𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐬

Chapter Seven: Danger Lurks Beyond Dunes

Three hours after the flight landed, Gill and Vasisth walked side by side, leading the way, while Raman (Rehman), Arjun (Arhan), and Sukhlal Ji (now Sohail Ji) followed closely behind. Stepping out of the airport, both families were met by two spies who had been embedded in Azmiria for years, assuming the roles of locals. Settling into separate cars, they began their journey towards a location on the outskirts, strategically close to Khatri's territory yet discreet enough to blend in with the local populace and avoid raising suspicions.

They pulled over in front of a local tea shop on the outskirts but still within the locality of Azmiria. The area was not crowded, and the tea shop appeared weathered but resilient, having endured storms. The elderly owner of the tea stall, with his green eyes, glanced at them. Before blending the tea with a ladle, he declared, "Chai abhi garam hai," pouring a bit onto his hands and tasting it.

Vasisth, maintaining her composed facade, met the shop owner's gaze through the cover of her scarf. Her sharp eyes scanned his demeanour for any signs of suspicion. Assessing the situation, she then glanced towards the shop and subtly gestured toward the door behind the counter.

"Saath mein namkeen lenge," she replied calmly. Her response held a hidden meaning, indicating that the location suited their covert activities, and they had enough room to manoeuvre without drawing attention.

The owner nodded at them before switching off the stove and scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. Then, he gestured for the seven of them to come inside.

"Upstairs, there are two rooms, and downstairs, there's a stove for cooking. I'll send someone with groceries for food, drinks, and living essentials," he said, emphasizing the last part, particularly the need for weapons.

Before he could move away, he looked at them with a serious expression. "Always keep the windows closed, or you'll end up becoming dust in the flying dust."

As the tea shop owner concluded his instructions, Farida and Rafiq, the local spies, fixed their gaze on the group. With a serious tone, Farida leaned in slightly and whispered, "Keep your conversation hushed. Nothing goes unheard here."

Rafiq nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of eavesdropping. "Azmiria may seem quiet, but many ears are listening," he added quietly.

Gill leaned in closer, his voice barely audible above the gentle clinking of teacups. "What's the local code language we should be aware of?" he whispered.

Farida glanced around cautiously before responding in a low voice. "There are a few key phrases and gestures we use to communicate discreetly," she explained. "For instance, if someone mentions 'the crimson sunset,' it usually means danger is approaching. And if you hear 'the silver moon rises,' it's a signal to meet at our safe house."

Rafiq chimed in, his eyes still darting around the room. "And if someone taps their foot three times while making eye contact, it means they suspect they're being followed. It's all about subtlety and knowing who you can trust."

The team listened intently, absorbing every word like a codebreaker deciphering a cryptic message. Farida continued, her voice barely a murmur, "We also have hand signals. A closed fist with the thumb inside means all is clear. If someone brushes their hair back, it's a warning that the authorities are closing in."

Rafiq added, "In crowded places, we use the 'three taps on the shoulder' method. It means there's a potential ally nearby. But be cautious; false taps happen, and you can't be too careful."

"You should start preparing now," Rafiq asserted, his voice low but resolute. "Farida and I will keep an eye on what's going on around, especially Khatri's men who've been released from jail, as informed by Raghav. We'll gather any leads and inform you promptly."

As Rafiq and Farida melted into the shadows, Gill turned to Vasisth and gestured for her to follow. He motioned towards the room above, signalling for Vasisth to join him there.

Raman's hands clenched into tight fists as he glared at them, his frustration palpable. Arjun and Sukhlal Ji, however, couldn't contain their laughter.

"Chill, Rehman," Arjun chided between chuckles, "They're just there to plan, that's all."

Sukhlal Ji nodded in agreement, still grinning. "Exactly, no need to get all worked up. Sir is married anyway".

Gill and Vasisth both walked into the room. Gill promptly headed to the shower, while Vasisth peered through a small hole in the room, observing the expansive desert of Azmiria below. The stretch of Azmiria she observed through the tiny hole in the room was a vast and seemingly endless desert. The landscape was dominated by golden sands that extended as far as the eye could see. No visible signs of human habitation created a serene and isolated atmosphere. The harsh sunlight illuminated the dunes, casting shadows and revealing the intricate patterns created by the wind over time. Eagles and vultures soared overhead, the only signs of life in this desolate but captivating expanse.

In the hushed stillness of the tranquil scene, a sudden gunshot shattered the peace. Vasisth's eyes widened in surprise as she saw an eagle violently plummeting to the dunes below. The cryptic warning from the old tea seller about keeping the windows shut suddenly made sense.