THE HEIST

Trouble Brews

Walking towards the suite, I was wondering what was so damn important that uncle would mess our holiday up, and have Arya drugged for. I also wondered whether Arya has the past that I don't know of and uncle does, and hence he called. All the happenings of today seemed a little too unreal. But then, things with Karan usually are.

We reached the suite and uncle was waiting for us, connected to the projector via a video call. "I'm really sorry for spoiling your evening, beta;" he said, apologetically. "But the matter I wanted to discuss has a paramount importance for your well being and that of Karan's. Hence, it needed to be discussed as early as possible." "Do go on, Uncle!" I said, proceeding to sit on a chair with Karan by my side in front of the screen.

"As you might vividly remember, our family had a falling out with the Singh's. Your friend Vipin's father -" he paused to gesture the bodyguards to move out of the room, which they did, closing the door behind them. "As I was saying, your friend Vipin's father, Ramandeep, had cheated me with the South China Sea oil exploration deal. He, along with some corrupt Chinese officials successfully blocked my exploration ships on way to the oil patches while he himself drilled and took control of them. In retrospect, I felt sad, not because of losing those millions but because of the backstabbing that I went through and Ramandeep breaking our pact."

I and Karan nodded. And while I was confused as to why uncle would bring that buried story back, I listened intently. "I have reasons to believe that the recent attack in Kuwait has their family behind it;" Uncle said. 

Karan interrupted, asking "pops wasn't our refinery damaged too?". 

Uncle sighed and continued "Yes, beta. And according to intelligence gathered by our security agency, the Black Swans, they are planning on taking you both captive for reasons not known yet".

I frowned. I knew the Singhs had the resources to pull something like Kuwait off, but kidnapping me and Karan for no reason? The Vipin I knew would never allow for such a thing. "Uncle! I think there has been a mistake of some sort. I don't know what to say as far as the Kuwait situation goes, but with some certainty, I can definitely say that the Singhs would do no such thing as to kidnap Karan and me." I retorted.

Holding his temple, Uncle said "Nevertheless, the Singhs are not to be trusted. I'll be coming personally to pick both of you up in 3 days. If not for the formalities in Kuwait, I'd leave this place right away. I'll be bringing the best of our troops with me for protection, however, do keep vigilant and stay safe. There's nothing more important to me than the two of you. I have already sent the two of you a video through a secure channel. Watch it to check the legitimacy of my words about the Singhs. Even if you already believe me, do watch it - it will bring some closure to your weary minds." I and Karan nodded.

"Alright then beta, I'll take your leave. I would love to stay and chat but I don't want to ruin your holiday even further. Go ahead and have fun. These three days will pass by and before you know it, I'll be there to pick you up! Take care and stay frosty." uncle cut the call. As Karan got up to leave, I opened my phone to see the video. Before I could, however, Karan stopped me from playing it, gesturing towards the door and telling me "Later, Angad. When we're completely alone."

I wondered why would he want to watch it alone, pocketing my phone.

Little did I know how the next 3 days were going to be the most turbulent ever.