Yaathreegan (a.k.a The Journeyman)

CHAPTER 1

6 months ago, (Batu Caves, Malaysia)

Today was "Thai Pusam". A very well known day in Malaysia, India and Indonesia. A day celebrated by all Tamils with vigor. You could feel the amount of devotion booming on this day. People came from all over the world to witness this festival and take part in it. Well but I was not here for that.

The rituals were taking place with vigor. It was the best place for a rendezvous with some clients. I mingled with the crowd and arrived at the designated place. I felt a tug in my jacket and on searching my pockets I found a crumpled note. The note contained just number 160 with a downward arrow.

I committed the number to memory, burned the note and carried on. I exited the Batu Caves after praying to Lord Muruga. I climbed down the steps which were now almost deserted due to the fact the crowd was inside the caves. These steps do not compare to the steps of Pazhani. On getting to what I thought was the 160th step counting from the top, I waited for a while admiring the scenery. A few minutes later, I was joined by a balding man of about 60 years old.

"Long time, kutti payya(kiddo)"

"Yeah, A very long time, kezhava(old coot)"

"Alright, what's the job, now?"

"Patience, my boy, Patience. Learn to take in the scenery and enjoy life"

Oh yeah! Patience, this kezhava loved to beat around the bush but he's the one who trained me and made me what I am. He's the closest thing that I have to a parent. He seemed to feel my annoyance through his eyes which were all-seeing, honed through experience and close-calls that was part and parcel of our trade. He broke the awkward silence first.

"Okay, tell me this, you're 23 this week, right?"

"Haha, What a surprise! kezhava knows my birthday."

"Here's a present" he said and handed me a small gift box. Inside it was a Vintage Parker Ballpoint pen.

"Don't be surprised just yet. Open the top part of the pen"

On doing so, I found a blade concealed in it.

"This will come in real handy, Thanks"

"Wait, did I hear that right? You thanked ME?"

"Don't make me say it again kezhava"

"Anyways, if you dont like the straight blade you can change to whatever blade you wish to by pressing this clip, but remember the blade must fit in"

"Got it, so since I've been very patient now"

"Tell me what the job is about"

"Okay, follow me"

*******

Klang, Malaysia

This kezhava and I traveled to this part of the town in this run-down rental that only cost us spare change but it held up to its value. The song "En Iniya Pon Nilave" was being played on his portable Cassette Player.

"Hey kezhava, you are downright old when it comes to everything, ain't you?"

"Oi don't underestimate old because......"

"Because Old is Gold" I completed his usual sentence with sarcasm which made him at a loss for words.

"Dei, Why are you being so sarcastic? Can't you see the bliss in this song. This is one of Ilaiyaraja hits, man"

"I wasn't talking about the song, I was talking about the cassette player. Who uses cassettes these days, huh?"

"Dei, I can even digest the fact that you call me kezhava but don't you dare say anything about Ilaiyaraja or this cassette player or else I will........"