Namaste, Part Two

“Cast me out, drug me through hell

Devils ashes live under my nails

Where's the hope, belief in humanity

Ask for a drink, strangers look down on me

Fallen angel that is I



I'll lead you all you left behinds

Now is ever do or die

Together no man left behind

We are the left behinds

We are the left behinds



Metal hearts melted down

Pool of souls, I wish to drown

Where's the hope, belief in humanity

Ask for a drink, strangers look down on me



Fallen angel that is I

I'll lead you all you left behinds”



- “Left Behinds” Paris Blohm ft Taylr Renee



- - - - - - - - - -

It was clever really the way the night danced behind the color of the lens. Bathed in green and envy. To the casual observer it would’ve seemed like nothing. A dark figure moving in the night, a silent shot to remediate the sound that one should make, a shadowed angel watching over their souls as they ran for their lives. They were in his sights as he let his finger lightly press against the trigger and the moment drew nearer.



The seconds become minutes as the waiting game elates, calculating each and every movement that they make as they move along the streets. Their bodies hurrying in their escape, but there was no escape truly.



Those in war called it the quiet place, that time within which you could hear everything and nothing all in the same state. The wind blowing, the dust as it fell on unpaved streets, the sound of someone’s air conditioning, and a tv playing one of Bollywood’s greatest mysts.



Yet None of it mattered as he watched those two, running for their lives like they knew what was next. The young man and his woman. Marked for death. . .



“Now is ever do or die”



- - - - - - - - - -



The trip had been long and restless, at least for her. She’d watched Rhett sleep for the better part of the last hour as she ruffled with his hair a bit, stared at him like she was insane, and then just watched a movie as they landed the plane. It was strange being back here. In Mumbai, her home. So long had passed since she’d been here last and well it was still a very dangerous place for the likes of Kehlani Singh, who’d now become Qiyara.



It felt like such a long time ago since she’d been anything else but this. This whole place felt like a different world and had it not been for the hope of finding Rhett’s brother she never would’ve come back here, but things had a funny way of working themselves out. Her mother of all people, had sent her an email detailing the story of a friend who had spotted an American man who’d reminded her of the man she’d known all those years ago.



Life had changed so much since then, where her family had lived in the pits of the city, the area they called the slums. It was rarely (if ever) that someone was able to make it out and while she hadn’t been able to do so in the best way possible, Yara had learned to take the opportunities she didn’t always think were the safest. The first had been leaving behind a marriage where she would’ve been used, neglected, and disrespected, and in return she’d found the courage to spark her own career, and a life she truly wanted to live, with a man she did actually love.



It was why no matter how much she feared being back here, that she owed this man, the one they called Rhys. Her life.



Qiyara Singh: “Rhetty”



She measured sweetly, now leaning over in her seat to stroke his cheek once more.



Qiyara Singh: “It’s almost time for landing.”



She mused now buckling in the seat belt that was required before they descended from the air. She really hated to wake him but it was unfortunately a part of the process. Rhett’s eyes opened slowly before he turned his head toward Qiyara. He did the same thing that he did every time he woke up next to her… He smiled widely in disbelief.



Rhett Adelson: “Wow, would you look at that? The girl of my dreams isn’t just in my dreams, but she’s right here next to me and real.”



He chuckled before he leaned in and stole a kiss.



Rhett Adelson: “Sorry if I overslept a bit, I just got used to sleeping through basically everything on airplanes ever since I was in the Marines. Had to catch sleep whenever I could back then, you know? So, sleeping my life away on a plane? That’s child’s play for me!”



Rhett laughed lightly as he shook his head. A few moments had passed and passengers began to stand up on the plane. Rhett let out a soft sigh as he looked Qiyara in the eyes and grabbed her hand,



Rhett Adelson: “Are you sure about all of this, babe? I know how hard it is for you to be back here. So just say the word and we’ll turn around and go home.”



Rhett studied over Qiyara with a look of concern. As she stared back at him and ran her finger up to his lips.



Qiyara Singh: “Do not worry, I can handle this, it is emotional but I am very excited for you to meet my family.”



She measured with a smile. It was hard coming back here for the danger aspect of it, but she was so excited for Rhett to meet those closest to her. The reason she’d picked up wrestling to begin with. Each time she was paid for a match she was in a line somewhere to transfer money to her mother. What would’ve been pennies to her now, was worth much more here, and so far her family had been able to move to a new location, a small apartment, and while it may have not seemed like much to someone who wasn’t from here, the actuality of living in such a place was luxury for them.



Softly she took a breath before grabbing hold of his hand and squeezing it tightly.



Qiyara Singh: “It doesn’t mean that I’m not nervous though.”



She stated and bit on the bottom of her lip, a trait she’d had since she was a child. It was easy to muster up a brave face. But much harder to actually prove it. Her legs felt like gelatin as she went to stand before getting her grip on the seat across the aisle and reaching up to grab her bag that was in the overhead.



Qiyara Singh: “Besides, how could you look at me and not see me differently if we didn’t follow the trail of your brother’s disappearance. We’ve already cancelled our bookings and we’ve got at least an entire week before we have to get back to it. It’s now or never.”



She stated softly, now sliding her bag up onto her shoulder. He stood up after her once there was room and started to grab his bag as well.



Rhett Adelson: “You’re right, as always.”



He smiled and nodded as he slung his old military bag over his shoulder.



Rhett Adelson: “I really can’t wait to meet your family. I hope I don’t get all nervous and act like a fool in front of them.”



They started to make their way out of the plane slowly as Rhett continued on



Rhett Adelson: “But that’s the most important part. Your family. My brother? I don’t know if we’ll ever find him… If he’s really out there, you know?



He sighed and shook his head. He wanted to keep his hopes up but with how much time has passed, it’s been getting harder and harder. She reached for his hand then taking it into hers.



Qiyara Singh: “He’s family to me now too, and I know that he is. I know that in my spirit and in my heart.”



There was a moment where she looked away from him, thinking back to the night that she escaped, the night she had gone to temple and prayed to be freed from her burden. Rhys had done that for her and just like his brother, Rhett had done the same. Training her to wrestle wasn’t a task he had to take on. Being her tag team partner was another of the many things he didn’t have to do, but taking her on as his partner in life was a completely different matter on the list of things he really didn’t have to do. She’d never been so in love in her life and truthfully while she knew that was not the “law of the land” here, she couldn’t imagine being with someone in any other capacity.



Carrying forward they entered the gate and further into the airport terminal, probably the nicest part of the city that they would see during their time here. The airport was packed, well actually the entire city because they crammed as many individuals into a place as they could, it was very easy to get lost here, or to hide away.



Qiyara Singh: “Besides, I trust this source that told us they had more information. Hope is sometimes all you have and I want you to keep that.”



It was important to her that his faith in family was still alive, after all he’d lost so much in the pursuit of finding his brother, he’d gone AWOL in the army and began wrestling to refund his search. To give up hope now? No. She wouldn’t let him do that.



Rhett grabbed Qiyara’s hand and smiled widely before nodding.



Rhett Adelson: “I will keep it. Honestly, I would’ve lost all hope if it wasn’t for you. You keep me going. All the darkness I’ve dealt with the last few years? You’ve been the one piece of light I’ve had in it.”



He paused for a moment before he sighed and shook his head, thinking of all the other people who’ve come and gone over the years.



Rhett Adelson: “You’re the first person who didn’t run at the first sight of trouble. Everyone else? They couldn’t handle this. But you’ve stuck by my side, going at things head on without question. I don’t know what I’d do without you, Yara.”



She couldn’t help but smile as he said this. It was hard to put into words how he made her feel at times and now was one of those moments. She was certain he’d come to learn over all this time that rendering her speechless was actually a positive. She knew that there were many problems she had run from in her life though, but the difference between her and many others was that if she hadn’t she wouldn’t be in the place she is currently. It was easy to pass judgment she assumed, but she didn’t run because it was an option. It had been a necessity, which is what made being here even more dangerous.



Qiyara Singh: “There is no longer a complete version of me, without you so I am glad to hear that.”



Still smiling sweetly she took her hands only for a moment to place a lightly veiled scarf over her face to wear above her saree. In her country this attire was customary, though not always, but for the sake of keeping herself safe she’d decided temple wear was the perfect attire at least until they were a safe distance away.



It took some time to navigate their way to get to a taxi and to travel the distance across the city to a poorer area, while she certainly didn’t want to show him the true place of her upbringing, her family still stayed near here even from their so called luxury apartment. It was for business reasons now instead of necessity mind you, as her mother still sold fabric to patrons for extra income.



Qiyara Singh: “And these are the slums you’ve so eloquently heard about.”



Most people may’ve been ashamed to have lived in such a place, dilapidated buildings covered thousands of feet, trash littered the entirety, along with dirt and grim, roof’s caving in and very little if any shelter should a storm happen. You went from seeing grand buildings that reached up into the sky to this within a matter of feet, and the entirety of the neighborhood stretched for miles.



Thanking their cab driver in her native tongue she would exit the vehicle while still grabbing hold of Rhett’s hand, loosening the scarf she’d been wearing now that they were at safe distance from the inner city. She waved to people she knew, those she’d not seen in some time and introduced him when she could to those who needed to meet him.



Qiyara Singh: “I’ve known these people since I was a child. It’s sad to see really, despite all their hard work and labor, they will always live in this place.”



It was true, they would never really make it out of there and when they had children, their children rarely did either. Qiyara’s brother had been sold to a wrestling camp (yes sold) where he was forced to basically workout, wrestle Pehlwani style, and live in the wrestling camp. Since she had ventured out into the world it had reminded her of Gladiator camps where they had to work until they were able to repay a debt. Perhaps not as gruesome, but eventually the sport killed him at a very young age. Which had left her as the eldest sibling in her family.



Qiyara Singh: “On the plus side however, you get to officially try Vada pav or as I like to call them, the Bombay burger.”



She teasingly winked at Rhett as she said this. Rhett couldn’t help but laugh as he began to rub his belly.



Rhett Adelson: “Bombay sounds pretty bomb to me! And it’s a good thing because I'm starving! That food on the plane wasn’t the business.”



He laughed lightly again as he looked around at the slums. It reminded him of the short time that he has spent in Afghanistan during his time in the army.



Rhett Adelson: “While this might not be much, I can’t help but respect the people here. It’s obvious how damn hard they work just to get what little they have. And you growing up around here confirms what I already know, which is that you’re the hardest working person I’ve ever met. Nobody works harder than you, babe.”



Smiling she couldn’t help but be grateful for his words, though again he left her speechless for a response. She was humble to come from here, humble to know the spirit of her people, and grateful to have garnered what it was like to live in such a way from a young age. She had seen many people from her community exceed in shows like America’s Got Talent, or to even work with some of the projects in Bollywood, but still she cared deeply about those affected here as well when the government wasn’t really doing anything to help these poor souls to try and make their lives better. To build adequate housing, even though some in the city were building castles while the larger margin were stuck here. It was something she simply had to push from her mind.



In a flash, she’d gotten their food after promising Rhett he could try some of her favorite delicacies here, it felt good to be home. He would meet her family, and her family would know that she was happy, loved, and that by his side she was complete. When she said Namaste, the divine spark was truly there.



“Together no man left behind”



- - - - - - - - - -



The Contact they were supposed to meet, her mother’s business compatriot, was late when they’d arrived at the restaurant. The elegant establishment was located several kilometers westward of the hotel they were staying in after meeting her family and spending several days with them, the luxurious evening wear, the lightly played strums of classical music, all reminded Qiyara of her current life. Long forgotten were the days where she was covered in dirt and grime, working her fingers to the bone. It was wonderful to know that she had come so far, but visiting home was also a refreshing reminder of why she still had so many miles to go.



Qiyara Singh: “You look so handsome”



She said to Rhett as she reached over, touching his chin, the heels she was wearing allowing her to actually reach his height of 5’10. Idly she interlocked her arm with his, the one shoulder red chiffon dressed she’d chosen for tonight’s ensemble flowing with them as she walked.



Qiyara Singh: “I know how you feel about these types of establishments.”



She said with a grin before laughing. She too admitted they were a tad bit too formal for her taste, but she had grown used to wearing formal gowns and dressing up. She actually enjoyed the final process of it, though it took several hours to go from point A to point B. Rhett couldn’t help but smile and laugh with a shake of his head.



Rhett Adelson: “I don’t mind them as much, as long as I get to be here with you.”



Rhett nodded with a confident grin as he looked Qiyara up and down.



Rhett Adelson: “And speaking of looking good, God damn girl, you look… Well, I don’t even know if I can put it into words.”



Rhett pulled her close to him and he gazed into her eyes with a smirk on his face.



Rhett Adelson: “I guess if I had to put it into words, I’d say you look like my dream girl. You’re literally everything I’ve ever wanted in my life. Everything about you, Yara, you are perfect for me. Nothing and nobody could fill the emptiness and void that you’ve been able to fill.”



She lit up as he spoke, you could tell there was just a glow to her as she looked into his eyes and kissed him slowly.



Qiyara Singh: “Well don’t let me ruin the dream anytime soon.”



She teased cupping his chin with her hands as she spun away almost eloquently before reaching out for his hand again to pull him down the stairs. He’d done it again of course, rendered her almost speechless to where she simply had to innocently withdraw. It was a cultural trait truly, something absolved into her at birth, but something she was working through in the same sense. To not be as timid as she was, but in this case, he knew how she felt, in every breath, every step, every movement. She was his.



Moving closer back to him now as they entered the dining area she looked around for someone familiar, anyone who met the description of the man her mother had directed her towards. There was no one familiar enough to garner her attention.



Qiyara Singh: “This is odd, I could have sworn we’d said seven.”



She thought to herself as she clung close to Rhett again. While she had never feared this city before there was a lot that she had to look out for, and you didn’t just come to a restaurant like this if you didn’t want to be seen. Part of her was starting to think she should’ve kept her face covering.



Rhett Adelson: “Hmm…”



Rhett looked down at his Bulova A11 watch, the one that his grandfather had worn during World War II and had been passed down to him, to check the time.



Rhett Adelson: “Maybe they’re just running late?”



Adelson looked around, his eyes glancing across the room to see if there was anything suspicious; all the while, he held Qiyara close to him with his arm the entire time.



Rhett Adelson: “Just stay close, just in case.”



Rhett peered into Yara’s eyes before he gave her a reassuring smile and nod to try and calm her nerves.



Rhett Adelson: “I’ve got you.”



She breathed in deeply, nodding trying her best not to overreact but perhaps she was simply paranoid. She noted it as that before they came up to the host who greeted them warmly. She would respond to the reserve of the man they were supposed to be meeting in her native tongue as she kept herself close to Rhett, before being led further into the establishment. She imagined they would run into him shortly.



Qiyara Singh: “Sorry for Panicking, this is strange to me.”



She said truthfully, she wasn’t used to having to be on alert in her own country and even if she were, well it would’ve been better if she wasn’t worried for Rhett too, a lot relied on the information they’d be given today, and while she’d told him not to give up hope she knew they were both probably feeling it. In a way she was hoping this meeting wouldn’t come to fruition because it may not lead to some of the answers he’d be wanting. She was tired of him being disappointed.



Rhett Adelson: “You have nothing to apologize for, my love.”





He gently rubbed his hand on her back as he nodded. Rhett understood why she felt the way she did and if it wasn’t for her presence, being there right next to him, side by side, he wouldn’t be as calm as currently is.



Rhett Adelson: “This whole ordeal is pretty strange, to be honest. It almost feels like we’re in a Bond movie or something.”



Rhett said the words playfully before he laughed lightly, trying to lighten the mood. Qiyara couldn’t help but laugh along with him.



Qiyara Singh: “More like Dhoom 1, 2, or 3. Bond is much too fancy for Mumbai.”



She was only joking as there had been scenes from those movies actually filmed here, but the action-packed epic kind of story seemed much more of a Bollywood feature. Yet still she appreciated his attempt and lightening up the mood. As they found their table she let him pull out her chair for her before she took a seat, trying her best to keep her back to the wall and facing all entry ways, in some regard Rhett was indeed right and it felt so strange to be so alert when you were home. Yet she had to be.



Qiyara Singh: “I am certain you will enjoy the food here at least. Minus of course any beef specialties you may like.”



She gave a soft smirk, considering he was aware of the country’s law when it came to the worship of animal beings. While that didn’t necessarily occur in Qiyara’s own beliefs as hers were more forward-thinking she supposed, there were still laws that prohibited such things. Reaching for his hand she paused.



Qiyara Singh: “Are you okay?”



She asked this softly, considering they were minutes away from him hearing the first news he had of his brother in many years. She needed to know what was running through his head. Rhett squeezed Yara’s hand in his and smiled before slightly nodding.



Rhett Adelson: “Of course I am. I have you here with me.”



He leaned forward and grinned.



Rhett Adelson: “Nobody makes me feel the way you do. Just you being here with me calms my nerves and my mind. I’m not afraid when we’re together.”



It was a perfect answer of course, though she wasn’t sure if he were only saying it to make her feel calm about the situation or if he really meant that he was doing okay. She herself couldn’t imagine being in his position. She’d be a nervous wreck if she didn’t know that her own brother had already passed. She desperately wanted something different for Rhett.



As she went to reply, her focus suddenly shifted in view, the host was coming back again this time with a piece of paper in his hand. She looked at him curiously.



Host: “Apologies Mister and Miss.”



He noted them both before handing Qiyara the note.



Host: “The party you were going to meet just called to cancel, their reserve. They’ve asked me to give this to you and to issue their apologies.”



Qiyara stared at him before nodding. As she opened up the note. Reading letters in sanskrit she paused momentarily before looking up at Rhett.



Qiyara Singh: “It seems he’s not coming. We should be going.”



There was obvious confusion on her face as she looked in Rhett’s direction.



Qiyara Singh: “I’m sorry the note doesn’t say anything, it’s just an old phrase from the temple, always the pleasantries.”



She laughed as she ran her fingers through her hair and then sighed. Of course they could’ve probably stayed to eat, but there were better places than this and she certainly didn’t want to make Rhett stay in his suit if he didn’t have to.



Qiyara Singh: “I suppose we will have to reschedule.”



She was looking at him softly now, gauging his reaction. He looked up at her, a bit disappointed at the news and having to wait but he soon shrugged it off.



Rhett Adelson: “Something serious must’ve come up. I’m sure we can reschedule or something. As for now, I say we go and get into something more comfortable and find a place that’s not so… public?”



Rhett furrowed his brow as he looked at Yara, even though he already knew her answer would absolutely be yes, he still decided it was right to ask before assuming. She would nod agreeably.



Qiyara Singh: “I’d much prefer that.”



She was up on her feet before he could question it anymore, she knew he was disappointed as he should be. This was clearly his chance to find out some of the news he’d been missing. She held on tightly to the note however, slipping it into her purse, something about the lettering held a stark familiarity. Of course this was supposed to be someone she knew, one of her mother’s friends though she just couldn’t place it, but they would reschedule again she imagined.



As she locked hands with Rhett once again she’d been about to leave the same way they’d came in, until she noticed him. Up the stairs entering the restaurant. Dressed appropriately of course, but a face she was highly used to seeing and one she didn’t want to see for that matter, instantly she was pulling Rhett in the opposite direction.



Qiyara Singh: “We’ve got to go, now!”



She was panicking and rightfully so as he noticed her too and instantly like it was indeed an action movie the two started racing. Her ex-fiance’s associates were apparently fully aware of her being there. Meaning this had been a trap, an ambush and she had indeed put Rhett into harm’s way. She burst through the double doors that led to another area of the dining room, before heading back into the kitchen, she moved as fast as her shoes would let her and Rhett wasn’t far behind her either. As she pushed through another set of double doors they found an exit out the back, it would require going up another set of stairs before they’d be street level. They were in a back alley and she was panting, but Rhett’s ability and clear military experience made him step in front of her. Just his touch calming her as he did so, he peered the area before directing her silently to go and he followed.



If the exit were that easy, it would’ve been a miracle but of course as she ran another group of his thugs appeared, she immediately lurched forward sending a swift palm right into his nose, she could hear it breaking underneath her fingers as Rhett took on another behind them. Turning to look in his direction she got caught up in her dress as another went to make her position. She would attempt to run in the process breaking the heel of her shoe, which was . . . just great, but she didn’t have time to think. Being pulled into him she felt her strength dwindling as he had her in some kind of hold, yet suddenly she felt him let go, standing there she saw Rhett aiming a swift fist at what looked like her head, but she knew the drill as she leaned her head down shifting enough weight to hunch her shoulders and pull the man forward directly into Rhett’s balled up fist, as Rhett finished his swing fully she then used her momentum to swing her head back using the back of her head to headbutt him. He instantly let her go as she grabbed hold of Rhett’s hand and the two of them took off. She was looking everywhere in a panic as he led her down the road, trying to see if anyone else would try and stop them, but the movement was dizzying with trying to keep up with one heeled shoe and one without. She told him to wait as she violently kicked them off, but that moment of pause was enough to be her undoing. As the same man she’d been terribly afraid to meet was now standing in front of them. She screamed as she aimed a gun at Rhett’s head and she pleaded with him not to do it.



But he didn’t listen, in three seconds her entire life changed as she heard the bullet exit the chamber and down he went right before her eyes. Screaming she crumbled to her knees, and wept violently.



It felt like years passed in that moment . . . before she felt a hand on her back.



Rhett Adelson: “Yara, babe. It's okay, it wasn’t me.”



She let out a weep she didn’t realize she’d been holding as she leaned into him. She cried for what felt like many long moments as she hugged him for what truly felt like dear life.



Qiyara Singh: “I should’ve never brought you here. I . . . I almost got you killed. . . it’s all because of me.”



She wept further until he quieted her, letting her know they had to keep moving.



“We are the left behinds”



- - - - - - - - - -



He watched as she wept, into the arms of the man who’d almost met his death. Like a guardian angel up on that stoop he took the gun apart as silently as he had assembled it. The man lay there on the ground and he knew that he was dead. Served him right in the end. It had been a long time since he’d felt the need to save anybody, but some people in many ways, simply deserved it.



To think if only they’d been a few minutes late and had actually gone through with that late night evening, the two of them wouldn’t have left Mumbai alive.



All it took was a note that said



“A spiritually illumined soul lives in the world, yet is never contaminated by it.” - Bhaskarananda



He wasn’t sure they would get exactly what it meant.



Namaste,

Kehlani and Rhett.





[To Be Continued]