Free Cross Roads: Pick a Path by Janaath Vijayaseelan Page A

getting too old pops,
allowing some little bitch to speak up to you. Oh look the bitch
and our pet dog Remone saved the day. Get back on the plane and
ship your ass back to Canada little one, this game is for the big
kids.”

    Through the crowd of men walked forth Miran,
with an attitude to complement what Remone vouched. I did not
appreciate a single word that came out of his mouth; I did not come
here to be another one of their pets. Stepping eye to eye with the
animal, I replied, “You call Remone the dog, but you’re the one
barking.”

    “What did you say to me?” Shouted Miran.

    “What are you deaf,” I questioned.

    The heat was rising; I noticed that I wasn’t
off to a great start at making friends. Like statues we stood face
to face, waiting for the other to instigate something. “Both of
you, get yourselves together,” said Marona as he attempted to break
the tension. He ordered everyone to head back into the cars and
make way to the Duranji residence.

    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