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BLOODLINE CHRONICLE: A MAFIA FATHER'S JOURNEY CHAPTER 16: INTO THE SHADOWS
The night was pitch-black, the faint moonlight barely piercing through the heavy clouds above. Hakimi, Akashi, Zafir and few men sat crammed into the back of a nondescript truck, its interior dimly lit by a single bulb hanging from the roof. The air was tense, filled with the quiet hum of the engine and the occasional rattle of loose metal.Hakimi glanced at Akashi, who sat rigidly, gripping a gun tightly in his trembling hands. The weight of the weapon seemed to sink into his lap, as though the gravity of the situation had finally settled on his shoulders.Hakimi leaned closer to his son, his voice low but steady. "Akashi... listen to me. I should've never let this happen. I should've kept you out of this mess."Akashi looked at his father, his expression a mixture of fear and determination. "We don't have a choice, Dad. Amira needs us. We'll get through this."Hakimi sighed, his hand gripping Akashi's shoulder. "You shouldn't be here. You're too young for this life."Zafir, who sat
BLOODLINE CHRONICLE: A MAFIA FATHER'S JOURNEY CHAPTER 17: HOPE AND CELEBRATION
The hospital corridor buzzed with faint activity. The shuffle of nurses, the hum of distant monitors, and the murmur of families exchanging worried glances. Hakimi and Akashi sat outside Amira's ward, each lost in their thoughts. The sharp smell of disinfectant stung Hakimi's nose, a grim reminder of the many times he had been in such places, only for his loved one that was wheeled inside the surgery ward not to come out alive. First victim was his mother, aunty then his wife. As the memory flooded his mind, cold chills ran down his spine.He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. Beside him, Akashi was anything but still. His legs bounced nervously, his fingers drumming against his knees. After what felt like an eternity, Akashi stood abruptly and began pacing."Dad, he said, his voice tinged with frustration, we've been sitting here for three hours. Is this how long it's supposed to take? What's going on in there? I terribly want to know"Hakimi leaned back against the cold benc
BLOODLINE CHRONICLE: A MAFIA FATHER'S JOURNEY CHAPTER 18: A MORNING TO REMEMBER
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains as Akashi gently knocked on his father's bedroom door. Peeking in, he saw Hakimi lying on his side, with Khadija snuggled close to him, her small frame wrapped in a blanket. Her thumb was tucked in her mouth, and her soft breathing filled the room. Akashi couldn't help but smile. The sight of his father and baby sister at peace warmed his heart.Shutting the door quietly, he descended the stairs, his footsteps light on the wooden floor. In the kitchen, he set to work, pulling out ingredients for breakfast. The scent of eggs, freshly sliced bread, and vegetables filled the air. As he cracked an egg into a bowl, memories of the past few months flooded his mind-their struggles, the risky decisions, and the triumph of seeing Amira healthy again."Good morning, Chef Akashi," Amira's cheerful voice broke through his thoughts.Turning around, he saw her standing in the doorway, her waist-length hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a
BLOODLINE CHRONICLE: A MAFIA FATHER'S JOURNEY CHAPTER 19: BONDING AND REFLECTION
As the days rolled into weeks and months, life began to regain its semblance of normalcy for Hakimi and his children. The struggles and chaos of the past seemed to blur into the background, replaced with a newfound peace. Though the shadows of their hardships lingered, the family grew closer, cherishing every moment and peaceful atmosphere they were able to maintain. It was a bright, breezy afternoon when Akashi decided to surprise his sisters with a trip to the mall after school. "Not to be weird or anything, but just being the caring and nice brother that I am, I've noticed that you girls need some new outfits, so who wants a trip to the mall to get something chic?" he declared, grabbing his car keys.Khadija's face lit up. "Really, Akashi? Shopping?" she squealed, grabbing Amira's hand.Amira smirked. "Are you feeling okay, big brother? Since when do you care about fashion?"Akashi rolled his eyes. "Don't flatter yourselves. I just don't want to hear complaints about outgrowing yo
BLOODLINE CHRONICLE: A MAFIA FATHER'S JOURNEY CHAPTER 20: BATTLE OF WILLS
The weeks leading up to Christmas were heavy with academic pressure as it was exam season. Hakimi's children, Akashi, Amira, and Khadija, were engrossed in their preparations. Akashi, balancing his responsibilities as both a brother and a student, felt the weight of his exams pressing down on him.One chilly morning, Akashi dropped his sisters off at school. "Good luck with your test, Dija. Don't let anyone copy your answers cause they'll end up failing."he teased, ruffling her hair."Akashi! They won't fail cause I spent the entire night studying" Khadija pouted, fixing her ponytail.Amira rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't bully her, Akashi.""You too, he pointed his finger at her. Avoid Ethan, Irah and other boys. They will only deceive you okay?" Heaving a silent sigh, Amira pouted. "Yes I will." Since the occasion of her birthday that Kashi set his eyes on Irah, he hasn't let her off to school without stern warnings. She was already becoming used to it "Good." He nodded his head
BLOODLINE CHRONICLE: A MAFIA FATHER'S JOURNEY CHAPTER 21: A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The festive spirit of Christmas lingered everywhere. Every household on the street glimmered with Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights and intricate decorations. The streets themselves sparkled with garlands of fairy lights, casting a magical glow over the neighborhood. It was a chilly evening, and Amira's final days in high school had arrived-a momentous time that coincided with prom night for the graduating class.Earlier that week, Akashi had taken Amira shopping to find the perfect dress and shoes for the occasion. The memory of her excitement while choosing between gowns lingered in his mind, and he smiled to himself as he prepared for what was to be an emotional evening.Inside the house, Khadija dashed through the hallway, a plate of cookies balanced carefully in her tiny hands. As she bolted into the room she shared with Amira, where a makeup artist was delicately working on her sister's face. "Cookies for the beautiful queen!" Khadija announced, beaming as she handed
BLOODLINE CHRONICLE: A MAFIA FATHER'S JOURNEY CHAPTER 21: SHADOWS LURKING
The house still buzzed with faint laughter and the warm hum of a family moment. Akashi leaned against the kitchen counter, his arms folded as he watched Irah, he could not help but grin at the kids nervousness. He nervously sip from his glass. Khadija was busy teasing him mercilessly."So, Irah, Khadija grinned, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Was this your first time seeing a princess turn into a prom queen?"Irah laughed nervously, his gaze darting to Amira, who was busy brushing cookie crumbs off Khadija's sweater "I guess you could say that. Your sister looks breath taking""Guess? Khadija teased, leaning forward dramatically. Admit it! You were totally mesmerized. I saw you staring at her like she was a shooting star! You almost drolled"Alright, Dija, that's enough," Amira interjected, her cheeks blooming red."She's just saying what we're all thinking, Akashi chimed in, his usual protective demeanor softening for a moment. You looked great tonight, Amira." he complimented her
BLOODLINE CHRONICLE: A MAFIA FATHER'S JOURNEY CHAPTER 23: A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL
As Hakimi saw the message, his stomach tightened, and a cold wave of dread washed over him. His hands trembled slightly as he opened it, the screen's glow illuminating his tired face.Riqqo: Two months are up, brother. Time to pay up. Or should I remind you what happens when promises are broken?Hakimi let out a shaky sigh, his pulse quickening. He had ignored Riqqo's warnings, brushing them off as his brother's usual bluster. He's my brother. What's the worst he could do? But now, the threats were starting to feel all too real. Riqqo didn't really didn't mean all this did he? He had asked him for a year deadline not two months. Gosh... this greedy cow! Hakimi cursed as he shoved the phone inside his pocket fiercely............ Four months ago ......It was when Amira had gotten seriously and he needed money for her blood transfusion, during that particularly dark time for Hakimi and his household. His savings had run dry, his house bills began piling up, and the pressure of providin
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CHAPTER 32: AKASHI'S SECRET INVESTIGATION
The morning sun streamed through the tattered curtains, casting a pale glow over the modest kitchen. Hakimi sat at the dining table, nursing a cup of tea as steam spiraled lazily upward. A worn newspaper lay open before him, but he wasn't reading. His eyes skimmed over the words without comprehension. His mind was elsewhere-on Riqqo's threat, the cryptic note, the stranger outside his house the other day, and the weight of keeping his family safe.The sound of lighthearted chatter pulled him back to the present. At the far end of the room, Amira was gently braiding Khadija's hair, something his wife has always done, her younger sister giggling at something she had said. The sight of his daughters filled Hakimi with a bittersweet ache. They were innocent, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing around them. He envied their ignorance.At the other end of the room, Akashi silently packed his bag, his expression stoic but his movements unusually deliberate. His mind wasn't on school. He h
CHAPTER 31: A NEW THREAT
The golden hues of dawn seeped through the thin curtains, washing the modest home in a comforting glow. Hakimi sat at the edge of his bed, head in his hands, replaying Riqqo's threats in his mind. Every word felt like a blade pressing against his throat, but he had to remain composed for his children's sake. His kids didn't deserve to grow up in fear, especially not after everything they had endured for his sake and inability.In the next room, Akashi stirred awake. His long hair was disheveled, spilling over his shoulders as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The house was quiet save for the faint shuffle of Khadija's slippers on the hallway floor. She peeped into her father's room."Dad, are we late for breakfast?" she asked, her voice carrying the innocence of a child unburdened by adult troubles.Hakimi quickly straightened up, plastering a warm smile on his face. "Not at all, my lioness. Breakfast will be ready soon. Why don't you go wake your sister?"She nodded and skipped away
CHAPTER 30: A FATHER AND HIS SON
The ride home was steeped in silence, the weight of the day's events pressing down on them like a heavy cloud. The glow of streetlights bathed their faces intermittently as Akashi drove, his hands gripping the steering wheel with the precision of someone both focused and preoccupied. Hakimi sat in the passenger seat, his head leaning against the window, fatigue evident in every line of his face that he had to beg his son to drive them home. The day had stretched longer than any of them anticipated-just as they had decided to close the restaurant, waves of late-night customers began pouring in, drawn by the aroma of freshly cooked meals. Hakimi couldn't bring himself to turn them away.In the backseat, Khadija had snuggled close to Amira, her small frame wrapped in her sister's protective embrace, fast asleep. Amira, though visibly drained, struggled to keep her eyes open, her head bobbing occasionally as she fought off exhaustion. The quiet hum of the engine and the occasional squeak
CHAPTER 29: BLOOD OR TRUST?
The faint chime of the restaurant doorbell had barely faded when Akashi's expression froze. His chest tightened as he recognized the two men who stepped in-a man in a dark coat with a fat cigarette dangling from his lips and another with a menacing, thug-like presence. Riqqo and Zafir. His uncle and his right-hand man.Riqqo's sharp eyes surveyed the restaurant like a predator scanning its prey, a slow, smug grin curling across his face when he recognized his nephew and brother. Zafir trailed behind, exuding quiet intimidation. They moved like they owned the place, taking a booth at the far end, their imposing presence souring the cheerful atmosphere of the family's restaurant."Uncle?" Akashi's voice was barely above a whisper as he stared, stunned and terrified.From across the counter, Hakimi noticed his son's frozen posture and followed his gaze. His blood ran cold. His pulse quickened, but he steadied his breath and forced himself to walk toward his brother. Hakimi knew Riqqo's p
CHAPTER 28: UNEXPECTED VISITOR
The family finished their meal with content smiles, their plates wiped clean. Hakimi gathered the dishes, his sleeves rolled up, a small streak of flour still smeared on his wrist. "Alright, let's get moving. We're opening the restaurant today!" he announced, a blend of excitement and determination in his voice.They piled into Hakimi's van, a secondhand vehicle with a slight creak when it hit a bump. The morning air was crisp and filled with the soft hum of the waking city. Amira rolled the window down, letting the gentle breeze dance through her hair as the van rumbled down the narrow streets. Khadija, still drowsy, leaned her small head against Akashi's shoulder, clutching her favorite blanket tightly. Recently, it had annoyed Amira how Khadija was getting fond of the blanket. Up to the point that she carried it to church. Much to the amusement of Hakimi, but Akashi who dotes on her won't let anyone bully her, or take her blanket away. On the grounds that it was their late mom who
CHAPTER 27: EARLY MORNING LIGHT AND FAMILY BONDING
The soft, golden rays of the morning sun filtered through the cracks in the curtains, bathing the modest living room in a warm glow. The air carried the delicious aroma of fried eggs and spices, mingling with the faint smell of freshly brewed tea. A peaceful quiet lingered in the house-a rare serenity before the day unfolded.In the small but tidy kitchen, Hakimi moved swiftly, expertly flipping an omelet in the pan. He had tied his long hair back, revealing the slight crease in his brow-a line of worry he hoped no one would notice. His mind still relinquished as the past events kept playing back and forth. His sleeves were rolled up, showing the strength in his forearms, as he whisked eggs and stirred a simmering pot of congee on the stove. A plate of steaming dumplings sat nearby, already prepared.The sound of bare feet shuffling broke the silence. Amira appeared first, her dark hair disheveled and her pajamas slightly crumpled. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and stood in the kitchen
CHAPTER 26: A LONG NIGHT
The feminine voice quivered with an intensity that hung in the air, leaving everyone suspended. The sudden confession from the lady left everyone in the hall stunned. All waiting for their boss's reactionRiqqo's gaze shifted, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto the lady's tear-streaked face. "You?" Tariq's voice, usually commanding, wavered with a mix of disbelief and anger. His eyes bore into her own, searching for answers. Why, Amra?" Tariq's voice softened, a mixture of bewilderment and hurt. Hurt from the fact that he was betrayed by a woman yet again. The first woman he trusted left him because they could not have a child. She ended up calling him sterile and was constantly cheating on him. He found out, and the moment he wanted getting revenge on her, she fled. Leaving him depressed for days. And now he was in trouble because of a woman he met three days ago, and barely knows nothing about."I couldn't bear it. I couldn't watch them suffer anymore." Her voice, soft and brok
CHAPTER 25: WHAT IS THIS, KARMA? 2
It was few minutes to twelve when trucks rolled up to a halt in front of Tariq's residence. His house was the biggest and most developed house in the area an evidence to the authority and power he had in the community. Riqqo, the once respected leader of the community, had always been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the collection of taxes and rent from the member. These funds were meant to be utilized for the betterment of the community, ensuring its growth and development. However, few months after assuming his office, had Riqqo gradually succumbed to the allure of power and greed.With the aid of his henchmen, he began to exploit the very system that was designed to benefit the community. Instead of faithfully submitting the collected funds for community development to the government, he diverted huge sums for his personal use and increased the tax by twenty percent. As the months went by, the community started to notice a decline in the quality of life. They bega
CHAPTER 24: WHAT IS THIS, KARMA? 1
Climbing the stairs, Akashi hesitated at the entrance of the library. A knot tightened in his stomach, a familiar reaction to his father's unpredictable mood. He stood motionless in the hallway, attempting to compose himself. Taking a deep breath, he knocked firmly on the door. The sound echoed through the silent corridor, met only by more silence. Undeterred, he knocked again, and then again.His shoulders sagged as he turned to leave, the weight of anticipation heavy on him."Who the hell is that?!" Hakimi's voice thundered from within, with irritation."Dinner is served. Or was served hours ago" He called out, his voice tinged with nervousness."Fine!" The dismissal came swiftly, leaving Akashi with a mixture of relief and apprehension. What the hell was going on with his father. He came home so angry, only to yell at Amira for a minor stuff and ignore Dija when she ealled out to him to read her a bedtime story. He was certain Dija won't let him get away tomorrow. And now he had re