Read Online Cross Roads: Pick a Path by Janaath Vijayaseelan - Free Book Online Page B

travel for us to reach our
destination, but looking out the window I could see the large
landmass that holds my future. I didn’t know how to feel about it;
I was born in Chennai, but I haven’t been back since Sarah adopted
me. The death of my parents led to my departure, and now murder is
what brought me back; death has been my only true companion.

    As we got set for landing I felt my mind
ease a little more. It felt amazing; after months of sheer torture
to my thoughts, I finally had a sense of relief. Hasini will always
be the one that got away, but its time for me to move on and
venture into what life has in store for me next.

    Stepping out the private airline, I was
expecting a lot of men for an escort to the Duranji residence.
Although to my surprise that was not the case, there were actually
just two vehicles with a driver in each. Walking down the flight of
stairs I was confused; this is it? I thought Marona Duranji was a
big deal; and all he gets is a measly driver for a pick up? The
vehicles were nice though, two black Range Rovers; I did not expect
Chennai to be so modern. Then again, I guess being an international
criminal pays a little more than what the average man makes.

    “Welcome to my world kid,” whispered Marona.
As usual I just replied back with a smile. I really did not know
how to talk to the guy, its not that I was scared of him but he
hasn’t lived up to that acclaimed name of his just yet. It just
keeps me speculating of what the hype is about. Remone and I
watched as the two henchmen whom accompanied us on our journey
loaded the luggage. The henchmen both join Marona, in the first
SUV. I was joined by Remone in the second; following the other
vehicle, in what was said to be an hour-long drive.

    Twenty minutes into the ride I could not
help but find myself in awe; Chennai is far more beautiful and
developed than I imagined. When you’re raised in a westernized
country its hard to consider the fact that the rest of the world
develops with time; however the level of visible poverty is not a
pleasant sight. As I continued to stare in amazement, I was still
curious of how someone of Marona’s standards only had two men
present for his arrival.

    “Hey Remone, does the driver understand
English,” I whispered.

    “No, Why?” Questioned Remone.

    “ I’ve been curious about this since we
got off the jet; why is it that there were only two cars to pick up
Marona? Like the guy was almost killed a few nights ago, shouldn’t
there be more protection? We don’t even know who planned the attack
on him.”

    “ Arrun, my friend. You need to understand
that Chennai is the Duranji district; there is no one on the radar
who is gutsy enough to attempt an empire takedown.”

    The hype truly never fades; with every
passing moment Marona’s name is mentioned, his praise reaches a new
level. I for one think that they are way to in over their heads.
Look at me; just a few months back I thought I had my life all
figured out, but my story had other twists in store. Marona could
be the world’s biggest criminal, but at the end of the day, he
dies; like every other man.

    As I continued to glance through the window,
admiring my new unfamiliar setting I noticed a red vehicle racing
by. The men in the vehicle were masked; within a blink of an eye I
was witness to Marona’s vehicle heating under heavy fire. As our
driver slammed the break, I felt the pressure of the seat belt
surge against my chest. Remone was quick to react; he reached over
the seat into the trunk grabbing two sub-machine guns, and as we
ducked our body behind the seat he quickly showed me how to use the
gun. There was a calm relief running through my body, and the
emotionless soul I’ve had the past few months was beginning to get
the best of me. I closed my eyes, and the sounds around me drifted
seemingly slow. Remone had taken cover behind the left passenger
door; I could hear him desperately crying out my name for
support.

    Opening