Chapter 29 : "Bye, My Mafia Husband."

The evening in Kuala Lumpur painted the streets with a glistening sheen after a refreshing midday rain. The streets were all wet, reflecting the lights from the street lights.

Ava, just got discharged from the hospital. They were in the car with Ibrahim driving, and Faisal in the passenger seat and Ava was in backside. Ibrahim kept looking at Ava in the rearview mirror.

Ava was annoyed because of their argument the night before, and now Ibrahim's continuous gaze was getting on her nerves.

Ava decided to break the silence. Ava gained Faisal's attention, "Faisal!"

"Tell your friend to drive carefully, Faisal. I have no wish to die early." 

Faisal caught in the middle. He glanced at Ibrahim and then back at Ava. Unsure of how to mediate the situation, he remained silent. 

But Ibrahim responded confidently, "Faisal, tell Ava that everyone praises my driving. She doesn't have to worry."

Faisal got frustrated, "Why don't you two just talk to each other just ?

Ava, meeting Faisal's gaze, retorted, "I have no urge to talk to your mafia friend."

Ibrahim interjected, "Faisal, tell Ava that your mafia friend is her husband."

Ava replied, "Faisal, tell your friend he doesn't need to remind me every time."

Faisal, stuck in the middle of their bickering, sighed and muttered to himself, "Why did I even get in this car?" He stared out of the window, contemplating the decision.

Ibrahim now directly told Ava, "If you remember everything, don't forget my conditions. You must stay in constant communication with me, and your phone should never be switched off. Whenever I call, you have to answer quickly."

Ava rolled her eyes and replied, "Yes, yes, I remembered."

Ibrahim stopped his car in front of Ava and Elara's building. Elara was waiting on the ground floor.

 Ava spotted him and, before stepping out of the car, glanced at the rearview mirror, mockingly saying, "Bye, My mafia husband." With that, she hurried toward Elara, who greeted her with a hug.

Ibrahim stepped out of the car and approached them. Elara, with a feigned smile, greeted Ibrahim, "Good evening, brother-in-law," his eyes holding a hint of disdain.

Ibrahim ando greeted him, "Good evening, Elara. It's been a while since we last saw each other. I thought you might surprise me again."

Elara responded mockingly, "Don't worry, I'm just booking a room in jail for you. He might get to visit soon."

Ibrahim retorted, "You seem quite confident, Elara. Perhaps you've forgotten that Ava chose this life willingly." He was looking calm. 

Elara, unable to hide his disdain, shot back, "Chose willingly? Or was she forced to accept a life she never wanted? Don't pretend your so-called love story is perfect."

.....

Rafi Ahmed slammed his hand on the desk, frustration etched across his face. "Yusuf, why don't I have any news about Ava? You're supposed to be efficient in gathering information."

Yusuf, his assistant, nervously responded, "Boss, it's not that easy. Ibrahim's bodyguards are everywhere. They've tightened the security around her."

Rafi scowled, "I don't care about the obstacles. I need information. You know how important this is. Get it done."

Yusuf hesitated, "Boss, it's impossible. We can't follow her without getting caught. Ibrahim's people are too skilled."

Rafi leaned forward, his eyes piercing. "Impossible is not a word I want to hear, Yusuf. You know what's at stake. Find a way, or you'll be dealing with consequences you won't like."

Yusuf gulped, "I understand, boss. I'll figure something out, but it might take time."

Rafi dismissed Yusuf with a stern look, and as Yusuf left Rafi's office, he couldn't shake off the weight of his boss's expectations. Yusuf had spent nearly a decade working for Rafi, starting as an orphan teenager whom Rafi had taken under his wing. At the age of 25, Yusuf had gained Rafi's trust. He had become the most trusted member of Rafi's inner circle, but recent events were testing that loyalty.

He stepped out of the building, and the humid air clung to him. Sitting in his car, Yusuf wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Yusuf started the car. He arrived at a seemingly ordinary warehouse, parked his car, and glanced around for any signs of unwanted attention before heading inside. But there was no one. 

The warehouse was shrouded in shadows as Yusuf stormed in, his heart pounding with anger. The soft glow of the lights highlighted crates stacked around. In the center, Samir stood, casually dressed in a charcoal suit.

As Yusuf locked eyes with Samir, the memory of his kidnapped son ignited a torrent of rage. His fists clenched, and without uttering a word, he lunged toward Samir, shouting, "You bastard!"

However, before he could reach Samir, guards intervened. They restrained Yusuf with an iron grip, preventing him from reaching Samir. The anger in Yusuf's eyes intensified, burning like a fierce flame.

On the other hand, Samir remained calm, "Calm down, Yusuf, Calm down." 

Yusuf was forced into a chair by the guards, their grip still firm. 

"Where is my son?" Yusuf's voice reverberated through the warehouse. 

Samir nonchalantly replied, "Your son is safe for now, but I can't guarantee the same for the future."

Growing more anxious Yusuf questioned, "What do you want now? I have information about Ava, but I haven't shared anything with Rafi."

Samir sighed, "Yes, Yusuf, you've done well so far, but this won't end here."

Yusuf's anger now mingled with fear of Rafi's suspicions, "I've engaged in dangerous acts before. If I don't provide information about Ava soon, Rafi will start doubting me."

Samir slowly approached towards Yusuf. Yusuf tried to attack Samir once again but the guards didn't let him to do that, they tightened the grip on Yusuf more. 

Samir told with a smile, "There's a plan in motion, Yusuf, and you will play a crucial role,"

Yusuf nodded. His eyes displayed the anger inside him, "Then Samir Rahman ! "I have two conditions. First, I want a substantial amount of money. And second, my son remains untouched until this operation is over. After that, I'll cut all ties with you, Rahmans."

Samir stood up staight, "How much money are we talking about, Yusuf?" 

Yusuf took a moment to gather his thoughts. It was his time now. He knew Rahmans were wealthy and he didn't loose the chance. 

He responded, "I want Five million ringgit. Cash. No less." 

[ Ringgit - the currency of Malaysia.

Five Million Dollar = 1065530.50 USD ]

Samir raised an eyebrow, "One million? That's a hefty price, Okay I agree."