"The government is chasing us out of our land. I guess we have to move out soon.” Sundramoothy told his family as soon as he received the news.
“Dad, this is so unfair! Ashwin and I lost our chance of getting into a university; Atishridhwik lost his job in the government service, both you and mum are currently stateless despite contributing to the economy, and now this!” screamed Leisha at the top of her lungs.

The Tamils were happy under the British rule as they were treated fairly by the government. But ever since Sri Lanka gained independence, policies have changed and the Tamils were very unhappy about it.

“I’ve decided to join the Tamil Tigers. We are all being treated unfairly. We should fight for our freedom and rights!” exclaimed Sundramoothy to his family.
“No, you can’t go. Your health is getting weaker each day. What if something bad happens to you? This family needs you.” replied Lolita, as she broke into tears.
“Don’t worry. I’ll go.” Said Atishridhwik as he interrupted their conversation.
“Okay. Nobody shall go. All of you are equally important to me. I can’t afford to lose any of you. Let’s drop that idea.” Sundramoothy suggested.

Everyone else agreed and continued doing what they had to do, but Atishridhwik kept quiet and sat by the lake alone, still stuck with the thought of joining the Tamil Tigers. He felt that things had to be done and policies needed to be changed. He have a strong urge to disobey his parents and join the Tamil Tigers without letting them know, hoping that things would change for the better.

“Leisha, please take good care of mum and dad for me while I’m away alright?” Atishridhwik told Leisha with watery eyes, as if his tears are about to burst out any moment.
“What do you mean? Where are you going? You aren’t going to join the Tamil Tigers, are you…?” Leisha replied. There was an awkward silence between them for a moment.
“Please, don’t go. It’s very dangerous! Ashwin! Come! Brother’s going to join the Tamil Tigers! Please help me persuade him to stay.” Leisha screamed. Ashwin ran out of his room immediately.
“Brother, I agree with Leisha. It’s very dangerous. And if things go out of hand, you might lose your life! Mum and dad will be devastated if you go. You wont want that to happen, will you?” Ashwin interrupted. Everyone kept quiet for a while, then, Atishridhwik ran off without saying a word.

“I’ll go with him and try to change his mind. Stay at home and try not to breathe a single word about this incident to mum and dad.” Ashwin instructed Leisha. Leisha nodded her head and sent him off at the door.

Ashwin tried his best to persuade Atishridhwik, but nothing could change his mind. So, he decided to join the Tamil Tigers with him. Meanwhile, Leisha waited for their return. At last! After waiting for more than a week, Atishridhwik returned home, looking filthy and disgusting with bloodstains all over his clothes. Leisha froze for a few seconds; she was at a loss of words.

“Ashwin won’t be coming back anymore, and it’s all my fault. I’m the worst brother in the world. I’m sorry.” Atishridhwik knelt down and cried his heart out. Tears welled up in Leisha’s eyes. Her heart sank upon hearing the news.

“You mean… he died in a riot? How could you let him join the Tamil Tigers?! You knew that he has a weak heart! You knew that he isn’t strong enough to even lift a packet of rice, let alone win in a riot! Brother, how could you?” Tears rolled down her cheeks. She walked away briskly back home, leaving Atishridhwik alone.

Lolita and Sundramoorthy confronted Leisha and asked why was she crying, but she refused to say at first. After she had cooled down, she felt that her parents has the right to know about it. She walked out of her room nervously, thinking of a way to break the news to them gently.

“I have news to tell you, mum and dad. Ashwin is…”
“Is he home? Where is he? Bring him in!” interrupted Lolita.
“And what about Atishridhwik? He’s here too, right?” said Sundramoorthy excitedly.

“Atishridhwik is home, but Ashwin is… dead. I’m sorry! It’s my fault for not stopping them!”

Leisha shouted uncontrollably. Atishridhwik walked into the living and kneeled down in front of his parents. He explained everything to them. Lolita was speechless. Her face was a mixture of horror and sheer disbelief. Sundramoorthy had a sudden heart attack and died from it upon hearing the news of this son. Since then, the whole family hated the Sri Lanka government even more as they think that they are the cause of this whole incident.

:D