a plan. When the kidnappers called again, he accepted their demand. They provided an address. Though he had renounced violence, he still kept his gun. But at this moment, violence seemed to be the only option—he didn’t have the money, and he couldn’t let anything happen to his beloved grandson.

Sitting at the table, he stared at the gun in front of him. It seemed to call out to him, begging him to use it just one last time. His face turned all shades of color as emotions overwhelmed him. He felt everything, yet nothing at the same time. But he knew what he had to do.

He went to the address but didn’t knock on the door. Instead, he sneaked in through a window and made his way to the main room. There, he saw his grandson tied to a chair, surrounded by four men. Each of them was staring at the door, waiting patiently for the man carrying the key to their riches.

The grandfather took his gun out of his deep pocket and took an even deeper breath. He fired at their legs, disabling them before quickly stripping them of their weapons. He left them injured but alive.

He turned to his grandson, who was blindfolded, his face filled with fear, his breaths deep as the ocean. The boy trembled as his grandfather removed the blindfold. When he saw the familiar face, relief washed over him. The two of them left and headed home.

But just before they arrived, the grandfather woke up.

It had all been a dream. His son and grandchildren hadn’t even reached their city yet. Confused, he asked his wife, who reminded him that today was the day their son and grandsons were coming home. Just then, a taxi horn blared outside.

Relieved, he rushed out to greet his family. His son and the boys stepped out of the taxi. As his son turned to pay the driver, he left a generous tip.

The driver stepped out, smiled, and blessed the family.

The grandfather froze.

The driver’s voice was eerily familiar. It matched the voice on the phone in his dream. When he looked at the driver’s face, he saw the same man he had seen earlier in his nightmare.

Author: Rishan Vig