SYAMANTAKA: THE LOST GEM

CHAPTER-13

Ugh!!! Ugh!!! Ugh!!!

 The Kartavir was running along the alleyway at his fastest possible speed at night. His heavy body bounces as he makes the run. He was supposed to be strong, not run away. Yet, he knew the enemy was dangerous and decided running was the only option he had. He needed to get to the ashram where Gajendra Baba was waiting for him. Just before switching lanes, He received a kick pushing him over a wooden cart.

"Who are you people?"

"What we are doesn't matter to you. Answer our question first." The dark- coloured man who kicked him along with his gang said. "Do you know where she is?"

"No"

The dark-coloured man delivered another blow with his fist to the Kartavir's jaw. The Kartavir fell over the wooden cart behind him. Another blow on his face but he remained quiet. The dark-coloured man took his phone and dialled a number. Kartavir slowly started reaching for the sickle stuck to the coconuts below the cart.

"Mr. Kingsley, this man was seen having her photo but he doesn't know where she is. I am killing him. Please add the bounty to my bank account."

The dark-coloured man put the phone back in his pocket and removed the pistol from the back of his pants pointing over the Kartavir's head. The Kartavir had all his fingers wrapped around the handle of the sickle.

"Any last words."

"Om Namo Shivaya"

The sickle was hurled at such pace the bullet deflected nicking the Kartavir's ear. The sickle slashed creating a deep wound in the man's neck. The dark-coloured man fell with blood flowing profusely out of his neck. The Kartavir sighed in relief but something felt wrong. He felt cold breath behind him. Before he could understand, a bullet pierced through his head. The Kartavir fell flat on his ground after his brave attempts. A scar-eyed man stood over Kartavir's dead body.

"Sir, I think you have to give the bounty to someone else."

"Well done, Kranti."

****

Luz was sitting in the main hall along with Subbu. The three brothers, Adhira (the chief priest) and three brothers were standing around the courtyard. All of them watched Gajendra Baba pacing around in anxiety. He paused to look at his watch and continued walking.

"What happened, Baba?" Luz asked.

"I called the Kartavir here."

"That would get us in trouble. What if he decides to hold hands with the civil world order?"

"He won't"

Suddenly, the lights in the ashram switched off. Only some of the moonlight fell on the centre of the courtyard.

"Krishna, go check the lights."

"Yes, guruji."

Everyone remained quiet without panicking. As the lights switched on everyone received a surprise. A big blonde mercenary close held a knife to Chief Priest Adhira's neck. Gajendra Baba put his head down unable to take the betrayal he faced by such a religious man.

"The three of you surrender yourself. Otherwise, you know the consequences. I could shoot the lighter in that girl's pocket which is filled with propane gas beneath."

"Which light...". she remembered. Luther gave it to her. It was planned. All of it. "What do you want?"

*******

Kingsley and Kurtin were sitting on the couch playing Call of Duty on their consoles. Kingsley gave him a light punch playfully. Kurtin laughed back at his brother who was losing on his kills. Robert walked into the hall raging with anger.

"Kingsley" He shouted. He didn't get a response. "Kingsley"

Kingsley ignored continuing to play the game. Robert saw the T.V. remote on the nearby couch. He immediately switched the T.V. off.

"What's wrong with you, Robert? Give me some mental peace."

"Why do you have to keep making wrong decisions? You didn't tell me you put a bounty on every person's head."

"I put a bounty on the Kartavir who would almost be chasing after us," Kingsley shouted.

"There is no evidence you had he was going against them. In this process, he killed three people from the committee. Do you know how serious chaos your friend, Kranti, is doing?"

Kurtin stood up surprised. "Brother, you are going too far. I agree with Robert on this."

"don't give me another suggestion, please. I had no option."

"You could have got them out without shedding extra blood, brother. Why do you have to create such chaos? Can't you do things a little cleaner?" Kurtin explained

"STAY IN YOUR LIMITS," Kingsley shouted at Kurtin. Robert stepped back with a jump scare. "Nobody here knows to respect their elders."

Kurtin's body froze upon hearing those comments. Robert put his head down. Kingsley walked away in anger leaving to his bedroom. Maria ran to the hall with the broomstick to clean up the mess.

"I am sorry, Kurtin. Not everyone is born with power." Robert said. He left to his bedroom. Maria placed her hand on Kurtin's shoulder in pity. She realised he needed to be alone so she left with the broom back to her quarter. Only Kurtin was standing with his head down in the hall.

*Why me? Do I have to keep facing this? *