Love & Loyalty
No Compromise
(Part 8)
Despite
being not mistreated, Hashim felt disgraceful and insulted. He sat on back seat
in center with big spectacles on his eyes with dark blurred glasses. The two officers
sat on his sides. Hashim was once again unaware of the future but had full idea
of the hard investigations ahead along physical and mental torture. He also
could imagine the end result of investigations.
He
had recently seen another face of Mary’s personality who had ensured his arrest
after using him. Mary till the last moment had not let him realize her position
and plans. He in his thoughts agreed that Mary had trapped him using her
smile.
Apart
from his own future, Hashim was equally worried about Romana. On having her
face in front of his eyes, multiple
thoughts and questions came in his mind within seconds, which made him more
tense. He continuously sat with head down trying to regain confidence and chalk
out some strategy. He was trained to handle and cope with such situations but
at that time circumstances were totally different. He very well knew that no one would believe
that how he had been trapped and his efforts to save his country from
humiliation. He thought of killing himself instead of being
a bad patch on country. He thought of killing himself instead of giving bad
name to Country but could not find any way.
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It
was a long drive of more than an hour that suddenly van stopped with a jerk. He
lifted his head up but could not see because of dark blurred glasses on his
eyes. He thought that destination had come and soon he would be dragged inside.
Second thought that came in his mind was that the story was about to end like a
tissue paper.
Officer sitting on his right side opened the
door and stepped down. The other doors remained closed which meant that other
officer and driver had remained in van.
There
was complete silence in and outside van. Hashim thought that perhaps van had
gone out of order and thus started thinking of the ways to run away. He could
neither move because of being handcuffed nor could see. In the meantime, the
second officer pushed him from behind giving him signal to move out. The first
officer helped him to step out of van without speaking any word. During the
whole journey, Hashim had not heard anything from them. On coming out of van,
Hashim could imagine that they were in some open place. Heavy breeze was
blowing and there was silence all around. A new thought struck Hashim’s mind
that he was going to be murdered there. In the next moments, he felt opening of
chain tied around his wrist. Then he heard sound of closing of van door and
then van drove away. He stood there for some minutes without movement, trying
to have some idea of surroundings and conditions. He was a bit confused of the
happenings but was getting sure that there was no one around. He slowly moved
his hands to open band around head for taking off glasses.
He
then quickly viewed the surroundings and as expected he was in open ground. It
was a big open playing ground with high wall on one side. There was no one
except a person standing far off near
wall but face was not visible from there. Hashim thought for a while, tried to
watch movements of unknown person and then decided to go near him. His first
priority was to know about the area or location where armed persons had left
him and at the same time did not want to engage himself in any other issue.
On
covering several feet, Hashim could see that the person was wearing big sun
glasses, face covered with full mask while the clothes were very loose. On
watching with deep eyes, Hashim admitted that the personality was very
suspicious but had no option except to approach him. When he had walked more
distance, the person took off colored glasses, big hat and face mask. Hashim
was surprised that the person was not a male but a female. On getting more
near, Hashim recognized that female was none other but Mary. She put all the items in a paper bag. By that
time, they were close to each other. She then looked at Hashim with plain face
and quickly pealed of white thin skin around his face, hands and wig. She put
those things also in paper bag and set it on fire with the help of a cigarette lighter.
They
then walked behind the boundary wall. There was a small but nicely decorated
guest house. Mary took him to a room and locked the door from inside. Hashim
sat on a comfortable sofa with closed eyes. They had not talked since they met.
Soon Hashim felt that Mary was taking off her shoes & clothes. Suddenly
Mary said while laughing” Do not be ashamed. I am not a fool to take off
clothes in front of you in broad day light.”
Hashim was in serious mood, trying to come out of the day’s trauma so he
kept quiet.
Then
Mary came near him and while laughing invited him to take shower with her.
Hashim was annoyed because of untimely joke but opened his eyes. He was once
again surprised to see that her clothes were lying on bed and she wore army
uniform. It meant that that she had covered her uniform with those loose
clothes. She took quick shower followed by Hashim. They both wore new clothes
which Mary had already arranged.
At
the same time, a smart girl dragged tea trolley in room having snacks, cold
drinks and coffee. Hashim picked cold drink can and sat on a comfortable chair
lying just adjacent to Mary’s. Mary thought for a while and then started
pouring coffee in a cup for her. She broke long silence, “Hashi, Relax. Let’s
now be friendly. Difficult and hard time is over. You have successfully been
through it.” Then with a pleasant smile on face said, “Some contribution from
me also.” She wanted to ease environment
and was in search of proper words to clarify her position and role. She in a
soft and low voice said, “I know that there are many questions and doubts in
your mind. You might be thinking that, I tried to make you fool in shadow of
love.” After a small pause said, “You also might have thought that I trapped
& dragged to all this hassle for some personal benefit. But it is not like
that.”
She
kept quiet for some moments looking at Hashim who kept on taking small sips of
cold Drink with closed eyes. then on recollecting words, continued “Do you know
that I was briefed about you and your
skills even before you landed in America.” Hashim was surprised and
unintentionally slightly turned his face towards her for few seconds but kept
quiet.
Mary said, “I was instructed to have a close
eye on you and submit comprehensive report regarding your habits, temperament,
favorite things, capabilities and performance during indoor and various outdoor
sessions.” She then kept her soft hand on his thigh and said, “Now believe me,
despite detailed briefing covering almost all aspects of your personality and
family, I did not have any idea of their further or future plans till last day.
It was news for me also when we sat in office where col Julie briefed you.”
Hashim picked a sandwich for himself and
offered other to Mary. She after few moments with a deep breath and a big smile
said, “I experienced strange feelings on seeing you for first time in dining
hall at lunch. I don’t know whether you have that time in mind or not. I do not
hesitate in saying that I was inspired, liked your company and wanted to be
near you. It was all because of my personal feelings and not due to official
duty.”.
She
unwrapped her sandwich which was in her hands for last many minutes and then
said, “Regarding the meeting at farm house, I myself came to know just a day
before. I received instructions to invite you at dinner there. I had neither
seen that farm house before nor had ever met col Julie or col Robert. I was
also not talked about agenda except for a night stay there. I resisted at that
stage and refused to stay in one bedroom at night. Then it was decided that
another girl would replace me in room.” She paused to have bite of burger and
Hashim looked at her as he was getting interested to hear.
She
then spoke in a very low voice, “I never wanted to disgrace my first love by
getting involved in any sexual activity.”
Her sound got normal while speaking, “You would have noticed that I
remained quiet there most of time. I was not able to understand the main cause
of sitting there and was thus uncomfortable. I was just stunned on seeing brief
case full of amount. At that time, I for the first time realized that why you
were being supervised and taken care. Different thoughts were in my mind while
sitting there regarding the type of work they needed. One thing was clear to me
that the task was very difficult and important.”
“The
matter became very critical and sensitive on your rejection. I was very much
worried as our agencies could have gone to any extent on hearing refusal. Two
days later, I was briefed in closed room on their Plan B during Jungle
exercise. At the end of special close circuit briefing, it was clear to me that
they had decided to get some work done from you at all costs. Their ultimate
objective was still unknown.”
She
took a sip of coffee but that had gone cold. Hashim realized and asked her to
pour other coffee from flask as he had already taken cold drink. Mary while
pouring coffee in another cup said, “I decided to take care of you as did not
want you in any further problem. I took the responsibility of jungle event and
later of your today’s safe exit from hotel despite knowing how difficult &
dangerous task. it was not part of my
duty nor was asked to play any part.
Although I had myself seen your grip on heavy range sniper rifle but
still was very much worried because of extra ordinary distance a short time. d
I planned & worked a lot on it. for that
visited the hotel on Sunday also and went up to roof top. I had been
told of the persons taking care of you during and after mission but I selected
all Staff of my personal confidence.”
Mary
looked at Hashim who was quiet but with soft face and appreciation in mind.
Mary then took some sips of coffee and n told “Hashi, I chalked a complete safe
plan in which you were never left alone. I myself sat in hotel lobby watching
search operation. A person in security uniform was deputed in the corridor
where you stayed while the girl in my appearance was also on duty. It was all
done because I love you. I did not want you in trouble at any stage. I know you
have many doubts in mind about me but I really love you and do not want to lose
you. Perhaps I could not express my feelings in proper words and was over
shadowed because o - - “
She
could not complete her sentence due to sudden knock-on door. She first looked at door for some moments and
then said “Yes.” Someone tried to turn door knob but failed. Mary realized that
door was locked from inside. On opening,
she was astonished to see col Julie there in plain clothes. She looked at her
with wide open eyes and was standstill for some moments trying to understand
that how & why she was there. Hashim also got surprised and saw her with
wide open eyes and had new questions in mind about Mary.
Julie
embraced & hugged Hashim in a very friendly way. Julie read the tense
environment in room and so while sitting said with a smiling face “Relax both
captains, I have come here as a friend and as a senior colleague just to have
some time with you both.” Mary felt easy
and immediately picked up intercom to ask for coffee & snacks. She then sat
on bed. Julie while looking at Mary said “You did not share the second phase of
mission with any one and decided to handle yourself but our department has eye
on everyone.” After a pause said “Congratulations to you both on completion of
a difficult task.”
She
then got attentive towards Hashim & said “I do not have proper words to
admire your skills & capabilities. I
have to admit that officers with such a high grip & talent are very rare in
world today. It was a very difficult task & target. Frankly speaking, I
myself had gone nervous while sitting close to Bob. You have succeeded because
of continuous hard work, interest, will & highest level of training.” She got silent as hostess dragged new trolley
and left with previous one.
Julie
then said, “I am forced to admit that Pakistan Army has earned a big name over
the years and is today one of the top institutions of world. I am sure &
believe that a brilliant career is ahead of you provided you keep on
concentrating on your work in same way.” She paused for sip of coffee and said
“Another good news for you is that You already stand at 1st position in course and can further
improve your points in tomorrow’s last session.” Hashim smiled and asked that
whether position was in return of mission or on merit. Julie told him that his
performance was in front of all and did not need any push. she also told that
they had only increased prize money of 1st position holder just
because of him. Hashim got surprised and glad on listening figures of $65000/
as he had never expected such a big amount. The amount was of course legal and
could be used anywhere.
Julie
while taking sip of hot coffee said “We would be glad if you stay over here
& work with us. We can try for you a good place in American forces.” Mary
was overjoyed and at once said “oh fantastic.”. Julie then discussed in detail
about the facilities & benefits enjoyed by American armed officers. Hashim
tightly closed his lips as he himself had seen the difference during the course
and the rest had been explained in detail by Julie. That discussion continued for half an hour
in a very cordial &friendly environment. Mary looked very satisfied &
confident about Hashim’s settling in America. Julie told Hashim in detail that
how he could take care of his family in better way on working with them. Mary
was very pleased on such a detailed & open invitation from her boss.
There
was silence in room for some minutes until Hashim realized that they expected some response from him as he had
been quiet most of time.
Hashim
recollected his words and with a smiling face said” First of all, I am thankful
to Mary for giving me a nice friendly company during course and above all for
taking care of me during mission. She made my exit possible. At one stage I
strongly felt that I had been trapped and found myself very near to electric
chair. Mary has already cleared my many doubts.”
Then
he saw towards col Julie and said” Madam, I am thankful for such a detailed
friendly briefing and your open invitation to work for world’s top security
agency. it is a big pride for any
officer to have such an opening. I also
have no doubts in difference in benefits, working environment &
facilities.” He paused for a while and said “You are quite aware that I have
come here on behalf of Pakistan Army. My organization has invested a lot on me
and a heavy responsibility lies on my shoulders. I think it would neither legal
nor ethical if I leave Pakistan Army in this way just for my own sake.”
He
then looked at Mary with smile and blinking eyes and said “You are a very sweet
girl & friend. I really enjoyed your company here. There is no doubt that
without you, this course would have been a routine one & boring. You tried your best to make this stay a
memorable one. I fully regard your sentiments and never tried to play with
them. We are good friends and will remain like that forever. I have already told
you that I am married and my wife is eagerly waiting for me. There are some
bindings of our culture. More over my conscious would never allow me to live a
happy life if I betray my family & Country for the sake of some personal
benefits & wishes.”
Mary
bowed her face down, staring floor but recognizing his good thoughts and quietly rubbed her wet
eyes and said “I am proud of having such a strong and competent friend.” There
were smiles all around.
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