The Happy Lights in your Window

Chapter 9

Chess

Chess watches Kas and Dor in an animated conversation on the pavement while he sips his large on the house hot chocolate. The titan has kept an emergency meeting over the weekend after Chess's incredible updates. He feels oddly thrilled to be a part of this odd ball trio however temporary. He observes how gentle and respectful the titan is before the kid.

It's the strangest buddy pair he has ever seen. As he watches the array of animated expressions on the boy's face and the deep affection on the titan's face as she responds, he feels strangely envious of the strong bond they share. As if she can feel his gaze on them, the titan turns and gives him a nod with almost a half-smile and he feels a strange tug on his heart. The girl is intelligent and brave he realizes as he watches the old baker husband pass him by and join the duo. His heart oddly aches for the young titan as he watches the greying paunchy baker put a possessive arm around her shoulders. He wonders what's their story is.

She is obviously too young for him and he vaguely recalls her as a schoolgirl with her Ma in the shop. He shrugs the thought off. Everyone in their vast shanty area has had a hard life. He himself is no exception. But the titan and the kid have sure made life interesting in his otherwise dull life. He smiles as he watches and suddenly notes the baker man is scowling at him. He raises his hands up in mock surrender. The titan leans in to the man and tells him something. He looks mildly consoled and walks back into the shop completely ignoring him.

Chess gulps down the rest of his hot chocolate and joins the pair on the street. "So, what's next"? he asks. Chess is very tall and well-built but the titan easily meets him eye to eye. "There have been developments", says the titan," but you just keep observing and see what you can find". "If you keep me updated, I can help better ", says Chess. "I can focus on what's important rather than just being a human CCTV, "he adds. "I think we had a deal as to what your role would be" says the titan to him in a sharp voice. Kas steps forward and gently tugs on her sleeve". "Dor, he's right.". The titan looks down at the boy and takes a deep breath. "Kas", she says warningly. "It's ok, Dor" The boy replies "The information that Chess got us was incredible. It's obvious he can be trusted".

The duo stare at each other for a minute and Chess wonders if telepathy is really a thing. The titan turns to him and folds her beefy arms. She sure has an impressive structure. She might take him down if there is a fight. "Zander is getting engaged this weekend. We are catering the snacks. I intend going there in person for service and will see what I can find out". Chess flashes all his teeth at her. "Won't you need an assistant"? Kas gives them both an approving nod. As he watches them, Chess feels as if life is good again. He breathes in the fresh air as he walks back home, appreciating the absence of the grease and oil smell which surrounds him day in and day.

Kas

"Can't you keep Kaya with you"? asks his Ma in exasperation as Kas tucks away his books in his school knapsack. "Ma, I have one final big exam coming up. Our classroom teacher is taking sessions for all the kids who don't go for paid private coaching. I have to attend. What's wrong with dropping her at the neighbors?".

"Remember, most of our main neighbors are all away at the annual weekend picnic? Sorry Kas, your exams are really important. You focus on that. I will keep Kaya with me at the big house. The cook adores her ". Kaya squeals delightedly as she dances around her big brother and Ma. "The big house, the big house!!". Kas laughs, gives his Ma a quick hug and twirls Kaya around for a moment. He tenderly kisses both her little soft cheeks and keeps her down gently. "I love you both", he says and dashes off into the quiet early morning street.