The rat race

“We are robbing the industrialist’s house tonight!” the dark eyed, stout guy told the group. The rest five of them nodded in unison. It was going to be one of their biggest bounties ever. They have grown from engaging in harmless peccadilloes to big time news catchers in the locality. How they became a group has been a play of fate with each one having a unique story. But they have been together ever since they strolled out of teenage. Their world started and ended there. Except for one…

“Where is the Goldin Rat?” exclaimed one suddenly. ‘Goldin Rat’ is the pet name they had given to Ravi, their only married accomplice. He has become popular amongst the group for his ‘smell’ for gold; whether it is on-duty stealing or grabbing his wife’s jewellery, he doesn’t leave a carat that is in his grasp. He is their master strategist. All his strategies had paid off thus far except his own personal one of marrying his sister’s daughter. The added responsibility and the constant dosage of guilt given by his wife had been troubling the entire group off late. The marriage also saw an arrival of a boy four months ago. He was split between his family and his group. Both needed him. Desperately.
“He must be home! Idiot” cried the stout guy.
“He is joining us today right?” the group was getting anxious…

The baby was crying. Oblivious to that, Ravi put his shirt on.
“You aren’t going anywhere today!” screamed his wife. “Look at our son! Look at me! We both need you! What if you get caught today? How will I admit him in school? Who will give me job? We’ll have to commit suicide only. You irresponsible idiot! Wonder why I had to marry you of all people” and she started crying incessantly.
“This is my job. There are my friends, my gang! I grew up with them! I can’t leave this for a bitch like you!” he went close to her and then slapped her saying “this is for calling me an idiot. Behave!”

The noise reached the neighbors who didn't quite seem to bother. He sat in the bed and wondered what mess he has got himself into. His wife and his son, he loved them both. But he loved the gang too. He had no other job, knew no other trick. This was how life intended him to be and he was going to flow along with the current. The decibels dropped. She stopped all her cribs and came sat beside him.
“Listen. I know you love us. And you want us to be happy. Know that I care for you more than anyone else from the gang. Stop all this. Be a clean guy and I’ll manage some monthly income for us. Please. Listen to me” she pleaded to his eyes.

Just then the six member gang entered the house screaming “Ravi!”
“What the fuck are you doing here mate?! Join us now. We have to plan the bounty to perfection!” the stout guy said to Ravi.
“He ain’t going anywhere!” his wife stood up and made herself clear.
“So you are the one causing the problem again! Listen! We’ll give him 10% extra for you ok? Leave him now!” the stout guy was imposing himself on her.
“He has decided to quit all this. Go away now else I’ll complain to the police!” she put a bold and stern face to him.
“You bitch!” the stout guy slapped her.
Ravi, who was impassive till then, stood up and slapped the stout guy back. “You have no rights to touch her! Go away. I’ll join you guys soon! Go away!” he pushed them out of the house.

The mood was pensive for the next hour or so. Ravi was thinking. Contemplating.
“We need you Goldin Rat!” he recollected their statement.
“We need you forever” she was telling him.
He stood up and glanced at his weeping wife feeding his sleeping son.
“I’ll come back soon. Don’t stop me now. Wish me luck” and he strode away without waiting for her reaction…

The seven of them took their positions as instructed by the Rat. The strategy always ensured that not more than two would get caught even if they encountered someone. And the execution has been perfect that not once were they caught. They have been planning this industrialist bounty for over a month now keeping his Maldives summer trip in mind. Things were going as planned as they unlocked the main locker. “Goldin Rat! Go smell your stuff!” said one of them merrily. Suddenly the first guy stationed outside screamed “I give up I give up!” That was a signal that someone encountered him and it meant others have to run for cover. Within a moment, all lights were on in the house and police surrounded all the seven. All the thieves looked baffled. According to them, the strategy can’t simply fail. It somehow did. Ravi gave an impassive look to all others. Thoughts were running in his mind. “Don’t go today, you’ll be caught! We need you!” she said. He thought of her, his son and looked at his six friends being handcuffed along with him. He managed a smile…

SIX MONTHS LATER:

Ravi was lying on her lap. It has been a wonderful day. He was freed from prison and the gang decided to split and look after themselves. He got himself a job in the nearby jewellery shop as an assistant. After all, he was still the Goldin Rat.
“How did they give you the job?” she was puzzled. “You are still straight from prison!”
He smiled and said “The inspector recommended me. It was his relatives’ shop”.
“Oh! So you impressed him so much in these six months?”
He stood up and put on his shirt. “I am leaving for work now. Will see you in the evening” and he strode towards the door. As he opened it, he stopped for a second and said nonchalantly “By the way, it was me who informed the police that day” and walked away with a smile…