“Ah,” Arjun moans in disgust.
Suddenly, they hear someone banging on the door that minute.
“Arjun! Arjun!” It’s Riya’s voice. Arjun immediately logs off the system, checks for one last time the background processes that will run automatically after his logout. The banging on the door continues. Yes, everything looks fine for him to log off. Arjun turns the radio off before getting up to open the door.
“Oh my God! Arjun… have you seen…?” Riya sees Krish in the room as well watching the television, “They killed a hostage!” Arjun nods and hugs her.
Arjun goes out of the room and meets the family. He hugs Puja again while everyone stares at the TV screen. Soon Krish comes out as well, and comes up to speak to Arjun.
“Lt Gen Khanna called me just now. He and the Head of RAW have a PMO level meeting in two hours. He wants to meet me now to de-brief him on everything.”
“What will you tell him Krish?” Arjun asks, curious.
“I will tell him what happened in the Rann of Kutch. On the hostage crisis, I will offer my services on any investigation.”
Arjun stares at Krish and reassures him, “There’s no way the current US systems can detect the morphed video. My script has merged the images at an individual pixel level. Even if the CIA wants to analyze it, a video of that size and resolution will take at least two or three weeks for a large supercomputer to analyze. There are no login or user access traces left behind, Krish. It’s all clean!”
“Thanks, buddy!” Krish puts his hand on Arjun’s shoulder, “Even if the CIA did find out about it, they cannot bear to admit that their most advanced and highly classified Star Wars program was hacked. The US will never declare to the world that the ambitious Star Wars program that was frozen after the cold war has been operating over the last three decades, stealthily spying on the entire world. You know the next phase of this program will be a tactical weapon using this peering eye to reach anywhere in the world! Will they share it with everyone else? Never!”
Krish walks off knowing that the details are best left untold. The PMO will care only about the results. And that will come across over the next 24 to 48 hours, once a secret birdie prompts the CIA about a few unverified locations of the crime in Pakistan.
Arjun returns to his room and shuts the door behind him. He sits down to reflect upon the recent events. Will this spiteful killing ever end? Can the terrorism factory that has plagued the world for decades now ground to a halt? He had executed the most amazing hack that will make the CIA believe that the assassination of the American hostage was carried out in Sargodha, within the premises of the Pakistan Air Force and ISI headquarters. This is also the same location that houses Pakistan’s nuclear weapons.
Arjun fishes into his inner pocket to take out the memory stick that Krish had given him. He types frantically to decrypt the memory card. He manages to decrypt it in a few minutes, and it displays a map of the Indian subcontinent, with red spots scattered within Pakistan’s border representing the geo-location of the nuclear arsenals. The next message on screen says- “Setting geo-location targets for the Neutron Missile system.”
Suddenly Arjun’s mobile rings. He picks up the phone looking at the number.
“Hello… What?... When?… Ok!… Can I speak to her please?”
Kamla is on the phone, as the doctor has just confirmed the inevitable death of Arjun’s father.
“Mama!”
“Beta, is Riya safe?” Kamla asks about Riya first, “Is she back home now? I was so concerned!”
“Riya is fine, mama. … Yes mama, I will bring her to you… We will all come right away over to you … Where’s dad now? Maa are you alright?”
“Yes Beta, your dad is sleeping peacefully on my lap! You could have spoken to him if you had picked up your phone a few minutes earlier.”
Arjun moves the mobile off his ear to spot a couple of missed calls.
“Oh! … I was busy with something!” Arjun says in a mumble, as he stares at the computer screen showing the “Neutron Missile program” homepage. “I am glad you were there with him during his last moments. Mama, take care please. We will reach you in a couple of hours.”
A sudden guilt shrouds Arjun’s conscience for missing out on being by his dad’s bedside during his last moments. May God pardon him! He also laments the last words that his father had consciously spoken to him.
But perhaps he has completed his karma that may save thousands of lives in the coming future. Will his father be proud of him? Arjun looks at the cursor that continues to blink on the screen, tempting a response.
Arjun recalls the words Krish had spoken earlier, “You have the codes, and I have an absolutely accurate geo-location of all nuclear targets in Pakistan. Together we can wipe out their entire nuclear arsenal in just thirty seconds!”
The next prompt asks for the codes- “Enter code to activate neutron missiles.”
Arjun realizes the opportunity that he has. The Americans will be seething with anger at the act of the hostage killed within the Pakistani Air Force base. If the nuclear weapons are neutralized, it will wipe out and shift the balance of power irrevocably to bring an end to decades of cold war. It will be the final knockout punch!
The blinking shouts out to Arjun for action, as he continues to stare at it.
As a student of nuclear physics, Arjun knows that good or evil in the physics world resides within the nucleus. It holds within it tremendous energy. If harnessed properly, it can solve the energy crisis of the world, bringing light and joy to numerous households. At the same time, it can be used to create deadly nuclear weapons capable of destroying all of mankind. Arjun is also reminded of his memorable first day at school. Right knowledge and right actions determine what we are. Eventually what we want to become is also in our own hands. Right karma eventually segregates the good from the evil. He tries to think again, who is to blame for accidents on the road? Definitely it’s not the car? It’s the driver… almost always.
Will he be able to end the cold war and cross-border terrorism if he types in the code there? No, he admits humbly. This ugly war will continue. As much as he may want to bring the cold war to a swift close, it can never stop until the warring nations truly understand the futility of terrorism as a tool, and sincerely imbibe a common intent to embrace a terror-free world.
Arjun clicks on the “Cancel” button at the blinking prompt. He shuts down his laptop and walks out to his family to share with them the news of his father’s demise. At the same time, he makes a call to arrange for the entire family to be flown to the hospital as soon as possible.
Others in the room are still watching the television. Puja and Riya have momentarily forgotten the events traumatizing the world, as one could judge by their giggles and hugs. They must be talking about the incidents of the day, and most importantly about the unique proposal that Riya had witnessed. It has been a long day and Arjun is eager to return to his dad’s bedside!
“I am coming dad… I am coming!”, Arjun tells himself, “Hold on there mama!”
The Outcome
At the RAW headquarters two days later, several agents are glued to the news channel on the large television screen. The voice of the news reporter on CNN is echoing loudly across the hall.
“Two days ago, the world was stunned to see the video of the beheading of -an American hostage released by terrorists on Al Jazeera TV. Today, the US Secretary of State in a press conference at the White House has mentioned that the terrorists, who carried out this heinous crime, did this act in the desert city of Sargodha in Pakistan. The US intelligence has further alleged that the actual killing took place within the Pakistani Air Force Headquarters in Sargodha. Yes, you heard it right, within the Pakistani Air Force base.”
The mood in the hall changed from bewilderment to that of disbelief. Sargodha is not only the headquarters of the Pakistani Air Force, but is also the headquarters of the ISI, Pakistan’s notorious intelligence agency. This secure base also houses
key nuclear arsenals and nuclear-capable F16 jets. The grave question was, how did terrorists gain access to an Air Force base, and if they did, what else do they have access to at this strategic site?
“The Pakistani Prime Minister has rubbished this claim,” the news reported continued, “and offered full tactical support to the USA to bring the terrorists to justice. However, CIA officials claim they have factual evidence about this incident that the beheading did actually take place inside the Pakistani Air Force base at Sargodha.”
Inaudible voice of the reporter continues on the TV as everyone is now bustling with discussions. Lt Gen Khanna, wearing an elegant black suit, standing right at the back of the hall glides away to enter his glass-walled office cabin. He calls his mobile to speak to Krish, obviously extremely perturbed by these developments.
“Are you watching the news?... Is this the same terrorist organization? … Hmmm… I want to know everything… Report to my office… now!”
The big question was, what will be the next move… and by whom? Lt Gen Khanna knows that all the players are all gearing up for one final action… a knockout punch!
The Final Move…Rest in Peace
Arjun was alone in a room at the hospital when Krish calls him.
“Hi Arjun, Lt Gen Khanna called me just now to meet him.”
“So it has happened, then? Did I miss the breaking news? ”
“Don’t worry, the news clipping will definitely be repeated at least ten times today. It’s all under control, buddy! You take care of your family. Leave everything to me. I heard about your dad. Please accept my sincere regards. I need to run but you take care, buddy! I will speak to you soon.”
“Thanks Krish!” Arjun shuts the mobile when it rings again. He picks up the phone, surprised at the unexpected caller, Mr. Banerjee.
“Hello Arjun! I heard about your dad. My sincere condolences to you and your family.”
“Thank you, Mr. Banerjee. Thanks for calling,” Arjun is eager to end the call.
“Arjun, I have something important to talk to you about,” Mr. Banerjee continues, “But before I say it, I want you to know that what happened personally between us is not important…It is not about you or me! It is about our country. And that is what matters.”
“I’m listening, Banerjee,” Arjun answers, intrigued.
“Arjun, the ISI lieutenant general is due to be executed day after tomorrow… As per article 72 of the Indian Constitution, I’ve requested an appeal to the President of India for his pardon. Arjun, I don’t know if you have seen the news just now?”
“I’ve heard about it.” Arjun switches on the TV and puts the subtitles on.
“Arjun, the outcome that you and RAW desired has been achieved. But trust me, if the ISI lieutenant general is wrongly convicted for this crime, it will only further aggravate terrorism. Arjun, are you listening?”
“Yes, Mr. Banerjee,” Arjun responds dryly.
“Arjun, I’ve already spoken to the President’s office. The pardon statement will just state that the President of India has used his discretion to pardon the ISI lieutenant general on grounds of diplomatic goodwill. There’s no reason for him to die Arjun!”
“Mr. Banerjee, I am about to go to my dad’s funeral!” Arjun responds in a hoarse voice.
“Yes, Arjun, I am really sorry about your dad. I know this is not the right moment to discuss this. But, please try to understand; it is important for our country, Arjun, and for an individual’s life. Only you know the truth, Arjun, and I trust you to ensure that truth should prevail!”
“Thank you, Mr. Banerjee,” Arjun shuts the phone abruptly.
He turns on the television and raises the volume to hear the news reporter.
“Under immense international pressure, Pakistan has agreed to open its nuclear sites to international inspection. UN inspectors believe this could be a landmark move to pave the way towards nuclear disarmament. We have come to know from unverified sources that the USA had threated Pakistan that if it did not comply, it would face a financial embargo and complete economic meltdown, and a possible motion in the UN to declare Pakistan a terrorist state. The Pakistani government has reacted swiftly and banned fifteen terrorist outfits and agreed to hand their leaders to the USA for trial in cases of genocide.”
Arjun finally switches off the TV and walks out briskly to carry out the ceremonial processing. He walks over and kneels in front of his dad; Kamla is right next to him at the opposite end of the body.
“Pardon me, Papa; I couldn’t be there at your bedside in your last moments,” he looks at Kamla. “Mama, Papa permitted me to join RAW, when I was doing research at CERN. He knew… and today… because of that decision…. and because of me…you are a widow, mama!”
Kamla gets up immediately; she walks across briskly and grabs Arjun’s head in her hands while he is still kneeling down in front of his dad.
“Don’t ever say that, beta! Your dad is proud of you…he is not angry at you at all… not a tiny bit… And even if we had to go through the same destiny thousands of times… we would be happy to embrace this destiny, beta. We feel proud to have a son like you, Arjun!”
Arjun looks up at her; Kamla nods reassuringly. He gets up and hugs her strongly again. Other visitors come along slowly, to pay their last respects. The corpse is then laid out on the pyre and Arjun moves forward to take a last look and to light the funeral pyre. Kamla, Puja and Riya watch on close by.
After a few minutes, Arjun walks out of the crowd to make a call.
“Mr. Banerjee, can you meet me at the funeral? I will text you the address… we can go together if you still have that appointment at the President’s office. …bye!”
Arjun gears himself mentally to finish the last rites of this saga. He walks over to Kamla and gently whispers in her ears.
“Maa, I need to go for an important work.”
Kamla looks calmly at him, a bit surprised but eventually smiles back at him.
“Go beta. Take care of yourself and come back soon, Arjun.”
Arjun nods gently, walks into the sun towards a jeep at the far end that has come to a screeching halt. He gets into the jeep that races past through the setting orange sun.
“Rest in peace, dad!” he tells himself, “Hope the new world brings in a message of peace… and love!”
About the Author
Amieya was born and brought up in a small town in India named Bokaro, famous for its Steel plant. Those who have grown up in this town proudly proclaim it as among the most beautiful cities in India, with a unique ambience of an excellent environment and easy going friendly people.
Amieya was raised in a middle class family and like so many others in India, received his first lessons of humanity through the grandparents’ bed time stories. In specific, the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata have shaped the values of several Indians teaching us to imbibe pure values, thoughts, knowledge and good action (karma).
Amieya studied Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. After his studies, he started his career in the Semiconductor industry for a California based company. The job took him across a whirlwind trip around the globe- Singapore, USA, Israel, Holland, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, UK to name a few. The exploration of cultures, people and countries, inevitably becomes a self-exploration, and Amieya was no exception.
Amieya came to UK from the West Coast during the dot com era to set up the IT operations of a start-up that he briefly worked for. He completed his MBA from Oxford and has been recently working in merger-acquisition scenarios, leading business transformation and integration programs for large organizations.
Amieya is married with a charming wife, who is an ex-classmate from his small town, and they have an adorable five-year-old son. In his spare time, Amieya indulges in sports like cricket, squash, tennis, a bit of movies… and most recently, writing.
The novel is written in the style of a strategic project that crudely reflects the approach Amieya prescribes at work
.
Key projects start with an idea, take shape with a vision, get formally kicked off, require intricate planning or rebaselining as relevant and eventually reach the final execution. It’s important to note, that people only see the final execution, but what really matters creates the difference, is the tremendous effort and meticulous planning that often remains invisible to the outer world.
About the Novel
An American hostage is killed in cold blood by terrorists in Pakistan. The news sends alarm bells ringing when CIA alleges that killing took place in the Pakistani Air Force base in Sargodha, a location that also houses nuclear weapons.
Six months earlier, two childhood friends, Arjun and Riya, are reunited as fellow students at the Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai. Love blossoms instantly between them; however, Arjun has a dark secret that he has not shared with anyone…a secret that will change the lives of everyone he knows forever.
Juxtaposition
Energy, both good and evil, resides within us just like the nucleus of an atom. Right knowledge (gyana) and right actions (karma) can harness that energy to produce electricity, bringing light and eliminating darkness from people’s lives. However, that same nucleus can bring darkness and doom for the entire planet, if transformed into a nuclear weapon, which has the capacity to destroy mankind.
Similarly, what we become is a result of our knowledge, thoughts and actions. So, the right knowledge and actions should lead us to the right results? Potentially yes! However, in the new world order, in the post Mahabharata kaliyuga* era, righteousness often needs a helping hand. Any war between good and evil can only end when one party is the victor, and the other vanquished.
The novel compares the current India-Pakistan rivalry to the Cold War era between the USA and USSR. The world does not see the endless strife that continues unabated between the intelligence agencies of the major antagonistic nations. However, any war, even fought in secret, is never “cold” for those involved in it. Such a cold war drastically alters the lives of those around it, often crushing love, emotions and families forever.
Cold Love Page 21