Cross Roads: Pick a Path

by Janaath Vijayaseelan

  I rode in the same vehicle as Marona, Remone and Verone. From what Remone told me on the flight I knew that he was closer to Verone, in contrast to the rest of the family.

  “Arrun, you sure know how to make an introduction don’t you,” asked Verone.

  I returned to my ritual of replying with a smile once again; Remone sat next to me, without words. Once we were near the Duranji residence, I went back to staring out the window with astonishment. I could not comprehend whether I looking out at reality; I knew that Marona is rich, and titles himself as king, but this guy was serious. He did not live in some ordinary house, it looked like a palace, and the amount of land it covered was beyond what I have ever seen.

  By the time we got to the residence, I realized that the confrontation between Miran and I had already reached the rest of the henchmen. I felt like a movie star considering all the attention I was getting, it was actually quiet annoying. Nudging me, Remone whispered, “Bro are you for real? Where the hell did you get the balls?” I was actually amused at Remone’s disbelief; “We’re a man of our own, we aren’t meant to be controlled by another. Remember that,” I replied. I noticed that Miran didn’t return back to the residence as the rest of did.

  “Arrun, why don’t you go eat something, while someone gets a room ready for you,” suggested Marona.

  I kindly refused; I already had told Remone that I’d live with him and a few others we’d be working with.

  “He can stay with me Marona,” suggested Remone.

  “Yeah, it would be preferable if I stay with someone I already know,” I supported.

  “Alright kid, suit yourself. It’s probably for the best anyway, seeing how you and Miran have already started getting along so well. Go there and get some rest, we’ve got some serious work to get down to tomorrow. Remone, keep a good eye on this solider; he seems to be a fierce one. By the way, swing by Raja’s place and get Arrun acquainted with him.”

  “Will do,” responded Remone.

  Chapter 10 - Let The Games Begin

  Back on the road, I asked Remone about this Raja character. “Filling you in on everything is going to be a part-time job,” he said sarcastically.

  “Raja Krishnamurthy is Marona’s right hand. Seriously, this guy has been with Marona from the get go. No one but Raja knows the complete story of how Marona managed to build the colossal empire that he is. When you see Raja you’re going to have a really hard time believing that this guy is involved in any criminal activity; he’s the purest definition of innocence in disguise. He’s a lot older now, so he takes care of the business portions accompanied by Verone. Although his focus is in the business world, his opinions in Marona’s decisions still remain very crucial.”

  Raja’s home wasn’t so far from the Duranji residence; we were in Raja’s driveway within a short span of ten minutes. These guys cease to amaze me; Marona’s place was a palace but Raja’s home is hardly a step down. Being someone who was raised in North America, I found it really hard to believe that some of the housing in this part of the world exceeded what I was used to.

  Getting out of the SUV, Remone pointed out Raja who was accompanied by a few other classy looking men. Remone was not kidding when he said that I would be in disbelief; Raja was actually quiet short, with slicked black hair, and glasses. He just did not fit the description of someone who would be involved in criminal activities. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I said, as Remone smiled back. Raja must have known that we were coming; the moment he saw us, he left his company and approached us.

  “You must be the infamous Arrun that everyone has been talking about,” said Raja.

  Seriously? How on earth is the news spreading so fast, I feel like I’m surrounded by a bunch of gossip girls trying to act like tough men. Just as I have grown so accustomed to, I responded to Raja with a smile. “If you need any money, be sure to swing by and ask me,” he said. At this point, replying with my fake smile, started to become an automatic response, but I would much rather throw them a smile than having to actually converse with them.

  “By the way, what’s your full name,” Raja asked.

  “Arrun Durai,” I responded.

  “Alright Arrun, I don’t want to hold onto you and Remone the whole day. Take the day to get acquainted and comfortable to your new environment. I’ll probably be seeing you both tomorrow morning at the meeting.”

  I was actually glad to be able to leave; I didn’t want to stick around with the tiny man the entire day. The heat is one thing that I am going to have a hard time tolerating. Living in Canada we did have warm summers, but India was just too hectic. Besides, I have already had an eventful day, and some rest is what I needed. Especially because tomorrow would not be a walk in the park, of course considering the day I had today.

  ~

  On the way over to Remone’s place, he let me know that we would be living with three other guys. Thambi, who is apparently an overgrown, overweight twenty-five year old; Sethu the odd ball, a twenty-seven year old who is always down for anything and everything; and Renny, the twenty-seven year old who is the funny guy that turns serious according to the situation.

  For guys who are criminals for a living, these guys knew how to live a fancy lifestyle. Even those working under Marona, lived in nice places. Parking the SUV, Remone pointed out to me that it was Renny who was standing outside having a smoke. Stepping out of the vehicle I gave him a head nod. “Arrun bro, a nod? That’s all I get, give me a hug brother,” yelled Renny.

  “I guess you already know who I am?” I asked.

  “Know you? You’re like the only unexpected event we’ve seen happen in years. All of us were there earlier today when you got into a dispute with Miran. You’re one badass man! Never thought anyone would have the guts to speak back to anyone in the Duranji family. Also it’s pretty clear that you’ve really impressed Marona, seeing how you’re still alive after speaking up to his favorite son.”

  “Someone had to let him know right?” I questioned.

  “Well nobody who values their life would,” replied Renny.

  He was right, someone who valued their life would not have done half the things I did over the past few days. Maybe I didn’t value my life, or maybe I am still searching for a life to value.

  I only brought a luggage of clothes and some cash over from Toronto; walking through the front door, I stood eye to eye with a hippo! I did not need to ask Remone to know which of the three I was looking at. Thambi was cramming down some chicken when I saw him. The dude smiled back at me while holding a piece of chicken in his hands. “Want some,” he questioned. I stood steady for a brief moment just staring at him; a second later dropping my luggage to the floor I began to laugh uncontrollably; it felt great. I couldn’t remember the last time I laughed; Thambi translates to little brother in Tamil, but I knew I was going to have a hard time calling him that. Remone and Renny walk in curious as to what had me laughing so hard. The moment they turned through the doors, they too joined in laughing intensely; soon after even Thambi joined us.

  The only person left to meet was Sethu, the odd ball. Remone was in Toronto for some time prior to coming back to India with me; he spent some time catching up with Thambi while Renny showed me my room. Walking up the stairs I got a whiff of a familiar smell.

  “Is someone smoking up?” I asked.

  “Probably Sethu,” responded Renny.

  Coming here for a new beginning, smoking marijuana was definitely something I wanted to keep out of the picture. I need to create myself a stronger mentality; I don’t want to rely on a drug to help me forget memories. Observing myself over the last few days I know there has been change in my behavior. Things were beginning to look brighter; I am able to sleep, laugh, and communicate with others. I may never find the person I used to be, but maybe I could recreate myself.

  Renny knocked on Sethu’s door so I can meet him. Sethu opened his door with a joint between his lips. “What’s up bro,” asked Sethu lending his hand out as a ge
sture of friendship. Shaking his hand, I was wondering why Remone called him the odd one. He smiled, and slowly stepped back behind his door and closed it.

  “Well, that was weird,” I said

  “That’s Sethu for you, you’ll get used to it,” responded Renny.

  Renny showed me my room before heading back downstairs; settling in I actually liked this place. In my dark room I took a seat, everything I needed was right there for me. Although there was one factor that needed a change, the blinds were closed, and it was time for change. I can’t be living in the dark anymore; pulling the curtains, I watched as the room began to flood with light, lights of new life.

  Since our arrival time flew, it would be the appropriate time for me to get some rest. With all that happened throughout the day, I knew that I should be expecting some wild things tomorrow. The new life I began today is not one that everyone often dreams of, but I think it’s growing on me.

  Chapter 11 - Hostage

  It was fairly early when I went to bed yesterday evening; the time now is five in the morning and I am pretty sure the rest of the guys are asleep right now. My coffee and cigarette routine is not one to stop so easily; so I made my way down to the kitchen to get myself a cup. Coming down the stairs, I turned to the right in direction of the kitchen to find Sethu awake, sitting at the dining table rolling another joint.

  “Bro did you even sleep,” I asked.

  “Yeah, why do you think I closed the door on you yesterday,” he said.

  “Couldn’t you just say, you were going to sleep,” I questioned.

  “What’s the fun in that,” he responded.

  What’s the fun in that? What is that even supposed to mean, I stood there questioning myself. I was starting to realize why he is supposedly the weird one.

  “I’m going to make some coffee, do you want some,” I asked.

  “No, but I wouldn’t mind it if you poor me a shot,” he said.

  “Bro! It’s five in the morning! Is everything good,” I inquired.

  “What? A guy can’t drink in the morning? Not everyone who drinks is a complete mess. I just like to start my day off with a little buzz. Reality is just too boring, a hit from my joint and a shot of whisky and I’ll be buzzed the entire morning. Besides it helps when you’re a criminal, with all the shit you’re asked to do.”

  “Say no more brother, I got you,” I responded as I headed into the kitchen to make the coffee and poor a shot for Sethu. By the time I had both in hand, he was already at the top of the house. The house is pretty awesome seeing how we’re able to go over to the flat surfaced rooftop and have a great view of the entire city. It was quite amazing because it was the first time I was able to see it myself; Remone mentioned the view as we were on our way to the house, but I didn’t expect it to be stunning.

  “Pretty amazing, isn’t it” asked Sethu as he extended out his hand for the shot of whisky. “Breathtaking,” I responded placing a smoke between my lips. We both stood staring out into the open without a word, at peace. Sometimes you forget how big the world is, and you think it’s hard to find opportunities. Standing in another part of the world you start to think that there actually is a possibility to live more than one life in an existence.

  Breaking our silence was the ringing of Sethu’s phone. It was from the Duranji residence; they wanted for us to meet up at their place in an hour’s time. “Let’s see what today has in store for us, shall we,” said Sethu. He headed back down to wake up the rest of the guys as I sat against the edge of the house looking out into the city. I’ve never been such a religious person; nevertheless I do often find myself speaking to Pillayar, Lord Ganesha, as he’s often referred to in hopes of him hearing.

  “I often speak to you in hopes of you hearing my cries. I’ve always preferred to deal with things on my own; and even though I often say I don’t believe in god I find it necessary to turn to you in my times of need. Is it wrong? Is it wrong, that I only turn to you when I’ve got a problem? As humans we turn to people we trust in times of need, isn’t that what I’m doing with you? If god did put humans on this planet, this choice was bound by you, is it not? I’ve often been thankful for the world I lived in, great people, and a great job, with something exciting in roads ahead. Although in recent times, my life has tumbled down. Sarah went to great extents to learn about Hinduism for me to have knowledge of my inherited religion. One thing I remember her telling me is that you are the overcomer of obstacles. Is that why you brought me to India? Did you crash my world, to build another? Show me another road, please god show me something.”

  “Arrun, its time to leave,” said Remone, standing at the stairs leading to the rooftop.

  “Cool, I’ll be down just now,” I replied.

  ~

  By the time we made it to Marona’s house many of the men were already there. Walking into the palace of residency, I was still in amazement; the architectural work was astonishing. Raja and Verone were both right at the entrance to greet us. I even saw Miran surrounded by some of his friends; his face said it all; he was not happy with my presence. Walking down the stairs, Marona let us know of what had occurred, and the plan for what will happen next.

  “As most of you know Shekhar Khan thought that he could kill me earlier yesterday. Last night a little birdy came over to let me know that Shekhar Khan apparently has a little deal with the Tamil Nadu Police Commissioner, Muthumaran Selvaraj. The plan is set so that I’m out of the picture, clearing criminal activities in Tamil Nadu. We can’t let that happen now can we? Around 2am last night we kidnapped Muthumaran’s loving daughter, Nilani Selvaraj. We’ve kept her hostage at a brothel house a few miles from here. Arrun, I want you and your group of guys to go there and keep watch. There shouldn’t be any problems, there aren’t many who know the whereabouts; just keep an eye on her. “

  Miran didn’t seem to like the idea of Marona giving me the responsibilities; he rushed out the door knocking over objects in sight. I guess he might have taken offence to it, but I could care less of what he thinks. “Alright, let him act like a little girl,” said Marona. Some of the men were actually laughing at Marona’s joke, even though they knew of Miran’s attitude. Maybe they lost fear in him, watching an outsider like myself come into the picture to face him.

  There was no need for us to stick around after Marona filled us in; causally waving to Marona I walked out the door as Remone, Renny, Sethu and Thambi followed. As I got into the front passenger seat, Thambi said, “Miran seemed to be really pissed of brother.”

  “Am I supposed to be scared of him? He’s just like you and me,” I responded.

  “Yes! You should be scared, the guys a psycho,” said Remone.

  It was pretty obvious that everyone believed for me to be Miran’s primary target, even amidst all the occurring problems. I didn’t really see the need to care for him, after all Hasini’s death was surely a greater problem for me to deal with. Although the strange happenings over the past few days have got me wondering if I am moving on.

  On pace to the brothel I just stared at my legs, completely lost in thoughts. It was weird; I could not understand how I went from losing myself months ago to the verge of forgetting. I guess it makes sense, as humans we can never live every second of our lives feeling the same emotion. Every second changes us; the unbearable will become a thing of the past, as life presents new opportunities and challenges. Hasini will be the most unforgettable person in my life, but life must go on.

  Life must go on, and I am realizing that now. Yet I do not feel regret for leaving everything back in Toronto. I had a life many people would kill for, but I prefer the life I have started to build here. I don’t know how long it will last, but as of now this is exactly where I want to be.

  “Arrun, you got some nice legs, I get why you can’t stop staring at them,” said Renny laughing hysterically. “Shut up bro,” I responded as I smiled; I often forget how it must look to others while I get absorbed in thoughts. Remone turned left into an off road t
rail, and we drove for another fifteen minutes before reaching the brothel. The place did not really seem like a brothel to be honest; I had all these ideas as for what I should be expecting, but all expectations were failed. I guess, I just thought of it to be similar to what I would see in movies. The house itself seemed pretty nice, painted all white, with a numerous amount of windows. The gardening in front of the house was so exquisite that I was in complete denial to call the place a brothel. There were a few luxurious cars that were parked up at the side of the house. It could explain why the house itself looked so nice; the place was probably a brothel for high-end rollers.