Chapter 6 FAMILY STRENGTH AND STRUGGLE

The journey home looked shorter than usual. Maybe because he was lost in his thoughts and didn't realize when he reached his house. Taking off his shoes, he beat the dust off and turned the door knob.

"I'm home..."

Akashi was the first to respond from the kitchen.

"Welcome Dad."

"Hmm. He shut the door and moved towards the kitchen. Dinner?" He asked wide eyed, because he had thought the possibility of them eating tonight was low as he didn't have any cash and held only few beverages.

"Yeah, Akashi nodded and closed the pot that was steaming. I made Fish sauce and mashed potatoes. Don't worry, things would be fine. My shifts pay me fair enough." He tapped his father's shoulder lightly.

"That's great. He didn't know why he felt a little embarrassed. You know you should make your academics your priority and not your work." He chirped in with a low tune.

"I know that Dad. But I still want to provide for you and my sisters. He said with a smile. Now go to the dinner table, I'll serve you in a bit. I'm done cooking."

Hakimi didn't say another word as he walked quietly to the table and sat. Provide? What the hell was wrong with Akashi.

...................

As Hakimi sat at the dinner table with his children, the room was filled with the aroma of the meal they had prepared together. The sound of their voices mingled with laughter and conversation, creating a warm and comforting atmosphere.

"So, Dad, how was your day at work?" Amira asked, taking a bite of her food.

Hakimi sighed lightly before responding, "It was tiring, as usual. But seeing you all here makes everything better."

Khadijat chimed in, "Dad, are you still thinking about getting a part-time job?"

Hakimi nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, I think it's necessary for now. We have bills to pay, and I want to make sure we're all taken care of." He took a sharp glance at his son.

"Don't worry, Dad. We'll manage. But if it eases your mind, I can work more shifts to help however i can."

Hakimi smiled gratefully at his children. "Thank you, but I want to do my part as the father that I am.

"But..."

"For Christ sake Akashi you're just seventeen years. Do stuffs like kids your age!. I'll keep looking for opportunities tomorrow. Now finish your meal!" The words came out a bit aggressive.

Akashi didn't understand the outburst. He just sipped his drink quietly and stared at his father.

.

............

The next day, Hakimi sat in front of his laptop, scouring job listings and filling out applications. Despite his qualifications and experience, the rejections started pouring in. Each email notification brought a sinking feeling to his heart. Rubbing a hand through his hair, he tightened his fist. He was getting depressed as the house was becoming empty, no foodstuffs. Two days ago he had to sell their mini fridge because there was no food. And he had stubbornly rejected money from his son.

After several days of relentless searching and multiple unsuccessful interviews, Hakimi began to feel disheartened. He sat at his desk, staring at the screen, the weight of his financial responsibilities pressing down on him.

Amira entered the room, concern evident in her voice. "Daddy, are you okay? You've been at this for hours."

Hakimi forced a smile, trying to hide his disappointment. "I'm fine, sweetheart. Just a bit tired."

"Maybe you should take a break," Amira suggested gently. "It's not easy, but something good will come your way."

Hakimi nodded, appreciating his daughter's words. "You're right. I'll take a break and continue later."

"Have you had anything to eat?"

She shook her head slightly. "We're waiting for Akashi, he would bring food items surely."

As Hakimi stepped away from the laptop, he couldn't shake off the feeling of defeat. He walked to the window and looked outside, hoping for a sign of hope amidst the challenges they face.

...........

With a mix of anger and determination, Hakimi contemplated drastic measures, his mind clouded with thoughts of retribution. However, Akashi's warning and mention of a dangerous leader named Riqqo brought a stark reality to the forefront.

Hakimi's resolve faltered as he realized the gravity of the situation. "We can't risk it," he muttered, his voice strained with emotion as he switched off the lights, signaling the end of the conversation for the night.

The room fell into a heavy silence, each family member grappling with their own thoughts and emotions in the wake of the tumultuous events that had unfolded. The night stretched on, filled with unspoken worries and the palpable tension of uncertain times ahead.

Later in the evening, a loud knock startled Hakimi. He rushed to the door and swung it open. His shock was palpable when he saw his son standing there, his eyes bruised and swollen, blood trickling from his nose. "What happened!?" Hakimi's voice was filled with concern as he ushered his son inside, his daughters Amira and Khadijat gathering around with worry etched on their faces.

Akashi winced as he gingerly touched his swollen cheek, a testament to the violence he had endured earlier. "It was at the bar, Dad," he began, his voice strained from the events of the day.

"Amira! Fetch me an ice pack quickly. Dija, get the first aid box." While he and Khadijat attended to Akashi's injuries. Ice blocks were placed on Akashi's bruised face.

Amira's brows furrowed with annoyance." What happened Kashi?"

"I swear it wasn't....ouch..." He winced in pain as he tried to narrate the ordeal

~~~~~~~ Earlier that night ~~~~~~

In a tense atmosphere at the midnight bar. Akashi was stacking the shelves with liqour when he was approached.

"Hey new kid. A staff called him. Come with me." Lines of curiosity etched on his forehead as he followed the staff to surprisingly the manager's office, the air thick with apprehension and fear as he noticed every staff of the bar was there.

The manger a short man, with long mark on his cheek spoke up. "My ten thousand dollars is missing. I give all of you garbage ten minutes to return it. If you don't, whoever I find it with will face severe consequences. Get the hell out all of you!" He commanded, the threat hanging heavy in the air.

As the minutes ticked by, tension mounted, the minutes elapsed. They began thorough search leaving nothing unturned. The money was found in Akashi's locker......

.

.

Hakimi's heart sank as Akashi recounted his ordeal, the injustice of it all weighing heavily on his shoulders. "Then what happened?" He asked, his voice was cold.

"I didn't steal, Dad," Akashi's voice held a note of desperation as he looked to his father for understanding. They found the money in my locker, Dad. Akashi admitted, his voice tinged with sorrow. I didn't take it, but they didn't believe me. They... they beat me up so badly." he confessed, his eyes downcast.

Amira's hands flew to her mouth in shock, her eyes brimming with tears. "That's horrible, Akashi!". She exclaimed, her voice filled with empathy. She could only imagine what torture her loving brother went through

Khadijat placed a hand on her brother's shoulder. "We believe you, Akashi. We know you wouldn't do something like that," she reassured him, her voice carrying anger.

Hakimi's jaw clenched with a mixture of anger and helplessness. "We'll get through this, Akashi. I'll make sure of it," he vowed, his tone resolute as he placed the ice pack gently on Akashi's bruised cheek.

In a moment of rage, he contemplated retaliating as he placed the ice pack on the tray and headed upstairs. Seconds flew by as he descended the stairs carrying a rifle and a tiny axe as shoved his reloading bullets into his pants pocket and grabbed a kitchen knife.

"Dad! What are you doing?" Akashi asked his father baffled by the sudden actions

"What did you say was the name of that bar again?" He raised a brow at his son

"No Dad, you can't do this. Those guys are very huge and dangerous. You don't stand a chance." He warned persuasively

"I'm not asking for your opinion. Just tell me wh..."

"Dad please, Akashi cut him off. Don't go. We don't want to loose you." His eyes was downcast as he grabbed both his sisters hand

Hakimi stared at his children for a couple of seconds. Akashi was right, he didn't think about them before hastily reacting. The consequences of his actions hit him hard. His skin turned pale as he placed the tools on the floor. "You're right Kashi. He placed an arm on his shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. But tell me, what was the name of your boss again?"

"Err, I don't remember the full name. But he went by the nickname Riqqo."

Hakimi's expression turned grave as Akashi mentioned the name "Riqqo," a figure known for his brutality and influence.

Hakimi's mind raced with thoughts of revenge, but he knew the risks were too great. He masked his turmoil. "Riqqo, he muttered lightly. The tension in the air was palpable as emotions ran high. He drew in deep breath the relaxed. Kashi, take your sisters with you. Go to bed, I'll finish up here." He concluded with an air of finality.

He watched them climb the stairs, then he sank into the sofa as different thoughts ran through his head...