The Enemy Within

Chapter 17

Rohan and Sunny are sitting in a car and watching the old blue cottage as darkness envelopes the city. Mr. Bakshi's cottage is away from the main thoroughfare and is perched up on the side of a slope with a view that overlooks the busy market area.

People were bustling to get home and the restaurants were starting to fill up with tourists and local patrons. A Mahindra Thar open jeep drives up and parks in front of the cottage. A middle-aged man swings himself out jauntily, whistling a local tune, dressed in the traditional Rajasthani garb. He walks up to the door swinging his jeep keys, as the guys move into action.

Both of them are dressed like the ideal journalists, with kurtas, well-combed hair and glasses. As they approach, the man turns around with a smile on his face.

Rohan stops in front of him, "Mr. Bakshi?"

The man nods, still smiling.

"I'm Rohan, from the Travel Biz magazine. We are doing a special story on the desert safaris in Jaisalmer and I was told by everyone here that you are the best person to talk to." Both Rohan and Sunny flash fake press IDs at Bakshi.

Bakshi laughs jovially, his huge stomach bouncing up and down, "Well, you heard right. The desert and I have been in a relationship for the last 30 years.... that's why I never got married." He laughs heartily, "Come on in."

Rohan and Sunny enter the sitting room. The house is small but very homely. Bakshi sits in an armchair while Rohan and Sunny sit on a couch. Bakshi lights up a cigarette and offers them one. They decline, and Rohan takes out a notepad and pen.

Rohan begins in a business like voice, "So Mr. Bakshi, can you tell me how you started in this field?"

Mr. Bakshi gives a long sigh, "Well, I was born and brought up right here in Jaisalmer. My father was part of a team that used to conduct camel safaris at that time and I used to join him. Soon I learned to move around the desert on my own. Then I decided to move from camels to cars. Easier on the back... and the balls." He laughs heartily again as the guys grin and nod in understanding.

"Mr. Bakshi, we are creating a series on travel across India. Specifically unique travel stories that are of the beaten path - that range from the mountains to the deserts to the seas. You must be seeing very unusual things out in the desert, right?"

Bakshi smiles, gets up and moves to a cabinet where he pulls out a bottle of whisky and 3 glasses. He gestures towards them, "Can I offer you guys a drink?"

They both nod and he pours out a dash for each.

"Son, you won't believe the things I have seen out in the desert. That's why I can't go a single day without this," he points to the glass smiling, "It keeps me sane."

Rohan and Sunny look at each other feigning surprise, "Do tell us, Mr. Bakshi. It will make for a very interesting article. Anything out of the ordinary you have seen lately?"

Bakshi laughs out loud, "Some of the things I can tell you, young man, are things you won't be able to print."

Sunny holds up his hand reassuringly, "Don't worry Sir, please allow us to decide that. And we will print it only with your permission."

Bakshi settles back in his chair in a relaxed manner, "Well, I can tell you a lot of stuff... hope you have the time. We have ghosts, robberies, dacoits, runaway camels, what would you like to hear?"