2 Back home

7th July 2019

Rajkot, Gujarat

*Last call for passengers on Indigo airlines Flight 1297 from Rajkot to Delhi. Please make your .....*

The boy pulled along his suitcase, avoiding the wayfaring crowds. As he made his way to the exit gate, he was stopped by security.

"Sir, we need to check your baggage. If you would please, follow us to the office."

"I don't think I have done anything warranting such suspicion. Why do you need to check ..." the boy exclaimed, his voice rising a few octaves.

" Just follow them into the goddamn office, Praharsh. You don't want to cause a scene here, trust me." An authoritative voice interrupted.

He turned to glance at the owner of the voice and was greeted by a stern glare.

" Major Iyer, to what do I owe the unexpected pleasure?"

" Don't play coy. I know he's here. What is he planning? What did you do? I want answers."

The boy's skin turned a stony colour as he leveled a steely glare at the officer.

" You don't want to start a fight you can't afford kid, just tell me what I want to know or else.."

" Or else what little Subu?" Echoed a voice behind them. They all turned around, guns aplomb only to see a blind man with a prosthetic arm walking silently towards them.

"Don't call me that, you bastard!" Cried the major, pointing an accusatory finger at him. " How did you even get past the gate?"

"Come now, we both know guns won't save you if you decide to pull the trigger. So let's just put them down boys." The man continued, "Now let go of my disciple before one of us makes a grave mistake. Praharsh let's go. The taxi is running up the charges and I ain't paying them to wait for your dillydallying ass."

The boy picked up his suitcase and started in the direction of the gate.

"Gaikwad, the defence minister won't tolerate a repeat of the Jerusalem Incident."

" Don't worry. After all I can't sink what's already sunk." Said the man as he walked out of the airport and into the taxi.

" What!?"

Major S. Iyer was left wondering about the implications of that statement.