The fresh winter breeze made the mind calm. Fayez was spending some time with Arif and Sumi. Their adorable faces stirred the father within him.
A certain truck was returning to the estate with dozens of people. People who had lost everything in their lives — but with a single flicker of hope, they rushed here.
The truck came to a stop, but the pounding hearts of men and women only beat louder.
To ease their anxiety, the truck stopped at the entrance of the factory.
"At last, the work is done," Jakaria said, placing a hand on his tired neck.
People stepped down. The destination was in front of them — so their feet didn't stop.
"Our work isn't over yet. We need to bring food."
Mashrafi's concern was valid enough.
Fayez headed out after hearing the horn of the truck.
"You guys brought what you were asked to?"
A simple nod was the answer.
"Let's head back."
"How many people did you just say?"
"A hundred, perhaps."
Roshni couldn't help but feel shocked. But seeing his gaze, she didn't argue.
"You should know the grain can sustain at most ten days."
Fayez expected that.
"How much time will it take to finish the cooking?"
"Four to five hours."
Fayez gave a nod.
"Sadly, you guys have to wait for hours to fill your bellies."
Well, they expected that.
"Another thing is, we discovered a bloody pond filled with corpses. It would be best if we can give them a funeral."
Fayez said it with no expression, but all drowsy eyes turned sharp at once.
"So you need us to help?"
"No. I also need those you brought with you."
"Will they help?" Mashrafi was skeptical.
"It's their choice."
"But how about the ritual process?" Monish raised a valid concern.
"That's fair. Majority of our people are Muslim, so just follow Islamic tradition."
Just like that, an argument broke out. But Fayez's decision remained final.Mr. Monish just snorted. Even if he identified someone Hindu — who would cut the woods, or buy expensive elements needed for the rituals?
_________
The morning sun hid himself behind the white cloud. The grass beneath the foot filled with mist. At first glance, just a normal winter day.
But the unusual redness of pond spoke loudly that this winter wasn't similar to others.
The foul scent of corpses reached the truck meters away. But for the people living with foulness, it didn't matter. Just cause of there curcumstances they thought of themselves worst sufferesrs of war.
The dilution they had faded on an instant when they saw the pond ahead filled with blood and flesh.
Scavengers were eating away pieces as much as they can. Worms filled the corpses trying to decompose it entirely.
The man, woman and children mentioned before were no longer in a state of recognation. All that left was skull with some flesh and worms moving freely inside as if this was there living place.
A funeral or at least proper burial had to take place but how ? the question lingered into the air.