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| "The more sand has escaped from the hourglass of life, the more clear we should see through it" |
The anguished cry arose from the lonely cabin in the woods followed by a gunshot. The woods returned into their perpetual state of rest. But the cabin was suddenly abuzz with activity.
“Daddy, what was that?”
“I think that was the two men blowing each other's brains out, son.”
Two pale figures emerged into the larger room of the cabin. The boy was slightly older than 5. He was weirdly adorable with large beautiful eyes that he had evidently inherited from his father, who too had dark and deep eyes.The boy's father had a rugged and rough face. The little boy clung to his fathers trousers as they cautiously approached the two figures lying still facedown on the floor of the cabin.
“Daddy what happened to them?”
The boy's father moved closer to one of the bodies and he heard a faint groaning. The father touched the persons chest and he immediately died.
“Oh the poor soul! If only we had reached earlier.” The father exclaimed.
The boy who was now at the edge of his patience started whining. “Daddy daddy tell me what is it?”
“Calm yourself son. Come sit on that chair. Let me tell you a story.”
“Oh really! What kind of story, Dad? Is it a horror or a thriller?”
His father chuckled. “I’ll let you be the judge of that. Anyway, one day…
•••••
Huber shook hands with Phillip.
They both were smiling as they took their seats and it didn't require a keen eye to observe that it was a plastic smile. They had a cold attitude to each other. Colder than a glass of martini the waiter brought presently.
“Phillip.”
“Huber.”
“How many times do I need to say that I want to buy Galaxy.com?”
Phillip gritted his teeth. Knelt forward with his elbows on the table and nearly spat on Huber’s face.
“I already had a deal when you barged in with that ugly mug of yours.”
Huber’s face tensed and his expressions transformed from that of annoyance to utter hostility. He spoke in a slow, menacing tone:
“You had a deal you say? Really? You see. I find this very amusing. I find coincidences very-“ Huber looked at Phillip who was grimly looking at the empty plate the waiter had just set in front of him. Then, in an attempt to get his attention, dramatically spread his arms to show magnificence.
“Very fantastic. One day, my company makes headlines with a press statement that we are interested in buying Galaxy.com to spread our sales to the online market. Next thing I know, your stupid company swoops in and makes a deal.”
Phillip who had been listening attentively looked straight in Huber’s eyes and stated plainly but resolutely: “We had a contract before you made that statement.”
Huber's nostrils expanded in disgust as he barked while slamming his fist on the table creating a rattling noise of the cutlery.
“You lie!”
Phillip reclined backwards, crossed his arms against his chest and said with feigning curiosity
“Oh. And what proof do you have of that?”
That did it for Huber who was about to make a scene out of it but decided against it. Huber left the restaurant huffing and puffing: dragging his gigantic stature outside. Phillip sat quietly for some time. The silence was punctured by the waiters meek cough. It almost sounded like a mouse throwing up.
“Sir do you still want the pork-chops to be served?”
Phillip curtly replied in negative and exited the restaurant, effortlessly swaying his lean figure.
A week later, the two men met at the same place at the same time.
“What in the name of Neptune’s Balls do you want Phillip? I am not dropping that lawsuit against you.”
“I am not asking you to do that.”
“Then what?”
Phillip toyed with the cutlery and then sharply replied:
“I want a game of chess.”
Huber who had almost given up the hope of finding any glimmer of comedy between their interactions, laughed heartily now. Phillip remained unmoved.
“For old times sake, Huber.”
Huber controlled his earth trembling laughter but a smile retained on his face.
“Phillip! Oh my good old friend Phillip! Why do you want to play chess with me? Out of all the other people you chose me!”
Phillip was about to reply but Huber signalled him to say he wasn't finished roasting him yet.
“Now! I am flattered. Really flattered but I know you since kindergarten. I know you before you didn't like the colour black. I know you before you became what you are now! Time and again you have ensnared me in your wonderfully contracted traps. And if there's anything life has taught me, it's that never fall for the same trap again.”
Huber then smiled broader and said rather plainly.
“So tell me my friend. What's the catch?”
Phillip smiled.
“I was beginning to wonder if you’d ever ask that, Huber.”
Huber silently with a certain nonchalance drunk the remnant of the cocktail in the glass.
“Huber.”
“Phillip.” Huber was now looking at him straight in the eye.
“What I am going to say now might startle you at first but don't be impulsive. Think about what I have said. I’ll let you sleep on it.”
Huber shrugged “Ok.”
“These past few days I have been really bored. Putting it roughly I’d say bored out of my wits. Yes, don't look at me like that. The lawsuits, the business rivalries, the fluctuating stock market are all ironically monotonous and the same. I mean be honest with yourself and tell me our petty little duels are they even worth the fight? Do you really think Galaxy.com will be the biggest gig of the century? Are you really that into starting a fast food chain or do you just want to prod me? Poke me to wake me from my slumber? So that we can fight and quarrel. Its not worth it. We both know if we wanted we could end it anytime anywhere. But we don't because it’s the only thing that entertains us. So I was thinking we could play a game of chess by twisting and modifying some rules. How about-“ Phillip swallowed, looked at Huber who was intently gazing outside the window but Phillip knew he had his attention.
“What if every time you take off my pawn from the board, you take away a pawn from my life…”
Huber’s eyes widened.
“Imagine the thrill you’d get. Its almost like betting your life on a game. It would be so real and we would put all our resources to attain victory. Wait I see a question in your mind. What is it?”
Huber voice trembled when he spoke: “And what if your knight check mates my king?”
Phillip smiled and spoke coolly “I thought I was fairly clear about that my friend.”
For some minutes they ate and drank in silence. Huber was morose but Phillip was relatively cheerful. As Phillip swallowed the last piece of meat he asked Huber while wiping his mouth with a handkerchief: “What do you think then? Are you in for a game?”
Something inside Huber was tearing apart. It was screaming and shouting. It was shrieking loudly that this was wrong. This was against everything he had ever believed in. It was his conscience and Hubert instinctively knew what he wanted.
“Yes. Lets do it.” |
| "We make choices. No one else can live our lives for us. And we must confront and accept the consequences of our actions." |
•••
Two days later, Rahul Malhotra left his office building and flirtatiously looked at the woman entering the cab in front of him. His vanity got the better half of his consciousness as he tripped and fell down the stairs, fracturing his head in the process. He died on spot with a little hole bored through his skull. There was no need for a post-mortem of course. It was clear that Rahul had fell and unluckily a piece of gravel or stone had hit him on the head. The deceased’s family soon arranged a funeral according to their Hindu Traditions which was attended by many people from Huber Co. since he held an influential position there. Huber himself stood solemnly while the customs were carried out. He looked even more hurt than the widow. As soon as the crowd began to disperse, Huber rushed into his black Lamborghini and ordered his driver to drop him off at the edge of a particular forest. He had a secretive meeting in a desolate cabin.
“I didn't expect to see you here today, Huber.”
“We swore on our Boy Scouts oath to meet here and make our chess moves.”
Philip chuckled and lit his cigar.
“Never knew you were such a loyal Scout.”
Huber who had hung up his coat sat on the armchair. The chess set lay in front of him. Most of the pieces were still unmoved. Basically only the pawns had been moved. The chess set was short of one pawn.
“I have to admit though, Huber.” Philip paused and looked intently at Huber.
“…finding the appropriate pawn to eliminate was a bit complicated.”
Huber was playing with his fingers and nodded. The silence between them prevailed for sometime until Huber looked straight ahead. His eyes were misty. He was crying and his voice trembled when he spoke.
“You are a murderer…”
Philip felt embarrassed and hurt. He didn't conceal his feelings.
“But Huber you agreed to this! Don't make me the bad guy here!”
“You killed Rahul, widowed his wife and rendered his children fatherless just for a game of chess.”
Philip couldn't keep the bitterness of accusation escape from his voice as he spoke now.
“Huber! What rubbish are you saying? I didn't kill Rahul. I paid for him to be shot without fuss with your permission. His wife will probably marry again very soon. We both know that and his children are the biggest scoundrels-“
“Stop Philip!”
Philip was panting. Huber stood up from the chair and walked towards the door. Before exiting he turned.
“Philip, you are right. I signed up for this and I gave you permission. I am sorry for accusing you of something you didn't do. But I came here to make another point. There are 8 pawns. I cant let you remove 8 pawns from my life. Can we please modify the rules so that…”
“So that what?” Philip sharply asked
“2 pawns would be worth one pawn in my life.”
Philip mused over it for a second and then nodded. Before he could say anything else, Huber took his coat and opened the door of the cabin to leave. Just before he left he shouted out to Philip to move the pawn in front of his Queen two blocks ahead.
•••
“How's it going Huber my friend?”
Huber smiled and drank his tea quietly while Philip stirred the spoon inside his coffee idly.
“Huber”
“Philip”
“You have something up your sleeve, no?”
“Philip my bloody friend you are absolutely right.”
Philip blinked nervously.
“Is it about that?”
Huber put the cup on the saucer with a clink and leaned forward.
“Since you are being so inquisitive, let me tell you that tomorrow when I have made my move and you have made yours, you will be 1 Bishop short.”
Philip swallowed and let out a deep sigh.
“You are too overconfident. You just gave yourself away.” His voice was full of self doubt. He knew what Huber was saying. He could see the chess board in his mind. His bishop surrounded by his own pawns except one opening where it couldn't step. But where Huber’s Rook could step on. He desperately rattled his mind for a way out of it but failed. Since Huber never replied Philip added
“And even if you can eliminate my Bishop, it will still be some days before you figure out who it really is.”
“Yes. You are right Philip. I don't have the foggiest notion who it is.” Huber was still smiling and Philip knew that Huber knew who it was.
Philip rushed through the rest of the hi-tea. Despite being calculating and stoic, he never thought he would see this moment and feel such an intense effect. He panicked and felt helpless. There was nothing he could do. Nothing. Except maybe go and visit him. And that is exactly what Philip did. He asked his driver to stop at Downtown. He knew the area well. He was well aware of all the dark alleys and corners. He had lived here after all and as he entered 32A, Philip disgusted at himself.
“Ah! Philip my son!”
“Morning Master!” Philip bowed.
“No need for such formalities.”
Philip entered the room where the Sensei was sitting.
“I deem it ridiculous and disrespectful to address you with your name. Not that I know your name.”
The sensei chortled
“Tea?”
“You know I wont and can't deny.”
“Of course you can if you want to.”
Philip sat on the floor just a few feet away from Sensei. The Sensei precariously took up the act of making herbal tea as if it was a matter requiring utmost delicacy. He handled the leaves like they were fragile things and a rough touch might be just enough to destroy them.
“Something troubling you Philip?”
Philip didn't hesitate in shaking his head to which the Sensei replied by raising his eyebrow. Philip sighed and smiled.
“It is really nothing.”
Sensei nodded and handed the tea cup to Philip who silently started drinking it. The Sensei walked towards the potted bonsai plants near the window.
“Death is merely a transition.” Philips cup made an unsettling noise on the saucer but the Sensei didn't turn and continued caressing the leaves of the little plants.
“Nobody can escape death. It is an inevitable truth. We must all get accustomed to this fact. We, humans call ourselves mighty and powerful but we can't do so much as predict the time, method or even the date of anyone's death.” He then rotated and looked at Philip right in his pale face.
“Son, I don't know what or how but you have bartered my life. I do not wish to postpone my death. No! I have lived and seen far too much already. I wish to be at peace now but heed my words! What you have done will never let you sleep in peace! You cannot treat someone’s life even if that someone is you, as a trading property!”
Philip remained silent and suddenly chuckled.
“Sensei, why you are deluded, I am afraid! I have done nothing of that sort! If you wonder on the reason for my sudden arrival well it was only because I wanted to see you. I believe that you need to rest now. Maybe I should leave. I’ll just show myself out.”
As Philip hastened to leave without finishing his tea, a grimaced stern expression persisted on the Sensei’s aged face. His brows were tensed and the lines on his forehead were thicker than ever. After all it wouldn't take a magus to figure that Philip had sinned. An inexcusable sin
And the inevitable did happen. In fact, it continued to happen as knights and rooks fell from the chessboard. Philip and Huber mourned their losses as they saw their brothers and families die in their very hands. They knew the exact time when their brother was going to be killed, but they couldn't do anything about it. They had given each other their word and an honourable man keeps his word.
Maybe it will be far more justified if said that Huber and Philip had trodden down to the path from where they couldn't be exorcised. They had turned into demons. There thoughts had gone static and their ability to feel had pretty much gone away. They were numb robots, dealing in the lives of their loved ones, whose demise they saw to with an unwavering attention. For them the human life was now merely another item. But they had forgotten that a fire lit can hurt the hand that lit it. They had forgotten the penultimate and the most important clause of their deal. They had deliberately in fact pretended to ignore that they were the king. And one day what they feared the most happened.
Philip had Huber on a checkmate. Philip had already told Huber to arrange a coffin for himself a day before. Huber had come ready. It was quite a queer feeling to be invited to one’s own death ceremony. Philip had also come prepared. He was oiling his pistol when Huber walked in all fluffy and pumped up. Philip didn't want to carry it on any longer. Their game of chess had already lasted for 2 years. They had seen people depart and Philip had decided to see this era in the future as a preparation and a character building activity.
Philip raised his gun.
Huber walked right in front of it. It was quite daring.
Philip cocked his gun.
Huber smiled. Closed his eyes and said the final prayer.
Philip smiled.
“Huber I want you to know that this has been absolutely lovely.”
“Yeah you are right but I wish-“
“No time for sentimental farewells. Checkmate! ”
There was a gun shot. And it is crystal clear who died.
But this is not where the story ends. The two people who had been secretly watching all this drama unfold into this climax for the past 2 years now looked at Philip with greater interest. Philip smiled. Maybe a tear formed in his eyes but it never reached the horizon of his cheeks. Philip decided to arrange the chess pieces back in the proper order and as he bent to pick them up, he got stupefied.
It was a stalemate. Not a checkmate. Hubert had died for nothing. They had had to restart the game not end it. How could they miss it? As Philip grabbed his head and fell on his knees crying, only one thought occurred to him: Hubert didn't lose. As the pain and sudden despair set in with guilt, Philip saw his gun and without hesitation set it inside his mouth. There was nothing left to live. He had let himself down. And a muffled gunshot was the end of Philip. The world had been changed as two multimillionaires died. There had already been speculation about the deaths of their closed ones, this climax and anti-climax would probably be good content for history books.
•••••
“Is that it, Daddy?” The little kid half asleep on his Dad’s lap asked
“Yes that's it. I mean you already know the back stage things.” The father heartily chuckled. The chuckle was cold and had a certain hollowness.
The boy didn't reply but nodded.
“It was really clever of you, son, to tamper with the arrangement of pieces. I see that you are learning.”
The boy who was half asleep suddenly woke up and cheerily shouted “Thanks dad!” His words echoing in the empty cabin and the forest.
“Yeah. Though I wonder why he never thought that it might have been moved or something. He was stupid. I mean humans tend to be stupid. Besides they are easy to manipulate. It literally took me 1 hour to convince that poor old bastard that a chess game would give him the purpose of his life! Oh! And look it only took a weakling such as you my son to make him kill himself!”
The kid listened with awe but suddenly a frown fell over his radiant face which had grown paler.
“Dad!” He whined “I don't like it! Do you mean to say we are not humans?”
The father paused and replied: “I’ll let you figure that out. If I recollect properly though, that was about 500 years ago. Anyway we have to set the cabin and woods again. The fog is vanishing and the chess pieces won't arrange themselves again.” |
| "There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception." |
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