Hi all...I am back with something different...not a JB saga but something that shakes us now and then...terrorism. A little bit of JB included. Please read at your own discretion...it is purely fictional.
Ali…
Thawab (????)
Reward for good deeds that is tallied on qiyamah (judgment day.)
Ali slid his cell phone out from under his pillow and turned it off. Slipping quietly out of the room, he went into the backyard and splashed cold water on his face from the bucket. It was still dark, at five in the morning not many soul stirred in the shanty town on middle of the city. He quickly completed his morning ablutions, unfurled the worn out rug and started his fajr prayers.
Half an hour later his mother woke. "Ali where are you going?"
Ali sat back, "Ammi, just have to go and see a friend about a job. Can you make a cup chai ammi?"
"Yes…yes. Just let me few minutes."
Ali sat sipping hot tea from the glass and watched his mother doing her morning prayers. Ammi was only forty years old, but she looked older. Working a long day on the construction site to supplement his father's wage had taken its toll. The hair already greying, her bony frame protruding through the thin clothen cloth, his ammi did not look the beautiful shy bride of fourteen who had come with his father to Mumbai…the city where hundreds poured in everyday with the hope of changing their lives.
Ali cursed silently. Twenty-six years of slogging away had not changed anything for his ammi or for him. He still drifted from job to job, looking for a break that would give him an opportunity to earn decent money so he could buy a small home for their family. May be enough to send his younger brothers to college. A smile lit his face, well today will change everything for his family, after today his ammi will not have to work. First thing he will do is buy a silk sari for his ammi and may be a gold chain. He set aside his empty glass and waited for his mother to complete her prayers.
"Ammi, I have to go now. I love you ammi." Ali hugged his mother quickly and walked out of his home.
"Ali…wait." She shouted, but Ali had already disappeared down the dark alleyway.
XXXXX
"Hurry up Ali." Rehaan called out. He pushed his bike on the road and waited for Ali to climb on. "Thanks Rehaan. Are you scared?"
Rehaan laughed as he turned the key in the ignition. "Scared shit…who wouldn't be? I prayed extra hard this morning. But think of how different our lives will be tomorrow."
The bike tore through the along the road and merged into traffic on the highway. An hour later they stopped in front of a warehouse. Parking his bike along the wall the two walked and Ali rapped three times on the door. "Who is it?' A voice boomed through the door. "Ali and Rehaan."
"Password!"
"Zakat."
The door opened enough to let them in. Ali and Rehaan walked towards the centre were a group of men were sitting around. They were all young like Ali and Rehaan and all from various slums dwellings in Mumbai. A man handed a set of camouflage clothing and a backpack. "Go and put this clothes on and then go through backpack and make a note of what you have. I want your cell phones, wallets and anything you have on you. You are not allowed to carry anything that identifies you."
Ali frowned, "Tariq saheb can't we keep our cell phone. What if we need to get in touch with you?"
Tariq glared darkly at Ali, "Once we move out of here and drop you at your destinations, there will be no communications, understood. No one here will do anything to jeopardize this mission. Just remember tomorrow will be a golden morning for you. You will be seen as hero by your fellow brethrens."
Ali and Rehaan quietly put on the pants and jacket. Emptied the pockets of their clothes and handed it over. Ali unzipped the backpack and pulled out a hand grenade. The metal felt cold and heavy in his hand. He carefully set it on the floor and proceeded to add other to it. In total he had 24 grenades, 24 magazines and a handgun. He carefully put everything back into the bag except for handgun, which he tucked in the pocket of his jacket.
He sat around talking quietly with the others, each passing hour increasing his nervousness. At around six, a truck roared into the empty warehouse and stopped at one side. Boxes of food was unloaded and handed out to them. Ali opened his and glanced at the curry, rice and roti packed in the box. His stomach lurched at the smell and he closed the box. "I don't think I can Rehaan. I feel sick."
"Shut up Ali. Just eat. Don't let them hear you talk so stupid. Eat up quick."
Ali opened the box and tore the roti and dipped it in curry and put it in his mouth. It tasted nothing like his ammi's roti…the soft, fresh hot roti ammi made every night for them. Ali ate few more bites and then closed the box.
Fifteen minutes to six, they were ordered to take their pack and sit in the back of the truck. Each of them were handed an automatic rifle as they climbed into the truck, All twenty-four of them sat on the floor of the truck. The door closed shutting off the light and the truck moved out. One of them lit a lighter and held it up, looking at the solemn faces of his neighbour. One of them called, 'You are not supposed to carry anything."
"It's only a bloody lighter. Ten rupees cheap junk. Don't worry my name is not carved on it." He turned it off as a low laughter filled the air. The truck stopped and another five minutes before the door opened. Quietly they jumped out of the truck and ran through the open doorway. Once inside, the door was locked and jammed.
"You all know what to do. Don't do anything stupid, just follow the instructions. And make sure you bring all of them downstairs. If anyone gives you trouble, shoot them." Tariq watched as they split up and ran up the stairs.
Tariq adjusted his rifle and then burst into through the door. The men and women working in the kitchen stared at the five weapons pointed at them.
"Don't move. Anyone moves and he dies. Now I want you all to move into that corner." He pointed his rifle to the far corner. Once they were crowded there, he indicated to the two of his men. The huge freezer door swung open and the group was shoved in. The door closed on the cries of men and women. Within half an hour, the lobby and the restaurant, were secured swiftly by Tariq and his men. He pulled out a key for a hotel room and gave it to his right hand man, "You know what to do. Make sure all entrances are sealed and wired up.
On the fourth floor, Ali and Rehaan pounded on the door and marched the occupants down the stairs. A little boy started crying and his mother tried to quieten him. As they reached the second floor one of the man pushed Ali and before he could make a dash, a round of bullet felled him. Ali gasped as blood seeped out on the floor, "Rehaan!"
"Shut up Ali. He would have killed us. Now the rest of you," Rehaan aimed his gun at the people cowering on the floor, "Get up and move. You saw what happens if you try to be smart."
Rehaan pushed the group into the large hall were the rest of the people were huddling. Tariq signalled Rehaan, "What happened? I heard shots."
Rehaan grinned. "One of them tried to make a run. I shot him."
"Good. Get the rest of the floors done quick."
An hour later, the hall was full of people sitting, looking frightened.
XXXXX
Bani watched Atharva walk down the stairs. "And where do you think you are going?" she asked.
"Maa…why do you ask? You know nah…meeting papa and Veer at the hotel." Atharva said as he kissed Bani on the cheek.
"Haan…I know. Still I want to hear you say you are going out. Listen don't drink."
Atharva rolled his eyes, "Maa you know I only have a couple of beers."
Bani pinched his cheek, "Sure…make sure papa doesn't overdo it."
Atharva laughed, "Do you want me tell him that?"
"No. I am just asking you to look after your papa. Listen ask Veer to come for dinner. I haven't seen him for days. And phone Krishna to find out if she needs a ride when you are coming back home."
"Jee Maa. Anything else?" he asked.
"No. Go now and don't be late." Bani said as she pushed Atharva out the door.
At five forty-five, Atharva parked his bike and went to the bar. Veer was already there, chatting up one of the girls.
"Hi Veer." Atharva greeted. "Where is papa?"
"Just went to take a call. Here…" Veer handed a bottle of beer to Atharva. In few minutes Jai joined them and they stood at the bar, just chatting with the couple of people sitting at the bar.
There was a scream as three men pointing guns burst into the bar. "Move it." One of them shouted, pointing his gun at them. "Get into center now."
Jai started to move forward but Atharva held his arm and hissed, "What are doing dad? They are pointing the guns right at us."
"I just want to find out what they want." Jai snapped back.
"Well we will find out soon enough. Don't do anything stupid dad…think of mom and us."
They moved to the center of the room with the handful of people. It was too early for the bar to be packed. The men ordered them to move out of the bar and into the hall. Veer gave a low whistle as he saw more armed men in the hall. "This is serious. What the hell do they want?"
"I don't know but I want to find out." Jai said.
One of the men came up to Jai and held the gun to his hand, "Stop talking and move." Jai glared back, "What the hell are you doing? What are you going to do with these people?"
The man just laughed, "You will soon find out. Now move."
Jai walked towards couple of his managers sitting on the floor. "Dave! Raj! Do you know what's going on?"
They both shook their head. "No Mr Walia. It happened so quick. There are so many of them, and they have explosives. Look!" Jai looked towards the window where they were pointing. He saw couple of men rigging explosives to the window.
"Looks like they are getting ready for a battle…I think this is a much bigger trouble…terrorists." Jai remarked. Jai stood up and started to walk towards Tariq, he had figured out he seemed to be the leader of the group. One of the men poked Jai in the chest with his gun, "Where do you think you are going?"
Jai stared at him coldly, "I want a word with your leader. I want to know what's going on." The man shoved the end of the barrel into Jai's chest again, "Stand still…Tariqbhai!" he called out.
Tariq walked over, his dark eyes fixated on Jai. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"This one wants to talk to you."
Tariq stood, his feet apart and his face like a blank mask. "So…who are you?"
"My name is Jai Walia. I own this hotel. I just want to know why you are doing this? If you want money…just let the people go and I will give you whatever amount you want."
Tariq smiled, his eyes glittered hard, "You think we are doing this for money…no when we have finished India and the world will know we are a force to reckon with. We have a mission to free our brothers from corruption of the infidels. Our land will be rid of all non-believers and wiped clean of the corruption that is decaying the souls of our brothers and sisters. In the name of money, the filth of the world is soiling the lands of Allah. So Mr Walia…your money is of no use to me. Go and sit down."
Jai did not move, his face seethed with anger, "If you have problems with the government why don't you take it up with them…why are you endangering the lives of the innocent. All these explosives your men are setting up will kill everyone in here, including you."
Tariq arched his brow and sneered, "You think we are afraid to die. Each one of us is ready to die. And as for these few here…think of thousands of my brothers and sisters who have died at the hands of your government and others. A few drop of blood spilt here will never be enough for the rivers of blood spilt by my brothers. Don't waste your words with me…there is nothing you can say that will change anything that will happen here today."
Tariq indicated the man to take Jai back. The gunman pushed his barrel into Jai's chest again and barked, "Move." Jai slowly walked back and sat down.
"What did he say mausaji?" Veer asked.
"I offered money but he said this is not about money. I don't know exactly what he is planning, but I don't think he is going to let us walk out of here."
Atharva scanned the hall, "Why don't we do something? There are more of us and dozen of them."
Veer held Atharva by shoulder, "Don't be stupid. They might be few…but they have guns and bombs…we have nothing."
XXXXX
Adi's phone rings, "Hello!"
"Papa mei Ranveer…is mamaji home?"
"No. He hasn't come home yet. Why?"
"Papa turn on the TV…you will see why?"
Adi walks into the lounge and turns on the TV and looks shocked as screen flashes picture of the five-star Walia hotel and the reporter talking about hostage taking. "Where are you Ranveer? Get here fast."
Dadi who had been helping Bani in the kitchen comes up to Adi, looks at Adi's face. "What's wrong Adi…or yeh TV pe kya…"
"Maa…Bani kahaan hai?"
"Kitchen mei..abhi ayegi."
"Nahi maa, abhi jaake usko le aayo."
Two minutes later Bani comes out of the kitchen smiling. "Adi uncle what did you want?"
"Look at the TV Bani."
Bani stands and stare at the TV, her mind reels as she tries to understand what the news broadcaster was saying. "Jai…Atharva…Adi they were…you know how they meet up with Veer."
Adi nodded his head. He walked up to Bani and made her sit down, "Bani…don't worry. I am sure they will be safe. I will call Jai."
Adi calls Jai but there is no answer. "He is not picking up. May be he doesn't have the phone with him."
Bani stands up, her face pale and her hands shaking nervously, "We should go there…Adi uncle lets go there."
Dadi too stood up, "Haan Adi…humko le chal gadi mei."
"No. I am not taking you there. Do you think the police is going to let us go through. No we have to stay here. I will phone the police commissioner and try and find out what they are doing." Adi walks to his study. Bani breaks down and starts crying. Dadi looks helpless as she tries to comfort Bani.
XXXXX
"Ali.." Ali's mother shouted as she entered their tin shack. Her younger son looked up from the book he was reading. "Ammi abhi tak nahi aya."
Ammi sits down and wipes her face with worn out dupatta. She sighs and then gets up to drink a glass of water. A woman enters, 'Tu agayee…kuch khabar suni…TV pe news bataya…Nariman point pe badi hotel mei kuch dhamaka hua. Kehte hai sare guests ko pakad liye. Tera Ali kahaan hai?"
Ammi sits down, her feet really aching after being on it all day, "Ali kuch kaam ke liye subah hi nikaal gaya tha…lekin abhi aya nahi."
"Acha…aata hoga…mei chali…TV dekhna hai toh ajana." The woman left and Ammi lay down on the bed to rest for a few minutes before making dinner.
XXXXX
Jai felt his phone vibrate in his jacket pocket. He took it out and looked at the ID…Adi. He put the phone back in the pocket. "Who was it papa?" Atharva asked. "Adi." Jai answered. "Why didn't you talk to him?" Atharva asked.
"And tell him what…by now they know what is happening. Don't want to make them worry…I am sure your mom is probably crying her heart out by now." Jai shook his head. "I don't want any of you to talk to anyone."
Atharva watched helpless as some small children slept on the floor next to their parents. Some women were also crying silently. "How long do you think before they let us go. People are hungry and thirsty. Why don't we ask them for some water at least."
Jai looked at the tired and worried faces. They had been sitting around for four hours now. "Go on…Veer go with him."
Atharva and Veer stood up and waved at the armed man circling them.
"What do you want?" the man growled, aiming the gun at them.
"Water…if we can some water." Veer told him.
The man gave a vicious look and aimed the gun at Veer's head, "You are thirsty. Why don't I stick a bullet in you and then you won't feel thirsty anymore."
Anger built up in Atharva and Veer, "Look I don't want it for me…but there are children you could do with some water and food."
The man jabbed the gun at Veer forehead, "No water. Go back and sit down otherwise…"
Atharva pushed the man, "Otherwise what…" Before Atharva could punch the man, a bullet hit his chest. Screams rang out, Jai sprang up and rushed forward only to be pushed back by one of the armed man. Veer clutched Atharva to stop him falling. Blood spread out on his t-shirt.
Tariq walked fired a round in the ceiling sending bits of plaster flying. He screamed, "Shut up. Next one moves or scream…he dies." He looked at Atharva, wincing in pain being held by Veer and coldly shouted, "Take him back and sit down."
Veer glared, "He needs a doctor."
"Too bad…no doctor. Get back or you're next." Tariq screamed.
Veer dragged Atharva back and laid him on the floor. A lady crawled up, "I am a doctor. Can I see?'
Jai nodded, his vision blurred by tears. The lady looked at the wound and then whispered. "We need to stop the bleeding. If any of you can press on the wound while I make a bandage to cover it." She took off her duppatta and rolled it up, "Here press this over him."
Jai wiped his eyes and laid his hand on Atharva forehead, "Atharva…you are going to be ok son…I promise you will be ok."
Atharva opened his eyes and his eyes looked dazed. "I am ok papa…it just hurts a little."
The lady returned with couple of duppattas. She folded them up into narrow strip and asked Jai to lift Atharva up so she could slip it under his chest. Carefully she tied up duppatta tight over the wound. "Listen try not to move. Just stay still." She told Atharva. Jai put a hand on her shoulder, "Thank you." She smiled, "It's my job, I wish I had my medical bag. Keep an eye on him and let me know if you think something is wrong."
XXXXX
At the top of the stairwell on the first floor of the hotel Ali and Rehaan were sat on the step. Ali took out a cigarette and lit it, taking a drag he blew out slowly. "How long do you think we are going to be stuck here?" he asked.
Rehaan took the lit cigarette from Ali's hand and dragged, "Don't know. This is getting boring. I want some action."
Ali snorted and grabbed the cigarette back, "I can't wait to get out of here and back home. Ammi must be wondering where I am."
Rehaan ran his hand down the gun. "You realize you better forget your ammi. Because even if we get out of here…we will never be allowed to go back home."
"Do you think ammi will ever find out what I did?"
Rehaan took a drag from the cigarette and then threw the stub on the floor. "She will be proud of you."
"I don't think so. Ammi is very particular. She never says much but she understands a lot. She hates people who do things in the name of Islam. She says service to reach Allah is not through killing the innocent."
"What does she knows? She is like many who think life is for slaving away to put roti in our mouths. They are happy to live in those tin shacks, borrow money to buy medicine and dream of a better life for their kids. What better life? Nothing in life comes without money?" Rehaan stood up. "I am going to do pee. Don't fall asleep."
Ali sat and stared down the empty stairwell…it was eerily silent and dark down there. He reached into his pocket and took out his cigarette pack. He looked at the two remaining cigarette and put it back and leaned against wall.
The sound of blast and shattering of plaster and concrete filled the stairwell with dust. Ali and Rehaan lay themselves flat on the floor and covered their nose with a cloth. They waited, listening for any sound of anyone coming up. "Can you see anything?" whispered Ali.
"No…shhh." Rehaan crawled a little further to the edge of the stair and looked down and saw no movement. "What do we do now? We can't sit and wait here."
Rehaan stood up, "Let's get inside the floor and seal this door."
Ali helped Rehaan pile tables from the guest room to barricade the door. "Stay here…I will be back." Rehaan told Ali as he ran down the hallway. Ali stood nervously pointing his gun at the barricaded.
Rehaan returned clutching a large bag. "What's in there?"
"Bomb!" Rehaan carefully took out packed explosives and set about rigging it up to the door. "You know how to do that?" Ali asked.
"Yep…got Tariq to teach me." Rehaan said proudly.
"How come you never told me?"
Rehaan looked at Ali, "Why?"
"Well we never keep secrets…I tell you everything." Ali cribbed.
Rehaan finished and grinned. "You are stupid fool Ali."
Ali scowled and moved away. "Where are you going?" Rehaan asked.
"Nowhere!" Ali shouted back and walked into the open room. He walked to the window and was blinded by glare from portable light aimed at the building in the dark. Shielding his eyes he moved to the side and then peeked out. He could see armed policemen behind a set of parked jeeps.
Rehaan screamed, "Move away…do you want to be shot at."
Ali slid to the floor. "They can't see me…too far back. This is stupid, sitting here. Why don't Tariq blow this place up and be done with? That's what will happen in the end."
Rehaan leaned against the door. "Ali stop thinking too much. We are supposed to be doing a job. Now get up and come over here and watch the door."
Ali moved slowly and sat next to Rehaan.
His eyes were drifting to close and Ali shook himself. He looked up and down the hallway…it was eerily quiet. Rehaan was slumped on the floor sleeping. They had taken to taking turns sleeping. It was becoming hard to keep awake. Ali opened the backpack and took out a hand grenade…they hadn't had to use one yet. Ali put it on the floor and stared at the barricaded exit to the stairwell. Again his eyes drifted slowly downward. The floor shook and the hand grenade rolled away as the blast sent pieces of wood flying. Ali ducked inside the room and watched in horror as a piece stuck Rehaan on the head. Blood oozed from the wound. Rehaan sat up and pressed his hand.
Sounds of thundering footsteps had Rehaan slam the door shut and screaming at Ali to help him push the bits of furniture near the door. When there was nothing else they could add, both of them went on the other side of the bed and crouched, guns pointing at the door. Rehaan opened his backpack and pulled out several hand grenades. He pulled a pin on one and gripped it tightly. Ali's hand shook nervously and his throat dry with fear.
They could hear shouts and gunfire. Several seconds of quiet followed and then a loud crash on the door. The door did not move. Then a small explosion shattered the door and Ali fired at the gaping doorway. Rehaan threw his grenade and heard it explode. Dust and silence settled quickly. Ali breathed heavily and looked at the blood matting on Rehaan's head and face. "Are they gone?" he whispered.
Rehaan put a finger to his mouth and shook his head. He got another hand grenade ready. A round of gunfire ran into the room something was hurled into the room. Smoke started filling the room and Rehaan threw his hand grenade out the doorway. The smoke filled their mouth and noses. Ali choked and spluttered. A shadow loomed in the smoked filled room and Rehaan fired a quick round. Before Rehaan could stop, Ali leapt up and ran out from behind the bed and started firing. A shot hit Ali in the chest and fell on his back. His eyes fluttered and he tried to see where Rehaan was.
"Rehaan…" he gasped and then fell silent.
Rehaan was choking now from the smoke filled air. He gasped to breath. The grenade clattered on the floor as he gripped his gun. He fired shots where he thought the doorway was and then crawled on his hands and knee, going over Ali's body. A figure loomed over him. Rehaan aimed his gun and pulled the trigger, but before he could release, several shots pierced his body and he collapsed dead.
XXXXX
The sound of explosions and firing could be heard in large hall. The faces registered fear along with tiredness. Jai wiped sweat forming on Atharva's forehead. His heart was beating irregularly with fear, fear of losing Atharva. "Veer we have to do something. Atharva doesn't look too good." Jai said with tears forming in his eyes.
Veer laid his hand on Jai's shoulder, "What mausa…tell me and I will do it."
Just then another explosion rocked the ceiling. "I think something is happening on the floor above." Veer watched their captors looking at Tariq. "They look nervous. May be we can rush them, next time there is explosion."
Jai shook his head, "Before we can even reach the door, they will blow this place up. I am just hoping it is the special unit making its way down here, but…then what…there is still chance of this place blown up."
Another hour passed and nothing happened. Lot of the people dozed where they sat. Jai sat cradling Atharva's head, watching his pale face and shallow breathing. Veer sat frustrated staring at the large doors. An ominous depression seems to hang in the air.
A loud explosion rocked the hall. Large chunks fell from the ceiling and the glass shattered. Screams filled the hall and people clutched each other or sprawled down on the floor, covering their face with their hand. A round of fire rang out in the hall and then a smaller explosion blew the heavy doors of its hinges.
Mayhem followed as people screamed and made to rush towards the opening. Sounds of gun fire mingled and bodies fell to the floor. Jai in panic, laid himself over Atharva, protecting him from trampling feet and flying bullets. Veer tried pulling Jai to his feet was unsuccessful as Jai dragged him down. "Get down…" But next minute Veer pulled himself free and was lost in the crowd. For several minutes Jai lay praying nothing should happen to his son…praying for the gunfire to stop.
Fifteen minutes later, sounds of crying, muffled screams of pain and feets stamping on the marble floor could be heard. Jai heard a shout, "Floor secured…need medical help sir."
Couple of men turned bullet-ridden bodies over, checking for any one alive. Jai did not move…he felt numb…his arms lying limp on the floor. It was only when he heard Veer screaming…"Let me go…my uncle is in there and my cousin he is shot…he needs a doctor," that Jai stirred and sat up looking at the blood soaked floor around him. He was covered in blood and could smell it in the breath he took.
"There…there…that's him. He owns this hotel. Please let me help him." Jai heard Veer say. After that everything was blurred. Jai couldn't remember being pulled out of the hotel or being taken to the hospital.
When Jai woke up, he stared in disbelief at the white walls. He must be dead…and this is what happens when you die…you lie in a white room and wait for someone to come and take you away.
"Jai…you are awake. Jai say something." A familiar voice seemed to be calling him through the walls. "Papa…papa."
"Atharva." He whispered.
"He is going to be ok Jai…he has lost a lot of blood , but he will be fine." The familiar voice assured him.
"Bani…" he whispered.
A cool hand touched his face and he turned his face to stare into teary face of his wife. Tears rolled down his cheek as he clutched her hand. "I am not dead?" He asked through his tears and he heard her say, "No."
XXXXX
Ammi stared at the empty bed where Ali slept each night with his brothers, last night she had fallen asleep waiting for him. This morning worry lined her face, where was Ali. It wasn't like him to stay out all night. She shook her head and then set about carrying out her morning ritual.
An hour later she sat in front of her small stove watching the tea. Her neighbour called out through the wall. "Did you hear? That hotel…so many people killed. They say they killed all the terrorist holding the hostages too. What is happening to people today? There are plenty people dying of hunger, why do they have to go around killing some others. Did your Ali come home?"
Ammi ignored her question. Something did not feel right…in heart felt heavy. Where are you Ali? She silently called out.
In the evening ammi sent one of her older boy to go and check out Ali's friends, see if they have seen or heard from Ali. She set about trying to do her work, but gave up and lay down on the bed.
"Ali?' Someone called from the doorway. Ammi sat up and replied, "Ali is not home. Who are you?"
The older man dressed in a neat pant and shirt came in. "Ali's mother?" he asked. Ammi nodded her head and stared at him. The man took out an envelope and held it towards her, "This belongs to Ali. It is for the work he has been doing for me. He was supposed to collect it yesterday but he never came."
Ammi took the envelope and looked inside. Her eyes grew wide, "How did Ali get so much money?" she asked.
The man smiled, "He is a good boy. He has been doing some special work for me and asked me to save his money up. Said he wanted to save money up to buy his ammi a new house."
Ammi shook her head and held the envelope out, "I don't want money. Give it to Ali. Tell him I want him to come home."
The man took the envelope reluctantly as he saw the hard-set face of the woman in front of him.
Without another word Tariq, slipped out of the house, stuffing the envelope hastily in his pocket. He eyes fell on the newspaper the man was reading in the street. The headline screamed, "Daring rescue operation kills all the Terrorists." Tariq smiled as he hurried out of the street, if only they knew the truth.
THE END
