The news announcement would start anytime now. Neeti was seated behind her desk, looking at the countdown going down towards zero. She will have to begin anytime now.

“Good Morning everyone. We are having this urgent broadcast to inform you all about breaking news.”

Despite how she felt, she tried to keep a calm face while announcing the news.

“The story is still developing. But based on what we know so far yesterday late night, there was an incident in the Tamil Nadu state.”

Unconsciously I couldn’t help but pause for a bit.

“Reports have come from around 20 villages around the state that people have suddenly fallen sick to a mysterious illness, and numerous causalities have been reported so far. The exact numbers are unknown at this point. But we believe it to be more than 100 thousand as per early reports. All the victims have shown similar symptoms of bleeding from their eyes, nose, and mouth. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the doctors and scientists, none of the known treatments seems to be working on the victims. As of now, all the infected victims have been known to succumb to the infection within hours. We have experts of various fields present at the site right now working to figure out the origin of this infection.”

“We request the people not to panic and remain indoors for the day till we have more details. The Governments of India has announced a complete lockdown of the Tamil Nadu State for 5 days till more details are available for everyone’s safety.”

“The possibility of this being a terrorist attack is also considered. Though no known or otherwise organization has come forward to claim the responsibility of the attack so far.”

“The only details we have about the illness is that it is airborne and spreads very fast once infected within the victims. We have no known reports of it spreading from one person to another so far. Still, the government has requested everyone to be careful and call the helpline if you or anyone near you shows any symptoms.

“Also, the villages that were attacked are currently quarantined, and no one is allowed near them. In case you are unable to reach any of your relatives in those areas, please reach out to the Government helpline number.”

“We at Metro News will continue to cover this incident and will strive to bring the latest news to the people.”

And thus, Neeti wrapped her first urgent news announcement in her life. She could only pray the situation would improve soon.

Unlike the regular news reports, this was kept short and straightforward to avoid panic and reassure people.

She might have to go on Air again soon to give more updates on the developing situation. But she was already tired and wanted a break.

She went to the cafeteria for a coffee.

She noticed the Chief was also present there sipping on a tea. He looked exhausted as well.

“Can I join you?”

“Hi, Neeti. Yeah, sure. Please do. And good job on the news today. I can only imagine how you felt reading that news. It could not have been easy with such a piece of news. “

“It was ok. At the end of it, we have to make sure the people know what is happening. That is our main responsibility.”

“Good to know you still have your head and heart at the right place. It will help you in this career.”

“Thanks. Do we have any more details on the incident?”

“I believe by this point, it should be clear that this was an attack and could be nothing else.”

“I think so as well. But do we know by whom or why?”

“We don’t have those details yet. But what worries me is the scale of the incident. All the attacked places were spread across the state. Which makes it clear that it was a pre-planned and well-coordinated attack.”

“Yeah, I noticed that as well. Do we even know what was used?”

“That’s the most worrying part. The scientists believe it to be an airborne chemical. But nothing that is known to them. So this seems like a new chemical weapon. An organization that possesses such a terrifying weapon is bound to cause an alarm across the world. We expect an announcement from the WHO and possibly other global organizations as well at any moment. This will cause a huge uproar everywhere.”

“Wow. I didn’t know that. But if it is such a dangerous and new weapon, why the attack here? Tamil Nadu state doesn’t seem like the most important place for an attack of such a scale or deadly weapon. I mean, there are other far more important places. And even within the state, why the villages?”

“I agree. Which raises more questions. The government has clearly been caught off guard. There is going to be a lot of pressure on the police and investigation agencies, as this was definitely a failure on everyone s part.”

“What do you think will happen next?”

“First, we will wait for the scientists and doctors to confirm or deny whatever we discussed so far. Next, we will have to see how the government handles this situation. Also, how the rest of the world reacts to this. They will want to be a part of the investigation as this could be a potential threat for everyone.”

I couldn’t help but think things were not going to remain the same. Or would it? This was for sure something of a previously unforeseen scale. But people tend to forget things soon and get back to their regular life as long as it doesn’t affect them.

While we were talking, I could see Ajith running across the hall towards us. He seemed to be searching for us.

“Hey Ajith, calm down. What happened? All ok?”

“We have got big news. We might have to go on Air sooner than we thought”.

“What happened?”

“Someone has claimed responsibility for the attack.”

“Who?”

The Chief got up and started walking back to the office while talking. I also joined them and couldn’t help but be eager as well to know the answer.

With a solemn expression, Ajith replied

“The King Group”