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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Teens
- Theme: Family & Friends
- Subject: Drama
- Published: 10/14/2013
The royal Mantle (part one)
Born 1986, M, from Kochi, IndiaTHE ROYAL MANTLE
I know for sure this is it… the end. There is no tomorrow to wake up to and worry about acne. I haven’t even kissed Stella yet. I should have taken advantage of the opportunity I got last night at the roof. Her boobs brushed my elbow three times. Three freaking times!!! Ok stop. I should probably think of something nice if I am going to die. That bastard devil must be lurking somewhere here to take my soul. I better be good now. O lord, forgive me for those magazines under the bed. Please forgive my sins with Three Hail Marys. No wait… I don’t know if I have that much time. O lord… please do with one. I swear I really repent.
Wait… is that the Sheriff down on the floor? No wonder I see the devil. What the hell is that bum doing not protecting us, anyway? Who on earth made him a Sheriff if he can’t protect a bloody grocery store from two thieves? For heaven sakes all they got is bloody pocket knives. And those… those are just stockings for covering their ugly faces. These thugs are bloody amateurs… bloody imbeciles. You know who is stupider than them? Me. I am lying two feet away from the back door. I should be storming all the way to Canada by now. I am out of here.
Thank god! I am out! Woah! Is that gun shots? O my god they are coming my way… the thieves. Wait a minute… that is Ali from school. Look at him go. Like a wind. Thank god for that. Who wants to be near him now?
‘Did ya see them kids?’
‘Ehmm… Sheriff… I-I…’
‘Did ya see them!?’
‘That way, that way...’
Boy! Look at that fatso run. You know what… I can’t stay. This is a freaking nightmare. I am going home. As a matter of fact I am running home.
Three days later:-
‘Now, look carefully. Do ya recognize any of these thugs, Robert?’
‘No, Sheriff. And I am really not comfortable doing this identification parade. I told you. I didn’t see their faces.’
‘Now ya listen to me kid. There is a reward.’
‘Come again?’
‘What are you, deaf? Point me out the right one which I am sure is in that room and you’ll get a reward of 100 dollars. Are we clear?’
‘Yeah, okay.’
Not the first one. Not the second, third, fourth… Ali. That’s him. Hundred dollars reward… easy money, uh? Maybe not… you know what… no. He comes to school with me and I know his father is dead and he takes care of four sisters and a brother. I am not going to be the one who is going to sell him out. ‘Sorry Sheriff. I don’t think he is in this group.’
‘If he is not why ya sorry?’
Well… finally some fresh air. Interesting day so far. The station looked bigger from the inside, didn’t it?
‘Hey, Brit boy! Wait up.’
‘I am American now, Ali. Something green helps you be one. I am sure your dad had it too.’
‘The only thing green he had was the flag of Pakistan when he died.’
‘You don’t have to thank me you know.’
‘I thank you? You should thank me. I could have slit your throat that night just like that.’
That’s true. But he wouldn’t do that. Would he?
‘Hey man, I appreciate what you did for me in there. Just remember I’ll be there for you when you need me the most.’
‘Yeah, okay… okay, you running again. Ok, you just jumped in that cool car with… with hot girls and… and… yup; I am talking alone on public. Bye-bye.’
AFTER TWELVE YEARS
Life is now much clearer for Robert. Everything revolves around money… even the sun.
‘Mr. Shaw, you have two other homes in Beverly Hills itself. But with all respect, sir, none is as classy as the one we saw yesterday. I think Mrs. Shaw concurs,’ said Robert. Shaw keeps playing with his lighter by tapping its edges on the table.
‘This sure will feel like a home you know,’ said Edward who was sitting beside Robert.
‘How is your salad, honey?’ asked Mr. Shaw turning towards his wife. She smiled in content. ‘She never asks for much, you know?’ he said to the gentlemen. ‘That helps me to please her without spending 11 million dollars,’ he said. ‘Me and your father go way back, kid,’ he said to Edward. ‘Those two other less classy houses are mansions… which I got for my brothers. I bought them because your father asked me to. I didn’t even have to go and see it. I trusted his opinion. And it did me real good too. And it did well for your father. You see… I never bought anything for myself and I am not planning to either. Me and my wife… we never cared for luxury.’
‘Mr. Shaw but…’
‘Son… let me finish,’ he said. ‘For us… family comes first. Our precious daughter is expecting. We want to surprise her with the grandest of things…’
‘What better than a place that feels like home… sir’ remarked Robert. They all looked at him.
‘Like I said,’ continued Shaw turning to Edward. ‘If your instincts are half as good as your father’s, then we can get on with the paper works. But if this is just business… then I’ll owe nothing more to the son of my friend, Sullivan.’
One hour later
‘What the f*** was he saying?’ said Edward to Robert as they were coming out of the hotel. ‘He wants to buy the house and he wants to make it look like some huge favour he is doing.’
‘He knows 11 million for that place is a lottery for him. He is just making sure that you never approach him for anything in future. Especially reminding him how good a deal you pitched him with.’
‘Hmm… he knows about the sinking ship, doesn’t he?’
‘He knows about the sinking ship.’
‘Well… at least he is throwing us a rope.’
‘He’s throwing us a rope.’
‘Cool.’
‘Cool!’ he said. ‘So… to the office?’
‘Yeah, n-no… you go on. I just… you know…’
‘All right... see you tomorrow then.’
‘Yeah, ok,’ he said. ‘Hey, hey… we did it.’
‘We sure did,’ and got in his car and drove away.
Three days later
‘… and this is the fabulous master suite,’ said Robert to the couple who was having their tour on this grand 5 bedroom, 3857 sq. feet house. ‘And the bathroom,’ he said opening the door to them. ‘Look at that. You can stay in here all day and not feel guilty about it,’ he said, which bought a smile in the amused couple. And just then his phone rang. It was Joe from office. ‘Excuse me, please. It is my wife. She is pregnant and she is calling me for the 12th time ever since we have been here. I think her water broke.’
‘Oh! Please answer the call, then,’ said the client.
‘I am really sorry. I usually don’t do this. But you know…’
‘No, no, no, no, no, no… just answer. We understand.’
‘Thank you so much. Uh! Nice dress by the way ma’am. Beige seems to be your colour.’ He remarked. She smiled nervously. He turned around and answered it a low tone.
‘Hey hon… w-what… no, am in 23 57 with a client. W-woah! Jus-just slow down… what you mean Edward f***ed you?’ He turned around to the couple. They looked horrified. He hand gestured and shook his head to suggest it’s not as it sounded and nothing serious. Then he got inside the bathroom and shut the door for a little privacy. The couple eavesdropped. ‘I-I swear I had nothing to do with it… well I swear… well I am as shocked as you! He betrayed me along with you… well, then we will screw them back… look… I’ll get back with you… I’ll, I’ll get back with you. Just don’t panic. Bye!’ He opened the door to find two people shocked out of their skin. ‘Not really sound proof is it?’
20 minutes later
‘Hey Leslie, is Edward home?’ he asked standing in front of Edward’s home.
‘No, he just went out… for… a jog.’
‘Oh, okay. I’ll come back some other time then,’ he said and initiated to leave. ‘You better see to that pile of dog shit on your lawn. Phew!’
‘What?!’ she ran out. Robert sneaked in to the house as she got down on the yard. He went in to the parlour where he found Edward’s son playing Xbox. Edward was standing at the other side of the couch. Robert advanced towards him. But Edward tried to maintain distance.
‘What the hell, man?’
‘Please don’t hurt me in front of my kid.’
‘Now, why on earth would I do that?’ said Robert. Edward’s wife Sheila came running in and stood in the middle. She was panting. “Game over,” said the voice from the video game.
‘To the pub?’ asked Edward.
‘Yeah, yeah… good idea,’ he said.
They went to the pub in Robert’s car and sat with two beers.
‘… aren’t you gonna ask me anything?’ said Edward.
‘... Yes… and no. Why?’
‘Robert… we haven’t sold much in the last 16 months. I can’t keep on going on like that. Especially with that many people working for me. We can’t keep fighting with a group like the ABC. They own us. They gave me a good offer and all I had to do was turn in Mr. Shaw’s offer to them. A tie with him for them means a lot more for us. They even asked us to keep up the commission. I swear… our staff including you can have it all. I don’t need a dime. That’s all I can do now, man,’ he said. ‘… well please don’t be quiet with me man. Don’t make me feel like a douche. If you can’t beat them, join them. C’mon man… I have a family to take care. Say something.’
’37 years… for 37 years your dad, Mr. Sullivan, ran this company…’
‘O c’mon man…’
‘… Mr. Sullivan had gone through worse… even when others thought he was on a roll. When your father, Mr. SULLIVAN, hired me, all he asked me to do was to think of this firm as my own. As a matter of fact, that’s what he told each and everyone who worked for your dad. And none ever quit for a bigger pay or a cooler office. Because the respect we got for working in this f***ing company was far bigger and we sensed it every single time we hit the pitch’. He took a big sip of his beer. ‘Robert, you are a realistic son of a bitch. You make sure I get my commission and as this is the last day of our friendship you can pay for my beer. Good luck kissing their asses. So long.’ And he left.
Two days later
Knock, knock!
‘Come in,’ said the old gentleman who lay in the hospital bed.
‘Hey, grandpa,’ said Robert who came in with a bouquet of yellow roses.
‘Hey! Roby boy. You just made my day, kid.’
‘I doubt that when you have so many hot nurses coming in to check on you all the time,’ he said keeping the bouquet on the side table and drawing a chair near the bed.
‘I even get the occasional scrub bath. Some way to go, isn’t it?’
‘I wouldn’t worry about going if I were you. You got plenty of heat left in that tank. Don’t worry.’ He smiled.
‘So how are things at work?’
‘Busy… fun though. But nevertheless, busy.’
‘I’m glad you are enjoying it. Bring pride to the family, kid.’ Robert laughs.
‘Making a living by selling lies… where is the pride and what family, grandpa? It’s just you and me that remain.’
‘What ever happened to that girl you were seeing? What was her name? Irene?’
‘Merlin…’
‘Yes! Merlin…’
‘She met someone else… an Italian artiste.’
‘Well that’s a deadly combination… an Italian and also an artiste. Women were always big suckers of that. Don’t worry. She wasn’t your type anyway,’ he said gripping Robert’s forearms. ‘I wished to see you settle down before my time is up.’
‘Come on give me a break, grandpa…’
‘Have I ever told you how much you look like my father?’
‘Ever since I was 16,’ said Robert.
‘It’s quite remarkable… how it’s passed on to someone 3 generations later… someone who hasn’t got the first clue of each other.’
‘You have said that too.’
‘Then I should have also told you that he was a deputy commissioner in India when under British rule. I remember telling you that. Haven’t I?’
‘Yes.’
‘Have I told you about “The royal mantle”?’
‘Th-the what?’ he asked. ‘Sounds like a new addition to the tale.’
‘When my father served in India, he had a very special friend… a friend who was a king. Of course even by then the era of kingship had long passed. But a king is a king, nevertheless. When my father was about to get transferred back to England the king presented him with a parting gift… a holding staff which was called, “The royal mantle”. It was centuries old. My father was over the moon. He was ecstatic,’ Robert sensed the excitement in his grandpa’s voice. ‘He valued it more than anything in this world. But then… as unfortunate as it can get two days later the king deceased. My father was heart broken and hurt. But he found solace to be in his funeral that was apparently also his last day there. He took the staff with him to the funeral. As my father was about to leave from the funeral, the king’s brother came up to him and shook his hand bidding him goodbye. But before he let go he snatched the staff off him and told him not to worry about it.’
‘Excuse me? Come again?’
‘Just understand it was a different time at a different place… the epicentre of revolt and politics. The loneliest place a white man can ever be in… the place where so many men went as deputies and returned as counts. And so because of some gluttonized and corrupted officials, all were seen with suspicious eyes and understandably with hatred.’ Robert nodded with a smile.
‘So how did great grandpa take it?’
‘He was so saddened by it that he needed more than the rest of his lifetime to make peace with it. So he passed on to me to carry the pain and angst of that slur.’
‘And did you?’
‘No one who had evolved through that time ever died happy, son. All of us either lost something or were responsible in someone’s loss.’ Robert put a hand on his grandpa’s chest and patted it. Grandpa kept a hand on top of his and smiled.
20 minutes later
‘… I don’t quite understand. Why can’t you do some sort of surgery or something?’ Robert asked the doctor, in his office.
‘Well I am sorry. His body won’t pull through another surgery. Besides we are way past that situation.’
‘Give me a time.’
‘Say what?’
‘Just tell me how much longer he would have.’
‘I-I don’t think you really…’
‘Just give me a number doctor. I am not asking from you an accurate prediction of the weather.’
‘Well that would have made more sense.’
‘Ju-just tell me something that can help me go to bed peacefully at least for now. This has already been a distressful time for me.’
‘3-6 months. 6 months at max… 3 at minimum.’ Robert seemed flustered after hearing that. But neither did he say anything more nor did he stay to hear anymore. He got up and left. He went to the parking lot and got in his car. He just sat there holding to the steering. 17 cars away sat another woman just like him… all deprived and sad.
His grandpa back in the hospital took out a newspaper from under his bed. It had Edward’s face on it with the caption, “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
2 weeks later
It was an open casket funeral. Hundreds of mourners were greeted in by the minister at the church door. They were welcomed by him saying, ‘blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’
After the first prayer Robert rose and stood in the podium to give his tribute. ‘I was 9 when both my parents died in a car accident. For three days my parents’ dead body waited in a London mortuary and I waited not knowing what’s next. Then grandpa arrived. As soon as he saw me he tossed a baseball. The first thing he said to me was not to drop it and hold on like your life depends on it. I didn’t know anything about baseball. I still don’t. However, I still have that ball.’ He took the ball out from his pocket and showed it. ‘After the funeral of my parents we had ice cream together and then we went to the park and played catch for a bit. Then it started to rain. He told me it doesn’t rain as much in America. And that we should finish the rest of the game over there. From that day to till today whatever joy I have had in my life was tossed on to me by him.’ He lifted his hand and looked at the ball. ‘I guess you are now waiting to know what’s next, grandpa. When you meet your son at the gates of heaven, you might need something to play with. You might need something to tell him about me. You might also need something to take your mind off from the journey ahead. This ball you tossed me did wonders, grandpa. I need to make sure you are well too.’ He went near the casket and placed the ball in it. ‘Farewell, grandpa,’ he whispered.
“The lord is my shepherd,” was recited… and then the funeral prayer ending with the Lord’s Prayer. Then it was followed by a prayer to commend the person to god’s love and mercy. And then he was committed to burial with a committal prayer in the graveyard.
After the burial many came and shook his hands and spoke comforting words and showed support. ‘Robert,’ called a man who came and hugged him. ‘I am sorry for your loss. He was a great man. And your speech was beautiful.’
‘Merlin didn’t come?’
‘Well, she’s- she’s pregnant, Robert,’ said the man with a rise smile. ‘She can’t travel. She is very, very sad for your loss. So I am kind of here on her behalf.’ Robert held back the words that came in his mind.
‘Thank you. I appreciate it.’ The man hugged him again and moved away. Robert’s grandpa’s friend Rex approached him wearing a sunglass. He patted him. Robert hugged him. ‘I need a favour,’ he whispered. Rex looked at him for a brief moment.
‘Come to my home tomorrow. We’ll talk.’
‘Okay,’ said Robert. After few minutes everyone left, except for him. He stayed there a little while more before finally bid adieu.
Next Morning at the house of Rex
‘… Let’s cut to the chase. What is it that you need me for?’ asked Rex. Robert gave him a picture that he printed from the computer. The title reads, “The Royal Mantle.”
‘What is this?’
‘Uncle Rex, that’s a holding staff. It is in a small museum in India. I want you to make an exact replica, as good as the original.’ Rex sat back on the couch putting the picture aside and looked back at him.
‘I too know about this. I don’t use my expertise for a bad cause.’ He got up from the couch and went towards the refrigerator and took out a beer. He opened it and looked out of the window. ‘I need to go for a vacation for this… I need to be in India.’ Robert raised his lowered head with amusement and looked at the man who was now standing with his back towards him. ‘I need to see it for myself. I need to buy the tools from there. I need to find a workshop. I need to do the job from there.’ He turned around to look at him. ‘You need to come up with the money and resource. You need to get your ass over there when I ask you to. Clear?’ he asked. Robert nodded. ‘Now book me the tickets and put 20 thousand dollars in my account. If anything is left after the job is done I’ll give you. If I need anything more whilst at it, you’ll give it. Clear?’ he asked again. Robert nodded. He tossed a can of beer to him. ‘Now get your ass out of here before I change my mind. This is all you get now.’ Robert got up.
‘Take care, uncle Rex.’ And he left.
Two weeks later
Football wasn’t fun anymore. His team wasn’t going to win the championship. There were too many commercials and injurious. Movies were also a drag. They showed car crashes and murders and made blockbusters. The parks weren’t the way it used to be either. There were too many lovers and single moms and not enough pigeons or dogs. The gym, the video games, the libraries, the blind dates, the coffee shops, the malls, the long car drives… nothing was followed by or produced a good restful sleep. And then it rained. He put on a coat and grabbed his things and went out. Sat in the nearest diner and ate ice cream. It still rained. How reminiscent. This even tastes nice. Water drops colliding with the wall glass and sliding down. It gave a chill to his heart. The phone buzzed. It showed, “Unknown number.”
‘Hello?’
‘… Robert.’
‘Uncle Rex? Is that you?’
‘Be here by next Sunday and call this number.’ Then he hung up. Robert kept the phone back in his pocket. It stopped raining.
7 days later; Sunday
Robert arrived on India. He took a taxi from Calicut airport. Calicut was in north of the southern state, Kerala of India. They say here its god’s own country… probably for its greenery. Robert had to make almost a two hour long road trip to Kannur. That is where the museum is. That is where the royal family is. The taxi driver says the name of the royal family is Arrakal. He says it is the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. He narrated him the entire evolution of how the family evolved. He told the story of a Hindu princess taking a dip on a river and how she lost her footing and almost drowned before she was rescued by a Muslim merchant who was passing by on a horse. He removed his dhoti and used it to stretch it out to her to grab and pulled her in to shore. Call it love or tradition. The princess was adamant that she would only marry the merchant. She told the king that she accepted the dhoti like, “The podava”, which is like a cloth given to a Hindu woman on her marriage by her man. More or less, like the wedding ring. So the King of Cherrakal dynasty married her off to the man and gave him half his wealth. He was made the king of a new royal dynasty named the Arrakal.
Robert lodged at The Mascot hotel in Kannur. He got a text message from Rex telling him to meet him by the tombs of the political leaders at the Pazhambalam beach by sunset. The receptionist said it was a 10-15 minutes car drive from there and arranged a taxi at that time.
Robert arrived there by 6pm. He stood beside the red coloured tombs for sometime. Then he walked towards the sea and watched the sun set. He didn’t take off his shoes. He stood far enough to make sure it doesn’t get wet. There were loads of people… many of them foreigners.
‘Did I keep you waiting, now?’ Robert turned to see Rex in his unbuttoned beach shirt and shorts. He had a briefcase on hand.
‘You are weeks earlier than expected.’
‘How is the sunset from the east?’
‘Can’t really tell the difference, you know?’
‘Good. Now sit down.’ Rex sat down on the sand. Robert was tentative. He was wearing his formal trousers. He eventually did. Rex started to open his briefcase. Robert suddenly put a hand on top of it.
‘What you doing? This isn’t the place for this if what’s inside it is the thing I am hoping it to be.’ Rex put Robert’s hand away.
‘Nobody here gives a shit even if you tell them what you are planning to do.’
He opened it and showed him. Robert was about to touch and was ceased by Rex. ‘If you are going to do what I am thinking you might do then you don’t want your finger prints on it.’ He then closed the case and gave it to him. ‘I don’t wanna know. I don’t wanna comment. I am going for a vacation. Maybe someday you’ll show up and I have the air in my lungs to see the sunset from the other side and find the difference. I’ll give you the rest of the money then that wasn’t required for now. If you don’t return I’ll use it for the one more favour you’ll ask out of me then.’ And he walked away. Robert watched him go away and looked at the case at his lap. He then watched the sun sink. He tried to hide his excitement and fear.
‘It’s not as difficult as you think,’ said someone from behind. Robert turned around to see it was some Asian who spoke in American accent. Robert has seen this face somewhere else but couldn’t recollect who it was. The man came towards him and sat beside him. ‘There are about 600 small museums in India which has minimal security. Most of them don’t even have the exact information about the antiques. It wouldn’t be a good idea to learn history from such museums as none of the details written about some of them are half true. They either got the dating wrong or the mineral wrong and what not…’
‘Ali?’ asked Robert.
‘This museum is not that bad but, we can together beat the crap out of it.’
‘Ali… is that you?’ asked Robert laughing with excitement.
‘I told you, man. I’ll be there when you need me the most.’
‘Bu-but how did you know?’ Ali put his hand on his shoulder.
‘I always kept my ears sharp for you, mate.’
‘Huh,’ sighed Robert. One can see how thrilled he was on seeing him.
‘That’s a cute little girl, isn’t it?’ said Ali pointing at a kid who was staring at them. The kid had only a t-shirt on. ‘Hey! little girl. What’s your name?’
‘I don’t think she might not know English.’
‘Don’t be silly. Everyone here does,’ said Ali and got up and started to play with the kid. The kid didn’t seem to be happy being called a girl. The kid lifted his t-shirt with disgust and showed she was a he and has a pinkie to prove it. Ali was a little stunt. He turned to Robert. ‘Told you… everyone here knows English.’
‘This is going to be fun.’
Next morning
Ali and Robert were sitting in the restaurant of the hotel they were staying. They were discussing their plan.
‘There is only one guard at this museum at a time,’ said Ali. ‘It’s only that big and the funniest part is no surveillance camera. Well... there is, but its not working for now. The guard usually stand out. We usually have to surrender our carry bags as we enter. It will be kept in a collecting counter. Now, the security guard and I have an arrangement. Don’t ask me how. We will surrender our belongings and enter the place. When there is no one around, he will sneak in the staff. The shelf having our item will be unnoticeably left opened. We make the switch less than two minutes. Put the original under your jacket. Come out and he hands over the briefcase and we leave. No scanner, no frisking, no nothing.’
‘… that simple, uh?’
‘That simple.’
‘So how did you know about my heist? How come you planned all this?’
‘I told you. I had an ear for you.’
‘Ali… how?’
‘Look… I was there at the funeral. But by the time I got there it was all over and you were standing alone near the grave. I overheard ’
‘Ali… how?’
‘Look… I was there at the funeral. But by the time I got there it was all over and you were standing alone near the grave. I overheard you speak to your grand father.’
‘You eavesdropped?’
‘I overheard. It’s different. Now forget all that will you? Focus on the crime.’
‘Cool. Now how the hell are we going to take it all the way to home without being caught?’
‘There’s a cruise ship that starts from Mumbai. It makes a stop in Goa, and then in Kochi, Lakshwadeep and then Sri Lanka,’ he said showing him a map taken from his shirt pocket. ‘Once we make it to Sri Lanka, then its all good. You wouldn’t need me further. We take different turns.’ Robert smiled.
‘So we embark from Kochi? It’s the nearest.’
‘No, we have to go to Goa. I have made arrangements there. Kochi won’t be safe. We have to be there by Thursday.’
‘That’s like two days away,’ said Robert a bit amused. ‘When are you planning to do the heist?’ Ali looks in his Watch.
‘Two hours later.’ Robert sits back a bit stunned. And then all those emotions of doing a wrong thing for the first time slowly started to creep in.
6 hours later
Ali and Robert were back in their hotel room. Ali started to pack his bag and seemed to be in a hurry. Robert sat in the chair, smoking. He looked frozen. Ali sang along the Hindi song, “Rum & Whisky” from the film, “Vicky Donor,” which was being played on the TV. And on the bed lay the staff… the authentic one. He then realized Robert was not doing well. He took the remote and turned off the TV. He slowly came and sat on the bed, near him. ‘Hey, man… listen, I know it’s your first time and I know how it feels. But you got no reason to be upset about it. As far as the things you have told me, you have just reclaimed what is rightfully yours. So… just snap out of the guilty feeling, okay? We don’t need any sort of melodrama at any point. Just focus on getting back home. That’s the part which needs utmost caution.’
‘We need to put this back,’ he said looking at the staff.
‘Excuse me? Come again?’
‘We need to put this back on the museum.’ Ali remained silent for a moment. He was processing on his brain what he just heard. He was thinking about how to deal with this scenario now. He was searching for the right words to say to him.
end of part one
The royal Mantle (part one)(firdouz)
THE ROYAL MANTLE
I know for sure this is it… the end. There is no tomorrow to wake up to and worry about acne. I haven’t even kissed Stella yet. I should have taken advantage of the opportunity I got last night at the roof. Her boobs brushed my elbow three times. Three freaking times!!! Ok stop. I should probably think of something nice if I am going to die. That bastard devil must be lurking somewhere here to take my soul. I better be good now. O lord, forgive me for those magazines under the bed. Please forgive my sins with Three Hail Marys. No wait… I don’t know if I have that much time. O lord… please do with one. I swear I really repent.
Wait… is that the Sheriff down on the floor? No wonder I see the devil. What the hell is that bum doing not protecting us, anyway? Who on earth made him a Sheriff if he can’t protect a bloody grocery store from two thieves? For heaven sakes all they got is bloody pocket knives. And those… those are just stockings for covering their ugly faces. These thugs are bloody amateurs… bloody imbeciles. You know who is stupider than them? Me. I am lying two feet away from the back door. I should be storming all the way to Canada by now. I am out of here.
Thank god! I am out! Woah! Is that gun shots? O my god they are coming my way… the thieves. Wait a minute… that is Ali from school. Look at him go. Like a wind. Thank god for that. Who wants to be near him now?
‘Did ya see them kids?’
‘Ehmm… Sheriff… I-I…’
‘Did ya see them!?’
‘That way, that way...’
Boy! Look at that fatso run. You know what… I can’t stay. This is a freaking nightmare. I am going home. As a matter of fact I am running home.
Three days later:-
‘Now, look carefully. Do ya recognize any of these thugs, Robert?’
‘No, Sheriff. And I am really not comfortable doing this identification parade. I told you. I didn’t see their faces.’
‘Now ya listen to me kid. There is a reward.’
‘Come again?’
‘What are you, deaf? Point me out the right one which I am sure is in that room and you’ll get a reward of 100 dollars. Are we clear?’
‘Yeah, okay.’
Not the first one. Not the second, third, fourth… Ali. That’s him. Hundred dollars reward… easy money, uh? Maybe not… you know what… no. He comes to school with me and I know his father is dead and he takes care of four sisters and a brother. I am not going to be the one who is going to sell him out. ‘Sorry Sheriff. I don’t think he is in this group.’
‘If he is not why ya sorry?’
Well… finally some fresh air. Interesting day so far. The station looked bigger from the inside, didn’t it?
‘Hey, Brit boy! Wait up.’
‘I am American now, Ali. Something green helps you be one. I am sure your dad had it too.’
‘The only thing green he had was the flag of Pakistan when he died.’
‘You don’t have to thank me you know.’
‘I thank you? You should thank me. I could have slit your throat that night just like that.’
That’s true. But he wouldn’t do that. Would he?
‘Hey man, I appreciate what you did for me in there. Just remember I’ll be there for you when you need me the most.’
‘Yeah, okay… okay, you running again. Ok, you just jumped in that cool car with… with hot girls and… and… yup; I am talking alone on public. Bye-bye.’
AFTER TWELVE YEARS
Life is now much clearer for Robert. Everything revolves around money… even the sun.
‘Mr. Shaw, you have two other homes in Beverly Hills itself. But with all respect, sir, none is as classy as the one we saw yesterday. I think Mrs. Shaw concurs,’ said Robert. Shaw keeps playing with his lighter by tapping its edges on the table.
‘This sure will feel like a home you know,’ said Edward who was sitting beside Robert.
‘How is your salad, honey?’ asked Mr. Shaw turning towards his wife. She smiled in content. ‘She never asks for much, you know?’ he said to the gentlemen. ‘That helps me to please her without spending 11 million dollars,’ he said. ‘Me and your father go way back, kid,’ he said to Edward. ‘Those two other less classy houses are mansions… which I got for my brothers. I bought them because your father asked me to. I didn’t even have to go and see it. I trusted his opinion. And it did me real good too. And it did well for your father. You see… I never bought anything for myself and I am not planning to either. Me and my wife… we never cared for luxury.’
‘Mr. Shaw but…’
‘Son… let me finish,’ he said. ‘For us… family comes first. Our precious daughter is expecting. We want to surprise her with the grandest of things…’
‘What better than a place that feels like home… sir’ remarked Robert. They all looked at him.
‘Like I said,’ continued Shaw turning to Edward. ‘If your instincts are half as good as your father’s, then we can get on with the paper works. But if this is just business… then I’ll owe nothing more to the son of my friend, Sullivan.’
One hour later
‘What the f*** was he saying?’ said Edward to Robert as they were coming out of the hotel. ‘He wants to buy the house and he wants to make it look like some huge favour he is doing.’
‘He knows 11 million for that place is a lottery for him. He is just making sure that you never approach him for anything in future. Especially reminding him how good a deal you pitched him with.’
‘Hmm… he knows about the sinking ship, doesn’t he?’
‘He knows about the sinking ship.’
‘Well… at least he is throwing us a rope.’
‘He’s throwing us a rope.’
‘Cool.’
‘Cool!’ he said. ‘So… to the office?’
‘Yeah, n-no… you go on. I just… you know…’
‘All right... see you tomorrow then.’
‘Yeah, ok,’ he said. ‘Hey, hey… we did it.’
‘We sure did,’ and got in his car and drove away.
Three days later
‘… and this is the fabulous master suite,’ said Robert to the couple who was having their tour on this grand 5 bedroom, 3857 sq. feet house. ‘And the bathroom,’ he said opening the door to them. ‘Look at that. You can stay in here all day and not feel guilty about it,’ he said, which bought a smile in the amused couple. And just then his phone rang. It was Joe from office. ‘Excuse me, please. It is my wife. She is pregnant and she is calling me for the 12th time ever since we have been here. I think her water broke.’
‘Oh! Please answer the call, then,’ said the client.
‘I am really sorry. I usually don’t do this. But you know…’
‘No, no, no, no, no, no… just answer. We understand.’
‘Thank you so much. Uh! Nice dress by the way ma’am. Beige seems to be your colour.’ He remarked. She smiled nervously. He turned around and answered it a low tone.
‘Hey hon… w-what… no, am in 23 57 with a client. W-woah! Jus-just slow down… what you mean Edward f***ed you?’ He turned around to the couple. They looked horrified. He hand gestured and shook his head to suggest it’s not as it sounded and nothing serious. Then he got inside the bathroom and shut the door for a little privacy. The couple eavesdropped. ‘I-I swear I had nothing to do with it… well I swear… well I am as shocked as you! He betrayed me along with you… well, then we will screw them back… look… I’ll get back with you… I’ll, I’ll get back with you. Just don’t panic. Bye!’ He opened the door to find two people shocked out of their skin. ‘Not really sound proof is it?’
20 minutes later
‘Hey Leslie, is Edward home?’ he asked standing in front of Edward’s home.
‘No, he just went out… for… a jog.’
‘Oh, okay. I’ll come back some other time then,’ he said and initiated to leave. ‘You better see to that pile of dog shit on your lawn. Phew!’
‘What?!’ she ran out. Robert sneaked in to the house as she got down on the yard. He went in to the parlour where he found Edward’s son playing Xbox. Edward was standing at the other side of the couch. Robert advanced towards him. But Edward tried to maintain distance.
‘What the hell, man?’
‘Please don’t hurt me in front of my kid.’
‘Now, why on earth would I do that?’ said Robert. Edward’s wife Sheila came running in and stood in the middle. She was panting. “Game over,” said the voice from the video game.
‘To the pub?’ asked Edward.
‘Yeah, yeah… good idea,’ he said.
They went to the pub in Robert’s car and sat with two beers.
‘… aren’t you gonna ask me anything?’ said Edward.
‘... Yes… and no. Why?’
‘Robert… we haven’t sold much in the last 16 months. I can’t keep on going on like that. Especially with that many people working for me. We can’t keep fighting with a group like the ABC. They own us. They gave me a good offer and all I had to do was turn in Mr. Shaw’s offer to them. A tie with him for them means a lot more for us. They even asked us to keep up the commission. I swear… our staff including you can have it all. I don’t need a dime. That’s all I can do now, man,’ he said. ‘… well please don’t be quiet with me man. Don’t make me feel like a douche. If you can’t beat them, join them. C’mon man… I have a family to take care. Say something.’
’37 years… for 37 years your dad, Mr. Sullivan, ran this company…’
‘O c’mon man…’
‘… Mr. Sullivan had gone through worse… even when others thought he was on a roll. When your father, Mr. SULLIVAN, hired me, all he asked me to do was to think of this firm as my own. As a matter of fact, that’s what he told each and everyone who worked for your dad. And none ever quit for a bigger pay or a cooler office. Because the respect we got for working in this f***ing company was far bigger and we sensed it every single time we hit the pitch’. He took a big sip of his beer. ‘Robert, you are a realistic son of a bitch. You make sure I get my commission and as this is the last day of our friendship you can pay for my beer. Good luck kissing their asses. So long.’ And he left.
Two days later
Knock, knock!
‘Come in,’ said the old gentleman who lay in the hospital bed.
‘Hey, grandpa,’ said Robert who came in with a bouquet of yellow roses.
‘Hey! Roby boy. You just made my day, kid.’
‘I doubt that when you have so many hot nurses coming in to check on you all the time,’ he said keeping the bouquet on the side table and drawing a chair near the bed.
‘I even get the occasional scrub bath. Some way to go, isn’t it?’
‘I wouldn’t worry about going if I were you. You got plenty of heat left in that tank. Don’t worry.’ He smiled.
‘So how are things at work?’
‘Busy… fun though. But nevertheless, busy.’
‘I’m glad you are enjoying it. Bring pride to the family, kid.’ Robert laughs.
‘Making a living by selling lies… where is the pride and what family, grandpa? It’s just you and me that remain.’
‘What ever happened to that girl you were seeing? What was her name? Irene?’
‘Merlin…’
‘Yes! Merlin…’
‘She met someone else… an Italian artiste.’
‘Well that’s a deadly combination… an Italian and also an artiste. Women were always big suckers of that. Don’t worry. She wasn’t your type anyway,’ he said gripping Robert’s forearms. ‘I wished to see you settle down before my time is up.’
‘Come on give me a break, grandpa…’
‘Have I ever told you how much you look like my father?’
‘Ever since I was 16,’ said Robert.
‘It’s quite remarkable… how it’s passed on to someone 3 generations later… someone who hasn’t got the first clue of each other.’
‘You have said that too.’
‘Then I should have also told you that he was a deputy commissioner in India when under British rule. I remember telling you that. Haven’t I?’
‘Yes.’
‘Have I told you about “The royal mantle”?’
‘Th-the what?’ he asked. ‘Sounds like a new addition to the tale.’
‘When my father served in India, he had a very special friend… a friend who was a king. Of course even by then the era of kingship had long passed. But a king is a king, nevertheless. When my father was about to get transferred back to England the king presented him with a parting gift… a holding staff which was called, “The royal mantle”. It was centuries old. My father was over the moon. He was ecstatic,’ Robert sensed the excitement in his grandpa’s voice. ‘He valued it more than anything in this world. But then… as unfortunate as it can get two days later the king deceased. My father was heart broken and hurt. But he found solace to be in his funeral that was apparently also his last day there. He took the staff with him to the funeral. As my father was about to leave from the funeral, the king’s brother came up to him and shook his hand bidding him goodbye. But before he let go he snatched the staff off him and told him not to worry about it.’
‘Excuse me? Come again?’
‘Just understand it was a different time at a different place… the epicentre of revolt and politics. The loneliest place a white man can ever be in… the place where so many men went as deputies and returned as counts. And so because of some gluttonized and corrupted officials, all were seen with suspicious eyes and understandably with hatred.’ Robert nodded with a smile.
‘So how did great grandpa take it?’
‘He was so saddened by it that he needed more than the rest of his lifetime to make peace with it. So he passed on to me to carry the pain and angst of that slur.’
‘And did you?’
‘No one who had evolved through that time ever died happy, son. All of us either lost something or were responsible in someone’s loss.’ Robert put a hand on his grandpa’s chest and patted it. Grandpa kept a hand on top of his and smiled.
20 minutes later
‘… I don’t quite understand. Why can’t you do some sort of surgery or something?’ Robert asked the doctor, in his office.
‘Well I am sorry. His body won’t pull through another surgery. Besides we are way past that situation.’
‘Give me a time.’
‘Say what?’
‘Just tell me how much longer he would have.’
‘I-I don’t think you really…’
‘Just give me a number doctor. I am not asking from you an accurate prediction of the weather.’
‘Well that would have made more sense.’
‘Ju-just tell me something that can help me go to bed peacefully at least for now. This has already been a distressful time for me.’
‘3-6 months. 6 months at max… 3 at minimum.’ Robert seemed flustered after hearing that. But neither did he say anything more nor did he stay to hear anymore. He got up and left. He went to the parking lot and got in his car. He just sat there holding to the steering. 17 cars away sat another woman just like him… all deprived and sad.
His grandpa back in the hospital took out a newspaper from under his bed. It had Edward’s face on it with the caption, “If you can’t beat them, join them.”
2 weeks later
It was an open casket funeral. Hundreds of mourners were greeted in by the minister at the church door. They were welcomed by him saying, ‘blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’
After the first prayer Robert rose and stood in the podium to give his tribute. ‘I was 9 when both my parents died in a car accident. For three days my parents’ dead body waited in a London mortuary and I waited not knowing what’s next. Then grandpa arrived. As soon as he saw me he tossed a baseball. The first thing he said to me was not to drop it and hold on like your life depends on it. I didn’t know anything about baseball. I still don’t. However, I still have that ball.’ He took the ball out from his pocket and showed it. ‘After the funeral of my parents we had ice cream together and then we went to the park and played catch for a bit. Then it started to rain. He told me it doesn’t rain as much in America. And that we should finish the rest of the game over there. From that day to till today whatever joy I have had in my life was tossed on to me by him.’ He lifted his hand and looked at the ball. ‘I guess you are now waiting to know what’s next, grandpa. When you meet your son at the gates of heaven, you might need something to play with. You might need something to tell him about me. You might also need something to take your mind off from the journey ahead. This ball you tossed me did wonders, grandpa. I need to make sure you are well too.’ He went near the casket and placed the ball in it. ‘Farewell, grandpa,’ he whispered.
“The lord is my shepherd,” was recited… and then the funeral prayer ending with the Lord’s Prayer. Then it was followed by a prayer to commend the person to god’s love and mercy. And then he was committed to burial with a committal prayer in the graveyard.
After the burial many came and shook his hands and spoke comforting words and showed support. ‘Robert,’ called a man who came and hugged him. ‘I am sorry for your loss. He was a great man. And your speech was beautiful.’
‘Merlin didn’t come?’
‘Well, she’s- she’s pregnant, Robert,’ said the man with a rise smile. ‘She can’t travel. She is very, very sad for your loss. So I am kind of here on her behalf.’ Robert held back the words that came in his mind.
‘Thank you. I appreciate it.’ The man hugged him again and moved away. Robert’s grandpa’s friend Rex approached him wearing a sunglass. He patted him. Robert hugged him. ‘I need a favour,’ he whispered. Rex looked at him for a brief moment.
‘Come to my home tomorrow. We’ll talk.’
‘Okay,’ said Robert. After few minutes everyone left, except for him. He stayed there a little while more before finally bid adieu.
Next Morning at the house of Rex
‘… Let’s cut to the chase. What is it that you need me for?’ asked Rex. Robert gave him a picture that he printed from the computer. The title reads, “The Royal Mantle.”
‘What is this?’
‘Uncle Rex, that’s a holding staff. It is in a small museum in India. I want you to make an exact replica, as good as the original.’ Rex sat back on the couch putting the picture aside and looked back at him.
‘I too know about this. I don’t use my expertise for a bad cause.’ He got up from the couch and went towards the refrigerator and took out a beer. He opened it and looked out of the window. ‘I need to go for a vacation for this… I need to be in India.’ Robert raised his lowered head with amusement and looked at the man who was now standing with his back towards him. ‘I need to see it for myself. I need to buy the tools from there. I need to find a workshop. I need to do the job from there.’ He turned around to look at him. ‘You need to come up with the money and resource. You need to get your ass over there when I ask you to. Clear?’ he asked. Robert nodded. ‘Now book me the tickets and put 20 thousand dollars in my account. If anything is left after the job is done I’ll give you. If I need anything more whilst at it, you’ll give it. Clear?’ he asked again. Robert nodded. He tossed a can of beer to him. ‘Now get your ass out of here before I change my mind. This is all you get now.’ Robert got up.
‘Take care, uncle Rex.’ And he left.
Two weeks later
Football wasn’t fun anymore. His team wasn’t going to win the championship. There were too many commercials and injurious. Movies were also a drag. They showed car crashes and murders and made blockbusters. The parks weren’t the way it used to be either. There were too many lovers and single moms and not enough pigeons or dogs. The gym, the video games, the libraries, the blind dates, the coffee shops, the malls, the long car drives… nothing was followed by or produced a good restful sleep. And then it rained. He put on a coat and grabbed his things and went out. Sat in the nearest diner and ate ice cream. It still rained. How reminiscent. This even tastes nice. Water drops colliding with the wall glass and sliding down. It gave a chill to his heart. The phone buzzed. It showed, “Unknown number.”
‘Hello?’
‘… Robert.’
‘Uncle Rex? Is that you?’
‘Be here by next Sunday and call this number.’ Then he hung up. Robert kept the phone back in his pocket. It stopped raining.
7 days later; Sunday
Robert arrived on India. He took a taxi from Calicut airport. Calicut was in north of the southern state, Kerala of India. They say here its god’s own country… probably for its greenery. Robert had to make almost a two hour long road trip to Kannur. That is where the museum is. That is where the royal family is. The taxi driver says the name of the royal family is Arrakal. He says it is the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. He narrated him the entire evolution of how the family evolved. He told the story of a Hindu princess taking a dip on a river and how she lost her footing and almost drowned before she was rescued by a Muslim merchant who was passing by on a horse. He removed his dhoti and used it to stretch it out to her to grab and pulled her in to shore. Call it love or tradition. The princess was adamant that she would only marry the merchant. She told the king that she accepted the dhoti like, “The podava”, which is like a cloth given to a Hindu woman on her marriage by her man. More or less, like the wedding ring. So the King of Cherrakal dynasty married her off to the man and gave him half his wealth. He was made the king of a new royal dynasty named the Arrakal.
Robert lodged at The Mascot hotel in Kannur. He got a text message from Rex telling him to meet him by the tombs of the political leaders at the Pazhambalam beach by sunset. The receptionist said it was a 10-15 minutes car drive from there and arranged a taxi at that time.
Robert arrived there by 6pm. He stood beside the red coloured tombs for sometime. Then he walked towards the sea and watched the sun set. He didn’t take off his shoes. He stood far enough to make sure it doesn’t get wet. There were loads of people… many of them foreigners.
‘Did I keep you waiting, now?’ Robert turned to see Rex in his unbuttoned beach shirt and shorts. He had a briefcase on hand.
‘You are weeks earlier than expected.’
‘How is the sunset from the east?’
‘Can’t really tell the difference, you know?’
‘Good. Now sit down.’ Rex sat down on the sand. Robert was tentative. He was wearing his formal trousers. He eventually did. Rex started to open his briefcase. Robert suddenly put a hand on top of it.
‘What you doing? This isn’t the place for this if what’s inside it is the thing I am hoping it to be.’ Rex put Robert’s hand away.
‘Nobody here gives a shit even if you tell them what you are planning to do.’
He opened it and showed him. Robert was about to touch and was ceased by Rex. ‘If you are going to do what I am thinking you might do then you don’t want your finger prints on it.’ He then closed the case and gave it to him. ‘I don’t wanna know. I don’t wanna comment. I am going for a vacation. Maybe someday you’ll show up and I have the air in my lungs to see the sunset from the other side and find the difference. I’ll give you the rest of the money then that wasn’t required for now. If you don’t return I’ll use it for the one more favour you’ll ask out of me then.’ And he walked away. Robert watched him go away and looked at the case at his lap. He then watched the sun sink. He tried to hide his excitement and fear.
‘It’s not as difficult as you think,’ said someone from behind. Robert turned around to see it was some Asian who spoke in American accent. Robert has seen this face somewhere else but couldn’t recollect who it was. The man came towards him and sat beside him. ‘There are about 600 small museums in India which has minimal security. Most of them don’t even have the exact information about the antiques. It wouldn’t be a good idea to learn history from such museums as none of the details written about some of them are half true. They either got the dating wrong or the mineral wrong and what not…’
‘Ali?’ asked Robert.
‘This museum is not that bad but, we can together beat the crap out of it.’
‘Ali… is that you?’ asked Robert laughing with excitement.
‘I told you, man. I’ll be there when you need me the most.’
‘Bu-but how did you know?’ Ali put his hand on his shoulder.
‘I always kept my ears sharp for you, mate.’
‘Huh,’ sighed Robert. One can see how thrilled he was on seeing him.
‘That’s a cute little girl, isn’t it?’ said Ali pointing at a kid who was staring at them. The kid had only a t-shirt on. ‘Hey! little girl. What’s your name?’
‘I don’t think she might not know English.’
‘Don’t be silly. Everyone here does,’ said Ali and got up and started to play with the kid. The kid didn’t seem to be happy being called a girl. The kid lifted his t-shirt with disgust and showed she was a he and has a pinkie to prove it. Ali was a little stunt. He turned to Robert. ‘Told you… everyone here knows English.’
‘This is going to be fun.’
Next morning
Ali and Robert were sitting in the restaurant of the hotel they were staying. They were discussing their plan.
‘There is only one guard at this museum at a time,’ said Ali. ‘It’s only that big and the funniest part is no surveillance camera. Well... there is, but its not working for now. The guard usually stand out. We usually have to surrender our carry bags as we enter. It will be kept in a collecting counter. Now, the security guard and I have an arrangement. Don’t ask me how. We will surrender our belongings and enter the place. When there is no one around, he will sneak in the staff. The shelf having our item will be unnoticeably left opened. We make the switch less than two minutes. Put the original under your jacket. Come out and he hands over the briefcase and we leave. No scanner, no frisking, no nothing.’
‘… that simple, uh?’
‘That simple.’
‘So how did you know about my heist? How come you planned all this?’
‘I told you. I had an ear for you.’
‘Ali… how?’
‘Look… I was there at the funeral. But by the time I got there it was all over and you were standing alone near the grave. I overheard ’
‘Ali… how?’
‘Look… I was there at the funeral. But by the time I got there it was all over and you were standing alone near the grave. I overheard you speak to your grand father.’
‘You eavesdropped?’
‘I overheard. It’s different. Now forget all that will you? Focus on the crime.’
‘Cool. Now how the hell are we going to take it all the way to home without being caught?’
‘There’s a cruise ship that starts from Mumbai. It makes a stop in Goa, and then in Kochi, Lakshwadeep and then Sri Lanka,’ he said showing him a map taken from his shirt pocket. ‘Once we make it to Sri Lanka, then its all good. You wouldn’t need me further. We take different turns.’ Robert smiled.
‘So we embark from Kochi? It’s the nearest.’
‘No, we have to go to Goa. I have made arrangements there. Kochi won’t be safe. We have to be there by Thursday.’
‘That’s like two days away,’ said Robert a bit amused. ‘When are you planning to do the heist?’ Ali looks in his Watch.
‘Two hours later.’ Robert sits back a bit stunned. And then all those emotions of doing a wrong thing for the first time slowly started to creep in.
6 hours later
Ali and Robert were back in their hotel room. Ali started to pack his bag and seemed to be in a hurry. Robert sat in the chair, smoking. He looked frozen. Ali sang along the Hindi song, “Rum & Whisky” from the film, “Vicky Donor,” which was being played on the TV. And on the bed lay the staff… the authentic one. He then realized Robert was not doing well. He took the remote and turned off the TV. He slowly came and sat on the bed, near him. ‘Hey, man… listen, I know it’s your first time and I know how it feels. But you got no reason to be upset about it. As far as the things you have told me, you have just reclaimed what is rightfully yours. So… just snap out of the guilty feeling, okay? We don’t need any sort of melodrama at any point. Just focus on getting back home. That’s the part which needs utmost caution.’
‘We need to put this back,’ he said looking at the staff.
‘Excuse me? Come again?’
‘We need to put this back on the museum.’ Ali remained silent for a moment. He was processing on his brain what he just heard. He was thinking about how to deal with this scenario now. He was searching for the right words to say to him.
end of part one
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