KARMA

Adil leaned back in that black leather desk chair; in fact, it was the only new item that consumed the attention of those faded painted walls within that weather-beaten building. That dewy smell and dirt floor enhanced the atmosphere into a sweltering dim prison. In his mind, though, it was far from the prison. In fact, it was the atmosphere that thrived through his veins—a sacred gift of peace. The chosen nine could not move nor leave to their once secure homes. They were influenced by his charm. His presentation was that of a well-bred man. Dressed in a herringbone white dress shirt with those sleeves rolled halfway up. Black trousers and that silver-blue Rolex watch shinned. His dark skin bathed within clammy sweat, the beads formed and rolled down his neck and chest, it was his eyes that shone the seriousness of the situation, dark piercing, somewhat in the depths of hell! In that place, his proper introduction came into play as he tapped. Tapped... the tip of his pen upon the faded, scratched desktop.

"My birth name is Adil Hoxha Rashid. Born in Pakistan. I studied in the US, England, and France. I own homes in China, Dubai, and Germany. I am now thirty years old. I followed in my stepfather’s footsteps, “carpet trade.” As for my stepmother, an expert in documentation fraud. However, my life has not always bloomed as every child’s dream. So, you see, my love for this county will still be embedded within my heart. In fact, I plan to retire in my birth county. However, tonight I shall share the reason you are here. As an infant, my mother and I were abandoned on the streets of Pakistan. She soon left me to fend for myself. Others took care of me, others like me.”

Adil calmly continued. “As the nine of you are aware, there are seven realities of homelessness in Pakistan. Recently it was highlighted where the country and organizations are putting forth efforts for change. However, I and others like me developed, organized, and tonight enforced the one plan that will never be seen, spoken, or acknowledged. All of you are here for that reason."

The nine sit motionless, staring into Adil's sharp glossy eyes. Each of them reflected on the prior months. The phone calls, the massive orders, and the final buy-out of their carpet business. The meetings in lavish restaurants, cigars, and liquor. The paid airline tickets and pampered care Johnathan provided. The weekend cruise upon the deep blue sea in Malibu, California. The man was believed to be Johnathan, who never frayed under stressful conditions. Even while sitting, they remembered his excellent posture, confidence, a stickler for rules, and discipline. The nine realized their character, habits, and body language were the target, not their carpet business. Then shocking realization, they, the nine, had much in common.

Adil glared upon the nine. He straightened himself within that chair, placed both arms upon the desk, and locked his fingers together. There he tilted his head to the right then back upon them; with a deep breath, he continued onward.

"I was one of many unfortunate children left to the streets. One of many children plucked up and escorted to a village far away. Bathed, fed, and clothed. Paraded through the street. While others filled my mind with lies, “that I was the exceptional one.” A profoundly gifted child did not have the guidance, nurturing, and love to flourish. More than likely, I will never know if others managed to escape this demon-possessed ritual. The night before this planned sacrifice, someone whispered in my ear, waking me from sleep. Quietly I sat upward from the floor. I heard the voice again whispering. "Run!" I quietly slipped through the cracks as a mouse but not before exploring the compound. I see the pot, rope, and knife. Thereupon a plank laid fresh grape leaves. That same night I escaped. A few hours later, coming upon a village, I franticly ran into the arms of an English woman. She rescued and liberated me at the age of 10. The journey to England was escorted by a woman. It was believed this woman was employed for an organization, "Save Our Future." She changed my life." Adil paused while sweat trickled alongside his cheek, scanning the eyes upon the nine as their perspiration induced rapid heartbeat. It was hot, practically airless! Adil continued.

“Although I tried to forget the past, I could not. This horror won permanent passage in my mind. Those faces branded themselves within the night. Not one day passed that I did not see the faces of those who viciously fed me lies. Those who wanted to slit my throat and drink my blood. Pakistani blood! The same as you and me!”

‘As I grew, I learned and remembered the sick mind of those who held this satanic belief of hanging children upside down over a pot of boiling water. Bound and gagged. While some sick, perverted beast slit their throat! And the others, the others drank the child's blood with grape leaves!” Pausing briefly with a mournful smile, Adil continued.

“A child, especially a homeless child, wants to believe and feel loved, needed, and unique. However, the experience gave the belief that something is too good to be true. “It is!” Voices come to me in the night. I heard them many times before. I could smell the rot and hear the slippery words slide off those tongues of sin. Yet, when the whispers came to me, I knew I had a purpose in life. Tonight, this celebration is the grand opening of our secret society, where champagne is demanded and the ribbon's cutting. However, I am without a ribbon."

Adil raised one hand, there from the shadow’s, others came forth, glistening bottles of champagne sparkled. The glasses were sat before the nine. Adil smiled as he latched onto the icy cold champagne bottle placed on the desk in front of him. He popped the first bottled and filled his glass. Corks shot singing their own tune against the walls and ceiling in all directions. The nine are now positioned to witness the grand opening. The others took hold of those tall wooden doors. That etching chalkboard sound was enough to make one scream, but no one could scream. Adil positioned himself in front of the nine as he held a full glass of champagne; gallantly, his thirst was quenched. He tossed the glass to the side, shattered into crystals, sparkling like diamonds upon the earthen floor. Adil faced the opening and raised his arms upward!

"Bring the nine! The fire is high, the water is boiling!

By

Author: Marsha L Ceniceros