After being discharged from the hospital, Harold went to see his house — the same house that had been burned down. The sight was so painful that he felt as if a sharp knife had been stabbed into his heart.
From that day on, every year, Harold would visit the house on the death anniversary of his family. He would pray to God for their souls and offer the food they loved most as a tribute.
On one such anniversary, Harold came to the house early in the morning, as he usually did. He prayed, made the offerings, and then prepared to leave. But when he tried to start his car, it wouldn't start.
He called Cholan for help, but Cholan didn't answer his call. Since Harold always visited around 10:00 AM but was delayed that day, he arrived later than usual. When he finally reached the house, he was shocked to see someone already inside.
It was Cholan. The sight surprised Harold. He stayed hidden, carefully watching. After a while, Harold quietly returned to his home.
He decided to follow Cholan the next day. He saw Cholan go to a house, enter it, and call for someone inside. Harold followed him into the house and was stunned when he saw who appeared — it was Karikalan.
The shock was too much for Harold, and he immediately left without saying a word. Confused and restless, Harold returned to the house later when Cholan wasn't there. He rang the bell, and Karikalan himself opened the door.
"Sir!" Harold said and hugged him tightly, tears streaming from his eyes.
Karikalan asked Harold to sit and calmly explained what had happened:
"On the day of the attack, I got a call. Since you didn't answer your phone, they told me to come to your house because they wanted to see your son. When I went there, your son was outside playing with a balloon. I brought him back inside your house.
But then, suddenly, the house caught fire. When I tried to go in and save the others, someone hit me from behind with an iron rod. I fainted right there.
When I regained consciousness, your entire house was burning. I somehow managed to get your son out. Your car was also there — so I called you. James answered your phone and told me what had happened to you. He said you were thrown into the sea after being shot.
I didn't know what to do. So I left everything behind and took your son and my wife to a remote village near the country's border where no one could find us. We have been living there ever since."