SYAMANTAKA: THE LOST GEM

CHAPTER-11

Robert, who is Kingsley's middle brother, was walking briskly around the hall of his house. Robert was in his bathrobe. He had puffy hair on his chest, a Clean shaved bald head and a small protruding belly, just enough to be noticed. Kingsley's younger brother, Kurtin was coding on his laptop lying over a long-cushioned couch. Kurtin had long jet-black hair falling over his face with a black hoodie. Two bodyguards with tight black shirts were standing behind the couch watching Robert pace up and down.

"Robert, you shouldn't worry about him. He is your elder brother. He is well aware of the consequences of his path." Kurtin explained, still looking at his laptop.

Before Robert could reply, both heard the house doors open. Robert stopped at his place just waiting for Kingsley to notice his face. Kingsley knew the daily family drama. He removed his blue coat handing it over to the bodyguards behind Kurtin's couch and laid back over the soft recliner nearby.

"Marie, go get the fresh mango juice from the fridge," Kingsley ordered with his eyes closed.

"Yes, sir.", Marie replied.

The 18-year-old maid, Marie, brought a glass of juice to him immediately. She stopped short to get a look at Kurtin and left to her quarters. Robert signalled both the men behind the couch to leave. There were only three of them in a closed hall with closed doors around.

"Kingsley, What's wrong with you? Do you know how our father used to honour this organisation? We should make him feel proud of us.", Robert said.

"Yes. We will, Robert."

"Then, why are you playing antics with the members of this respected council? We need to respect them. Why would you send them on the treasure hunt to some random gem? I don't even get how Kurtin is ready to entertain your act.", Robert shouted.

"Listen, Robert. It is not a random gem, The Syamantaka gem has a lot of value. It is worth more than any diamond in the world. Also, everyone took this job voluntarily."

"You cannot hand over the post simply to someone who has got the gem. The person needs to prove his worth and character. They have been sitting idle for 150 years. How you are going to choose all of a sudden?"

"You know what our father told. He said that there are some deep treasures in India and He died in the search for them. If our father was ready to risk his life for such a task, then why shouldn't we take up the same motive?", Kingsley said.

"First, you cannot be sure if he was in search of the gem. Second, don't bring father into this conversation regarding your greed. His death is supposed to teach you to stay away from the mission."

"No, it teaches us to take a smarter approach. We should not give up our goals. After all, I am not the one hunting. The future leader is."

"Brother, What Robert says is right. Sometimes finding this kind of gem could be one's sheer luck. He might not be able to handle the council in the right way.", Kurtin interrupted.

"Thank you," Robert exhales.

Kingsley was slowly stroking his beard near the chin thinking of better ideas.

"But it is a hard task. Most people have found it impossible. After so much effort shouldn't he be rewarded?" Kingsley asks.

"There are other ways to reward but being the leader of this council is a serious matter. I think we need to stick to this position within our family. It's important."

"Well, What do you suggest?" Kingsley asked looking at his younger brother Kurtin in the eye.

"Kill him after the job."

"Exa... No...No. That is not what you are going to do. Kingsley, don't."Robert warns.

Both the brothers grinned at each other at their similar thoughts.

"I am sorry Robert but this time Kurtin's suggestion is the best suggestion." Kingsley walked out of the hall.

Robert stamped the floor in frustration. Kurtin got up after placing the laptop on the couch. "Kurtin, why would you let him do this?"

"It is his choice. I think he should have some fun too. Just think, the burden is finally over for him to be the perfect leader. Everyone will go their own way. You do know he is tired."

"But..."

"Don't worry. If we feel he needs assistance, we will be there." Said Kurtin. He patted on Robert's back and left.

*****

Luz walks down the stairs next to the banks of the Ganga River and sits on them. The sun slowly sets over the river with the red light rays falling over Luz's face. Her clear brown-toned arms rested on her thighs as she soaked into the beauty of the scenery. Midst the hurry, She hears the silence soothing her body. She pulls out the cigarette box from her pocket. Only this one small thing was missing to complete her peace right now. Unfortunately, She didn't have a lighter. Fortunately, someone came.

"You can have mine if you want?"

Luz turns to find a man with a dark beard around his mouth. He was wearing a long black cloak draping over his full body along with a black pant and a shirt inside. It was weird to find someone with that attire in Varanasi. She notices the golden-coloured lighter in his hands. 

"Thanks," Luz replied to the man. She lights the cigarette and takes one deep puff after it. "Do you have family problems?" Luther asks as he sits next to her.

"I need to have my family first to have a family problem." Luz laughs. "I lost two friends, and my parents, and then after that I don't know who I will lose."

"I understand but to be successful you have to lose things on the way."

" I don't want to lose anything. I just want to be a normal person. I don't want to be a successful person."

"You have no choice. When obstacles come in your life, you have to go over them. Being stuck with it won't make your life better. Now, it's a chance for you to step back and understand the situation. Maybe it's a tough thought, but try thinking about it. It's time for you to step back a little from this fast-paced life."Luther says

"You are right."

Luther gets up from the stairs and walks up Luther.

"Wait. you forgot the lighter." Luz shouts.

"Keep it with you. You might need it more."

Luz laughs." What's your name?"

"Luther." He smiles and walks out into the huge crowd behind her.