Content Warning: Strong language
The red and brown leaves rustled as the heavy autumn winds shook the tall age-old trees. The grey clouds loomed over the majestic Celtic city of Dublin. The seagulls glided low above the great Liffey River. The bitter cold of the season seeped into the bones of the pedestrians who tried to make their way on this dreadful October day. The first drops of the autumn rain splattered on the windows. But at the Irish Halal Food Centre conference room, all were oblivious to the outside world as they awaited the fate of this grand company that had started decades ago to provide ready-made halal meals in supermarkets and catering to Muslim airlines.
Adil Siddique raised his tired wrinkled eyes from the documents laid on the table in front of him and gazed at the men of his family sitting at the round table eagerly waiting for his decision. Taking a deep breath, he did the inevitable.
I have put off this too long, he silently reassured himself.
"Assalam u alaikum everyone." He greeted in his authoritative voice.
The other directors of the company muttered their responses.
"After great consideration and discussion with my lawyers. I have come to a decision about the next Chairperson and the vice Chairperson of the company."
He paused. Everyone held their breath for his next words.
Observing each face of his sons and grandsons, he declared,
"Salman Siddique will be the Chairperson and Daud Siddique will be vice Chairperson."
There was a deafening silence.
Adil's three sons nodded in approval. Salman's eyes widened as realization hit him that he was given the enormous responsibility of running this company which his father, uncles and grandfather had put their hard work, sweat and blood into.
But before Salman could respond Daud shot up from his chair, "How could you Dada Jaan?"
Adil's greying bushy eyebrows knotted.
"I am the eldest grandson. I should be the Chairperson" Daud viciously glared at Salman and pointed his index finger in accusation at him, "He is five years younger than me. What does he know about running a company?"
Ibrahim rose his hand in air to silence his son, "Enough Daud you do not argue with Dada Jaan. Apologize this minute."
Daud's seething gaze met his father's, "Dad I have been working day and night for this company. I spent the last ten years of my life bringing it where it is. Salman only worked here for the last 4 years. What does he know?"
Adil grabbed his walking stick by his chair with his trembling hands and stood up. His sons and Salman rose in respect, "Silence Daud. The decision has been made. It is because of this behaviour of yours that I made the decision." He clenched his jaw, "I am glad I made the right choice." With that, he turned and slowly walked to the door of the conference room.
"Then hear me, Mr. Adil Siddique. I will destroy everything that comes in my path." Daud raged at his grandfather's back. He spun around facing Salman, "You bastard you brainwashed Dada Jaan didn't you? I will fucking destruct you, Salman. You fucking asshole I will tear off every single muscle in your body. Piece by piece."
Salman gritted his teeth and provocatively hissed, "Try it. I want to see what you will do."
Ibrahim sternly reprimanded his son, "Shut up Daud you have said enough."
"No Dad." Daud banged both his hands on the table and leaned across it glowering into Salman's eyes. He pointed his finger to Salman's chest, "I will fucking tear off your heart. You will regret it, Salman. You will fucking regret it."
Daud whirled around and stomped out of the room nearly knocking off his grandfather.
Glossary:
Dada jaan: dearest paternal grandfather
So guys .... What do you think? What do you think Daud will do?
Please vote and comment.
Until next time,
Assalam u alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu