Regal Tale of Ratnagiri

13. Who am I to you ?

Shivam looked at the chit to confirm the address he came; fruit market of Ratnagiri, here native vendors and foreigner merchants sell dry fruits and spices. They pay a certain tax to Maharaja for this temporary business.

After searching for sometime he found his goal — a white skinned merchant in front of a tent.

"Devon Conway ?"

The merchant smiled. "Yes young man. What do you want ? Walnut ? Raisins or apricots ?"

"Guns"

Conway suprised with that unexpected answer. To make sure he heard right asked again, "what ?"

"Guns" — Shivam repeated his answer leading the merchant act like an honest man.

"Haha... You're kidding me young man"

"I'm not. I want guns from you mr. Conway!"

Shivam's words already entered in more peoples' ears in the market. Conway still acted like decent personality.  "But I can provide you only dryfruits and spices, sir!"

"Mr. merchant, Captain sent me here..."

At a glance, merchant's expression changed. He signalled Shivam to follow him in the tent.

The indoor view didn't seem like the owner can sell guns. Offering him a chair Conway asked – "now say, who are you ? Do you have any proof that captain sent you ?"

Shivam showed the card Conway gave Ruturaj at forest. The foreigner still said in disbelief – "I gave my card to many"

Now he got Ruturaj's cutlass from Shivam as a strong proof, by handing that over Shivam said;

"My brother wants some guns for his purpose. Tell me what amount you want for it ?"

Conway's eyes came on Shivam from the glittering cutlass. "You're captain's brother then ? Does your brother know that I'm not a gun seller ? I keep it only for safety, and I offered him for the same, not for robbery"

"How can you say he's asking for robbery ?"

"Then tell him to come here and tell his purpose by himself, in order that I can provide the right weapon to him"

"Captain himself doesn't come these kinda deals, understand ? Take an equitable amount and gimme the weapons!"

Shivam was already dissatisfied with the merchant for his previous actions with Ruturaj, now his smirks sprinkled petrol on fire. The opposition was also strong.

"Don't shout boy! This isn't right time or place for it, and I can't give this type of things to a little boy like you. Send your brother near northern banyan tree at evening"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

"Abhishek jiiiiiii"

Mayank came running behind Abhishek who was walking forward with a heavy grief Juhi created on his dignity. Elder Rajkumar's pathetic tone even failed to stop him until he kneeled down for once more in front of him. This time Abhishek didn't showed any urge to pick him up or say something, stood like a statue looking forward.

The turbulent man almost begged with two wet eyes — "please listen to me..."

"Khada ho jaiye rajkumar! If your family members see you bending in front of a person they consider as prostitute..."

"Please!" Mayank closed his eyes and two drops of warm water fell on Abhishek's feet. He begged again in soaked voice — "I'm apologising from bua's side. You know her, if we protest, she would insult you more in front of outsider. How could I tolerate that ?"