Liang and Yao Sen were standing under a tree. Liang’s brother and his sister-in-law were standing a little distance away with their children. Pulok went over and asked anxiously, ‘Where is Kam Ling? And your children?’

‘They didn’t arrest them. I am Chinese. That’s why I have been arrested,’ Yao Sen answered with a brave smile.

Before Pulok could say anything, a policeman came up to them. He looked at Pulok and asked harshly, ‘What are you doing here?’

Before Pulok could answer, the policeman saw Yao Sen and Liang. He looked at Pulok again and asked bitingly, ‘So, you have come to enquire about your bosom friends?’

He was reeking of cheap liquor. Pulok remained quiet, not knowing how to react.

‘What happened? Why are you silent? Are you heartbroken because the Chinese spies have been arrested?’

‘Whom are you calling Chinese spies? Think before you speak,’ Pulok flared up.

‘What did you say? Think before I speak? That’s what I have done. If they aren’t spies, then who are? Could China defeat us without their help? We are also keeping an eye on you. Playing for the Seven Star Club, you’ve become their slaves. Or have you also started betraying us like them? Go. Leave right now, or else –’

After swearing at Pulok, the policeman, a fanatical supporter of Doom Dooma’s Rover’s Club, laughed madly, delighted at having the Chinese players of the Seven Star Club in his hold. Pulok looked at him and said coolly, ‘Or else what?’

‘Do you want to find out? Have you seen this stick? I’ll push this in and churn you.’

Pulok turned red with anger.

Hearing the commotion, a few armed guards came forward to ask what had happened.

‘This man is creating a problem. He is with the Chinese.’

Pulok was immediately surrounded by the guards.

‘Son of a swine. Supporting the Chinese.’

‘Arrest him, too. Advocating for the Chinese! Son of a bastard! You are also a Chinese spy, or probably a Communist. We will rip your insides out.’

Addison heard the commotion as he was coming out of the building.

‘Hey Baruah, don’t fight. Don’t fight.’

‘I’m not fighting, sir, this constable is –’

‘It’s okay. It’s okay. Now come,’ he pulled Pulok away.

The detainees were then being moved into the trucks.

‘Where are they taking Liang and the others, sir?’

‘To the Doom Dooma police station. After that, I don’t know where they will take them. Go home now. I’ll see what can be done. I’ll talk to the higher authorities.’

Addison left with Daman Singh. Pulok decided to go to the police station.

Pulok’s father was waiting outside the Makum police outpost.