Kissing A Devil (Complete and Continuing In The Sequel)

Chapter 54

The 13 year old Sidharth walked towards his father who had just returned from his work. He turned back to look at Richa. She signaled him to go, mouthing nothing will happen. He took a few steps and then in a gentle voice,
"Dad, can I come?"
Raghuvir looked up from his file and nodded. And the young boy walked timidly towards him with a notebook in his hands.
"What is it?"
Raghuvir asked after Sidharth stood beside him not saying anything.
"Raghuvir, Sidharth has written.."
"Richa, you are the reason my son has become like this. Let him talk on his own. What is it, Sidharth?"

Sidharth extended his hands to give him the notebook.
"Teacher asked us to write an essay on 'How important a father is in the life of a child.' I have written it. She wanted you to sign it. Can you please give your signature?"
Raghuvir stared at him and took the notebook. He read the essay and asked for a pen. Without saying anything he signed below his writing.
Sidharth's face lit up.
"Thank you Dad!"
"Hmm.. you meant what you wrote?"
"Yes. "
"Hmm..You write well. Good job. Now go to your room and study."

Sidharth for once was happy. His father appreciated his work. It meant so much to him. He had always wanted him to feel proud of him. He might not be strong like his father wanted him to be, but he is good in studies. Maybe someday he will accept his love for him openly like his mother says.

"Kya bey Sidhu, kis soch mein atka hua hai? Chotu sa dimag ko stress nahi Dene ka?"
Young Andrew said, patting him on his head.
"I am not thinking. I am.. just glad."
"Keiyako bey? Lottery lagi kya?"
"You are mad, Andrew. Why would I be happy if I won the Lottery? What would I do with the money?"
"Of course, a rich kid doesn't need money. However, if you win, you can always give it to me."
Andrew grinned and Sidharth smiled.

"Bolega? What's your istory?"
"Dad liked my writing. He said good. I am happy that he did. That's all."
Andrew starts to laugh, "Aur tu mere ko pagal bol raha tha. You are crazy. Tere khadoos baap good bola and you are rejoicing as if he gave you permission to go to Goa alone."
"You will not understand."
Andrew pulled him closer by putting his arm around his neck.
"I understand. I just want you to understand, don't expect anything from him. You will get hurt. Chod, tereko ek mast cheez dikha ta hun."
He pulled out a pistol from his back.
"Where did you get this?"
"I earned this. Woh apun ne Lala ka jhol pakda tha na, tere baap ne gift diya mere ko. Actually not your father but Rustom bhai. Rustom bhai is your father's right hand or left. Kabir chacha is his right hand so Rustom bhai will be.. whatever.."

Sidharth took it away from his hands and said,
"What will you do with this? Kill people?"
He grins and immediately takes it away from him.
"No man. I will actually use this to protect myself and threaten people when needed. Rustom bhai bola ghoda chalane ka nahi magar isse sirf darane ka."
"Andrew, give it back to him. You don't need this. Why are you working for him? Stop it, this is not a good thing. Guns are not good. Blood on the hands are... scary.. nahi nikalta haath se.. khoon nahi nikalta haath se."
Sidharth gazed at his both hands as if there's blood on them.

Andrew shakes him to get him out of his nightmare.
"Sidhu, Aye what happened to you? "
"Tell me you will return this to Rustom uncle. Otherwise Dad will make you shoot at people. He makes everyone a killer. He made me one. Killing is bad. Blood on your hands is bad.."
"Your father's work requires him to kill, you know that. Relax kuch nahi hoga. Okay I will not shoot. Happy."
"Dad's work is brutish. He forces you to become evil. If I could I would go away rather than pick that up to kill again. I won't do it again. You won't work for him. Leave it, Andrew. Please."
And they heard sounds of claps from the door. They turned to find Raghuvir standing.
"Boss, Sidharth jokes maar raha tha. Hain na. Yes. Jokes. Bol na Sidhu.. Sidharth.."
"Get out Andrew!"
"Boss, please.. he.."
Raghuvir screamed, "I said, Get out!"