Trapped by the Don

Chapter 5 - Plan to escape

Myra's POV

"Aunt Susy, please tell us what the way is. I will do it." Sunny got up from his chair as if ready to go for a war.

"Actually Sofia and I were going to come through the front door. When we came we saw the guards outside the door and at once understood that they were Carlo Ricci's men. So we have to come through the back door. I still remember how you all stood with us as a family when we lost Sofia's father. I knew that no one is going to help you and that's why I didn't want to waste any time. I knew this place very well. Sofia's father and I used to spend lots of time in the woods when we were dating. As you know he was a wildlife photographer, whenever he wanted to explore more, I used to accompany him. So I know very well about the forest in your backyard. I was just worried about Sofia, but she proved to be daddy's girl. So we came here through the woods. I thought I wouldn't be able to cross the fence, but Sofia helped me." Aunt Susy said.

"Yeah, but I had to break the fence a little for that." Sofia said in between chewing her parata. She can never compromise with her food. She always says that she won't miss her meals even at her funeral.

"So what's the plan Susy?" Mamma became impatient.

"As you all know, Milan shares its boundary with France. Carlo Ricci is the Don of Italy and France is a different country. If we succeed to trespass the boundary within the next 10 hours, then you could possibly escape from this situation. I will guide you till the boundary." Aunt Susy said.

"But mom, that's illegal, and who will help them in France?" Sofia asked.

"That's not a problem, Sushma's brother is in France." Papa said,

"Then call him Mahi." Mamma said,

"I can't Sushma, we are being watched, even our phone calls." Papa said,

"What will we do then?" Mamma asked.

"Well at least we got a ray of light. We will think about it after dinner." Papa said and we all ate our dinner in silence.

It was already 30 minutes past nine, by the time we all settled in the hall. Various thoughts went through my head. What if we got caught trespassing the boundary? Will they hand over us directly to Carlo Ricci? How could I put my family's life in danger? What if wild animals attacked us? I put an end to the train of my thoughts and came back to the conversation.

"I think I should go and start packing. We don't have much time." Mamma was about to go to the kitchen.

"Sushma, we can't take many things. We have to carry it through the woods. We can just take a couple of dresses." Papa stopped her.

"How will we start everything from zero in a new country and that too as illegal immigrants?" Mamma got worried.

"She is right Mr. Shah." Aunt Susy backed mamma.

"But how can we take all the luggages and trespass the boundary?" Papa asked.

"That's not the only problem. If four of you trespass the boundary, the chances to get caught will be high. That's going to be really dangerous." Aunt Susy reminded us.

"Then what are we going to do?" Mamma asked.

"Right now our top priority is to save Myra. I think she should leave the country alone." My eyes bulged out at her words.

"I can't leave my family back here to be killed by that monster." I cried.

"As far as I have heard, Carlo Ricci never hurts innocent people. Your parents can make some excuse that you ran away at night. Just take care not to contact each other after you reach there, I mean at least for some time. You can call me at the cafe where I work. That way I can pass your message to your parents." Aunt Susy said,

"No, I won't leave my family behind to deal with that monster alone." I took my stand.

"Myra beti, I think your aunt Susy is right. We have to make you safe. They won't do us anything, if they don't get you. But if you are here, they will definitely take you and we won't live after that. If you agree to go to France, then we will be assured that at least you are safe. Moreover it will be easy for your mama to make your documents, if it's just you. Chances of being caught will also be less if it's just you. You have your mama's contact number. You just have to contact him somehow after reaching France." Papa tried to convince me but I didn't bulge.

So everyone started to convince me somehow to flee to France leaving my family behind to tackle all the mess caused because of me. I felt really bad even though I had no hand in the ongoing events. At last I had to agree with the arrangement because my mother threatened to give her life if I didn't leave the home tonight. Once I agreed, Sofia and mamma hurried to pack my things. I didn't have any strength left to help them. How could I leave my family all of a sudden? I have never been away from them except for the trip to Rome and I believe that the same trip had brought this hurricane to our lives. Soon others too went to help mamma and Sofia. In between mamma ran to the kitchen and Sunny to his room and back to my room. I know they are trying to pack everything that I would need in this journey. I didn't feel afraid that I am going to be alone but I am worried about my family. I don't think I would be able to live a second without knowing about the wellbeing of my family. Time passed by quickly, and it's now nearing midnight. Everything is packed in a backpack and a suitcase.

"How are we going to take Myra out?" Sofia asked.

Her voice brought me back to reality. I looked at her unbelievably and that's when the truth dawned on me. I am not just putting my family in danger but I am going to risk the lives of Sofia and her mother.

"I can't do this. I am dragging all your lives to danger. I can't risk your life Sofia." I said,

"You are not risking our lives. I have already planned everything. The moment you called me and told me everything about Carlo Ricci, I went to mom. The first thing she did was to destroy the SIM card I have been using. Actually it was a SIM card registered in my uncle's name. He gave me the SIM card when he went to the USA. You know I just use that number to call you and no one else." Sofia said and came to me. She then whispered in my ears,

"I was not at home when you called me. I actually went out to meet Sean. Mom doesn't know about that. I just sneaked out. So they won't be able to track my location. I switched my phone after ending your call." Her words did make me relieved.

"But they will definitely check on you as you are my best friend." I said,

"Yes and that's why I am going to join the company tomorrow as if nothing had happened. If someone comes for me, I know how to handle it. You just take care and don't worry about us." Sofia said with confidence.

"What if they asked about the phone call?" I asked.

"I would say that I have cut all the connections with you after learning about the contract with Carlo Ricci." She had everything ready on the tip of her tongue.

"Fine but are you sure that they will not harm my family?" I asked again.

"Well, as per my knowledge Carlo Ricci has never harmed any innocent soul. So we should be hoping for the best." Aunt Susy said,

"We have to leave as soon as possible. We can't escape in daylight." Sofia took the backpack to the back door. Sunny followed her with the suitcase.

"Papa, I don't know anyone in France and nor do I know their language. How am I going to communicate?" I asked.

"Don't worry darling, someone will definitely help you. Our blessings and prayers are always with you. Once you have reached there safely, just call your mama as soon as possible."

Papa took out a stack of Euros from his pocket and gave it to me.

"Papa, I don't need this much money." I tried to refuse.

"Beta, you will need it as it's a new place. Moreover you won't be able to use your phone or your bank card. So you will need the money. Keep it safely and don't lose it." Papa said and took me into a tight hug.

I couldn't stop myself and we both cried. He kissed me on the forehead and gave his blessings and turned around to hide his tears from me. Mamma on the other hand surprised me with a smiling face.

"Myra, meri pari beti, take care of yourself. Remember that you will have to do everything by yourself and have faith in God. He will protect you from all the problems. It's going to be a new start for you. If you can't come back, we will join as soon as possible. I have kept some food items in your backpack. It will be enough for two days. By that time mama will definitely be with you. Don't worry about us, we are not alone. Don't put yourself in any danger trying to call us. Whenever you get the chance to talk to us, just use Hindi to speak. I love you beta. Take care." She hugged and kissed me with a smile.

I know she is going to cry her heart out once I leave. She wants me to be strong and I have to be for my family.

"Susy, how are you going to get her to the border? Will you have to walk a lot through the woods?" Papa asked from behind.

"First of all there are not many wild animals in these woods because it's a really small area. There are just small wild animals and they generally won't come near the human inhabited areas. Don't worry I am not going to take her all through the woods. Actually I have another great plan. We will go through the same way we came here. I have parked my car behind a tree which is a few distance from here, probably half an hour walk. I will then take her to my home. The couple from my neighborhood goes to France every week to sell their farm products. They go in their truck. If I am not wrong, they will be leaving today. They go with the truck loaded with vegetables and come back with milk products to sell in local markets. I will ask their help to trespass Myra to France." Aunt Susy said,

"Are they reliable?" Mamma seemed worried.

"Yes, because they have already done this before. They easily fall for money. I will be in touch with Myra until she reaches there safely. The wife really likes my ruby bracelet. She is definitely going to fall for that." Aunt Susy said confidently.

"No, you don't have to give your bracelet to that lady. I will give mine." Mamma was about to go and get her bracelet but aunt Susy stopped her.

"It's nothing in front of what you have done for me. You gave me shelter when my own people discarded me. The bracelet is nothing in front of the love and care you have given to Sofia when I was away. This is my turn to pay you back. I know it's nothing for what you have done. So let me do my part." She turned and walked towards the kitchen.

I gave my mamma and papa a final hug and followed aunt Susy. I hugged my little brother who was standing at the back door.

"Take care of mamma and papa. I love you." I kissed him on the cheek.

"I love you too, take care and don't worry about us. I will take care of everything." He kissed me back.

Sofia had already gone ahead with my suitcase. I put on the backpack and stepped out of the backdoor. I turned around and waved at my family. My vision got blurred because of the tears welled up in my eyes. I turned around and walked to the fence. Through the little gap, I sneaked to the other side. I could hear aunt Susy saying.

"Sunny, try to mend the fence when we leave."