Karim was aware of the standard practice of granting such favours. But he had no clue it would be demanded in such a crude manner. He placed a plastic bag on the table while Qasim engaged the PA in negotiation. ‘Sir, with great difficulty, we have managed two and a half lakh rupees. This is all we have. Please, somehow manage within this?’

Faheem posed like a professor in a classroom wearing a thinking cap. A brief moment later he said, ‘Okay, please wait outside. I will call you in. Let me make a call. I will have to convince some people that yours is a genuine case. Please leave the bag here.’ Then, as soon as the brothers left the room, he took possession of the bag, counted the money and placed it hurriedly in the drawer. Satisfied with his drill, he picked up the intercom and dialled the buzzer.

‘Yes?’ came the crisp, commanding voice of Mushtaq David through the receiver.

‘Janab, party is with me. But they can’t afford more than two lakh. I have done a background check. They have borrowed what they could. They can’t afford more than this. Besides, it’s a good cause. It will give you mileage. I think we should give them some concession and be considerate.’

‘Hmm . . .’ There was a brief pause. ‘Okay, do it. After all, we are here to help the public.’

The clicking sound indicated that the line had been disconnected. Placing the receiver back into the cradle, Faheem rang the bell. A peon appeared.

‘Call those two back. Also bring along two cups of tea and some biscuits. Hurry up.’

The peon promptly replied, ‘Jee, Huzoor!’ and vanished.

He went up to the brothers in the waiting room and said, ‘I have good news for you. Your work has been done. Please come with me.’ Filled with joy, the brothers stood up but found the peon blocking the way. ‘Sahib, kuchh chai-paani [tip]?’ Karim hurriedly fished out a fifty-rupee note and gave it to him but he did not budge. ‘Sir, I have been with Faheem Bhai for many years. I pleaded your case and impressed on him the need to help your cause. Just fifty rupees?’ Karim looked at Qasim and gave another hundred-rupee note. The peon pocketed the money but wore a long, dissatisfied look on his face. He led them to the PA’s room and closed the door. A minute later, he entered the room again and placed teacups in front of them. The tea was cold and the biscuits never arrived. It was a clear indication that the tip given was below expectation.

‘Bhaijaan . . .’ Faheem began. ‘I have spoken to my contacts in external affairs and the home ministry. Your work will be done. Consider this a miracle. But I warn you. No one should know about this money transaction or your mother will never be able to enter Pakistan. Is that clear?’