DAR, 1982
Rayhan and his two teammates entered Christos’s home office. He was with his favorite bodyguard, Zander. His face was full of smile. He switched off the TV after seeing them.
“You did a good job. My morning is luminous because of you.” Christos said, hugging them.
“What will happen to his wife and daughters?” Rayhan said.
“The government will take good care of them.” Christos said.
“Was killing him the only solution?” Rayhan said.
Latricia said, “Rayhan—”
“It’s alright.” Christos said, “The first time you do a thing is always exciting.”
Saleem and Latricia nodded.
“I’ve dropped a small amount in your bank accounts.” Christos said, “Go get some rest.”
“Thank you, sir…” Saleem and Latricia said.
“No, thank You. You saved your country.”
The three walked out of Christos’s office.
“You’re arguing with Christos as if you are of the same rank.” Saleem said after exiting Christos’s house.
“The voice of that man screaming to save his life reiterates in my ears every time.” Rayhan chuckled. “You were not there, how can you feel it?”
“This too shall pass.” Latricia said.
Rayhan smiled. “Burning a man alive won’t.”
“You did the right thing.” Saleem said.
“I joined the army to save people not to kill them.” Rayhan said.
“There is no progress or accomplishment without sacrifice.” Saleem said.
“Then what’s the difference between you and criminals?”
Saleem exhaled.
“What did you want us to do?”
“When what you hear does not match with what you see, trust your eyes.”
“What does—”
“RAYHAN!” A voice came from the parking lot. The three turned around. It was Nailah. She waved her hand, calling Rayhan.
“Go invite troubles.” Saleem said.
Rayhan headed to Nailah. She was in a long kitenge dress, her bodyguards behind her. When Rayhan arrived, she sent away her guards.
“You forgot this.” Nailah said, handing the necktie to Rayhan
Rayhan sighed. “Was it the reason you refused to leave the room?”
“If I lifted my leg that day, you would be dead now.”
Rayhan smiled.
Nailah touched Rayhan’s face. “What’s with this scratch?”
“Got it while jumping off your window that day…”
“I’m sorry.”
“I should go before Christos finds me here.”
Nailah grabbed his hand. “Christos is leaving. He won’t be available tonight. Will I see you?”
“I’m not digging my own grave.”
“Please Rayhan. I love you.”
“We’re making a mistake.”
“Is loving you a mistake?”
“You have a husband.”
“I don’t love him.”
Rayhan chuckled. “Why did you marry him?”
“Sometimes love is not a feeling, it is a choice. I made a choice.”
“You made a wrong choice.”
“Sometimes the wrong choices bring us to the right places.”
“Fine—”
“You were here. I have been looking for you everywhere.” Christos said.
Nailah promptly released Rayhan’s hand.