The Enemy Within

Chapter 11

Noida – 1st March – 11 p.m.

Major Kumar and Rohan are grooving to some old Hindi music. A nearly empty bottle of scotch is on the centre table between them with plates of half eaten food. Major Kumar is in his elements crooning along with his favourite old Hindi movie hits while Rohan smiles and nods to the beat. The song changes and the old man practically jumps up in excitement, "Now this is a song, young man, a song I will never forget."

Kumar hums to the music, "This was a movie to fall in love... You know what – you should get married Rohan."

Rohan sputters on his drink, "Married! Me? Give me a break Sir... I am happy with my life... don't need any more complications."

Both of them laugh out loud. A few feet away, Rohan's phone, which is kept on a side-table, starts vibrating but none of them notice it, as they are too busy in their drunken banter.

Kumar suddenly looks serious, "You have come after a long time – it feels really nice."

They click glasses and polish off the drink. Rohan begins to fix another for both of them as Kumar wheels himself into his bedroom.

Rohan casually leans over to check his phone. He sits up with a start – "Oh shit, 5 missed calls from the boss."

He immediately hits the call button. On the first ring, a voice answers and before Rohan gets a chance to say anything a voice snaps loudly, "Rohan, where the hell have you been? I've been calling you for the last half hour. Get to the office immediately – there's an emergency. The shit has just hit the fan!"

Rohan just has a chance to respond before the phone goes dead. He stares at it in a daze.

Just then Kumar comes out of the room wearing a big smile. He is holding a gift-wrapped box. He stops when he sees Rohan standing nervously. Rohan looks at him helplessly, "Sorry Sir, I have to report to the office immediately – there seems to be some sort of crisis..."

Major Kumar nods in understanding and says, "When it comes to the nation's security there are no off days! At least take your gift with you..."

Rohan smiles and pats his hand, "Keep it safely for now Sir, that will give me an excuse to come back later for another session." He laughs mischievously and heads out the door as Kumar looks on in surprise.

At nearly the same moment, sitting in the backseat of his car, Chief Khan slaps himself on the forehead muttering, "Damn, I forgot one important point..."

He fumbles in his pocket for his mobile phone. He hits the number for Rathore's mobile phone – "Rathore, I forgot one important...."

In mid-sentence he hears a roar and looks out of the window. He sees a massive truck hurtling towards the car at full speed. The truck smashes into his car cutting him off in mid sentence and roars away. The car summersaults across the highway and lands upside down on the other side.