“Who’s Haroon?” The MP similarly frowned.

“The man who carried me to the ambulance and helped dress my wound,” Jessica explained. “The doctors and the police seem to be under the impression that he might have assaulted me in the ambulance. But that was not what happened. I made it very clear in my statement to the police.”

The MP looked startled. There was a moment of silence as she appeared to be mentally processing the unexpected information. When she next opened her mouth, she spoke slowly, as though she were stalling for time while she frantically strategised.

“I am so glad that you were not harmed. We will, of course, arrange for you to undergo counselling by our psychotherapist. Needless to say, the fees will be borne by the state.”

“Why would I need counselling?” Jessica was genuinely perplexed.

“No one can go through such a traumatic experience without being psychologically affected. We know of cases where the victim goes into complete denial of what actually happened and imagines an alternative truth instead.”

“I am not in denial!” Jessica exclaimed, incredulous.

“We are not saying that,” the MP said cautiously. “This riot is unprecedented. We have enjoyed close to fifty years of peace in our country since independence. People are shocked and upset. There will be parties with vested interest who will want to milk it to their advantage. Any piece of information, or misinformation, reported on media can trigger fear and distrust. Do you understand me so far?”

Jessica did not quite get where the MP was headed with this but she nodded nonetheless.

“I have no doubt that the media hounds will go after you. Whatever you say, there will be a reaction. Some will champion you. Some will vilify you. Even if you are telling the truth, some will doubt you. This is the reality of our times. Unless you have a professional PR team guiding you, anything you say can easily be distorted and used against you. Believe me, they can and will tear you apart mercilessly.”

Jessica decided she disliked this MP. There was an air of arrogance to her manner that she failed to disguise. This was a woman who probably believed she knew better because she had enjoyed a privileged upbringing, undergone a superior education and acquired an esteemed professional status.

“Promise me you will not grant them any interviews,” the MP pressed on. “I will guide you on this when the time comes. Right now, simply tell the media that you will not speak as investigations are still underway.”