The Brightest Fell

by Nupur Chowdhury

  “But there must be something you can–” Before Abhijat could finish that indignant thought, however, a hush fell over the venue as all the attendees rose to their feet.

  Jehan Fasih, looking only slightly disheveled in a white tunic and neat gray slacks, emerged from the doorway and floated serenely onto the podium.

  Fasih wasn’t a public speaker, and it showed. Abhijat watched with a combination of gratification and pity as he fumbled through the oath, and the speech that followed. He was uncomfortable in the limelight and made no particular effort to hide it.

  Which, oddly enough, gave him an air of earnestness and sincerity that was noticeable because it was so rare in the world of politics. The lack of artifice had an appeal of its own, making him seem trustworthy.

  As the applause began, Abhijat joined in. A performance like that deserved appreciation, after all. Turning even your weaknesses into an advantage was a skill he needed to learn from the Prime Minister.

  As they were about to leave the building a couple of hours later, they were accosted by none other than Rinisa Rayeek. Abhijat was walking a few inches in front of Fasih, who was flanked on each side by two other guards, with two more bringing up the rear.

  Ruqaiya had warned him this might happen, but that didn’t keep the hair on the back of his neck from standing on edge. He had been trained to detect and neutralize threats. And his fingers itched to put a bullet through the woman.

  Still, she was the Deputy Chief Minister of Eraon. There was no reason why she couldn’t speak to the acting Prime Minister if she wanted to. And she did nothing more objectionable than sidling up to Fasih’s side and wrapping her fingers around his bicep.

  If Fasih found this to be objectionable, he gave no indication of it. He smiled beatifically and offered her a ride back to her hotel.

  Rinisa nodded, smiling coyly. “Sure. We can talk there.”

  The vehicle was large enough to fit ten people. But at the moment it held only four – Fasih, Rayeek, Abhijat, and the driver. Jehan and Rinisa sat facing each other in the mid-section of the car, with Abhijat at the back and the driver out front. Other, smaller cars carrying security personnel traveled in front of and behind theirs, moving in a single file through the highway.

  Despite the flimsy screen separating the sections, Abhijat didn’t have to strain himself to overhear the conversation between Fasih and Rinisa. The heavily cloistered interiors of the armored car didn’t allow for much privacy.

  Not that Rinisa could be blamed for not caring what Fasih’s bodyguard thought about her political stance. Or her amorous proclivities, for that matter.

  Fasih, for his part, seemed as oblivious as he was enthusiastic. And utterly uninterested in secrecy of any kind. He hummed agreeably to everything his companion said, and beamed at the trees that flew by the windows.

  Abhijat wondered what his angle was. Or if he had one at all, besides getting into Rayeek’s pants.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?” she said at length, glancing out the window, then back at Jehan. “Qayit, I mean.”

  “Very,” Fasih agreed serenely.

  “We built it. Zanyars, I mean. Qayit was Zanyar territory…before the unification. Not that that’s a surprise, of course. Everything worth a dime in this country was built by Zanyars; though of course, it’s now politically incorrect to say so.”

  “It is?” asked Jehan, sounding vaguely fascinated. Abhijat wondered which part of that speech he was questioning, but decided that Fasih probably didn’t know any more than he did.

  “Of course,” Rinisa said, her voice dropping. “Despite being fewer in number, we’ve contributed far more to this country – economically and culturally – than the Birhanis could ever hope to. And look at the thanks we get.

  “All they want is to stake a claim on the fruits of our labor. Ever since the civil war ended, the Birhanis have been trying to take away what’s rightfully ours. Equitable distribution my foot! All they want is a free lunch. They want the benefits of innovation without having to innovate. They want to share in the fruits of entrepreneurship, without bearing any of the risks. Leeches – that’s what they are. That’s what they’ve always been.

  “I mean, just look at the state of Eraon – corrupt and poverty-stricken. Birhan and Sien aren’t much better either. Anywhere they’re in the majority, they wreak havoc and pull everyone down with them. Zanya and Ishfana would be leagues ahead of where we are now, if we hadn’t been saddled with the Birhani territories, having to drag them out, kicking and screaming, from the holes they’ve dug themselves into.”

  “Oh?” Fasih said, sounding quite mesmerized. Abhijat’s nails dug painfully into his palms, leaving crescent marks on the reddened skin.

  “The dispute over that bloody dam is just another example of that, isn’t it? Everyone knows Vanya was built by the government in Weritlan long before the unification officially began. It was Ishfana’s treasury that paid for its construction. And yet, they now want a piece of it.

  “If they could manage it, they’d want the whole, and kick the rightful owners to the curb. I’d given up any hope of justice,” she purred, her tone saccharine. “Until, of course, you restored order by bringing the Central Government back under Zanyar control. As it should be.

  “I understand, of course, why you had to replace poor Badal. Unfortunate, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs. Every great cause requires some sacrifices.

  “But I’m sure that under your…ah, guidance…Ishfana will get the justice that is her due.”

  Rinisa exhaled, and a silence descended over the vehicle. For a moment, nobody spoke.

  Then, Fasih murmured in a baffled tone, “You know, that’s a strange thing for you to claim, being the Deputy CM of Eraon. I’d say there’s some conflict of interest in there, wouldn’t you?”

  Abhijat couldn’t see Rinisa’s expression, but he did hear the sharp intake of her breath, the rustling of her chiffon saree as she fidgeted in her seat. The tension was so palpable you could cut it with a butter knife.

  Through the translucent screen, Abhijat saw Rinisa rise from her seat and shuffle over to sit beside Jehan. He could only see their silhouettes, but there was no mistaking the way her fingers slid over his forearm, her touch hesitant at first, but gaining confidence with every passing second.

  If Fasih was opposed to this turn of events, he made no effort to extricate himself from her hold. If anything, he leaned into it.

  Abhijat wanted, at the same time, to look away and to shoot them both. Caught between competing impulses, he managed to remain seated and relatively quiet. His fingers tightened around the gun at his belt, his muscles stiff with tension. He told himself he needed the information. Told himself there’d be other opportunities.

  But God, how easy it would be. How horribly tempting it was...

  “My only aim is to stand up for what’s right,” Rinisa said, pulling Abhijat from his thoughts. “I mean, it’s no wonder Rajat Shian willfully ignored Ishfana’s claim to the dam. He’s Birhani. As expected, he supported Eraon, despite all his claims of neutrality. They can never be truly neutral, Birhanis. They try to feign it, some more successfully than others, to further their own agenda. But in the end, they always show their true colors.

  “As I’m sure you realized, when you intervened to remove him from a position he was so obviously poised to abuse.” She leaned into him, almost burying her face into the crook of his neck.

  Raising a hand, Jehan brushed a stray strand of hair gently from her face. “Well, if he was abusing it, he certainly was being clever about it. ‘Cause I never got any wind of it, and neither did anybody else that I know of.”

  This observation seemed to confound Rinisa, and she spent a few minutes in quiet contemplation.

  Eventually, persistence overcame doubt, and she smiled brightly at Jehan. “Well, it doesn’t matter anymore. Now that you’re in charge and things are as they should be, I’m sure you’ll let justice take its course. The Vanya dam
was constructed by Ishfana, and they have every right to it. Eraon shouldn’t be allowed to use strongarm tactics to take away from them what’s rightfully theirs.

  “You, of course, understand the need to resolve this dispute once and for all, as quickly as possible. This ridiculous controversy has hindered trade and commerce in the area for years now. Both the states suffer for it, even if the administration in Eraon is too blinded by their ego to see the harm they’re doing to the economy.”

  “As opposed to the government of Ishfana?”

  “Well, you can’t blame them for fighting for what is rightfully theirs.”

  “Of course not. Well, you’re right about one thing. It’s high time this ridiculous squabbling was put to an end. Eraon and Ishfana need to sort out their issues, and they need to do it speedily. This dispute has gone on for far too long already.”

  Rinisa nodded enthusiastically. Abhijat could all but imagine her eyes shining with glee. She took one of Fasih’s hands into both of her own and said, “I know you’ll be a great Prime Minister. Perhaps one of the greatest this country has ever had.” She sighed. “Alas, there are many, particularly among the Birhanis, who still doubt the...legitimacy of your position.”

  “With good reason.”

  Slightly disconcerted, Rinisa ploughed indomitably ahead. “You’re a brilliant man, Jehan. And I know you have the best of intentions–”

  “I do?”

  “But intentions alone can’t conquer all, not in politics. You’ll need all the support you can get to consolidate your position in Qayit. Despite everything you’ve done for this country, you weren’t elected to the premiership. That fact alone makes you vulnerable. And it’s a vulnerability many would be happy to exploit.

  “Parliament is a den of vipers; they’ll bury you alive if you let them. And your Deputy, Ruqaiya Dehran...that woman’s a snake if ever there was one. She’s probably writing your epitaph as we speak.”

  Fasih laughed. “Now that I can believe.”

  “Of course, you’re a perceptive man. I don’t mean to imply that you don’t know what you’re doing. But you must realize that you need people on your side, Jehan. People who have your best interests at heart.”

  “Such as yourself?”

  “Me and my family.” She snuggled closer to him. He wrapped a hand obligingly around her shoulder. “My family is very well-connected, you know. They can do a lot for you, politically. You have the seeds of greatness, Jehan, but you’re still inexperienced in the world of politics. And it can be a vicious world. Unless, of course, you have the right friends. And partners.”

  “Really? Is that how it works?” He sounded impressed.

  “To a great extent, yes. My family has considerable clout in the political and corporate circles of Qayit. Their support can be invaluable…to someone in your position. For your detractors in the government and the media, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with. And you won’t have to worry about an election any time in the near future.

  “At the very least, you’ll have the five-year term that would be your due in a normal premiership. And then, of course, you’ll still be calling the shots when Dehran takes the seat. This can be your decade, Jehan. The loyalty of the Rayeek family isn’t something to be trifled with. It can take you places you never dreamed you’d go.”

  “As long as I don’t go anywhere near the Vanya dam issue, of course. At least not without your family’s permission.”

  “It’s a small favor to ask, considering all that we’re willing to do for you in return. Wouldn’t you agree?” Rinisa murmured sweetly, a sharp edge creeping into her voice. “Friendship must be reciprocal, after all.

  “We have the resources to consolidate and strengthen your position in this city. But you should know that we also have the power to do the exact opposite, if we were so inclined. Crossing us wouldn’t be the brightest idea for someone in such a…tenuous position as yourself, if you know what I mean.”

  Fasih sighed, glancing out the window. “And it was such a nice day, too. Back at the institute, I’d have gone out for a walk, listened to some music. Politics is a tedious business, isn’t it? No wonder everyone’s on edge. You would be if you had to sit all day listening to boring speeches.”

  Rinisa shifted slightly, putting a few inches between herself and Jehan. Abhijat could practically see the cogs turning in her head. He could almost sympathize. Every conversation he’d had with Fasih so far had given him a splitting headache for the rest of the day.

  Oblivious to the change in his companion’s mood, Jehan continued. “Still, somebody’s got to do it, I suppose. And it isn’t fair of me to complain, after I raised all this hell to get here. But anyway, the point is, my dear, that I’ll have your family’s support whether I back Ishfana in the dam dispute or not.

  “And I’ll be upfront with you, darling, since you’ve been so kind to me today. The point is moot. As you’re well aware, allowing Ishfana to have its way will cause Eraon to spiral into a water crisis,” he shook his head mournfully. “Which will then cause all kinds of awkwardness with the media and the non-profits.

  “Plus, the separatists will have another excuse to hype up their fear-mongering. And so soon after the metro blasts, we really can’t risk another terror incident over something like this. Terrible for PR, you know. And if things go out of hand – as they likely will – the states might even demand Central intervention to resolve the whole mess later. Can you imagine that? Just the logistics of it! And in my first year as Prime Minister, too. Lord, it’s exhausting just to think about.

  “I want to help you, of course. I really do. But people can be so annoying, you know. Well, of course you know. You’re in politics! Anyway, they’re never more annoying than when they’re doing those…protest marches and rallies and whatnot. And there’s going to be plenty of rallies if Eraon loses access to Vanya’s water. All very awkward. And exhausting.

  “Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that it’s all completely pointless. It’s a big dam. Huge, really. 2,500 million cubic meters! Can you imagine that? I can’t. Besides, everyone has a right to the river water. And Eraon can easily say the dam was built without their permission. Then what? We can’t very well dismantle the thing, profitable as that might be for the bottled water industry. They’d never recover the costs.

  “Nope, that’d never do. The dam stays. And if Eraon and Ishfana can’t play nice with each other and share the damn water, the whole thing will come under the control of the Central Government and they can negotiate their water requirements in Qayit. We’ll see how they like that. Although, between you and me, I have a feeling they won’t,” he giggled. “The only thing the states hate more than each other is central interference. It’s cute, really. Though useful, in this particular case.”

  “You’re out of your mind!” Rinisa’s voice shook as she said it. “You’ll start another war. You can’t–”

  “Oh, but I can. I can do a whole lot of things, Ms. Rayeek. Many of them beyond your wildest fantasies. For instance, I can bring to the media’s attention the fact that your family donated money to the campaigns of four of the five former cabinet ministers accused of receiving funds from Maralana.

  “I can also bring to their attention the fact that your brother married the former Deputy Prime Minister’s daughter less than six months after Rayeek Industries obtained a license to open their fifth – and largest – desalination facility in coastal Eraon. Against the recommendation of the Environmental Commission, if I remember correctly.

  “But I won’t do any of that, because…well, let’s just say I’m nice like that. But how much is reputation worth in Qayit, my dear? Like you said, I don’t know very much about politics, so you’ll have to guide me here. Think about it, won’t you? What’s the going rate for a good old-fashioned scandal this season?”

  “You’re blackmailing me.” There was ice in her voice. Abhijat was surprised she hadn’t tried to strangle him yet. He almost wished she would. He’d have an ex
cuse to shoot her if she did.

  Fasih smiled. “Not at all. I’m just telling you why it’d be silly of you to try and blackmail me. I’m just a poor scientist, you know. The upside to having nothing is that you have nothing to lose. Handy in these sorts of situations.

  “Anyway, I wouldn’t pursue the dam issue any further if I were you. Would be hell of a thing to explain if it ever got out, wouldn’t it? You trying to deprive your own people of drinking water. Very awkward.”

  “You’ll pay for this,” Rinisa hissed.

  “Hmm. Don’t think so. But tell you what. In the spirit of friendship and new beginnings, I’ll see to it Rayeek Industries is well positioned to win the tender for the next round of expansions of the Vanya dam. That should help you recover some of the losses on this ill-conceived venture.

  “If you play it smart, neither of us has to walk away from this empty-handed. And if you don’t?” He shrugged, glancing out the window. “I don’t know much about politics but…Deputy Chief Ministers can’t be harder to supplant than Prime Ministers, can they?”

  A few minutes later, the car stopped in front of the gigantic luxury hotel where Rinisa was staying. Jehan bid her goodbye with a warm handshake and a kiss on her cheek. She smiled, nodded, posed for the paparazzi that had followed them to the hotel, then stormed through the smoked-glass doors of the front lobby.

  Abhijat watched her go, trying to decide if he should be impressed or incensed. “Well, that was something.”

  “Something like a good day’s work.” Fasih smiled and slid back into the car. “What’re we waiting for?”

  Chapter 5

  It was late evening by the time Abhijat reached home. Stepping through the gates into the tiny garden, he looked wistfully up at the stately brown-and-white house. It was where he and his sister had spent their childhood; where his grandfather had spent the last days of his life. It was a part of him.