The Enemy Within

Chapter 2

November 2011 – 3 years later

The two young men moved slowly through the Sarnarth Museum in Varanasi. They looked relaxed, languid almost, but a close inspection of the two would reveal that they were actually quite intoxicated – that too at 3 p.m. in the middle of a working day!

A closer interrogation would reveal they were here to celebrate their first successful mission at one of India's most secretive agencies – the National Investigation Agency. Avoiding a full-fledged terror attack after weeks of work, that too on your first mission is definitely a cause for rejoicing. And the two of them had decided to come here to inspect first hand, the symbol of their dedication.

Rohan Kapoor – 28 years old, 6 feet tall with broad shoulders and the build of a boxer, was drawing the usual stares from the few ladies present. He seemed to enjoy the attention and paid little heed to the exhibits around him.

Alan Fernandes – 27 years old, 3 inches shorter than Rohan, with long unkempt hair and wire frame glasses, was paying rapt attention to all the exhibits. In sudden excitement he tugs at Rohan's sleeve, whispering "This is it man, the original Lion Capital of Ashoka – our national emblem."

Both of them stare at the ancient artefact in awe – the symbol of the 4 lions that had been adopted as the National Emblem of India.

"Bro – this is awesome" Rohan whispers.

Alan smiles swaying a little, "Do you know there are 4 lions, 4 other animals, 24 spokes in the chakra and 24 is the figure reached when you put the date it was officially adopted as the national symbol 26-01-1950?"

Rohan looks at him like he is out of his mind, "Where the hell do you get all this information from and how do you even remember it?"

Alan smiles cynically, "An analytical expert has to have a mind like a sponge – we absorb information from everywhere so we can pass it on to you field agents and save your backsides."

Rohan rolls his eyes, "So we are going there again are we? The whole whose job is the more important routine? You computer nerds will never understand the dangers and thrills of the field."

Alan bows mockingly, "And you field jocks will never understand how the complex mind works...."

Both laugh out loud and draw stares from the people around.

Alan suddenly looks serious; "You know what's really strange, even though we have known each other for just a few months, we have already been to hell and back together. I feel you are the one person I really could trust with anything."

Rohan raises an eyebrow, "Is that the alcohol talking? That's high praise coming from the mighty Alan Fernandes. I am honoured, Sir!"

He bows deeply... "And I can say the same for you, my friend", he adds seriously.

Alan snaps his fingers, "This is a watershed moment in our history. This emblem, this setting, and of course, a whole lot of rum have inspired me. I'm going to create a new code designed only for us – one only we can crack."

Rohan looks at him like he has lost his mind. But Alan is now on a roll, "Come my friend, inspiration strikes. Let's get a fresh bottle of rum and get to work on this code."

Alan drags out a protesting Rohan as they laugh and head to the liquor store.