The Dorson Mines

So, Children, solve this question “2x + 11 = 99”. I was in the same boring Math class sitting beside my best friend, Kayanth. I was secretly taking help from him. I frankly did not know anything about the chapter. Priya ma’am, my math teacher was hopefully not seeing us; she was talking to someone on the phone outside the class. Having finished the sum, I looked around. All the students were throwing chits...… I had no idea as to what is in it. I asked one of my friends to pass it to me. I opened it in excitement but found something surprising, the answer to the question. “So, everyone was copying!” I thought. Suddenly the door opened, and I threw the chit on the floor in fear thinking that Priya ma’am had come. 

But it was Principal ma’am aka Princi. She came in excited and said “Dear children, we are planning to take you on a trip to the famous Dorson Mines in Argentina. The USA government has given us free passes to certain schools in India. Luckily, our school has gotten these passes due to our school’s reputation. Whoever wants to come can register their names with your class teacher. It costs 10000 rupees. Only applicable to the first 100 people who register. Thank you!" She immediately left the class and I could hear faint and excited talk about Princi saying that my school would become famous, they would be featured in newspapers and on TV. After hearing this, I thought that at least my parents get to say that I am studying in a famous school. But I had no idea about Dorson Mines. I just read that it was of significant historical importance and I'm a history lover. But I was nervous, will my parents let me for the trip?? I was nervous because they do not let me for most of my trips even if they could afford it. After all, I had broken my hand on one trip and ever since then, my dad has lost trust in my school. 

After class, it was time to go home. I took my bag slowly and walked out of the class. Kayanth called me but I ignored him. As I pondered whether my dad would allow me to join the trip, I lost myself in my thoughts. He was planning to come with me, but all his other friends called him, and he had to go. Kayanth was famous in class. He was plump but incredibly skilled in sports and intelligent. But I was the opposite, I wasn't talented at sports and average in studies. I walked towards the school bus and sat in the last seat, my favourite seat where I had some privacy. The bus started moving. I sat and started thinking and wondering whether my dad would let me this time. If he did not let me this time, then I planned to protest. It was an excellent opportunity I surely would not want to miss. Suddenly a big shadow fell on my head. I turned my head up to see Arjun, the bully with his gang. Arjun was fat and huge, always stealing food from students and everyone around him feared him. He ordered, “This is our seat, get off from here!” I just pretended like I never heard them, took my textbook, and started reading. Arjun got furious and started pushing me off the seat. I tried to stop him, and I swung my hand towards him to stop him but instead punched him on his face and his nose began bleeding. I just did not mean to punch him, but I did. Everyone on the bus was looking at me and him. Some were surprised and some were murmuring something with each other. I knew I was going to be in huge trouble when suddenly the bus came to a halt. I was surprised as mine was the first stop but it stopped elsewhere. Our driver called me and said "Your dad has come to pick you up" I was puzzled as to why he came to pick me up. Had I forgotten something? I got off the bus and I saw my dad was waiting for me in the car. I got in and he says "Forgot about the surprise?? I told you to wait in school. Fine never mind. Let's go!" 

“What surprise?” I thought. Then I remembered it was mom's birthday and dad and I had planned a surprise for her. My dad gave me clothes and I changed in the car itself. My family had reached the hotel and there was a big party! I enjoyed it a lot and at the end of the party, I realized that I had to ask dad about the trip. There were only limited slots. I walked up to my dad. He seemed to be in a cheerful mood. Butterflies were flying in my stomach; would he allow me for the trip or would I have to stay home again this year? I walked to him and started stuttering “D..D... Dad? My school is taking me on a trip to the Dorson Mines in Arg-gentina. We must pay 10000 rupees only... please can I go, dad? Please!?” I pleaded. After he thought for a while, he replied, "You have grown up now, and this trip isn't dangerous either." You can sign up for it.” After hearing these words, my joy knew no bounds! I jumped in joy! I was ready for the trip.... a trip after 5 years. I called my teacher as soon as I could and realized there were only 5 slots left. I immediately applied for the trip! Kayanth had also applied for it. 

As soon as I reached home, I quickly took my suitcase and started arranging my clothes. I took my favourite shirt. I looked around, thinking about what else to pack. I saw my table and found a pack of cards. Did I pack the cards too, because why not? I also kept my video game console in my suitcase. I also kept a torch in my bag, some sunscreen in case it was hot. I could not think of anything more to pack, so I closed my suitcase, ate a hearty dinner, and retired to sleep. 

It was the day of the trip, that is on August 11. All students screamed in excitement after Biology, the last class. I could hear lots of chattering, murmuring among students. About 1000 students came. We could wear casual clothes that day. So, I put on a Hawaiian shirt, casual shorts and came to school. Kayanth also wore the same. I sat with Kayanth on the bus and the bus took us to the airport. We were travelling to the USA by flight. Then I realized that it was my very first time flying in an aeroplane. I was scared, nervous. Funny thoughts surrounded my mind. "What would happen if the engine misfires?", or "What if all the oxygen in the cabin gets over?" We would all die a miserable death. I was also scared whether Arjun and his dumb followers would come. Then Kayanth exclaimed, "Dude, going on a plane is fun. It is going to be a piece of cake!". Let's go! It would be a piece of cake for him, but I might end up puking out the cake as well since I ate cake in the morning. We were taken to Gate no. 3 with Kayanth with our Chemistry teacher, Geeta ma'am joining us with us.

The mines were under British control for some time, and natives claim they are haunted. They believe the souls of the dead soldiers and pirates still roam the caves...Are you kidding me? I don't believe in such superstitions!

The flight was due in 1 hour. In this one hour, I and Kayanth both took photos, played video games, and ate chips. Then the airport staff said "Gate no. 3 is open. Passengers boarding for New Jersey at this gate, please report as soon as possible. Kayanth rushed to the gate joy before me but Sports Ma'am stopped him and ordered him to stand at the back of the line. I felt pity for him but it was hilarious at the same time. Guess "Slow and steady wins the race" is true! We boarded the airport bus and then the flight. I and Kayanth sat together. The plane slowly took off and I held my heart together in fear. Surprisingly, it wasn't as scary as I thought. We ate some snacks and fell asleep. 

"Dude, WAKE UP! WE HAVE REACHED THE USA!" Kayanth yells in my ear. Suddenly I woke up and realized we were travelling to the United States. I had fallen asleep. We had reached New Jersey. It was evening. We got down, and all the same airline procedures happened. As soon as we arrived at the airport, we were awestruck at how beautiful New Jersey was. It was so neat and clean in the USA and I thought, why cannot India be so clean? We all got in a traveller van which had a sticker that said "Dorson Mines Guest Van". We all got in and we were on our way to the mines. The scenery outside was stunning, with huge skyscrapers and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. I could see concerts happening, street dancers dancing, employees heading to their workplace, engineers working in construction sites, businesspeople riding in luxury cars, and many more. I again fell asleep since it was a long journey to Dorson Mines. 

Suddenly the bus screeched and came to a halt. My heart skipped a beat as I tripped and hit the floor. I had no idea what had happened. Was it an accident? I slowly stood up to see the bus falling from the side of the Palisade cliffs! I was terrified. Everyone was screaming and yelling. The bus was balancing at the edge of the hill. Our driver yelled to us not to move. It was hectic, no one knew what to do. One sudden movement and the bus would crash down. Suddenly, Dheer, one of my classmates at the back of the bus woke up from his sleep. He stood up and stretched his arms. Before anyone could do anything, the bus vibrated and fell from the cliff, 1000 feet (about the height of the Empire State Building) from the ground. "AAAAAAAAAHHH!!" everyone started screaming .... Fear gripped me as I closed my eyes and held on to the seat.d on to the seat. I too yelled at the top of my lungs. 

"AAAAA" I woke up screaming, with sweat all over my face....it was just a terrible dream. The most awful dream I ever had. Falling from a cliff, 1000 feet? I would die of fear before falling if it were real. My vision was blurry. I needed glasses. I tried to focus on my vision. I could see something moving. I rubbed my eyes and I saw everyone leaving the van. We had reached the mines! John, the driver, escorted us to the cottages, which were located in the mines themselves. As soon as I entered the cottage, I was amazed. The rooms were nothing like the hotel rooms in India. Even a simple cottage is so advanced. The bed was so spacious and comfortable. There were so many closets that looked like different rooms. Kayanth and I were in the same room. I was incredibly happy. Kayanth was jumping on the bed and yelling like a monkey. John came and said "Tomorrow, we are off to see the mines, so for now have a good night's sleep." and he shut the door and walks away. I was simply looking at the room when I found a balcony door. Upon opening it, I could see all kinds of evergreen trees lining the entire mine. I could also hear birds chirping every minute. The sparrows were chirping, parrots were squawking, woodpeckers were drumming. We could also see a waterfall in the distance. A very chilly climate accompanied a heavenly view. After that, we ate dinner and went to sleep. 

*CHIRP CHIRP* A sparrow was chirping in my ear. I woke up and I saw the balcony door was open. So that's how the sparrow came in! But how did the door open? I remember that we had closed the door before heading to sleep. I turned to wake up Kayanth but he was not there. I started panicking......did they leave me behind or did someone come here. I saw Kayanth's bag, all his clothes were scattered over. My heart started beating faster and faster. I heard humming sounds somewhere in the room. It felt like it was coming from the cupboard. But who will be sitting in the cupboard and humming?? I heard John say that the locals believe there are ghosts in this mine but only a few visitors say that they saw those ghosts. Could it be the GHOSTS!? 

I walked slowly and slowly towards the cupboard. My heart was beating fast, as fast as a bullet train. I slowly kept my hand on the handle and turned it....it did not open. But how could a cupboard have a lock inside? Suddenly, the door opened! I fell back in horror to see Kayanth coming out of the cupboard with a towel. It wasn't a cupboard; it was the BATHROOM. Kayanth said "Is it urgent? Do your business in your bathroom fast, we are leaving in 15 minutes!" I saw the time, it was 8:45! We had to leave at 9:00 to eat breakfast. I felt relieved and rushed to bathe. I put on my favourite red colour full-hand shirt and a pair of pants and proceeded to breakfast. There were sandwiches, Bread and Jam, Pancakes, Cornflakes, and Watermelon Juice. I just took some bread and jam, ate, and ran to the bus, sat in the first seat, and reserved a space for Kayanth. All sat in the van and Kayanth sat beside me. John started the van and started driving. 

John started speaking "Good morning, children! Let's learn about the Dorson mines today. It has a fascinating history. In 1879, it was a famous place where you could find coal, gold, and diamonds. It was the first mine in America. The British became rich, thanks to these mines when British colonies were set up here. Many pirates used to come and try and steal gold but in vain due to the protection of the British. During World War 2, the USA govt. This area holds many secret passages through which the soldiers fought and exploited the oil found here for military purposes. But only 2 have been found so far. Over 5,00,00,000 people used to work here. But the mine was closed in 2002 due to the Dorson crisis where Al Qaeda terrorists captured this mine. After this incident, it was declared a tourist attraction in 2007. We will now be heading into the mines. People believe ghosts exist here...but I know you smart children can understand that! After 2 years, your school is the first to enter this mine. It was under further renovation again. It is quite easy to get lost so be careful and stay in groups! Everybody agreed and got off the bus

The history was, in my opinion, amazing. I could be incredibly lucky to find something of historical importance. John stopped in front of a cave and when we got down, he gave everyone a kind of walkie-talkie and he said "In case you get lost, just dial 1190 and I will attend the phone and help you". Everyone's phone has numbers. The numbers are stuck in a small piece of paper behind the device so I can call my friends if I get lost! Kayanth asked for my number and my number was 4456. There was an old board saying "Dorson Mines - Unauthorized people not allowed". "Come in children," John said. It seemed like a dark mine and then John reached for and pulled a switch and then.... small lights began blinking. The lights started blinking rhythmically but the mine's lighting was still dim. Kayanth was amazed. He wandered everywhere and started taking notes about everything. My friend is such a nerd! John was answering questions asked to him. I heard Saatvik, one of my classmates asking John "Sir, why are these tracks for?" John answers "When miners dig out gold or coal, they put it in mine carts and send it out of the mine. For the mine carts to run, they needed these tracks. I loved it, so did Kayanth. Thinking of him, I looked out for him, but he was nowhere to be seen. I thought of calling him but I forgot to ask for his number. I thought of informing John about this but it might ruin this trip. So, I decided to search for him alone, hoping that he would call me. He knew my number. 

After about 15 minutes of searching, my phone started ringing, the number was 2231. I answered and heard "DUDE!!, *HUFF PUFF* I AM LOST SOMEWHERE IN THIS CAVE. I WAS WALKING AND SUDDENLY I FELL INTO AN UNDERGROUND TUNNEL AND CAME TO *HUFF PUFF* ANOTHER ROOM... PLEASE INFORM JOHN AND COME FAST TO SAVE ME! I CAN'T BREATHE ALSO! 

Before I could say anything, the phone call got disconnected. I needed to save him as soon as possible or else this mine will be his tombstone. My heart started beating again. I always felt suffocating when I was extremely nervous. My mind wasn't steady, and I didn't know what to do. I couldn't think of a clever idea. After some thinking, I decided what I was planning to do. I secretly sneaked out of the group without John noticing and I walked into a small tunnel to my right. "Kayanth must have gone in this way.... this is the only tunnel which seems to not have been renovated," I thought. Up until a certain distance, I walked. The tunnel was very dirty with spiderwebs and bats! I was feeling very thirsty and remembered I had left my backpack back there. So, I continued walking. The cave was stinking...…a rotten smell. I couldn't recognize the smell and I could not even describe it. Suddenly, a hundred bats started flying around me! I bent down in fear and after everything was over, I continued walking ahead. I checked my watch. It was 12:07 pm. I had spent 3 hours looking for him and was very hungry because I did not eat well this morning. A toffee was in my pocket so I ate it and continued into the dark, creepy caves. I saw many bats crowding over a place as I was moving forward. Something was hanging from a rope. I moved closer.... step by step. I was nervous again. Why were the bats crowding over that place? What could it be? Lots of questions arose in my mind. I moved closer and closer; I shooed the bats away and I saw...…. A DISFIGURED DEAD CHILD HUNG OVER A ROPE. As soon as I saw that, my vision became blurry. It seemed like my body gave up on screaming and running. I fell with a thud to the ground and fainted. 

AAAAAAAAH!!! I heard a voice and I woke up. I felt damp. I got up and saw a...… Muddy creature! The myth of ghosts was real!

"AAAAA MUD MONSTER!" it yelled in a human voice. I was puzzled and terrified. I saw myself; I was all muddy and wet. And then I realized that I had heard this voice before. KAYANTH...IT WAS KAYANTH! "What?? How do you know my name??" Kayanth asked, surprised. I took my napkin and cleaned my face. He also recognized me and said "I would have smacked you on your face if you hadn't revealed your identity" 

"NOW HOW ON EARTH ARE WE GOING TO GET OUT OF THIS MESS?!"

"I don't know" 

I saw that we were both in a muddy puddle. It was exceedingly difficult to come out. It was like suction pads, just like we learned in our physics class. I and Kayanth were trying to come out, pushing our bodies as hard as we could... I felt as if I was walking on something bony, my foot hurt. Suddenly, it seemed like those bony things were rising to the surface of the puddle. "Atmospheric pressure," Kayanth said as a joke. I frowned. I somehow managed to get out of the puddle with much difficulty. Mud was dripping from my body. My back was also paining terribly. When I turned back to see the puddle...............it was full of SKELETONS! Some were half rotten, most looked like kids. I froze, staring at that pond. Kayanth being puzzled looked down in horror and then with all his might came out and jumped on me in fear! I was out of balance. Kayanth was very heavy, I stumbled and lost my balance and SPLOCH!!! 

We fell back in the puddle! 

We somehow got out with much difficulty. I was still in shock seeing those floating bodies. Neither of us liked being here for a bit. We wanted to escape as soon as possible. We tried to figure out how we landed in the puddle in the first place. "I was exploring a cave and got lost. Suddenly someone used chloroform on me, and I fainted". After hearing this, my hand reached to my pocket to grab my phone, but it was also missing! Something strange is happening in these mines... 

Now we both were alone, alone in a dirty tunnel, full of skeletons, stinking, without any food or water. We decided to proceed forward. We walked straight through the only tunnel. Kayanth became very tired and weak and he said "Bro, I can't continue any further.... I am too tired". I did not want to say this but I replied "If we want to get out of this mine alive, you've got to stick with me..." After hearing this, Kayanth continued walking with me in the dark mine. After a while, the tunnel comes to a dead end and we see two turns, left and right. Now came the big confusion. I always tend to get confused when scared. Kayanth says "Let's go right" That tunnel was too dark and spooky. I protested, "No bro, let's go left". 

"Right is always right"

"Left is always right, Kayanth"

"Fine I will go right, you choose where you want to go" 

This argument was the funniest we ever had 

Kayanth walked into the right tunnel. I was confused.... which tunnel to walk to? Should I trust Kayanth...or should I trust my gut? 

I decided to walk in the left tunnel because it looked cleaner and safer. After taking a deep breath, I kept walking forward in the left tunnel. My footsteps were echoing in the tunnel. I was very scared and hungry. So hungry that I might faint. Soon, the spookiness of the cave and the loneliness took over me and I ran back to meet up with Kayanth. I ran into the right tunnel and I walked as fast as I could. As I was looking out for him, I saw something on the ground. Is it one more of those corpses? I stopped and looked at it closely. It was very much familiar! "KAYANTH!" I yelled. Again, the nervousness and fear took over me. I started panicking. I examined his whole body. Did a poisonous insect bite him? Or was it a snake? Did he die? I checked his pulse; it was still beating. This gave me a huge sigh of relief.

I carried him on my back somehow and carried it as far as I could. He was very heavy and my back was also paining. After coming out of the tunnel, I dropped Kayanth to the ground. I saw tracks! Luckily, I saw a mine cart. I carried Kayanth in the mine cart. There was a handle in the mine cart. I had to move the handle like a water pump and move the cart. As a lazy person, this mine has made me work a little bit. I kept my hand on the handle and started applying force. *TRSSSHHHH TRSHHHH* The rusted wheels were making irritating sounds and it was difficult to drive the mine cart. However, I was able to move it but at a slow pace. I somehow moved the mine cart. Suddenly I heard moaning in the cave. But where? I stopped the minecart. I again heard the moaning sound. I heard the sound again. It felt like it was coming from all directions. I was startled by a terrible sound as if someone was hurt or hungry. I heard a weak voice "Bro..." I looked down...it was Kayanth who was moaning in hunger and he was also hurt. PHEW!! It was just Kayanth. If it was someone else then I will have to put them in the mine cart and take them also. I would die of fatigue then. Suddenly, I spotted something red in the mine cart. I bent down to touch it. I saw it and it was BLOOD! I went to Kayanth and saw blood was bleeding from his hip........as if someone had stabbed him. But stabbing? This mine itself is a big mystery. 

I took the scarf which he wore and I tied it to his hip. I also gave him some water which was in Kayanth's bag luckily. He soon came to complete consciousness and he woke up but still very weak. He was losing a lot of blood and couldn't speak much. "W-we need to g-get to..." I stopped him and assured him that we would get back to John as soon as possible and then I continued pulling and pushing the lever. Then later Kayanth also started helping me move the mine cart faster. We went up and down slopes, different tracks but were not able to find the route, we both were exhausted. I sat down, tired when suddenly I saw a small shelf below the lever. What could it be? 

I bent down to open the shelf and saw,

"FOOD!" I yelled. 

It was a packet of biscuits. We both pounced on it and ate it. My hunger was satisfied to an extent. 

"THANK YOU, GOD!" Kayanth yelled in joy 

But I noticed something strange on the cover.......the manufacturing date! I checked and it was August 1 and today was August 13! First, I thought it was a biscuit left by some other children who must have come. John, however, had stated earlier that no other school had entered the mine due to renovations. 

What if it was one of the workers or something? 

WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING IN THE MINE? 

We decided not to think about that and get out of here as fast as we could. After eating all the biscuits, I had all the energy to push the lever. Both of us pushed the lever, and it moved quickly enough. All of a sudden, I saw my backpack at a distance. As I snuck out of the group to find Kayanth, I remembered I had left it on the ground. This meant WE WERE NEAR! But then, the mine cart took a wild turn and ended up on another track. I tried to pull the brake lever but it did not seem to stop since it was sliding down a slope. Both of us started panicking. We were trying as hard as we could to pull but there was no hope. e. The slope was becoming steeper. This made it tougher to stop the mine cart. 

Suddenly, I saw a board at a distance which said "END OF TRACK"

"Oh no!" we yelled and tugged on the brake lever with all our energy, but to no avail. The minecart never seemed to stop.

The minecart was about to tumble down the end of the track... Kayanth pulled the brake lever with all his might in fear. The lever moved and when the minecart was about to fall, it stopped. However, the force of the sudden brake pushed us both out of the mine cart. We both somersaulted in the air and fell inside the mine...... "HEEEEELLLLLPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!" we both shouted and I fell and fell and fell. It seemed like an endless fall. I could hear Kayanth scream at the top of his lungs for his life. It felt like I was going to burst into pieces, I knew I wasn't going to survive... I closed my eyes and braced myself for impact. 

I woke up, my vision was blurred again. After rubbing my eyes, I could see a picturesque waterfall with fresh, clean water. I saw many animals drinking water.......I saw peacocks dancing and cuckoos cooing. "So, this is heaven!" I thought. Overhead, it was completely cloudy and the weather was pleasant. But I did feel sad about dying. Luckily, God sent me to heaven, not hell. But my body was paining as if I had fallen on my stomach in a swimming pool. I could see Kayanth drinking water from the river at a distance. I walked up to him and before I could speak anything, he exclaimed: " Oh! You woke up after all. Luckily, we landed in the river. You fell unconscious and I carried you out of the water and waited for you to wake up". This explains it. So, this was not heaven after all. I ran towards the water and drank as much as I could. Right now, our main concern is to get out of this "so-called" haunted mine. 

All of a sudden, we heard an opening door, someone was coming this way! "Let's hide!" Kayanth whispered. We were hiding behind a stone and trying to find out from where the sound was coming. We heard someone utter confusing words. The door opened and we noticed 2 men stepping out from behind the waterfall! Those men were wearing a black mask with an eagle sign on it and wearing casual clothes. Could say they looked like bandits. One of the people was talking. We decided to overhear their conversation. One man started "Man, this competition is going to be sick. But these children from India will be a major nuisance for us. Another man responded, "Yes, you're right, I saw a child walking alone in one of the tunnels. I stabbed him with my knife, he was a huge risk to us. What if he found out about our operation? So, I had to do that. I was gonna kill him but.... another boy came running, so I escaped from there. Anyways, he fainted from the fake dead child in the platinum package you sent. It worked like a charm! I carried them both and threw them in the dead puddle. He's probably drowned in the puddle by now and the first boy would have died of blood loss." They laughed like maniacs and walked away. 

A few words struck me... Competition? What competition? How did they know that we were coming? What platinum package? All these words relate to one thing......"Could it be the BLACK MARKET?". We had to stop them, because otherwise who knows what sort of cruel activities they might engage in. I knew one thing about the competition: it was dangerous. Instead of running like a coward, I planned to stop them. I was still terrified but I had to somehow warn John of all these activities. "So....let's make a plan now, what do you say?" I said to Kayanth. No reply. I turned towards Kayanth to find him MISSING! Again, as usual, I started feeling dizzy and my heart beat faster than ever. "Cool down, Cooldown" I murmured to myself. I took a deep breath in and out as I learned in yoga class but it was useless. I was still horrified. Where did he go!? I looked here and there...I could not see him. Then I realized who took him......THOSE BANDITS! 

Again, I heard footsteps behind the waterfall. "Was it the bandits again!?". I hid back behind the stone and saw very carefully and then I saw a person standing in the dark. Seems like he was holding a sack. Could it be drugs?! There seemed to be a room behind the waterfall. The person uttered some blabberish words "Hola Mala Oklahoma, open the market jam jam jambolana" and the door opened just like in the story "Alibaba and the forty thieves". There was a dark cave which was behind the door but the voice I heard was similar... I might have heard it 1000 times. I tried to remember but failed because I was too scared to remember. He walked inside the cave and I decided to follow him. The moment he went inside the cave, I sprinted away. The cave was CLOSING! I needed to go inside the cave quickly. I ran as fast as I could, using all my energy. My clothes were also a bit loose because my shirt was a new one. My mom tends to buy shirts of a wider size so I can wear them for a longer time. I couldn't run properly, but I used all my might. I reached near the cave's door...and bam! The cave closed, but the good news was that I was in the cave. I saw the man walking in front of me but he did not notice me. I decided to follow him secretly, but I was unable to move forward! Someone was holding me from behind. But who was it!? I froze in fear, rooted to the spot. I thought that my time had come. As I closed my eyes, praying to God, I turned behind me to see something unexpected. My loose shirt got stuck between the cave doors. 

What a silly person am I? 

I tried moving in all directions but in vain. I struggled for a while and decided to give up. So, I discovered I had only one solution, an embarrassing solution.... the only solution through which I would escape alive from this mine- Remove my shirt. 

I removed my shirt. To catch up with that bandit before he disappeared out of sight, I walked stealthily but faster. It was cold inside the cave and it was even colder without my shirt. Luckily, the cave was lit by burning fire torches on the walls, so it wasn't so dark. Soon, I caught up with him but still was far away from that bandit. There was a steep turn and then he was out of my sight! I ran behind him and when I came to the turn.......HE WAS GONE! The cave split into two tunnels. I was again confused as to which way to go. I was hopeless at that moment. I did not know which way to go. I decided to lean on the wall of the cave and decide which way to take. Just then, I noticed I had pressed a camouflaged button on the wall. A trapdoor opened and then before I could do anything, I fell in! 

I was screaming in fear as the slide kept heading downward. I slid down with my eyes closed but realized that it was fun. I stopped screaming and enjoyed the ride down forgetting that I had to escape from here. Then I fell on an old trampoline...the steel of the trampoline made a loud sound. This ride was better than the water slides at Wonderla! I got down and I saw an old bridge which was over two hills like structures and there was lava between them...BOILING LAVA. This was just like those reality game shows and movies on TV. There was a door on the other side, which was usually the exit! I decided to walk slowly over the bridge...one wrong step could lead me to danger. I had a weird feeling; I was excited that I was getting out of here finally but nervous that I might fall. The bridge was shaking with every step and a few parts were broken too. I kept incredibly careful steps and then VOILA! I reached the other side! I let out a huge sigh. I ran towards the door faster than ever thinking about what would happen after escaping...I would never forget this experience in my lifetime. 

I turned the door handle slowly in excitement......"AT LAST! THIS IS GONNA BE RELIEVING!" I thought. I was abruptly held from behind by someone!

IT WAS THE BANDITS, THAT TOO 5 OF THEM! 

One of the bandits said maniacally, "Look who's here, such a pity you got caught. NOW ROT TO DEATH!" and everyone started laughing loudly. Not again, I was fed up with this mine and decided to attack them, but no use. They had tied my hands with a rope. "It was all over," I thought. He took me to a dark cell and threw me in it. I saw another random person too. But I could not see his face properly due to the darkness. But from what I could make out, he was beaten up very badly. He was bleeding from head to toe. Suddenly, a bandit came and said "Welcome to hell mister, time to die" and then swung an iron rod. Fear gripped me. I knew I would not make it now. 

I closed my eyes in fear but couldn't feel the pain. I slowly opened my eyes to see more people with rifles standing behind the bandit and holding me tightly. He was cuffed and taken. I WAS SAVED! My joy knew no bounds! But I was puzzled. How did they know that I was here, and where is Kayanth? A tall and fit man lent his hand to me. I gave my hand and got up. And then, I got to know that they were the American Police and the tall man was the commissioner. I was escorted out of this mine through the same door I tried to escape. When they opened the door, I saw all the bandits being arrested by the police. It was dark outside and they were part of a secret organization involved in the selling of organs. I asked about the competition but the commissioner refused to tell me and said it was for my good. It’s better if I didn’t know, or else I would have gotten nightmares about it. I looked at my watch and realized I had been in the mine for approximately 12 hours! Then I spotted Kayanth and ran towards him in joy and we hugged each other. Yet, something was odd. I saw Kayanth wearing bandit clothes! I was perplexed. Then, Kayanth explained everything. The man I saw entering the cave a while ago was none other than Kayanth. He was holding the sack which had fallen on the ground, probably left by one of the bandits. He had heard the magic words and ran inside. He had found a bandit walking and suffocated him with the sack until he fainted. After that, he wore his clothes, took his phone, and called the police. Till then, he remained in hiding! "Smart work Kayanth, I will make sure you are rewarded!", the commissioner exclaimed. Kayanth was awestruck, he least expected that. All the students and teachers, including Princi, were congratulating him. But he deserved it, to be honest, I was jealous of Kayanth. At least I got out of the mine alive! The medics came and treated our wounds. Kayanth had stitches on his stomach while they cleaned some of my small scratches which I didn't even notice.

The next day, we were leaving back to India. The trip was ruined, either way. Before leaving, Kayanth was awarded a bravery medal by the New Jersey Police Department. He was immensely proud of himself. All of us were! We all took a flight back home. But I didn't know if my parents had been informed about this. 

As soon as I came back home, they were confused and bombarded me with questions as to why I came back early. That means the school didn't inform my parents about this incident yet! I couldn't answer them, so I turned on the TV to the news channel and let them see for themselves. After seeing the news, they froze on the spot. “My next trip, total damage,” I thought. I was sure they would never let me go on school trips again. 

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. I ran to open the door to find the press in front of my house! All my neighbours were staring at me, confused due to the commotion in front of my house. Everyone started blasting me with questions! At once, I received a call from Kayanth. I answered the call to find the same rush in front of his house too. 

The trip I expected turned into a disaster!