MyStory

"Arte (factually) Speaking" Story-Writing Competition

Shortlisted Entry (Upper Primary Category)

Contest ID: 56

Name: Alphonse Akshay Benedict
Gender: Male
Age: 11-year-old
NRIC: SXXXX118J
Nationality: Indian
School: Bedok Green Primary School

Artefact: Hanuman Tholubomalattam (Shadow Puppets)

Museum: Asian Civilisations Museum

Image courtesy of Collection of Asian Civilisations Museum 

Kidnapped

One evening, I was alone at home, when a smartly dressed couple knocked on my door. The woman smiled and asked me, if she could see my parents. I told her that they had gone out but would be back soon. I invited them into the house. An hour lapsed but my parents had not returned.

I was surprised when they suddenly grabbed me. I winced in dismay and yapped in terror. They tied up my hands, taped my mouth and blindfolded me. I was hurled into a car and driven off to an unknown destination. I was too frightened to do anything. After driving for about two hours the car came to a stop. They dragged me out of the car and pushed me into a corner. When my blindfold was removed, I found myself inside a dark deserted apartment. I slowly moved towards the locked door and I heard them saying that they were going to ask a ransom of $20,000 from my father in exchange for my safe return. When I heard this I was frightened. My face was tight with strain.

Finally, I decided that I had to escape from these kidnappers. I looked around the dark room. There were no means of escape except for a small window, which was locked. I felt a prickle of fear touch the skin at the back of my neck. I gathered my wits and waited till the kidnappers had fallen asleep before I tried to open the window. I inched myself slowly towards the window. I managed to open the window with my penknife, which I carried in my pocket. Quietly I slipped out of the house and ran as fast as my legs could carry me. Since it was very dark, I stumbled and fell a couple of times. Far across the road I could see a dim light. Slowly, I moved towards it and was surprised to know that it was a temple which had a Hanuman artefact hanging inside. Seeing the temple I heaved a sigh of relief and prayed silently. Finally I reached the main road. I saw a car approaching. I waved and stopped the car. I told the driver what had happened. He took me to the nearest police station, and made a report. Then I led the police to the place where I was held captive earlier. I could easily help them locate the place because of the Hanuman temple. The kidnappers were arrested.

My parents were happy to see me safe and sound. The police officer praised me for my courageous deed.

(432 words)