ShastriNagar, Mumba
Shani took in a deep breath taking a break from the long run. "The 7km walk was a blast. I should do this more often." He looked at the modest-looking compound, the entrance gate made of iron. It didn't stand out in its surroundings. Shani, slowly opened the gate, making sure to not make a sound.
"The kids like a good scare and surprise. I will give both of them."
In the lawns beyond the gate, kids gathered having fun playing whatever and as much they wished. A man sat at a vantage point from where he had a clear view of all the children. Some kids flocked around learning knitting from him.
Shani didn't make any sound but the kids noticed him immediately and flocked around him.
"Mister, who are you."
One of the kids recognized Shani," Isn't he Dad's friend."
Shani replied, "I just couldn't stay away from you guys." He took out a bag giving chocolates to each of them.
A strong hand stopped Shani, " Don't feed them, chocolates. It's bad for health."
"C'mon, it's fine to have chocolates sometimes. After all, they are still kids. "
The kids shouted in chorus, " Yes, chocolate. Yes, chocolate. Yes, chocolate."
"All of you, won't stop, will you? Fine, I will allow it just this once." Shani held the man's gaze making his intentions clear.
"I and Uncle have some business. I will be back in a jiffy, enjoy the chocolate and don't dare do mischief."
"OK."
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jiba Uncle pointed towards a chair with torn cushion. The house was in average shape. Shani was once again shocked by his uncle's transformation. He still had the 2 years ago image imprinted in his mind.
"That expression again, can't forget my past self?"
"It's hard not to remember. I am impressed by your transformation."
"I am flattered, my dear nephew. Tell me, what should I make for you? Perhaps I should whip up your favourite dish."
"Uncle, I need a favour. A very big favour."
Jiba Uncle's happy expression turned to confusion then slight fear as a sense of foreboding slipped into him, " How big?"
"Very big, it's a massive request."
Uncle sighed, " Well, first tell me about your request."
There was a list of favours he needed so Shani listed them out on a piece of paper. He took out the paper but Jiba Uncle's hand stopped him.
"Whatever it is, it will have to wait till our meal is done."
"But …"
"Nephew, it's still early morning. I doubt you had breakfast."
Shani shook his head, " I didn't."
"Give me a few minutes, I will make the most delicious dish you have ever had in your life."
"What about the request?"
"A man with a satisfied stomach thinks better than a hungry man. Have patience."
"Jiba Uncle is stubborn. It's no use trying to convince him. Besides, his cooking is always great and I do feel hungry. It must be true, 'A satisfied stomach thinks better than a hungry stomach'. I could use the break to research more information."
Shani intensely concentrated on his pupils to activate The Infinity Corp Retina Mobile and went to work.
The delicious aroma of Bhaji broke Shani's concentration. He looked eagerly towards the kitchen wanting to have a taste of it.
Jiba Uncle beckoned Shani, "Help me get the bhaji to the main room." They both carried it to the main room where the kids sat in an orderly fashion on the dining table waiting for the meal.
Jitu asked with interest "What have you prepared today, Dad?"
"Something special."
Diya was full of wonder, " What could it be?"
"It's got to be ….."
"No, …. "
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jiba brought a bhaji and roasted pav to the small table in the other room. They both sat facing each other.
"Let's eat."
"Yeah."
Jiba had a few munches before going straight to the matter, " Show it to me."
"What?"
Jiba didn't show a smile since it was sure to piss his nephew, Shani off. "I am relieved, he was able to get some rest. He must be worked for the whole weekend by the looks of it. It's just like when he came to me for the first time. Something very drastic must have happened. "
"The list."
Shani had an awkward expression as he handed the list. He must be embarrassed to forget the purpose of his visit.
Jiba opens the list and reads it carefully, "
==================================
a new bike,
digging appliances,
night vision goggles
AK-47 with bullets
Pistol
A Dark Night Conceal Wear
Man-power"
==================================
Jiba took his time going through the content before shaking his head in intense denial.
"No way am I supplying you with guns, ammunition and manpower. I don't understand why would you need tools to kill someone so suddenly. I will not allow you to go with this."
Shani spoke with his back upright, "I must continue for the sake of the person I loved the most in this world. He deserves justice and I am going to get it for him."
Jiba was shocked by Shani's comment, " What do you mean?"
"Jiba Uncle, you saved my life at my darkest hour so I trust you. I will tell you why I must get all of these items and the truth about Brother Vignesh's Death."
"Where is this conversation going, Shani? Stop spouting such nonsense. There was nothing we could do to prevent Vignesh's death, nothing."
"Hear me out, Jiba Uncle. Yesterday as the rays of sunlight fell on Mumba, a mysterious man Mr. Black meet with me. He gave me a letter, the letter was from my late brother Vignesh.
Brother was a famous archaeologist and received different kinds of odd jobs. His latest job was in Ellora and Ajanta, the place where his body was found. He had proof of the existence of a treasure that had insanely attached to it. He was plotted against and killed for the sake of getting the item for themselves."
Jiba couldn't hold the tears as they flowed like a river from his eyes. "Oh, my boy. Oh, my boy. It must have felt sickening as your body slowly turned cold and the realization of dying seeped in. I wish I could have saved you and lessened your pain. I am sorry, very sorry."
Shani also couldn't hold back his tears. "Jiba Uncle, I need all these items."
"You know the identity of the killer?"
"Not yet, but I am much closer to the truth than I was yesterday. I will do everything in my power to find the killer and sentence them to a hell worse than their imagination. I can't let them stay living after what they did to Brother Vignesh."
"I … If all of this is true, then I will provide you with the items."
Shani nodded his head in relief, " How long will it take to procure all the items."
"How much time can I get?"
"Maximum? Two weeks."
"Then, in two weeks all of your items will be procured." Jiba was worried about Shani's physical and mental state. He was too worked up, in his condition and the current situation he was sure to take life-threatening risks.
Jiba got up and brought a wooden box from the drawer, " If you find yourself in a situation with no way out, then use this. It will ensure your safety."
Shani eyes bulged as he recognized the box, " Yes."
§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§