Anisha’s Perspective:
When the announcement came that Samuel Gomez would assume leadership of the group, a solitary voice pierced the silence, reverberating through the hall. “How can he become the leader when the leader stands before you?” The words hung in the air, a challenge that instantly hushed the crowd. A path was cleared for me, a silent procession of acknowledgment, allowing me to traverse the room and reach the stage.
As the assembled audience laid eyes on me, their expressions were a symphony of surprise, curiosity, and trepidation. My unwavering smile dared them to oppose me as I stood poised to claim what was rightfully mine.
I walked gracefully toward the stage, emerging from my sanctuary corner, my determination evident at every step. I needed to reveal my face clearly; any lingering doubts about my identity needed to be dispelled. After all, as the leader, it was my role to lead by example.
Upon reaching the front of the stage, I cast my gaze upon those standing there. “Speaking of leadership,” he addressed me with a confident tone, “you’re not even members of this group. So, I suggest you leave before we’re compelled to remove you from the face of this earth.” Mr. Anderson spoke, playing his loyal role to perfection. I couldn’t help but smile sweetly in response, a gesture that seemed to baffle him further.
“Oh, Mr. Anderson,” I retorted, my tone dripping with honeyed venom, “How dare you speak with such disrespect to your leader? It seems your brain has taken an extended vacation, while you are willingly following orders like the loyal puppy you are. But fear not, for your future leader is far more generous than you can imagine. When I’m done with you, you’ll be cursing the day you were born.” As I delivered my final words, my expression morphed into the most serious one I had ever worn. I couldn’t quite fathom where this newfound ruthlessness was coming from, but I suspected it had something to do with the torment I had endured because of their selfish motives.
My train of thought was abruptly halted by a stern voice that resounded through the hall. “What do you think you’re doing?” my father demanded, his authoritative voice commanding attention. He appeared composed, but beneath that façade, I could detect the simmering anger in his tone.
“You were never announced as the leader,” he continued, “and, more importantly, you were expelled from the group. You are no longer a member. Don’t waste our time with this theatrics before I lose my patience.”
Upon hearing my father’s words, I looked at him for a brief moment, my strong facade slipping as I gazed upon his face. He may not have been a loving figure in my life, but the undeniable fact remained that he was my father. Emotions I had long suppressed welled up, and for an instant, the little girl who had once yearned for her father’s love and attention resurfaced. Yet, his expression remained stoic and neutral.
I quickly reined in my thoughts and emotions, refocusing on the present situation. With a composed smile, I turned my attention to Mr. Singh, the senior legal advisor of our group, a man known for his loyalty and trustworthiness.
“Mr. Singh,” I began with a neutral tone and a serious demeanor, “when a child is announced as the future leader, what is the process that follows?”
Samuel couldn’t resist interjecting, “What are you trying to do?” His interruption only earned him a sharp and deadly gaze from me. I turned to him, fixing him with a serious and somewhat threatening gaze. “You will have your chance to speak,” I told him, my voice cold and unwavering. “Until then, I suggest you keep your mouth shut unless you’re eager to face the consequences.” My words silenced him, his anger giving way to reluctant compliance.
I returned my attention to Mr. Singh and continued, “Please proceed, Mr. Singh.”
He glanced briefly at my father, then back to me, nodding. “When a child is announced as the future leader, they will assume leadership on their 21st birthday,” he explained.
I nodded in acknowledgment and posed my next question, “What if, for some reason, the child is not announced as the leader on their 21st birthday? What happens then?”
Without hesitation, Mr. Singh answered, “If the person is not declared the leader on their 21st birthday, but the reason for this omission is valid and substantiated, proving that they are undeserving, then they will not be considered the leader.”
I contemplated this information, my gaze shifting to the trio on the stage-my uncle, Mr. Anderson, and Samuel. Samuel wore a smug expression, Mr. Anderson seemed at ease, while my uncle’s face revealed his discomfort with my line of questioning. I offered them a polite smile before turning back to Mr. Singh for my final inquiry.
“And what if the person is innocent and can prove it?” I asked. “What are the implications then?”
Before Mr. Singh could respond, my uncle couldn’t help but interject, clearly perturbed by my line of questioning. “Anisha, my child, what are you trying to do?” he asked with a concerned tone.
I shifted my attention towards my uncle, my smile maintaining its sweetness as I replied politely, “You will understand what I am trying to do in due time, Uncle. Please, just give me a little more time.” My words held a hint of mystery, leaving him perplexed but intrigued by my intentions.
Mr. Singh responded promptly, “In such a case, if the person can prove their innocence, they will be recognized as the leader from the moment they turn 21.”
The gravity of Mr. Singh’s words settled in the room as I absorbed this crucial information.
As our question and answer session came to an end, the hall was cloaked in an eerie silence, tension hanging thick in the air like a storm about to break. I took each step towards the stage with grace, the click of my heels breaking the silence that had settled like a heavy shroud.
Upon reaching the stage, I turned to face the gathered audience. Before me stood Mr. Singh, a pivotal figure at this crucial moment. I focused my attention on him and posed a question that seemed to echo through the hall, “Mr. Singh, if I prove my innocence, does that mean I become the leader of all the members present here?”
My question sparked a sudden commotion throughout the hall. Whispers and murmurs rippled through the audience like a gathering storm. All eyes were now fixed on Mr. Singh, awaiting his response with bated breath. He replied with a single, powerful word that sent shockwaves through my enemies, “Yes.”