‘I am also a businessman like you, with international customers, not a policeman. Had I been one, you would have been in deeper shit,’ the attacker replied. ‘I also feel as strongly about my community as you do and run an NGO that is involved in health and educational projects.

‘My men have kept a watch on you this past week, after you came to their notice for troubling imam sahib at the mosque during the Friday prayers. They told me that you could be a genuine victim in need of some community help. My name is Roshan Ahmed Baig,’ he said, revealing his name finally.

‘Your father was killed, as you described at the mosque. You want to avenge that. Once you do that, will you be a contented soul?’

‘I want to make my father’s killers pay. I want to teach a lesson to all those who oppress the weak and the innocent. I, and my two brothers who are here, won’t stop after fixing the Thrissur goons,’ the man said.

‘Fine, let’s see if you and your two brothers have it in you to walk the talk! If you can avenge your father’s death and the wrongs against our community. I will put you in touch with a few men who are fighting for the dignity of the community and helping victims of majoritarian tyranny seek justice.’

‘I am also a trained lawyer, sir. What do I have to do?’

‘Ah, you are a lawyer? A lawyer who did not get justice from the courts of the kaffir?’ The abductor burst into laughter. ‘Meet me in two days, at 7 p.m., inside the Qudsia mosque compound near the back gate.’

‘Okay,’ the bespectacled man said, offering his hand to the man who had just offered to help him avenge his father’s killing.

‘Do not worry. You will be among friends and well-wishers; just be there on time.’

The man nodded.

‘I can’t believe that I have not asked for your name yet. Though we have checked out where your office is and where you sleep. So, what is your name, brother?’

‘I am Imran, Mohammed Imran Syed.’ Extending his hand, the bespectacled man, who was actually Atharv, smiled.

Atharv, Anant and Nirav had been waiting for this ‘break’ since January 2002, when they finished their training with the CTC. Finally, Atharv had the chance to make contact with the LeT’s talent spotters.

32. BREAKTHROUGH IN KISHANGANJ

32

BREAKTHROUGH IN KISHANGANJ

‘Masla kya hai, Imran miyan? Roshan told me about you, about the insults you hurled at the old and respected Imam Qasmi. Is it that India’s condition has worsened suddenly or is it that you were expecting much from tyrant rulers?’