Chapter 19
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Next part – Kaju rocks London
But a call came thru on his desk and his features hardened a fraction. Putting his phone down he told another police officer to fingerprint her. Kaju was stunned. What happened, why did he change his mind? He looked at her hard," Sorry Madam – I just received a call, that your husband is being charged for tampering with National Security, under the New anti- terror act. It isn't a small crime. I am afraid, you cant go there." Kaju was deflated. Tears pricked her eyes, and she blinked them away. She knew it was no sense to argue. She asked softly," Can I at least make a call." He nodded and pushed his phone towards her, his eyes still curious about this mad woman, for a moment wistfully envying the guy who was the husband. Wish he had a wife like that, he sighed.
Payal was worried sick," Kaajjal its been 5 hours – where have you been….what….where…oh my god….Kaajjal you stay right put….i am coming….,"
But as she went to the door, there was a knock. She opened it unthinkingly and saw Veer. She looked at him stunned. His eyes flickered," Payal…." Suddenly the pressure of last few days, her current anxiety all snapped something inside her and she burst into tears. Blindly reaching out to Veer, who stepped inside and took her into his arms. She sobbed her heart out in the process blurting out her own past. He was deeply shocked to the core. Closing his eyes to the pain, he felt at her own suffering, he continued to comfort her with soft assurances. When he heard what Kaju was doing, he started to swear softly, Payal hastily stepped away, as she realised where she was, flushing deeply as she did," I …I …a…am…sorry….Veer…I.." he smiled softly, an oddly gentle expression in his eyes. "no – its alright. I came as soon as I could. It was foolish to come away like that. But never mind, I am here now. Oh – Kaajjal bhabhi, what can I say. " recalling the times in the past she had driven the family up the wall.
He started to make a few phone calls. Payal was never so glad to see someone as she did now. Somehow, Veers Presence warmed her heart, aprt from a few other things which she chose to not dwell on. He called up a number and then spoke to a lawyer he knew.
When Veer Arrived, Kaju was waiting in the detention cell with 25 others, who had joined her in the protest. The kids had been spared. When Kaju saw Veer she ran and gave him a hug," Veer Bhaiyya – Aap Kab aaye". He smiled wryly "Bhabhi – aap bhi naa….sab ko dara diya. PC is so worried".
Payal was along and she hugged Kaju too. As they were leaving, someone ran across to her and said," Mrs Singh – hi, I just heard your story. My name is Mike Waterman from the BBC news. Can I have a minute". Kaju looked bemused and went over. He was a young man around her own age maybe. He clicked her photograph to her embarrassment He smiled and winked," Nothing like a pretty face- listen this is my card. This anti-terror act is a hot potato at the moment. Can you come to the BBC studios and appear on Newsnight a daily news report. We have called a few other protesters, on the panel. Just 10 minutes."
Kajus eyes flashed with renewed hope – thank you Gannu Bhaiyya. She closed her eyes. This was it – her chance. Her enthusiasm returned," Yes Sure – what time should I be there". He smiled "8pm – don't be late. Show my card, this is your pass. I am counting on you…er…kajal." She didn't mind the wrong pronounciation of her name.
Veer was stunned – TV. He looked at Payal who had a smile on her face, "Sounds good to me. " Kaju was excited, she ran back to the officer and said," Sir – can I make a small request. " He looked at her warily – now what. She smiled," Can you send my husband a message – dear dev I love you. Watch BBC 4 at 10pm". The officer sighed, and smiled "Alright – unless it is a military code – should be alright I guess". His tone was wry and said to himself, "Mr. Dev – whoever you sure are a one lucky guy", and picked up the phone.
Kaju chatted to Veer, not a lot more calmer that he was there. Veer said to her how everyone was worried. He looked worried when he heard the facts. Both Kaju and Payal had decided not to tell him about Shivansh yet, not knowing how he'd react. Kaju dressed in her best pink Sari. It was a lovely shade of light rose, with silver thread running through it like gossamer silk. She took extra care with her appearance, leaving her hair loose, make up was light. But it couldn't hide the pain and suffering in her eyes each time she thought of Dev. "Devvv…..dont worry my dearest – Kaajjal hasn't given up yet. If there is a heart in this country I will shake it hard, and wake them up. " She resolved fervently as she clutched his photo in her trembling hands, forcing her tears to stay at bay.
Dev was stunned to receive the electronic message. Kaajjal – just what the hell are you upto. He made a request to watch the TV. They handcuffed him and also secured it to the steel chair in the TV room where a lone TV waited. Other inmates didn't have the same luxruries at the moment.
Mike came out to fetch Kaju, but paused as soon as he saw. His eyes were warm with admiration as he took her arm," Well – what can I say, you look very beautiful Kajal". She smiled politely in response as they went in, but without any pleasure. It was only for Dev she had dressed up – so that he can see her, take solace from her presence. Maybe she could feel him through the eye of the camera.
Inspite of having been a RJ she still felt nervous. She hadn't done something like this before. She hoped she didn't mess it up. Oh – Gannu Bhaiyya please help, ye tum hari kaajjal ki parikshaa hai, holding his statue, rubbing it for assurance with her clammy hands. Do or die – her last chance to wake London up. If this failed, a soft shudder went thru her….she didn't want to think about it. Placing the little familiar statue of GB on the dias next to her she sat down. There were 5 other panellists and the interviewer himself who said his name was – Jeremy Paxman. He looked very suave and assured. Her heart sank. Apart from a lone muslim girl in the room the rest were all White. She closed her eyes – no Kaajjal, just stay calm. It will be alright. She took a deep breathe.
Jeremy started with the update on the days events, then moved on to the hottest topic. He brought out the comments from the top polic officials and the ministry, their grim faces giving an idea to the mood of the officials. Kajus heart sank to her ankles. She swallows her throat suddenly dry. Jeremy started with the others, slowly came to her. Sweat was trickling dwon her face. She looked at the clock – 10.20. Maybe they weren't going to ask her to speak. It was all a joke. Just another Asian to make the numbers. Suddenly Jeremy focussed on her his voice soft," We have this young lady here all the way from India who says her husband is innocent. Am I right. Lets hear your story". For a moment Kaju stared then closed her eyes and touched GB statue and opened her eyes. Jeremy noticed that gesture and murmured," Isnt that your elephant headed god." Kaju nodded, oddly as if Gannu Bhaiyya had given her the opening.
"Yes – sir shri Ganesha – in our country he is symbolised as purity and innocence. He also stands for wisdom and auspiciousness. My husband is innocent too". She related what she knew keeping Shivansh out of it, knowing very well, if ever she or Dev mentioned his name, it would be the last for them. Jeremy frowned in the end," You mean to say – all this based on some unknown tape which the police received. That's preposterous. Another eg. of the way the new anti-terror act is being used or rather I must say misused. So Kajal, tell us what your heart says. There is a saying when mankind becomes blind, deaf and mute, then we must turn to our hearts". Kaju took a deep breathe and looked at the camera, her expression alight with her deep love and faith in Dev, his innocence.
And spoke, her voice quiet, composed yet soft, tender her eyes remembering their love –
"Dear People of United Kingdom – Dear Londoners, My husband Dev is innocent, no matter what evidence police have. I know him, as I know myself. Its not a blind faith, that speaks in me. It is love – that has seen so many strifes, challenges and yet come out triumphant. I have faith in God, in the laws he has created, in the love which lies in every human heart. I do not understand these manmade laws or these complicated systems. I have loved, and that's all I understand. I love Dev and will do anything to have him back. He loves me, more than life itself and somewhere in all this is another test of our love.
I don't have any grievance against the law of this land, nor the law enforcers. All I know my husband is innocent and deserves a fair trial, in a democratic process with appropriate counsel. He is not a terrorist. How can a lover be someone who spread terror. Look at his record. He hasn't hurt a flea. I know it is juts my word against the so called evidence. " She related how Dev, tried to take her away from his life when he knew about the mahadasha, innumerous times he saved her despite their animosity, his righteousness, his honesty. Her voice soft, passionate, love flowing with the tears in her eyes. Slowly the tears grew to a torrent, her voice broke a few times and finally deep sobs racked her slender frame as she broke down," I…am…sorry…Dev…I promised not to cry….but….I….Please …….save my love….friends….please….bring back my Dev…to me…please…." She couldn't go on…..her sobs echoing in the silent studio.
Dev was crying in the room, no..no..no…kaajjal….please….dont cry….his body trembling with the sobs, that echoed in the empty room. There was a moments silence when no one in the studio moved. Then Jeremy himself stood up and clapped, and Dev rasied his head stunned as a loud applause went around the studio – Kaajjal.
It did not stop there. Something had snapped that night as thousands of angry callers flooded the papers, BBC, Tv stations, Rdio stations, police stations, everywhere. Protestors grew emboldened, the families of the detainees came out on the streets, it was a mutiny as thousands of normally placid and pragmatic Londoners stormed to the restricted one mile radius of the sensitive area, for once stunning the old timer – Guy Fawkes. He had one of his rarest smile on as he joined in. The police could only watch mutely as the whole of London, stood there eerily silent, pulsating angrily with the candles that each person held – a silent plea to be heard again, to feel its heart again.
sammy
brings to mind this nursery rhyme after a tornade from mussoorie hits London
London Bridge is falling down,
Falling down, falling down,
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair Lady.
Build it up with wood and clay,
Wood and clay, wood and clay,
Build it up with wood and clay,
My fair Lady.
But a call came thru on his desk and his features hardened a fraction. Putting his phone down he told another police officer to fingerprint her. Kaju was stunned. What happened, why did he change his mind? He looked at her hard," Sorry Madam – I just received a call, that your husband is being charged for tampering with National Security, under the New anti- terror act. It isn't a small crime. I am afraid, you cant go there." Kaju was deflated. Tears pricked her eyes, and she blinked them away. She knew it was no sense to argue. She asked softly," Can I at least make a call." He nodded and pushed his phone towards her, his eyes still curious about this mad woman, for a moment wistfully envying the guy who was the husband. Wish he had a wife like that, he sighed.
Payal was worried sick," Kaajjal its been 5 hours – where have you been….what….where…oh my god….Kaajjal you stay right put….i am coming….,"
But as she went to the door, there was a knock. She opened it unthinkingly and saw Veer. She looked at him stunned. His eyes flickered," Payal…." Suddenly the pressure of last few days, her current anxiety all snapped something inside her and she burst into tears. Blindly reaching out to Veer, who stepped inside and took her into his arms. She sobbed her heart out in the process blurting out her own past. He was deeply shocked to the core. Closing his eyes to the pain, he felt at her own suffering, he continued to comfort her with soft assurances. When he heard what Kaju was doing, he started to swear softly, Payal hastily stepped away, as she realised where she was, flushing deeply as she did," I …I …a…am…sorry….Veer…I.." he smiled softly, an oddly gentle expression in his eyes. "no – its alright. I came as soon as I could. It was foolish to come away like that. But never mind, I am here now. Oh – Kaajjal bhabhi, what can I say. " recalling the times in the past she had driven the family up the wall.
He started to make a few phone calls. Payal was never so glad to see someone as she did now. Somehow, Veers Presence warmed her heart, aprt from a few other things which she chose to not dwell on. He called up a number and then spoke to a lawyer he knew.
When Veer Arrived, Kaju was waiting in the detention cell with 25 others, who had joined her in the protest. The kids had been spared. When Kaju saw Veer she ran and gave him a hug," Veer Bhaiyya – Aap Kab aaye". He smiled wryly "Bhabhi – aap bhi naa….sab ko dara diya. PC is so worried".
Payal was along and she hugged Kaju too. As they were leaving, someone ran across to her and said," Mrs Singh – hi, I just heard your story. My name is Mike Waterman from the BBC news. Can I have a minute". Kaju looked bemused and went over. He was a young man around her own age maybe. He clicked her photograph to her embarrassment He smiled and winked," Nothing like a pretty face- listen this is my card. This anti-terror act is a hot potato at the moment. Can you come to the BBC studios and appear on Newsnight a daily news report. We have called a few other protesters, on the panel. Just 10 minutes."
Kajus eyes flashed with renewed hope – thank you Gannu Bhaiyya. She closed her eyes. This was it – her chance. Her enthusiasm returned," Yes Sure – what time should I be there". He smiled "8pm – don't be late. Show my card, this is your pass. I am counting on you…er…kajal." She didn't mind the wrong pronounciation of her name.
Veer was stunned – TV. He looked at Payal who had a smile on her face, "Sounds good to me. " Kaju was excited, she ran back to the officer and said," Sir – can I make a small request. " He looked at her warily – now what. She smiled," Can you send my husband a message – dear dev I love you. Watch BBC 4 at 10pm". The officer sighed, and smiled "Alright – unless it is a military code – should be alright I guess". His tone was wry and said to himself, "Mr. Dev – whoever you sure are a one lucky guy", and picked up the phone.
Kaju chatted to Veer, not a lot more calmer that he was there. Veer said to her how everyone was worried. He looked worried when he heard the facts. Both Kaju and Payal had decided not to tell him about Shivansh yet, not knowing how he'd react. Kaju dressed in her best pink Sari. It was a lovely shade of light rose, with silver thread running through it like gossamer silk. She took extra care with her appearance, leaving her hair loose, make up was light. But it couldn't hide the pain and suffering in her eyes each time she thought of Dev. "Devvv…..dont worry my dearest – Kaajjal hasn't given up yet. If there is a heart in this country I will shake it hard, and wake them up. " She resolved fervently as she clutched his photo in her trembling hands, forcing her tears to stay at bay.
Dev was stunned to receive the electronic message. Kaajjal – just what the hell are you upto. He made a request to watch the TV. They handcuffed him and also secured it to the steel chair in the TV room where a lone TV waited. Other inmates didn't have the same luxruries at the moment.
Mike came out to fetch Kaju, but paused as soon as he saw. His eyes were warm with admiration as he took her arm," Well – what can I say, you look very beautiful Kajal". She smiled politely in response as they went in, but without any pleasure. It was only for Dev she had dressed up – so that he can see her, take solace from her presence. Maybe she could feel him through the eye of the camera.
Inspite of having been a RJ she still felt nervous. She hadn't done something like this before. She hoped she didn't mess it up. Oh – Gannu Bhaiyya please help, ye tum hari kaajjal ki parikshaa hai, holding his statue, rubbing it for assurance with her clammy hands. Do or die – her last chance to wake London up. If this failed, a soft shudder went thru her….she didn't want to think about it. Placing the little familiar statue of GB on the dias next to her she sat down. There were 5 other panellists and the interviewer himself who said his name was – Jeremy Paxman. He looked very suave and assured. Her heart sank. Apart from a lone muslim girl in the room the rest were all White. She closed her eyes – no Kaajjal, just stay calm. It will be alright. She took a deep breathe.
Jeremy started with the update on the days events, then moved on to the hottest topic. He brought out the comments from the top polic officials and the ministry, their grim faces giving an idea to the mood of the officials. Kajus heart sank to her ankles. She swallows her throat suddenly dry. Jeremy started with the others, slowly came to her. Sweat was trickling dwon her face. She looked at the clock – 10.20. Maybe they weren't going to ask her to speak. It was all a joke. Just another Asian to make the numbers. Suddenly Jeremy focussed on her his voice soft," We have this young lady here all the way from India who says her husband is innocent. Am I right. Lets hear your story". For a moment Kaju stared then closed her eyes and touched GB statue and opened her eyes. Jeremy noticed that gesture and murmured," Isnt that your elephant headed god." Kaju nodded, oddly as if Gannu Bhaiyya had given her the opening.
"Yes – sir shri Ganesha – in our country he is symbolised as purity and innocence. He also stands for wisdom and auspiciousness. My husband is innocent too". She related what she knew keeping Shivansh out of it, knowing very well, if ever she or Dev mentioned his name, it would be the last for them. Jeremy frowned in the end," You mean to say – all this based on some unknown tape which the police received. That's preposterous. Another eg. of the way the new anti-terror act is being used or rather I must say misused. So Kajal, tell us what your heart says. There is a saying when mankind becomes blind, deaf and mute, then we must turn to our hearts". Kaju took a deep breathe and looked at the camera, her expression alight with her deep love and faith in Dev, his innocence.
And spoke, her voice quiet, composed yet soft, tender her eyes remembering their love –
"Dear People of United Kingdom – Dear Londoners, My husband Dev is innocent, no matter what evidence police have. I know him, as I know myself. Its not a blind faith, that speaks in me. It is love – that has seen so many strifes, challenges and yet come out triumphant. I have faith in God, in the laws he has created, in the love which lies in every human heart. I do not understand these manmade laws or these complicated systems. I have loved, and that's all I understand. I love Dev and will do anything to have him back. He loves me, more than life itself and somewhere in all this is another test of our love.
I don't have any grievance against the law of this land, nor the law enforcers. All I know my husband is innocent and deserves a fair trial, in a democratic process with appropriate counsel. He is not a terrorist. How can a lover be someone who spread terror. Look at his record. He hasn't hurt a flea. I know it is juts my word against the so called evidence. " She related how Dev, tried to take her away from his life when he knew about the mahadasha, innumerous times he saved her despite their animosity, his righteousness, his honesty. Her voice soft, passionate, love flowing with the tears in her eyes. Slowly the tears grew to a torrent, her voice broke a few times and finally deep sobs racked her slender frame as she broke down," I…am…sorry…Dev…I promised not to cry….but….I….Please …….save my love….friends….please….bring back my Dev…to me…please…." She couldn't go on…..her sobs echoing in the silent studio.
Dev was crying in the room, no..no..no…kaajjal….please….dont cry….his body trembling with the sobs, that echoed in the empty room. There was a moments silence when no one in the studio moved. Then Jeremy himself stood up and clapped, and Dev rasied his head stunned as a loud applause went around the studio – Kaajjal.
It did not stop there. Something had snapped that night as thousands of angry callers flooded the papers, BBC, Tv stations, Rdio stations, police stations, everywhere. Protestors grew emboldened, the families of the detainees came out on the streets, it was a mutiny as thousands of normally placid and pragmatic Londoners stormed to the restricted one mile radius of the sensitive area, for once stunning the old timer – Guy Fawkes. He had one of his rarest smile on as he joined in. The police could only watch mutely as the whole of London, stood there eerily silent, pulsating angrily with the candles that each person held – a silent plea to be heard again, to feel its heart again.
sammy
brings to mind this nursery rhyme after a tornade from mussoorie hits London
London Bridge is falling down,
Falling down, falling down,
London Bridge is falling down,
My fair Lady.
Build it up with wood and clay,
Wood and clay, wood and clay,
Build it up with wood and clay,
My fair Lady.
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