The man began to move from the box and gave a relief to her, but it's not for a longer time. Something lowered down in front of the cardboard box, looked like an alien with a weird face filled with multiple eyes, it emitted some kind of liquid from its dirty mouth and lowered with his shaking 8leg body, that's a spider. Sylvia shivered more in fear and crawled back along with the cardboard box. When the man turned in her direction, she froze and remained as one among the boxes kept there.
A couple of seconds passed by, he walked towards where the box was placed and stopped right in front of it. He saw the end of her dress coming out of the box and chuckled. He started to hiss and shouted…! Snake….! Snake…! The girl threw the box open and jumped towards the man hugging him tightly.
The girl gave a tedious speech to the man all the while squinting at him, where is the snake dad, let’s get out of here soon.
There is no snake Sylvia. I was just kidding. And, I won in hide & seek too. Now, let me have my 10kisses.
You cheated me, dad!! I won’t even give you one kiss. Let’s play again.
No Sylvia, it’s already dinner time. Let’s finish dinner first, everything is ready. I have already chopped the chicken and your mom must be done by now with your favorite chicken roast. I’ve got to clean up as well, see how my shirt was stained with the chicken blood.
Alright then, chicken roast! Here I come said Sylvia and ran from the storeroom to see her mom.
When she got to the kitchen, she stood behind the door and mimicked like her father, “Nila!! Our little princess is nowhere to be seen”.
Ah! Ah! But I found my little princess said her mom hugging her explaining she also made a tasty spinach dish to go along with the chicken. Sylvia clenched her teeth and told, I am not a little princess. I am your husband, show me some respect. Serve me the chicken roast, not this spinach.
Hey!!!! Even your dad does not speak to me like that and orders me around. You naughty girl said her mom and pinched her cheeks. Ok, where is your dad, my dear? Both of you took off leaving me stranded to handle the chicken all by myself. Where did he disappear now?
Sylvia wasn’t even paying attention to her mom and told, “Fortunately, or unfortunately, my grandpa kept your name as Nila and made dad mad. He is always staring at the moon, I still remember when I asked him about the meaning of your name. He took me to our balcony, showed the moon, and said that’s the meaning my dear. Why is he so mad at you mom? What did you do to him, asked Sylvia.
Why you actually make me blush my dear. Your dad is simply my hero. I totally fell in love with him mainly because he took such good care of me, he always supported my interests and was my cheerleader. When he proposed to me, all I fell for was his mesmerizing eyes. Mmm! Actually no on second thought, I should say his character too in addition to his style and the way he speaks. He never lets me down and worries even if I get slightly wounded. I am lucky to have him in my life.
Oh, mom, stop it! I have heard this a million times. Please bring my chicken roast, I’m starving, said Sylvia.
Very funny!!! You never let me express myself wholeheartedly. Ok! Wait at the dining table, let me go get your dad too and took off.
Royston!!! Where are you darling, it's dinner time!!!
Honey! I am over here in the living room, responded Royston.
I was looking for you on the balcony, (Nila saw Royston packing his bag) why are you packing clothes now? asked Nila.
I’m leaving to Chennai tomorrow. Need to see a client regarding our business proposal, said Royston.
But! You never mentioned this before and you promised to take Sylvia to the amusement park tomorrow. She will be disappointed, and it’s Christmas baby, said Nila.
Sorry honey! It’s really urgent, I have been after him for a year and we just got his appointment..! I cannot miss this opportunity, I’ll talk to Sylvia, she is mature beyond her age and she will understand. I need your help too, you take her to the amusement park. I’ll make it up to you, said Royston.
I don’t know!! I don’t think I can handle her, this is between father and daughter, anyway she is waiting for you at the dining table, said Nila.
Ok! Don’t breathe a word about this to her until she finishes her dinner otherwise she won’t eat.
(Sylvia delightfully finishing her chicken roast)
Hah hah!! You said she won’t eat!!! Hah Hah! Look at her, not a morsel on her plate is left, she loves her mom’s cooking, don’t you dear, asked Nila pleased.
Sorry mom, I love dad’s cooking better than yours. (Her mom stared at her pityingly) Why are you both standing? come sit. Sorry dad, I was so hungry, and the chicken smelled so good, couldn’t wait for you, said Sylvia.
Just now a rogue said she preferred her dad’s cooking, said Nila and tickled her.
Hehehehe!!! Ok!! Ok! Both of you take your seats first, today I am going to serve you both and Dad! Stop staring at mom, ordered Sylvia.
Wow!!!! My little darling, it's ok dear we will serve ourselves, you come and sit with us. Papa needs to tell you something, said Nila.
I am not in the mood to hear anything now. Wait, let me light the candle. (Kid lighted the candle) May I take your orders please, asked Sylvia sweetly.
Oh, love!! Aren’t you adorable! We will have the food later. Papa needs to tell something very important to you, said Nila.
I said no talking at the dinner table, (she poured the orange juice into the glass) your order please sir, asked Sylvia.
Hmm well! I need a tasty chicken roast specially made by a princess with her own hands, said Royston and held the hands of his wife, Nila.
Don’t you need soup or a starter or at least the desserts…? (Both of them stared at the kid) ok as you order, I will bring the chicken for you, said Sylvia and served them the chicken roast.
Royston tried to broach the subject of him leaving the next day, but the kid strictly said not to open his mouth at the dining table.
Ok! You both have your food, I will come back within a few minutes, said Sylvia and went to her room.
Isn’t she full of surprises!!! Our child has grown up so much, she is sweet and mature at the same time, said Nila.
She is your child honey. I’m not surprised at all because that she is as sweet as you are. (Royston kissed Nila on her hands) Every time I hold your hands I feel like holding a bunch of lovely flowers, said Royston.
(The kid came back and glared at them)
I was gone for just a minute and you both started your romance. (They both felt shy), ok dad! Mom! Stop blushing and listen to me. With her hands behind her, she said, I have something special for the both of you, guess what it is?
I know this! It’s your favorite unicorn toy, said Royston very sure of his answer.
No! It’s a gift for you guys. (Gift..! Both of them looked at her surprised). They had no idea and so Sylvia gave the gift to them, together they literally tore the gift wrapping paper to see what the gift was all about.
It was a photo frame with a beachside photo of herself with his father Royston and with her mother Nila, the photo had some cute words on the top which read, "Happy Wedding Anniversary Dad & Mom".
Anniversary! Aaaah! (It just began to dawn on them) how did we forget our own wedding anniversary! So sweet of you my dear, said Royston and hugged Sylvia and his wife filled with overwhelming love.
Both of them showered kisses on Sylvia, Ok!! Ok!!! Stop it. That’s enough. Now it’s my turn and she kissed her father and mother feeling blessed.
Dad, do you know one thing, I am going to watch the live wrestling now, said Sylvia.
Live Wrestling!!! What are you talking about dear? How is that even possible at our home, asked Royston laughing.
Just take a look at your beloved wife. The moon is now burning like the sun, kidded Sylvia.
Oh dear, don’t be upset, I didn’t forget our anniversary!!! I have already bought a gift and kept it at the office, lied Royston.
I know about you honey, no issues. This is completel
y off topic but I need to ask you something quick. You know Yasmin right!! Who stays in the opposite flat, do you know when she moved in???
Hmm..!!! I know her very well. It's been 4years now, she came in on the 2nd week of December 2013 early morning, I guess it was around 5o'clock, and on that very same day she brought us some yummy briyani, and for your information, her full name is Shakina Yasmin, finished Royston.
Aaahan!!! Why are you standing so far honey, come close to me, called Nila.
Super!!! Start the music mom, shouted Sylvia excited now.
She knew she was going to witness the live wrestling one way or the other. But, it wasn’t as exciting as she thought it would be because her dad just kept getting punched by her mom.
Dad! You too punch her, it’s getting boring, said Sylvia.
We are just acting kid. Your mom never beats me, lied Royston laughing hysterically.
(Nila punched him in his nose)
This is for leaving us at the time of Christmas, said Nila.
Dad!!! Is that true! Where are you going? Don’t go anywhere dad, please, pleaded Sylvia.
No dear! It’s really urgent, and it’s regarding our ice cream factory. Papa will go to Chennai, and when I come back, we could open the ice cream factory, and then the little princess Sylvia could eat as much ice cream as she wishes, said Royston.
I don’t need any ice creams, dad, please at least take me too, asked Sylvia.
No dear! It’s so far, surely I will take you the next time and when I come back my little princess will get whatever she wants, said Royston.
I like this deal, will you surely give me whatever I ask, pleaded Sylvia.
Sure dear. Now tell me what you want. I will get it on my way back, said Royston.
I need a unicorn toy, Barbie girl, jewelry box, pendants, necklace, princess crown, and some sea cucumbers, said Sylvia.
Ok dear. Papa will get all these things you asked. Now, It’s time to sleep, let’s get to bed, you and mum have a busy day tomorrow, need to wake up early to go to the amusement park. I’m going to miss all the joyrides, said Royston and took the kid to her bed.
Sylvia’s dad Royston was a hardworking ice cream seller for the outside world but he also has another profile, a concealed job in Goa and that was smuggling. His parents met with an accident and passed away when he was 12. In his childhood, Royston had the desire to join the army and become a captain but because he lost his parents, he couldn’t make it. He quit school and went to work as a porter at the age of twelve.
Now after 20years, he is the captain of his own yacht. Over the past few years, he had done his underground business at night on the Indian coasts along with his friend Mosses. Royston was talented in moving the goods to another country without any problem. He was the No.1 hustler in their coasts.
Goa was filled with gangsters and was an underground hub for illegal activities. Royston worked for the Basha gang who were well known for such activities from brown sugar to pistols, you name it and they were involved. The gang’s leader was Nazeer Basha.
Fifteen years back when Nazeer Basha took control of the Goa port he saw a kid struggling in the port carrying sacks on his back, he called him and gave a 10 rupee note, but the kid hesitated to receive it and said I am not a beggar. Even a single rupee should be earned only by doing work. Nazeer loved the attitude of the kid and took the kid with him. Initially, the kid worked in the kitchen, and then he got promoted to a driver for the Basha. Now after 20years, he is Don Nazeer Basha’s right hand. The kid was none other than Royston.
As Royston grew under the guidance of Basha, Nazeer considered Royston as his own blood. Royston would do anything for Nazeer to the extent of even laying down his life for him if he gave the word.
On a Carnival day in Goa, Nazeer called Royston to his pub and showed him the blueprint of a building. The print was that of the Miami special museum. The show was going to start in a week’s time and the exhibits would be displayed at the museum for 10days. It will be filled with 2nd and 3rd dynasty Egyptian antique ornaments including the king’s crown, queen’s necklace and other antique ornaments belonging to the Egyptian civilization.
Nazeer planned the plot of robbing the museum and gave this assignment to his sons Ameer Basha and Royston. The idea was simple, every year at the end of December there would be a boat show and racing in Miami, so he told Royston and Ameer to enter the race as contestants and finish the deal without any hiccups.
Now Ameer Basha the real son of Nazeer Basha was just 26 but his brilliance & achievements far exceeded his age. He was master of all martial arts and his room was filled with trophies and mementos. Royston considered Ameer as his own brother but Ameer did not share in that feeling and looked at Royston only as a servant. As far as Ameer was concerned, he was the most powerful person next to his father. For the robbery, Ameer was also accompanied by his very close friend Leonce.
Leonce is a fun guy to be around. His buddies called him Lee. He had a great sense of humor and always made everyone laugh with his tactics. His ultimate aim was to be the richest man. He is a south Indian from Chennai. So Ameer, Leonce along with Royston and Mosses planned to rob the Miami special museum, especially for the queen’s necklace.
The next day morning, Royston’s yacht left for Miami with 9 gangsters, 4 yacht workers and 3key characters Ameer, Leonce, and Mosses. As this was a big gamble, they took shotguns, bombs, rifles, rocket launchers, swords, and handguns.
They would journey for 3days. Everyone was in high spirits literally and figuratively drinking wine, dancing, singing, and playing. It seemed like they were going on a picnic. Meanwhile, the gangsters were discussing what they would do with their share after the robbery. Lee wanted to direct a movie. Ameer said that he would start his own gang, for mosses it was to own a yacht. So, each one had their own dreams and were excited about this deal.
After dinner, one of the workers on the yacht was listening to music on his Walkman and cleaning the floor. His name was Manav, he was physically challenged. From birth, he did not have his right arm up to his elbow. This significantly affected him emotionally and to avoid the taunting he used music as an escape.
Some of the co-gangsters were making fun of Manav. Royston didn’t like hurting anyone whether disabled or not he genuinely cared for people. He slapped the gangster who made fun of Manav. Manav was deeply grateful to Royston for this and his reverence for Royston increased.
A day passed. Early the next morning, Ameer was working out in his cabin. Royston was sharpening his pocket knife, Mosses was handling the yacht. The other co-gangsters were polishing and cleaning their knives, swords, and guns, and the yacht workers were preparing food for the day.
There wasn’t a single woman on board with them but from nowhere a girl with golden hair wearing a long red gown entered Ameer’s room. She hugged him tightly from behind and started moving her hands all over his body. He pushed her back and saw her face. It was Leonce who started his crazy stuff early in the morning. He bought Ameer out of his cabin and started pole dancing in the flagpole of the yacht. He was imitating like a strip dancer and everyone was having a good time watching the show.
Watching Lee’s performance, Mosses let go off the handle of the yacht. The bottom of the yacht hit the rocks on the seabed. For a minute, the yacht shook vigorously, but it came to a standstill after few seconds. Lee fell down in the impact but managed and made a dance step out of it and bought a loud laugh in the yacht. The day went by with more laughter and frolic. They would reach Miami at midnight on 23rd December.
Royston’s yacht neared the coasts of Miami in the midnight of 23rd December. The Coast of Miami was bright even at night because of the lights from the tall pastel-hued buildings, world-class hotels, and the nearby shops.
Soon when the yacht reached the coasts, Tommy and his gangsters picked them up, this had been arranged by Don Nazeer for their local support in Miami. 10years back, Nazeer only helped Tommy's transition from a fisherman to the kingpin o
f Miami.
Scepters of Empyrea Page 10
