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able to be
a witness to the incident? Don’t worry; you will only need to identify him in
the court. You cannot imagine what a big favour you will do to us… to this
country… Will you be able to provide evidence? Please.”
    “Yes I will.” Riya says
firmly, looking back at her parents as if seeking their support and also their
permission. “Who is he?” 
    “He is a very senior
diplomat. I’m sorry I cannot reveal his identity yet. But I can definitely tell
you that if we get this guy it will be a big victory against terrorism for our
country!”
    Arjun puts the picture back
into the envelope in his hand. This man had, for a long time, been the key
senior representative orchestrating ISI’s notorious covert operations on Indian
soil. ISI has been sponsoring terrorism in the country for over two decades
now, and in recent years it has also supported internal separatist groups,
mafia, and smugglers supplying arms and narcotics. All these operations
continue unabated and Indian officials find it difficult to stop Pakistan’s
cold war through diplomatic means. However, an arrest for murder on Indian soil
is a different ball game. The diplomats will go berserk of such an exposure of
direct ISI linkage to such operations.
    Arjun is lost in these
thoughts as his dad walks over to sit next to him.
    “Arjun, what is all this? Is
everything OK?”
    “Papa, I know this has come
as a big shock and surprise to all of you. But I need to make some phone calls
urgently. All I would say to you Papa … Your son is not doing anything wrong,
trust me.”
    Arjun’s dad is about to say
something but Arjun does not wait; he mumbles an excuse and walks out. Outside
the room, he stops and calls the Head of RAW on the phone.
    “Sir, my friend Riya has
witnessed the killing. … She has seen the killer. She was with me at site of
the operation. She is ready to testify.  (Pause) Right Sir, I will go ahead and
make arrangements for the arrest; you handle all the diplomatic channels
please! …OK, Sir that will be very useful. Yes, Sir, Commissioner Pratap can
handle that. Thanks!”
    Arjun immediately rushes back
to Riya, and sits next to her on the sofa as everyone watches him with curious
eyes.
    “Riya, Commissioner Pratap
uncle will be here very soon and he will take your statement in private. Is
that OK? You won’t need to go to the police station… not yet.”
    Riya nods gently, nervously
looking around. Arjun springs back on his feet.
    “Papa, I have to go. We need
to arrest this guy as soon as possible!”
    Kamla gets up from the sofa
and walks up to Arjun, hugging him and caressing his hair.
    “Go ahead, beta. Do what you
have to do. We are all with you and trust you.”
    “Thanks mama. I may be late
getting back in.” Kamla nods reassuringly. Arjun looks across at everyone, and
pauses to gaze at his dad. Mr. Sinha smiles and gently nods at his son to
indicate his confidence.
    Without much ado, Arjun walks
out of the door. There’s still a lot to be done and it will likely be a long
night out.
     

A New Morning
     
    Arjun has stayed out all
night as a swift stealth operation was mounted to capture the ISI lieutenant
general. Indian agents had been tracking his activities for a while and had
already made plans to nab the man on grounds of suspicion before Arjun
initiated the warrant. 
    Back home, both families
waited for Arjun’s return in the morning. They are breakfasting at Riya’s
house. Puja’s mobile on the breakfast table rings. Amit, sitting next to Puja,
picks it up immediately.
    “Yes beta…OK, come over
quickly son. We are waiting for you.”
    He puts down the phone to the
curious gazes of the others seated around the table.
    “Arjun said that the
operation was successful. They have captured the killer… Kamla, your son is a
hero!”
    “A son is always a hero to
his mother. But I don’t know… I feel very scared.”
    “Don’t be, dear; everything’s
fine. He’s a big boy now!” He hugs Kamla,