On a large table lay a sheaf of blank papers. Across the table sat the leaders of the student union with grave faces. The students were full of excitement and enthusiasm. The language movement of the 1960s was still fresh in their minds. Grievances were still alive against the central government for its step-motherly attitude towards Assam. But this time the tune was different. Now the student leaders talked about a united India. They talked about safeguarding India by uniting with the entire nation.

The student leaders had been delivering their patriotic speeches one after the other. Among the students were Alan, Siu and Kaushalya. The Chinese students had also come but they were not at ease.

The easy rhythm of life had been disturbed. Things seemed to have changed, almost overnight. They could see the change and the difference in the eyes of the students present in the field. Those were not the eyes of friends. Fear and confusion occupied their minds. Though no one said anything they felt an unfamiliar anxiety. They felt as if everyone was observing them. They felt like outsiders.

Ananta was looking grave. Although he looked at Ahlin and smiled, he did not talk to her. He had changed a lot in recent times. Whenever Ahlin wanted to know what had happened to him, he just avoided her.

‘Hey Ahlin,’ Mei Hang whispered, ‘look, Ananta is speaking like a leader.’

Ananta was saying, ‘Today our country has arrived at a critical juncture. China, whom we considered our brother, has attacked our country to devour our land. Our uncompromising troops are engaged in a life-and-death battle to save our motherland. The war is still in full flow. Yesterday, Tawang, an important post at Kameng frontier, fell into the clutches of the Chinese. In this moment of need, it is the duty of the student community to extend its support. Keeping this aim before us, students from all over Assam have decided to sign a letter swearing our support and send the same to the defence minister. As you all know, students from other parts of Assam have already sent their signed letters of allegiance.’

‘No, we don’t know. When did they do this?’ one of the students whispered.

‘Oh, keep quiet!’ someone said.

The murmur subsided.

‘In such a situation, the students of Makum should not hold back. Will you come forward to sign and engage yourself in this great effort?’

‘Yes we will, we will!’ everyone present echoed in unison.

‘Jai Hind!’ they all shouted.

Ahlin and her friends joined in too.

‘Ananta is right. We are all Indians, and this is our country. We should throw out the Chinese army. I will sign the letter – a thousand times if need be,’ Ahlin thought, as she tearfully raised her hand to shout ‘Jai Hind!’