“Salam saab”, saluted the sentry as I entered the patrolling station. Adjusting eyesight to early morning wintry grey darkness of room, I paced ahead.
A lean figure sat on the chair opposite my table, with torso leaned over it. Legs dangling above ground, the figure wore torn jootis. The petite outline that emerged right underneath the worn out Phiran, hinted at a feminine figure. With her head down, covered with a thick woolen shawl, I was not sure about her age.
Engrossed in taking mental notes, I failed to register the whispers of sentry who was on my heels.
Turning around, I pulled the chair gently, not wanting to disturb now-sleeping visitor. What might have brought her here, I wondered. Taking seat, I cleared my throat. Startled, she rose her head from slumber-land.
Weary, watery frozen eyes with blue gaze greeted me. Her frosted eyes spoke nothing, nor did her lips as they were sheathed with shawl. A lock, escaping the confines of shawl, framed her fickle face.
Blue Gaze
“Who are you? What got you here at dawn?”, I questioned, pushing a glass of water towards her.
All my questions froze in the sight that she held before us. Removing her shawl, she flashed a battery of IEDs that was fastened to her chest. A cruel smile sailed in her eyes as she pulled the trigger.
“Human bomb exploded at surveillance post near LOC killing the suicide bomber, martyring Major and Sentry on duty”, flashed the news across the nation.
13 Comments
Abhijit Ray · January 23, 2019 at 10:54 am
An intriguing tale of using human beings as bombs. Nicely developed.
Anagha Yatin · January 23, 2019 at 11:03 am
Thanks Abhijit ji. I think I am still high on “Uri, the Surgical Strike” 🙂
Priya · January 23, 2019 at 12:22 pm
Who would have thought! Quite a captivating tale, Anagha. If looks (in this case eyes) could kill…
Leaves me wondering the question, once again, why? I guess, we can never understand their motivations.
Priya · January 23, 2019 at 12:23 pm
I left a comment a few secs back. Did u get it?
Anshu Bhojnagarwala · January 23, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Oh God, I never saw that coming. Just imagine she was sleeping all while knowing she would be dead in a few minutes. Not sure what stuff these fidayeens are made of. What an imagination, Anagha and what a story!
geekanika · January 23, 2019 at 2:49 pm
the scarf made us both think of bombs hidden away. I wonder why! nice job Anagha
Jyotirmoy Sarkar · January 23, 2019 at 8:54 pm
Horrible story, nicely presented.
Shilpa Garg · January 25, 2019 at 3:08 pm
OMG!! Didnt see that coming. A fabulous twist and great story telling, Anagha!!
Anagha Yatin · January 25, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Thanks Shilpa.
Deepa Joshi · January 25, 2019 at 10:15 pm
Good one Anagha….keep writing.
Anagha Yatin · January 26, 2019 at 5:38 am
Thanks Deepa.
Aditya Mohanty · January 26, 2019 at 10:17 am
Nice.
Anagha Yatin · January 26, 2019 at 11:23 am
Thanks Aditya