The Victim
By: Samridhi Laishram
© 2024 by Samridhi Laishram
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying,
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For permissions requests, write to the publisher at [Publisher's Address],
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events,
locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or
used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead,
or actual events is purely coincidental.
ISBN: [ISBN Number]
Published by [Publisher's Name]
Printed in India
Dedication:
To my parents, whose guidance shaped my character.
A thank you to my English teacher, Ms. Shreya Devkhar, for inspiring and
helping me create this novel. With out her support and guidance, I would not
be here today. And my dearest Friends, Meher and Laura, for helping me out,
and listening to my ideas.
To my friends, old and new, whose presence has added colour and depth to
the canvas of my life.
To my mentors, whose wisdom and guidance have illuminated the path
forward.
To all those who have supported and encouraged me along this literary
voyage, this book is as much yours as it is mine. May its pages serve as a
testament to the power of love, resilience, and the beauty of the human spirit.
With deepest gratitude and affection,
Sam
Prologue:
“Stop crying! Man up!” he roared, strikes me hard across the face. Looks like Dad
had gone drinking again. I was so scared; I could feel my heart pounding in my chest
and tears welling up in my eyes. He barked orders, throwing things at my mother. He
beat up Jere. He was practically gasping for air. I hate this, and I hate him! Why
couldn’t he be our father? Why does he resent us. I cried as Todd tried to help Mom
up, her forehead bleeding, with glass shards and cuts on her arms. I hate to see her
like this… Todd stood up, charging Dad with a fist. He punches him hard, but not
hard enough. Dad flung him across the room, throwing him into a wall. I took my
moment, taking the broken shard of glass and stabbing his back. Dad threw me off,
groaning in pain. I rushed to the phone, calling for help as fast as possible.
The cops came, and my father was arrested. He has many charges and is currently
in prison. Years later, I was inspired by an officer and joined the military. I will fight for
my country and people, and soon, everything will be perfect for me and my family.
So, when I turned 19, I joined the military. You’re probably wondering about the oneyear delay. I was trying to work on my stamina a bit more to pass. And then, voila, I
joined the army! Soon after, I found her while buying presents for my family during
my Christmas break. Freya, my wife. She was beautiful, intelligent, and kind. I love
her, her silky blonde hair, those pearly blue eyes.
My “dad” or Benjamin, he’s in prison. My current dad and father figure is Ethan. After
Benjamin went to jail, my mom tried to look for love again and married Ethan. We all
didn’t like him at first, but he grew onto us. Showering us with gifts, being the middle
child, he still showered me with affection. He taught me how to drive, shave my
beard. He is a father figure for me. I like to call him dad for that reason. I never want
to be a dad. I want to fight, fight for my mother and family. I want them happy, not
hurt
Chapter 1: Retirement
Andrew’s POV
I packed up my bags, folded my uniform, and fixed my bed for the last time. I
stepped out of my quarters, greeting my peers and nodding as they bid me farewell. I
saw my Colonel greeting my seniors. It has been a long 20 years of service. I
thought. Now, after all these years, I get to sit down and enjoy the fruits of my
retirement. Retiring from Lieutenant is not the highest rank, but it sure as hell isn’t
anything. “Private!” I yelled, seeing him jump. I chuckled, “Not wishing your
Lieutenant goodbye?” I snickered, patting his back, “No, Lieutenant! Never! Me and
the rest made a gift for you,” he said, calling the rest of the squadron; they all
collectively wished me goodbye and gave me a small box. “It has something you
might like, Lieutenant,” Private said a sly grin on all their faces. I opened it to see a
watch. It was the watch I had broken and lost on a mission in Mexico years ago. I
remember it got swiped. A very thoughtful gift from some rats, I chuckled, putting the
watch on. “We remember you lost it, Lieutenant,” the squadron agreed. “It’s our
special gift for your retirement” he said excitedly. This was an expensive watch,
which my wife brought me. And the fact that they saved up and bought it for me,
almost made me shed a tear. “Thank you, boys, for the gift, for being a good squad,
everything. But now I must go, sadly.” I smiled faintly. I gave them a curt nod before
heading off. Taking my bags home, here I come.
After a long car ride, I arrived at the airport. I only wanted to be reunited with my wife
and hug her right now. I am so happy she’s mine. I’ve been on many missions, and I
have faced gunfire and bullets. But nothing can be more nerve-racking than coming
home. It’s been a good 2 years since I last saw my wife, mom, Todd, and Jere. I had
seen them last thanksgiving, I had to leave early due to a mission.
I stepped out onto the Georgian land. I missed this, so I walked to pick up my bags
and headed to leave.
Chapter 2: Home
As I went outside, I saw a massive sign with the words, “Welcome home, Andy!” I
chuckled softly, heading towards the sign. I saw my family, parents, brother, and
lovely wife. I greeted my family, exchanging hugs. I pulled my wife in, kissing her
forehead and hugging her tightly. Her name is Freya, and she is the light of my life.
We held hands, my brothers offering to take my bags; we settled in the car and
headed to our house. It was a long, cramped ride in my parent’s minivan. Thankfully,
I had only packed a bag pack and a small suitcase. We talked for minutes, which felt
like hours, catching up on life. I was surprised to hear many things. Todd was
planning for kids now. For the record, he is married. Sadly, my sister-in-law was
busy, she works as a nurse and works all the time. My brother, Todd, is an
entrepreneur. Jere just finished college. God, I missed many things, but I was so
happy to be back. We arrived home relatively quickly at my parent's house since we
all wanted to catch up and talk more.
Mom and Freya prepared dinner while my brothers and I talked. Todd was planning
to stop working, as he wanted kids and didn’t want to ruin his wife’s career. He was
happy being a stay-at-home husband. Jere was on his phone. I swear I feel so much
older. I can’t believe we are in the same generation. Seriously, what’s with phones
and social media? I shook my head, making fun of Jere, and I was met with a glare.
Todd sneered, joining in. Then Dad walked in, sitting down with a six-pack beer. We
all took one, as we all were adults, taking a sip and cheering. It was fun to be home
again.
Chapter 3: An argument
We had dinner shortly after. I missed food so much. Back in the army, I would have
some questionable sludge that I had to eat or starve, and there were few options.
But I was glad to have warm food for once. I smiled, seeing my family all laughing.
We talked for hours about anything, it was the sense of comfort, but we take on and
on. Until Dad got tired, mom joined in. Soon, Todd hit the sack, along with Jere. Me
and Freya were left. I was thinking about calling it a night. “Can we talk?” my wife
said softly. I smiled, nodding my head. “Of course, what is it, my dear?”. “Well,
maybe more private in our room?” “Sure.” We got up, heading into the bedroom; I sat
down, and she sat beside me, with a blank look.” Well, we’re getting olde right. We’re
almost 40 and I’ve been thinking lately”, she took a deep breath. “I want to try and
have kids” she said bluntly. Now there was no problem for us having kids, I am well
off, we have our own house and car, I will also be receiving pension. But I am not
ready for them and don’t want them. I come from an abusive background. My actual
father or Ben was a drug dealer and gambler; he got high, got mad, and hit us.
Especially my mom for the simplest things. After that, I didn’t want kids. I was just
scared of becoming like my dad and didn’t have the right mindset. With a heavy sigh,
I looked at Freya. “Honey, we’ve talked about this. You knew from day one that I
don’t want kids. There’s too much work, and then, well, you know-“ I trailed off. My
wife knew this. I told her when we first started dating, marriage, wedding, everything.
Why now? I don’t know. She looks disheartened “I know, but maybe we can try.
Maybe you’ll get over it. It was in the past anyway. Please just move on.” She said,
tears in her eyes.
I have not recovered; for a fact, I am still healing, or so my therapist says. I hated her
anyway. “If you could just listen and go to therapy, maybe we could work something
out!” she yelled, we argued back and forth. I never understood the need for such
childish things and do not need it either. “I don’t require anything.” I said coldly. She
looked at me, glaring for once, anger burning in her eyes. She stormed off, while I
massaged my temples. Did she really have to do this now?
Chapter 4: Reunion of Friends
We madeup. To my surprise, she came first and apologized, not like her, but it was
good. We hugged and had discussion. Nothing to worry about. It’s been a few
months after retirement, I’m currently working in a school as a Physical Education
teacher. Freya is housewife. It’s been a busy month, being a teacher is no joke. One
day while I was on break. I got a call from my old colleagues and batchmates, they
called for simple party, as they were all retiring too. I agreed happily, it had been a
good year since seeing them, we all went our different ways. One of my friends took
up fishing, how cool is that? I messaged Freya “I’ll be home late, don’t wait for me”. I
got in my car, heading out. I met up with them at nearby bar, there they were. “Look
who’s here!” I chuckled, giving a quick handshake and hug “How’s life been treatin’
you, Andy?” Luke asked, sitting down, ordering a round of beer. Luke, Trevor and
Tim, were all my batchmates, the only one we were missing was a batchmate and
good colleague of mine George. We drank a few rounds, until George showed up.
“Hey! You guys started the party without me!” he says giving Luke jab. “So, who’s
paying? I know for I fact I ain’t” Trevor snickered, Luke shook his head “Still relying
on us to pay? You haven’t changed at all.” I patted Trevor’s back “You’re the only one
with stable job, I say you do it. Raise a glass if you agree”. The rest raised their
glasses, Trevor rolled his eyes “Well looks like majority wins, I’ll pay brother!”,
“Finally, it’s been 15 years and you’re still a cheapskate” Tim added. We spent the
night drinking, George sadly couldn’t be due to liver problems. Since, I had one too
many, so George dropped me home. I stumbled home. Freya ran downstairs, looks
like her insomnia kicked in, “Really? Are you trying to die early?” she says sternly, I
waved my hand dismissively. “It’s just a one-time thing, calm down- Don’t wanna get
wrinkles so soon, remember what that skin-care lady said, huh?” I chuckled, she did
not like the joke…
Chapter 5: The incident
Freya’s POV
I cannot believe this man at all. The thing he says to me, and refuses therapy. May
the lord be with me, I want to slap him so hard across the face. I still haven’t forgiven
him after our little argument. I’m still just as pissed off, but he wouldn’t know because
he never pays attention. I helped him upstairs. I made him sit down and went
downstairs to get some water for him. I filled up the glass and saw my sleeping pills.
I don’t know why but something just clicked in me. But this is wrong. Well, he is my
husband so maybe it doesn’t matter. I crushed the pills up, mixing it with some juice,
and brought it upstairs. “Here” I said, handing it to him. He looked at me confused
but shrugged and drank it anyway. And quickly fell asleep. I looked at him, the big
hunk of man. I wonder why did I marry him? I glared at him. He was unconscious
anyway, I slapped him hard across the face, he didn’t wake up thankfully. He was out
like a light. Guess things will go my way now. I got on top of him. Am I really going to
do this? Yes, I will…
Andrew’s POV
I woke up, my head killing, I turned to my side, Freya was gone. I got, feeling the
effects of heavy drinking. Why do I do this to myself? I brushed my teeth and washed
my face. I headed downstairs to see Freya happily cooking. Wait- happily? I look in
disbelief, I remember the shit joke I made last night. I did not expect her to be so
happy, for the Freya I know, she would ignore me a whole day. I sat down nervously
“So, did you sleep well?” I asked, “Yes, I slept like a baby-“she giggled, serving me
breakfast, it was her famous French toast. Did she say just say she slept well, my
wife suffer from insomnia, every day I woke up to her in bad mood, and complaining
about everything. “No insomnia?” “Not at all, after you came home, I felt relieved and
fell asleep!” she smiled, sitting across from me, starting to eat. “How’s the food?” she
asks. “Good” I smiled back. We had quick chat, I headed to take shower and get
ready for work. Freya smiled, I’ll go pack your lunch, she said, kissing my cheek and
heading to the bedroom.