The final match between the Seven Star Club and Duliajan Club was to be played today. Leaving the office, Addison went to the huge bungalow where he lived alone. It had been ten years since he had come to Assam from Scotland, at the invitation of the Warren Brothers. He was twenty-one years old then. Now, he was the manager of Samdang tea estate, which belonged to the Doom Dooma Tea Company. He led a fast life, keeping himself busy with sundry activities like angling, hunting, golf, tennis, reading and drinking. Of late, there had been a new addition. It was Peggy Cowie, a girl with twinkling eyes full of dreams. He met her in a small village in Scotland when he went home on leave after working continuously for seven years. During that long vacation they had grown close. He was returning to Scotland at the end of the year, or at the beginning of next year. He had decided to formally propose to her this time.

Addison changed his clothes, finished his tea and went off in his Willys jeep. When he reached, the match was about to begin.

The Doom Dooma field was jam-packed with spectators. On one side of the ground was a canopy where the local dignitaries were seated, along with O’Connor, the superintendent of the Doom Dooma Tea Company and the managers of different tea estates. They were all peers and knew one another.

Pulok and his friends tried to maintain some distance between themselves and the managers even though their behaviour was friendly – especially Addison, as he did not usually follow the dictates of hierarchy. He was quite popular in the garden. As soon as he arrived, the players and supporters of the Seven Star Club went crazy with excitement. Waving to the players, he sat down under the canopy.

Pulok’s team was getting ready to play. Many of the Seven Star Club players were from Cheenapatti. But the enthusiasm was missing today. Though they were having fun, it seemed as if they were somewhat conscious and uncomfortable with themselves. As the game hit fever pitch, the spectators were fervently discussing the war, to the extent that the match became a mere sideshow.

‘Nehru is constantly vacillating. On the one hand, he talks of discussion and on the other he says, if necessary, India will apply force. I think he should refrain from using provocative language. See how China is talking so diplomatically. They speak as if India is in the wrong. India should also expose China’s bad deeds. What is the use of saying we will use force, we will do this and that? Do what is needed.’

‘It is not that. At times we need tough talk as well. Won’t China think us weak otherwise?’