by Gagan Saini
Rana asked, “Did you consider how many lives you spoiled.”
“I was concerned about money only.” Rana shook his head with disappointment. The last one said, “I conducted the human trafficking scam. I have a huge network of people who abduct children and girls. We supply girls and kids to all parts of the world. Since the start of my career, I have made billions and I have many rape cases on me as well which never got highlighted.”
This confession session left the whole country astounded with shame. Now Rana came in front of the camera again. “Now you know the truth of these people. Do you guys still think we are the criminals? We are freedom fighters, we will give you the independence from such bad governance. Such things encourage common people like us to become rebels.”
Now the voting results started displaying on the screen. The most votes went to the one who had confessed to drugs distribution. People knew about him already, but this was the time to do something, so they voted. Rana took his gun out and pointed towards him. “You put so many young people on drugs, therefore, we, the common people of this country sentence you with death.”
He shot him in the middle of the forehead. Most people in the country did not feel bad about his death, they rather felt happy. They were not over with this yet; Rana turned around and shot the fifth minister as well. Then he turned to the camera, “You might be thinking why I killed him when he did not get enough votes to be killed. I killed him because he took babies from mothers, put innocent girls into prostitution. He did not deserve to be alive. The rest of these three will be handed over to the Supreme Court and they will deal with them. And if judges take bribes from them, they will be sitting here too. We have gathered all required proofs which will be forwarded to the court.”
He continued, “We have processed the money transfer from these five criminals from their Swiss accounts. It will be equally distributed among those who registered their account with us last night. Tomorrow’s list of five politicians will be telecasted by the evening.” After this, the telecast stopped.
This whole scenario initiated a wide range of discussions in the country and the rest of the world. Many people found this fare and believed that what rebels did was right. Apart from the capital, everywhere else in the country the News channels conducted the surveys and interviews of people’s opinion regarding this. Most of the people were happy about it. The support of rebels was increasing with every passing minute. Their website could show the number of followers they were getting.
In addition to that, those who registered their account numbers last night received five thousand each in their account. Poor people in the capital who could not register their account numbers were given cash. People on TV were telling that they received the money. The surprising matter was that it was the money of five politicians only and wide numbers of people received their share. This gave them an idea of how much money they could receive if it keeps on happening.
“What do you think?” the President asked from the armed forces chiefs. The Navy chief said, “They are doing a good job.”
The Air Force chief said, “We all know they are doing the right thing, but we can’t let this thing to continue.” The President said, “You are right. It gives the message to the rest of the world that what we could not do what is being done by rebels.”
Here in Delhi, the four of them discussed the same thing. Sid was very happy with what happened today. “That’s how it should be; they should kill the culprits publicly.”
Simar said, “Their intentions are right, but the way of execution is wrong.”
Sid continued, “Did you hear Simar, what he said earlier? The politician started the riots just to distract the public. I guess your father was a victim of similar riots.”
Sinha asked Sid, “Do you believe what they are doing is right?”
“Yes, what we cannot do, they have the guts to do it and are doing it.”
Zahid said, “But we can’t let them do this any further.”
Sinha said, “Our job is to stop them, please don’t forget this and we are the only ones who are fighting.”
Simar asked, “How are we going to do that?”
“The same what you said last night.”
“What did I say?”
“We need to bring people together. The more people we have, the stronger we are.”
“With all due respect Sir, I don’t think people will want to stop this. Culprits finally got justice and people got the money for free.”
Sid said, “Have a look on this News channel.” He showed one of his screens. “People outside Delhi were admiring the rebel’s work. Their followers went to millions from hundreds. And people were receiving money in their accounts. How they would oppose them, people were loving them already and it’s their second day only.”
Zahid said, “This is very serious. A country like ours can’t be run in such a way. People don’t trust the system anymore. The reassurance of giving transparent system can change their minds.” They all agreed with Zahid.
At the same time the headquarters contacted them, the President wanted to talk. He said, “Mr. Sinha you might have seen that.”
“Yes Sir, I have but I am more surprised by the people’s reaction towards this.”
“That’s unfortunate. Our country is being run by such type of people. Still, we need to figure something out.”
Zahid said, “Sir, I have a suggestion.”
President said, “Please Mr. Khan, go ahead.”
“Sir, people don’t have trust in the system anymore that is what the rebels are using. If you as a President of this country assure people that a transparent system will be provided that may help.”
Everybody liked the idea. Immediately the President called his officers to prepare his speech. Within a couple of hours, his speech was ready. He was live on TV all over the country but no one in Delhi could see that. He was live on TV and the speech started, “Whatever is happening in the Delhi is unfortunate. But the common public’s reaction towards this situation is a bit of a concern. We know everybody wants a transparent system. Me as a President, I assure you that we will give you that. The whole cabinet will be redone and there will be a review committee to see the loopholes in the constitution. But this time, we need your support. Please don’t support the rebels, this is not the way changes should be done.”
All the news channels were instructed to telecast this speech again and again. With the direct orders from the President, the News channels were instructed not to telecast the rebel-supporting reports on TV.
Here in parliament, the experts, technicians, and engineers worked continuously. They took one politician at one time and went through all the accounts they had. They did their biometric identification one by one and transferred all the money from Swiss and other accounts into rebel’s accounts. Only money equivalent to their official salary was left in their accounts. The account went from billions to trillions. From the rebel’s account, it was further distributed to the rebel-supporters, the people who had registered.
Sinha and the other three had planned to liberate the parliament house. Sid recorded the President’s speech. He was able to hack one of the service provider’s signals. Although everything was under the rebel’s control, Sid was very smart in this. He sent a video message to all active mobile numbers in the city. It was the second day and the people were still confined to their homes. People liked rebels, but they did not want this kind of imprisonment in their own house. The politicians in the parliament were in bad condition. They were allowed to sleep in their seats only. If they wanted to use the toilet they were escorted by gunmen.
Some politicians tried to discretely bribe people from rebels, but no one agreed. The four friends always discussed the plan among themselves in a closed room and told the decisions to the others. Nobody else knew their plans. It was evening, and the broadcast started again. They f
ollowed the same pattern as the previous day. Five politicians were shown, and people were asked to vote. The same thing happened the next day. Five of them confessed and one of them was killed.
As the money was coming in huge amount, they managed to transfer ten thousand in each account that day. Those who received the money, they became even stronger supporters of the rebels because they never received money from the government like that. It continued for a few days and most of the leaders had their money given to rebels. Although people were receiving money now they started getting irritated with the captivity within their houses.
But they could not do anything; they wanted the freedom again. The people were allowed, but only for two hours a day to go out and get things they needed; the shops would remain open for that time. Although the rebels were defending the right issues they started losing the support of the people. The day came when the Prime Minister was among the leaders for voting. He was a good man and an honest politician, nobody voted for him. The story was different for other leaders. Every day one of the leaders was executed. A huge amount of money continued to transfer electronically to India from the Swiss bank.
“I have printed the pamphlets.” Sid showed one paper to Sinha. The paper had Simar’s photo as Jugni and had some wording.
‘Let us get our life back; I need your help to flush out those bullies from our Parliament. Tomorrow morning the war begins, get ready.’ Sinha read the pamphlet. “It is good, but we are just four; if we distribute these tonight, how can we concentrate on our attack?”
“Don’t worry Sir; it has been taken care of,” Zahid said and pointed towards one screen on the wall. It was a camera in the hall upstairs. Here Simar talked to a group of around fifty people of different ages. They saw on the screen a few girls were crying and a few hugged Simar.
“Who are these people and are they trustworthy?” Sinha asked with suspicion and curiosity.
“These are Simar’s students. I train with them as well. As far as trust is concerned, they can give away their life happily if Simar asks them.”
“It is a dangerous task to do. I can see some old people and some kids. I don’t feel like risking their lives.”
“Don’t worry Sir, they are Simar’s student, they know how to protect themselves. Please help me with the pamphlets.” Zahid walked to the bench which had boxes of pamphlets.
Zahid and Sinha lifted three boxes each and Sid opened the lift for them. Zahid and Sinha placed the boxes on a table and greeted the group. Rosy ran to Zahid and hugged him.
“Thanks, Sir, for bringing our Simar didi back,” Rosy said crying.
“Don’t cry brave girl, I did nothing. Well, we have a big task to rescue this city.” Zahid said comforting Rosy.
“Didi, we missed you a lot,” Rosy said making an eye contact with Simar.
“I missed you guys as well. Okay, we will have a better catch up once we get rid of the culprits in the parliament. You guys have a very important task to do. This is Mr. Sinha, he is the head of the police department of Delhi, and he will tell you what to do.”
“Hello, all. As Simar said, I am the head of the police, but right now I don’t have any police with me. We need your help. The army and other forces can’t do anything from the outside. The only hope this city has is the people standing right here, us! We need to get the residents of this city by our side. All communication lines have been cut off, we can’t reach out to them remotely. So, we have to pass our message to them in the old fashioned way. That’s where your work starts. We have printed these pamphlets; you guys have to distribute these to as many as people you can. We want people to step out of their homes when the war begins tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry Sir, we will put everything we’ve got to get this done,” Rosy said in great confidence and the rest of the people of the group nodded in agreement.
“Be safe guys, don’t be seen,” Zahid said.
Three boys came, lifted the boxes up and the group left. Simar, Sinha, and Zahid returned to the basement where Sid finalized the plan while Ana served food and tea for all.
The time was ten past nine and everyone in the basement was listening to Sid.
“Okay guys, it’s time for action. Let us take our city back. I have been monitoring the rebels with the help of my drones. We know the time of change of shifts and the time they move stuff in and out of the premises.”
“I have spoken to the headquarters in Mumbai; we have got special commandos as well as an army on standby. They will wait for my signal to attack. Our first priority is to save the Prime Minister,” Sinha added.
“I hope we do it fast and call for help. Otherwise, it will be us three against the whole army of rebels. The numbers are not in our favor,” Zahid said.
“We can do this; if we don’t attract unnecessary attention. Sir, how much time the commandos will take to reach the parliament?” Simar asked Sinha.
“It will depend on the resistance they get at the entrance.”
Sid interrupted, “Sorry for interrupting Mr. Sinha, I have figured out a location.” He showed a point on the map on the screen.
“This is a hockey ground. It is in the center of the city and it is a bit far away from parliament. Commandos can be dropped off from the helicopter here without being seen by the rebels,” Sid continued.
“We should consider the patrolling parties of rebels. If anyone notices the helicopters they will inform their bosses in the parliament and our plan will be compromised,” Zahid expressed his concern.
“I got that covered. I have already deployed a drone that is keeping a watch on that ground. Since this morning, nobody has gone there. Even if someone comes, my drone can handle up to twenty men. I will be in direct contact with an officer in charge and they will send the helicopter once I find everything clear.”
“That sounds good. The troops are ready for take-off from Punjab Haryana, and Rajasthan army bases. I will connect you with one of those before I go.” Sinha approved the plan, and all agreed.
Zahid packed the available ammunition in two bags, wore a bulletproof vest under his shirt and gave one to Sinha. Simar came out from a room in her Jugni suit.
“Okay guys, our first mission is to reach the parliament quietly. My Boss is very quiet, what about you guys?” Simar looked at Zahid and Sinha who were busy adjusting their bulletproof vests.
“I thought we will catch a ride with you,” Zahid said.
“No, it will affect my maneuvering ability. I can do much better if I am alone.”
“I think I can help,” Ana said who was quite far. Everyone looked at her.
“How?” Sid asked.
“Just tell me when you guys are ready.”
“We are ready.” Sinha picked up the bag of ammunition.
Ana brought two bicycles in the basement. One was black and the other was pink. “Some students forgot to pick their bicycles up.”
“Are you serious Ana?” Sid asked.
“Yes, I am, it is a silent mode of transportation. The parliament is just ten kilometers from here anyway.”
Zahid looked at Sinha. Simar wanted to smile but did not. Zahid ran to the black bicycle and put his bag on it.
“What the hell Zahid, I am not going on that lady bicycle,” Sinha said to Zahid. Everyone could not control their laughter.
“Sir, I got this one first.” Zahid jumped on it and moved to the exit. Sid opened the door of the ramp. Sinha put his bag unhappily on the pink bicycle and followed.
“Best of luck Sir, I will catch you guys in a short while,” Simar said to Sinha.
Both left and the door closed.
Simar went to her bike, “Are you ready, Boss?”
“Always.” A male voice replied from the bike.
Simar sat on the bike and was about to start when Ana came closer.
“Can I see your left arm?”
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Simar brought her left arm towards Ana. Ana folded the dress of Simar from the wrist and tied a red thread on the wrist and unfolded the dress again.
“This will keep you away from evil spirits.”
“Thanks, Ana, you take care of yourself and little Simar for me. Bye Sid.”
Simar started her bike and proceeded towards the exit. The door opened and Simar left.
“I don’t know how someone can gather that much courage to fight with an army of terrorists,” Ana expressed her worry.
“Just pray to God to help them.”
As soon as Simar moved out of the premises, she and her bike became invisible.
On the other side, Rosy and her friends had already started slipping the pamphlets under the doors. They divided into three groups and targeted as many houses as they could.
Sinha and Zahid pushed their bicycles very fast and carefully. They would take cover whenever they heard any noise of any vehicle. Despite this carefulness, they encountered a problem. As they took a turn, a jeep came from the opposite side and stopped at some distance. Sinha and Zahid had to stop. It had four armed men in it. Two big men with rifles came out and asked, “Who are you guys? Where are you going?”
Sinha said, “We are the cooks and my brother is a chef in the parliament. He has got sick and we going to replace him.”
The man said, “That’s alright, but you need to show me the backpacks you have.” Zahid said, “It’s nothing just some spices and stuff.”
“If these are just spices you should not hesitate to show me.”
One man stood in front of Sinha and another near Zahid. When they sensed something fishy, they pointed their guns at them.
Zahid said, “Sir there is no need for this, please let us go. If we don’t go, everyone in the parliament will stay hungry.”
The man got angry “Shut up mister, you better open your bag, or I am going to empty my whole magazine of this gun in your body.”
Before Zahid could reply or say anything an arrow came and pierced the man’s chest.
Simar at some distance, coming from the back was standing on the bike. The bike was invisible but Simar wasn’t. She quickly stretched and released one more arrow towards a few inches left. As soon as she released that arrow, she released two more with some distance apart but a little higher that than the previous ones. One arrow hit the man standing in front of Sinha and the other two arrows pierced the necks of the men sitting in the open jeep. The four of them died instantaneously.