CHAPTER ONE
On November 21, 2017, after a busy trip to China, Sweta returned to her office. She found a courier on her desk, containing a book titled I Am Not Guilty - Kasab. Seeing her name beneath the title, she smiled.
She quickly made a call. "Can I talk to HM? This is Sweta," she requested.
"Madam, please hold while I connect you," the assistant replied. Shortly, HM was on the line. "Hello, Sweta! How was your trip? Hope you found some exciting things in China."
"The trip was fantastic, sir, and I received your surprise courier," Sweta answered.
"Finally! After years of waiting and numerous challenges, the truth will be revealed through this book," HM said.
"I appreciate your faith in my memory, especially since we lack concrete proof of my conversation with Kasab. It’s essential this doesn’t come across as a fictional biography, though I trust our country will grasp its significance," Sweta responded.
"Best of luck with your first book. Let me know the launch date; I'll try to attend," HM offered.
"Thank you, sir. It means a lot that you’ll be there to face any controversy with me," Sweta replied.
After hanging up, Sweta browsed through the book, reminiscing about the incident from five years ago.
Later, she visited Kavita's office. "Well done, Sweta! The discussion went well, I presume?" Kavita asked.
"I hope there's no hidden camera here," Sweta half-joked.
"You can trust me," Kavita reassured her.
"The interview exceeded my expectations. If the book captures even 30 to 40% of our conversation, I'll be surprised. I plan to head home to Delhi tonight," Sweta said.
However, Kavita's phone rang, and she received new instructions. "Looks like you're staying another day," she told Sweta with a smile.
"No problem, but how about joining me for dinner tonight?" Sweta suggested.
"Sure, I'll come by at 8," Kavita agreed.
At 8 PM, they were having soup in Sweta’s room when they were interrupted by a knock. Sweta peered through the peephole to see four police officers.
CHAPTER TWO
Surprised, Sweta whispered to Kavita, "Quick, change into this shirt," handing her one. Confused but compliant, Kavita changed in the bathroom.
Sweta opened the door. "It's just a routine check," the officers explained.
Kavita reappeared, greeting the senior officer. "Hello, Amit! Everything okay?" she asked.
After a brief conversation, Kavita relayed to Sweta, "They're going to take everything for inspection but will return it by tomorrow."
Although annoyed, Sweta kept her composure. After the officers left, taking her possessions, they handed her a packet with new clothes and toiletries.
Once alone, Kavita signaled to Sweta to remain silent, suggesting the presence of a hidden recorder. Sweta nodded and whispered, "Let's continue with our dinner."
The next morning, Sweta returned home to find all her items had been returned as promised.
She then took two days off work to document her conversation with Kasab in detail, aware that memories might fade over time.
CHAPTER THREE
On the second day of writing, Sweta received a call from HM’s office, requesting her presence. At the meeting, HM congratulated her, "Your detailed recollections will make for an extraordinary biography."
Sweta, feeling somewhat resentful of the unexpected monetary offer, remained silent.
"I know you're upset, but it's a routine procedure. Try to take it easy," HM said, misunderstanding her silence.
"Thank you, sir. I must get back to work," Sweta replied, eager to leave.
As she exited, HM’s secretary handed her an envelope filled with money. Sweta immediately returned it, saying, "Please, if there’s any reward, let it come after the book is published."
She left the office with her principles intact, ready to face whatever reactions the publication of her book might provoke.
Harish Sharma
harishsharma1@gmail.com
