The Price of Freedom

Chapter 13: The Looming Threat

Dr. Subham Chakraborty sat behind the wheel, driving back from Khulna, the weight of the day's decisions pressing heavily on his mind. The landscape passed by in a blur, green fields stretching endlessly as his thoughts swirled. He tried to focus on the calmness outside, to clear his mind from what he had just done—leaving Sourav at an orphanage that didn't seem like the safe haven he had imagined. But the war had left everyone with impossible choices.

After some time, he noticed something unusual in the distance—a military checkpoint that wasn't there on his way to Khulna. As he approached, his nerves tightened. Why had the Indian Army suddenly set up a checkpoint here?

Subham slowed his car and rolled down his window as an officer approached. "ID card, please," the officer said, his tone formal. Subham handed over his identification.

The officer examined it before asking, "What brings you through here, Doctor?"

"I'm returning from Khulna," Subham explained. "There wasn't a checkpoint here earlier. Why is it here now?"

The officer's face grew serious. "The West Pakistani Army is trying to reclaim the city. We've set up these checkpoints to prevent anyone but military personnel from entering."

The news hit Subham like a blow to the chest. His mind immediately raced back to Sourav, left in that deteriorating orphanage. The orphanage was located in Khulna, now at risk of falling back into enemy hands. Sourav was a Hindu boy—if the West Pakistanis retook the city, they would surely target him, along with the rest of the Hindu population.

"I need to go back," Subham blurted out, panic rising in his voice. "There's a boy in that city. His life is in danger."

The officer looked at him, confused. "I'm sorry, but no one is allowed back into the city except military personnel. We can't risk civilians getting caught in the crossfire."

Subham felt a surge of desperation. "Please, you don't understand. He's just a boy! If the Pakistanis take the city, they'll kill him!"

"I understand your concern, Doctor, but we have our orders," the officer replied firmly.

"I need to speak to Rudra Pratap Singh!" Subham insisted. "He's an officer in the Indian Army, and he'll know what to do."

The officer hesitated, clearly weighing his options. After a tense moment, he relented. "Fine, I'll contact him. But you can't go back into the city."

The officer handed Subham the radio, and after a crackle of static, Rudra's voice came through.

"Doctor, what's going on?" Rudra's voice sounded calm but alert.

"Rudra, listen to me," Subham said urgently. "Sourav's life is in danger. He's a Hindu boy, and if the Pakistanis take Khulna, they'll slaughter every Hindu they find. I can't leave him there!"

Rudra was silent for a moment, and Subham could imagine the gears turning in his mind. Finally, Rudra spoke. "Subham, we're mobilizing forces to defend the city. The Indian Army and Mukti Bahini fighters are on their way. We won't let Khulna fall."

"But I can't leave Sourav alone in that orphanage," Subham pressed, his voice cracking with emotion. "Please, Rudra, let me go back and get him."

"I can't allow that," Rudra said firmly. "I won't put your life in danger. You've done everything you can for that boy. We'll protect the city and everyone in it, but you need to come back."

Subham's grip tightened on the radio, his frustration mounting. But deep down, he knew Rudra was right. He couldn't go back. It was too dangerous, and as much as he wanted to protect Sourav, his hands were tied.

"Come back, Subham," Rudra said softly, sensing his hesitation. "We'll save them."

Subham closed his eyes, the weight of powerlessness bearing down on him. "Alright," he finally said. "But you better save that boy."

"We will," Rudra promised. "Now come back. I need you here."

With a heavy heart, Subham handed the radio back to the officer and started the car. As he drove away from the checkpoint, leaving Khulna and Sourav behind, he could only hope that Rudra's promise would hold true.