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

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