Reshimbandh~Silken Threads

4. Neha in ETF

Morning,

New Delhi,

RAW Headquarters,

Neha went to the reception, "Neha Rawte. I have an appointment with Colonel Yashwant Singh, the Undercover Operations Head."

The receptionist entered the details in her computer, "The third cabin on right, second floor."

Neha thanked her and went towards the stairs. She climbed up two floors and reached his cabin, entered after a knock.

Yashwant Singh, a man in his fifties, but looked younger and stronger than men of his age, had jet black hair, rimmed spectacles, looked keenly at the girl in front of him, "Welcome to RAW. Miss Rawte." He got up to shake hands with her. She returned a short firm handshake and then both took their seats. "You have an impressive track record and we are proud to have girls like you who risk their lives for the sake of nation."

"When the task was assigned to me and I was doing it, what was ETF doing there?" Neha questioned him directly.

"That was a communication gap, we are sorry for it." Yashwant said calmly.

Neha looked at him, unconvinced with his answer, "Communication gap? Really? Then why was there an assassin to kill the ETF team?"

"May be they got the same tip off." Yashwant didn't give up.

"Wonderful! Now when am I getting the details?" Neha asked after calming herself.

Yashwant smiled at her, "Coming to the point, you have been working on the case of Alexander, a.k.a. Sikander, the man who a few have heard about and none have seen. We don't even know if he exists or not? You may never even find him or he might be right beside you and you don't know it. So how will you get him?"

Neha smiled, "I have met him personally." She paused, "Also, I have got some solid links about his work and his whereabouts. All I need is proof that they are true."

Yashwant looked at her doubtfully, "You know what you are saying? You have met him? How? When? Where?"

Neha looked into his eyes for a moment, "Sorry, But I can't tell you that. All I need to know is what details do you have about him? And whether you want him alive or dead?" She asked coldly.

"You don't have the authority to get those details." Yashwant told her clearly, "This case will be given to ETF, so if you want to get official assistance then join ETF."

"ETF? Do I really need to do that?" She asked unsurely.

"Yes. That's the only option for you. Once you join ETF, you will get all the official data about Sikander but only after three months of proper and dedicated service. In these three months you will be under constant supervision of our officers."

"Why waste so much of time behind me?"

"So that we know that you are the right person whom we can trust with such an important case."

"When should I join ETF?"

"Next month."

"Twenty days wait? What shall I do till then?"

"Sit and relax."

"No, I don't have so much of time."

"Okay, join from Monday."

"Today is Saturday, that's fine, I'll be on my job from Monday." She stated. Yashwant looked at her admiringly. "What do you find so interesting on my face, sir'?"

"Your brother was very brave and talented officer, Miss Rawte. We are sorry for your loss." Yashwant said in a voice full of respect.

"Was? My brother is alive, sir'." She flared.