Scene 29 - Chets Makes A Big Decision

Chets had a horrified look on her face. The CAT girls were asking for a Cessna Caravan 675 immediately!! She was aware that the aircraft was used for military missions and was a versatile aircraft that con go anywhere - land or water destinations. The eight-seater plane was indeed a luxury craft that even high-flying executives preferred. She shuddered. What a waste of tax payers money!! And all she had in Mumbai was the chuk-chuk-chuk for her commute. Now the CAT girls wanted that to carry those despicable ayah park goons, and some new inspector from Bangalore to some foreign destination. And terrorism was causing havoc all around the globe. She thought of the Mumbai train blasts and the images she saw made her sob bitterly. Her hands covered her face as she bitterly sobbed for a few minutes. She moved to her bar counter and poured herself a shot of Belvedere vodka. Gulped it down. Awesome stuff. So smooth and so warm. She wished she had some roasted coffee seeds marinated in it. It always added a crunchy taste to the shot. She sighed and wiped her tears off her cheeks. After a few minutes contemplation, she came to a decision. She had to act. She couldn't let this carry on. She managed a wry smile. She poured herself another Belvedere and gulped it down. Taking a deep breath she walked to her closet and opened the drawer that had a Glock G36 pistol and a Desert Eagle automatic.

The Desert Eagle was one real destructive gun, but very heavy with a fourteen inch barrel. The .44 magnum shells used in it were heavy. Not quite a subtle weapon, though it hit the target with as much force as a train smash can impart. If you shot a guy with it, one probably also hit someone else who was a hundred yards away, and in line with the bullet.

Chets shifted her gaze to the Glock G36. The Glock G36 pistol was one of the predominant law enforcement and personal-defense handguns. Its single-stack .45 ACP model had the best handling, and it was the most concealable compact pistol that Glock had ever made. The shooting community described it as a fistful of fire, for it had the ability to fire rapid shots without loss of time between the first and subsequent shots. It's hammerless trigger mechanism always returned the trigger to same position after firing so there was no difference in the position of the trigger for the first and subsequent shots. It was a safe to carry gun as well, since it had no external manual safety; instead, the trigger itself enclosed a pivoting, spring-loaded lever that blocks against the frame to prevent rearward trigger motion, except when the trigger finger is actually pressing the trigger to the rear in firing. This allowed the gun to be carried safely in its chamber-loaded/halfcocked readiness state. Chets smiled, and picked the Glock G36. The feeling was so good. She felt totally reassured and confident. She could deal with the situation. She had to travel now, and get into the act.

Scene 28 - Chapps Plays A Master Stroke

Chapps sat with smug smile on his face. A week earlier, he had woken up to a big shock when he opened the newspaper at Taj Samudra, Colombo. There was a report of him taking over as the next coach of the Aussie team. After the World Cup. The shock had almost paralyzed him. He had wondered who had let out the information. He had been working for weeks to ensure things went according to plan. The boy at Germany was in the bag. There were murmurs of some issues with the Dubai girl. Sarkar had been badgering him with calls which he had ignored. Some not so good news was also emanating from his adopted home town Bangalore. Some stealth operation by an anti-terrorist wing. Nothing was clear though. He didn't let that bother him. He could always check with local Bangalore Police Inspector he knew, on anything. That rogue cop could be easily bought. And he knew everything that was happening in the city. No point worrying about something that you were not sure about. The planning over the last few weeks seemed to have gone exactly as per plan. And then out of the blue came the report of him being tipped to be the coach for the post-World Cup Aussie side. That was indeed bad timing for the news to come into public domain.

His razor sharp mind went to work on overdrive after reading that report. What was required was a diversion. Public memory was always short. Set up the next sensational news item, and divert the attention of the public. It wasn't for anything that Wag The Dog was one of his favorite hollywood films! It didn't take him much time to come up with an absolute blinder of a plan. A few calls, of which one was to his good old friend Hair. He outlined what Hair should dare to do. Hair was a good man at implementation. He followed his directions with clinical efficiency. He set up the ball-tampering issue, had the Paki's hopping mad, and everyones attention and interest was diverted to Old Blighty. Chapps smiled again. Things were very much according to plan. His phone rang, as he sat in his Bangalore suite. The front desk was informing him of a visitor. Sarkar. He grimaced, and asked the front-desk to inform that he was not available. Sarkar's value was over. But he was obstinate, and had relentlessly tried to reach him on the phone. Should something go amiss later, all his calls can be traced back. That was one reason he never took any of his cell phone calls. Now he was right here. And he would probably wait there in the lobby for him. He thought for a minute. He should ask his rogue cop contact to take care of this fellow. For now he had to avoid Sarkar and the best way would be slip away. Chapps moved and jumped out of the window, making his way to the KSCA grounds. He will call his Cop contact from a public phone later.

Scene 27 - Sabiha On The RUNNN!!! For Independence.............

Sabiha looked through the glass walls from her 50th floor office of the Emirates Office Tower. She turned to her desk, and looked at the number of Prabhu Ram she had obtained after last week's call to Chets. Every time she had called Prabhu, he seemed to be in a different world. Did everyone drink all the time in Munich, she wondered!

It was also five days since The Wood had called her. Another two days, and he would be here to meet her. In person. She shuddered. She didn't want to have anything to with him. After his call, her life had been one heckuva roller coaster ride. She had done nothing about the passport or ticket that she had been ordered to get. She had focused on how to get out of this place, and get out of sight. She had managed to cancel her contract for the condo in Burj Al Arab, losing around 1.8 million dirham. That was almost 500,000 US dollars!! She should have remained content with her existing condo on the 80th floor of the Ocean Heights on the Dubai Marina!!

She decided to make one final attempt to call Prabhu Ram. Else, she will have to call Chets again for some other contact. She hoped he was only having a coffee or nimbu paani at this moment, as she again repeated the mistake of dialing Prabhu Ram's mobile number.

When in a state of panic and terror, the mind goes into a state of confusion. Balanced thinking is lost, and stupid mistakes are made. Desperation and desperate acts lead to more grief. And to more trouble. Sabiha had been in a constant state of panic since The Wood had called, and had failed to realize that her phones could have been tapped. The fact was that all her conversations over the last two weeks had been tapped. And her every move had been followed. Her cancellation of the Burj Al Arab condo booking, the sale of her existing Ocean Heights condo had caused some eyebrows to go up. After all she was required only to visit the Caribbean. Why was she selling her property? They opted to give her the benefit of doubt. Maybe she had other plans. Her call to Chets ripped everything out into the open. They realized she was not playing according to instructions. She seemed to be working on a different course altogether. And they had taken necessary actions to stop her. She was crucial for the operation in the Caribbean. She had to work with Prabhu Ram for that, and strangely enough she herself was trying to establish contact with him. That was indeed one huge coincidence, thanks to that CAT Coordinator in India. There was a 24x7 tail on Sabiha. What she did, whom she met, whom she spoke with - every minute detail was available, and it had been analyzed and reported to The Wood.

Sabiha waited as the phone rang. And she heard the voice of Prabhu Ram.

Prabhu Ram was in a foul mood. Gisela had for the first time refused to serve him liquor today. She had instead advised him against drinking. Women!!!!! He was leaving Biergarten, muttering under his clean breath as his phone rang.

Prabhu: Hello!

Sabiha: Prabhu Raam?

Prabhu: Yes? Who is this?

Sabiha: I am Sabbie from Dubai.

Prabhu: Huh? Who?

Sabiha: You don't know me, I am a friend of Chets and she gave me your number.

Prabhu: CHETS GAVE YOU MY NUMBER? For what???????

Sabiha: I need to get out of here!!!!! [her voice was fraught with desperation]

Prabhu: Why?

Sabiha: Look, don't ask reasons. I will pay you well, am told that you have good contacts to set me up in Munich. Please arrange for a passport and ticket for me quickly!!

Prabhu: Munich? Huh? I am off to see Miami!!

Sabiha: [mind confused and in fear] You can go and see your Ammie!! Just get me a passport and ticket please!!!!!!

Prabhu thought quickly. She had mentioned she could pay good money. He smiled again. Lady luck was indeed showering him with riches. The Wood had promised big money. And from nowhere this girl was calling him offering money for a passport and ticket. And she said she as in............

Prabhu: Did you say you were in.. Dooobhai?

Sabiha: I mentioned no other city to you!! And don't utter the word Bhai!!! Can you do it?

Prabhu: Ofcourse ofcourse, but it will cost you 100,000 dirham.

Sabiha: DEAL!!!!! When can I get it?

Prabhu: Hmmm, you go down to Tai Ji restaurant at the Al Khaleej Centre. Do you know where it is?

Sabiha: OFCOURSE!!! My boyfriend lives there and I spend the weekends there!! Who do I meet there?

Prabhu: Meet Yuan Chei Thuthu!!

Sabiha: WHAT????

Prabhu: I will speak to him now. Meet him with the money.

Sabiha: Ok, thanks. And you will receive me when I land there?

Prabhu: Ofcourse, but dont forget to carry more money and cards.

Sabiha: Sure, thanks. See you soon

Sabiha heaved a sigh of relief. Finally!!! She now had to rush to Al Khaleej Centre. She could draw the money from her account at Mashreq Bank. Infact she should withdraw all her money and close the account as well. Rushing down to the garage, she beckoned her chauffer and got into her Maserati Quattroporte, and instructed her driver.

Sabiha: QUICK!!! TO THE BANK!!!

Driver: Ok Madam. Errrrrr, and Madam, since two days we have a Ford Tempo following us.

Sabiha: WHAT? WHAT ARE YOU TALKING?

Driver: Madam, yes. The driver never comes out of the car when you are at office or home. Wherever we have gone, it has followed us. When you went to the parlor last evening, the driver came out and waited near the parlor, looking through the parlor window.

Sabiha: [gasping, and looking behind] Are you sure?

Driver: Yes madam. Same car is always behind us.

Sabiha: AIIYOO RAAMAA!!!!

She wondered why someone was following her. Had they got some clue about her plans? Aaiyoo Raaama!!! This was now becoming dangerous.

As they reached the bank and moved into the parking lot, she looked behind. Sure enough, the Tempo was following them. As she got out of the car, she turned and saw a man in robes get out of the car. She quickly walked up the stairs, and could hear the footsteps follow her. She rushed into the bank, and went straight to the Managers cabin.

Sabiha: Hello!

Manager: [looking up] Yes:

Sabiha: I wish to close my account please. Sabiha is my name. [she reeled out her account number].

The Manager keyed in the account number on to his computer. Seconds ticked by. Inspite of the air-conditioning Sabiha was wiping the sweat off her brow. The Manager looked up.

Manager: Madam, there is absolutely no money in your account!

Sabiha: WHAT?? That must be some mistake. Please check again.

The Manager smiled.

Manager: No madam!! Please check yourself.

As he turned the monitor for her to see, Sabiha gasped in horror. It was her account, and a single withdrawal to wipe her account clean had been done a day ago.

Sabiha: This is robbery!! Let me call the Police!!

Manager: [smiling and picking up the phone] Sure, I will do it myself Madam.

Sabiha wondered. She couldn't get the police involved. The local who had loaned his name as a co-owner to her business had clearly instructed her to never get into any involvement with the police. And moreover there were some wires into her account that could cause embarrassment, and more trouble if it was questioned. She realized she had been cornered. The Manager continued to smile at her discomfort.

Manager: Should I call the police?

She looked out of the Manager's office, and saw the man in robes who was following her having a conversation on his cell phone. He nodded his head vigourously, and then put the phone away, and started to walk towards the Manager's office. She looked at the Manager, and saw him looking at the robed man and smiling as well. In an instant she moved. As she moved and walked fast towards the exit, she saw the man change his course, and come after her instead of the Manager's office. The clandestine following seemed over. He was coming to get her now. She picked up speed and walked even faster. Glancing back she noticed that the man had increased his paces as well towards her.

As she got out onto Al Khaleej Road, she sprang into action. Moving onto the balls of her feet, she transferred her weight forward, and broke into a run. After all she was from the land of P T Usha, and she could run. She quickly thought how she could lose her nemesis. One place to get lost was the Gold Souk, but that was a good two kilometre dart. And then again, you never knew. That was a farily long distance, and if she were outpaced, she would be at his mercy. She quickly decided, and ran across the street, bringing some automobiles to a screeching halt. She ran into the Hyatt Regency, hoping to lose herself there. She didn't look back, not wanting to lose precious seconds. Running past the reception she headed towards the Club Olympus Fitness Center. Her thoughts went to Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant was on the 25th floor. Should she head there? Flying out of the fitness center, after making those in there gasp in shock, she headed for the elevators. Her nemesis had kept pace and she could see him a fair distance behind as she ran around the corner. To her luck, she saw one of the elevators stop, and the attendant come out helping someone with her bags. She sprang inside and punched the buttons to close the door. Her nemesis would have seen her get in. Thinking quickly, she punched numbers on the lift panel. Floor 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 25. She took a deep breath as the lift began its ascent with just her as the occupant. She got out on the ninth floor. The lift continued its passenger-train like journey upwards. She smiled. The goon at the base of the hotel would now be totally confused. She now had to plan her next strategy. She got into another lift, and told the attendant to take her to the fifth floor.

While Sabiha raced to save herself, the man who had followed Vikas to Musten's apartment in the Tata Indica, pulled out his cellular phone to make a report.

Scene 26 - Bangalores Own Pirates Of The Caribbean!!!

PDSC and the CAT girls tiptoed into the living room of Merlin's house. They could hear some sounds emanating from the kitchen. Dinner was getting ready.

Harini: [sniffing around, excited]: Mmmmmmm, bisi bela hulli anna madthaidaaray ansuthe!!!!

Sheetal: [glaring] Heyyyy quiet!!!!!!

PDSC looked around figuring out what to do. His brow was creased, layers of flesh cascading in a wavelike pattern. He had his mouth firmly closed and then stretched it wide. Like attempting to smile. It helped him to release tension. He looked all around. The suspect was definitely in some closed room. Since he lived with his parents he would indulge in whatever he did in a clandestine manner. Any room with open doors was a waste of time.

Someone seemed to move from the kitchen. "Who is that?" They could hear a lady's voice and as they quickly took cover behind the curtains, they heard the lady speak to herself. "Aiyyoo Raama!! Ask him to get salt quickly and he goes out leaving the door open!!! In these days and times, it is such a risk" The CAT girls and PDSC watched the lady close and bolt the door, and then she looked towards a staircase that seemed to go to a lower level. The lady walked closer to the staircase and yelled. "Merlinnnnnnnnnn!!! Dont study so hard, come up soon, dinner is getting ready." She moved back towards the kitchen, speaking to herself. "You lock yourself up down there while inside the house, and your father leaves the front door open without a care!!!"

Sheetal smiled. So there was a basement here. She looked at PDSC and Harini. They exchanged nods and quietly tiptoed down to the basement. As they walked down, Harini pulled out her Magnum.

PDSC: [rolling his eyes and whispering aloud] Aiiyoo Raama!! Yenadhu?????

Harini: Gothilva??? [Dont you know?] Dirty Harrynalli Clint Eastwood used this gunnu!!!! [she smiled very happily].

Sheetal: [annoyed] Hey put it away for now.

PDSC: [laughing] yeah yeah, I have a different weapon to use.

As Sheetal pulled our her hairpin in preparedness to tackle a locked door, she noticed to her surprise that the door was not locked. There was very dim lighting, and they pushed the door silently. A huge area came into view, and they stood there in utter shock.

The basement was huge. Atleast about thirty feet long and about fifteen feet wide. They could see the back of Merlin. Seated at a long desk. And the wall in front of him had monitors. The monitors seemed to be focused into homes of people. They could see a living room, they could see several bedrooms, bathrooms. One of the screens displayed a couple watching TV. Another showed Chiranthan doing an imaginary dance with an imaginary girl in his arms. Yet another showed a bedroom, the focus being directly on the bed. Three screens that were focused on the bathrooms had no action. And they saw Musten with his back, busy typing away into a keyboard.

Merlin seemed to have some control unit that enabled him to zoom in closer. Merlin zoomed into the laptop monitor apparently trying to read what was being typed. The couple watching TV suddenly got up and embraced. Merlin seemed to react. He let go the screen covering Musten, and turned his attention to the screen showing the couple. The couple seemed to move into another room. Merlin flicked a few switches and they saw another room come into view. A bedroom. They saw the couple enter that room.

Sheetal: [agitatedly] Oh my gawddddddddddd!!! We have a voyeur here, a scene straight out of Sliver!!!!

PDSC: [he grinned] Hmmmm, yessss, this fellow is into making amateur porno flicks!!!

Harini: [crestfallen] Aiiyoo Raama! Is he not a terrorist then? [she looked at Sheetal] What do we do? Shall we just catch him and tell High Command he was a spying terrorist?

PDSC: [grinning wickedly] shhhhh, wait wait, let us watch some action! [gleefully] See what that couple are now doing?

Sheetal swung hitting PDSC on the back of his neck, making his pony tail swing.

Sheetal: PERVERT!!! Let's go get him.

PDSC scowled. He was a cop, a feared one who even the toughest rowdies wouldn't even look in the eye, and this girl had hit him!!

Sheetal: Come on!!! What are you thinking?

PDSC shook his head to clear himself. And they moved towards Merlin, who was zooming onto the couple. Reaching from behind, PDSC threw his arm around Merlin's neck grabbing him by total surprise. Harini moved in front, legs spread and holding the Magnum with both hands, and Sheetal looking on intently. A terrified Merlin looked at them, eyes rolling in fear.

Merlin: Aiiyoo Raama!!! What is this? You can take whatever you want please don't shoot me!

Sheetal: Shoot? You better tell us what you are upto here?

PDSC: Producing porn films what else???

Merlin: [choking] Aiiyooo noooo nooooo. I am not!!!!!

PDSC used his other hand to pull out some white looking objects from his pocket. He tightened his arm around Merlin's neck, making him open his mouth.

PDSC: Look at this!!! There are two sleeping tablets and two laxatives!!! If you dont tell me the truth, I am going to make you swallow all these!!

Merlin: [choking badly] uh huh [shakes his head]

PDSC loosens his hold and Merlin coughs.

Merlin: Aiiyoo!! No no, I am spearheading a campaign against procreation!!!

Sheetal: [glaring] What? Campaign against procreation!! Who the hell are you to do that? And you watch people like this??

Merlin: No no, once I know who are into procreation, we go to their houses and............

PDSC: Yenu, live show bere beka??? [What? You want to watch them live]
Merlin: Nooooo, we are fighting against population growth, thats all!!!!

PDSC: I don't believe you man!!! I think you are part of the match fixing gang. Aren't you and Sarkar working together???

Merlin: Sarkar?? The only Sarkar is know is Big B!! Love his films!!!

Harini: Aiiyoo Rama!! I am getting tired of holding this gun!!

Merlin: Give me the gun!! I will hold it for you!!

PDSC slams his elbow into Merlin's neck, making him yell in pain.

PDSC: Tell me what your involvement with the match fixing is!!!

Merlin: Aiyo, I don't know anything!! Please leave me!! Who are you people.

Sheetal: Hey PD, what is this match fixing thing you are talking of?

PDSC wonders whether he made a mistake. What if these girls took the entire credit for this operation? Anyway, they had not achieved anything yet.

PDSC: uh huh nothing nothing

Sheetal: Come on!! Tell us, it could be something serious man!!

PDSC: Arre nothing. It is not relating to any terrorist activity at all yaar. It is some match fixing for the next Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.

Sheetal: Ohh!!!

Harini's phone rings.

Harini: Hello!

Chets: Hey, I got a lead for you girls. I got a call from a person in Dubai. She is scared to death. The Wood has given her orders to go the Caribbean! Something seems to be happening there! I have connected her with a guy in Germany for now. Hope she lands him into some serious trouble too!! [giggles]

Harini: Ok, thanks!! We will check it out.

As Harini disconnects the call, Sheetal arches her eyebrows!

Sheetal: Now this is getting interesting! You are talking of match fixing and The Wood is sending someone there.

PDSC: Hmmmm

Sheetal: I think there is some connection. Underworld and cricket connections.

PDSC looked crestfallen. Now this will surely go out of his hands. This girl was linking up match fixing to the underworld and will then tag it to terrorism.
At that point PDSC's cell phone rings. It was from the Police Station he was incharge of.

PDSC: Hello!!

Constable: Saar!! Namaskara!!!

PDSC: Namskara. Tell me

Constable: Saar, this new fellow in jail is shouting all the time saar!!

In the background the voice of JJ booms in again. "YENDHAAA SAAAR!!! LYYFE IMPRISHIONMENT!!!!"

PDSC: Hey, who is that? I don't recognise that voice

Constable: Saar, he was booked by Sarkar. I have put them with the Ayah Park rowdies.

PDSC: Oh, ok, are the Ayah Park rowdies behaving?

Constable: Yes saar!!

PDSC: OK ok, I will come there and deal with this fellow.

As PDSC disconnects the phone, Sheetal stares at him.

Sheetal: What was that? You were talking of Ayah Park rowdies???

PDSC: Yeah yeah, those fellows Ramesh and Vince.

Sheetal: Aiiyoo Raama!! They are our very good informers you fool!!! Let them out right now!!! Let them out right now, and let’s take them to the Caribbean to nab The Wood

PDSC: WHAT???? [looks in shock]. You want these drug addicts there? They wont even catch a crippled fly for you!!

Sheetal: [grinning] Set a thief to catch a thief!!!! Let them go there as the Pirates of the Caribbean!

PDSC: Aiyooo Raama!!!!

Sheetal: [turning to Harini] Ask High Command to order a Cessna Caravan 675 immediately. Lets go!!!

PDSC looked at Merlin, who is slumped in the chair. PDSC then laughed aloud and popped all the four tablets into his mouth.

Harini: Hey, didn't you say....

PDSC: hehehe that was just peppermintuuuuu!!!!

As they were about to move, they saw Musten turn. He faced the spy cam now. Getting up, he walked to the door and opened it. Standing in front of him was VikHash Dhishkiaoon

Scene 25 - The Genius of Vikas

Vikas had not been happy with life. His life had not been really going anywhere managing the garment business. Hard work and difficult markets to cater to. The idiot he reported to couldn’t figure out the semantics of the market in US and Europe. Always pointed US profitability to rip him apart in every meeting. “Look at number of people operating in US and the revenue per person!” He had been busting his backside for absolutely no recognition, absolutely no rewards. Frustrated he decided to get to Goa in the company of two bimbettes. He needed to release his stress. Ofcourse apart from everything else, there was a nice quantity of high quality Afghan hasish to enjoy as well.

He remembered the evening very well, when he stumbled upon an ingenious invention. It was September 11th 2001. Around 730pm. The bimbettes were asleep already, very tired. They would wake up around 9pm after which the partying will start all over again, into the wee hours of the morning. As he enjoyed a self made smoke, the images of the WTC bombing started filtering in. Horrific images. It was clear who was behind this. He thought of the ramifications. Airlines will collapse. America will wake up. It had been nothing short of a tight slap in the face by the terrorists. They would now go underground for a while. There would be a crack-down by US and other governments on illegal front companies that received funds post 9/11 had been a big boon for him. Terrorist activities depended on funds. Large funds. When money couldn’t be moved directly, they had to look at other means and avenues to generate the money from within whichever country they operated in. And narcotic drugs were money spinners anywhere.

The constant bickering on quality by his European customers had made Vikas study the various aspects of even cloth manufacturing. He had been so totally dedicated only to get the short end of the stick. He felt sore. As his eyes were fixed on the images flowing through CNN, his mind ticked away. And he smiled.

Hashish consists of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) rich resinous material of the cannabis plant, which is collected, dried, and then compressed into a variety of forms, such as balls, cakes, or cookie-like sheets. Hashish, or hash, is made by taking the resin from the leaves and flowers of the marijuana plant and pressing it into cakes or slabs. Hash is usually stronger than crude marijuana and may contain five to ten times as much THC. What if this could be blended with fabric? If this resinous material could blend with clothing fabric he could make garments that would pass through any airport security. The sniffer dogs will definitely figure out hash. They would kick an alarm. The traveler will be apprehended. A search of bags will happen. They would even strip search the traveler. But who looked at the clothes that a person wore? Inner garments, shirts, trousers and suits made of hash blended garments? Vikas smiled again. It should work. Security in any case was a joke in most places. They never knew where to look or what to look for. They allowed liquor bottles while they made a fuss over nail-clippers, not realizing how dangerous a glass bottle or liquor can be on a flight! Idiots.

It took him another five months to work on his plan. Finally he had the products ready. Inner and outer garments. He had ensured the smell of hash wasn’t a give away. Visits to Kashmir helped establish contacts. They were thrilled with the idea. But to make sure it worked they had wanted him to travel using what he created. Vikas weighed the risks. In a worst case scenario he can always plead ignorance about the clothes. He would buy exactly the same items from a reputed department store, and make sure he retained the bills. And that finally took him to Madrid. It worked! It worked wonderfully. He used different ports to enter Spain multiple times. Funding the Madrid bombings was the high point of his new career.

Now another call had come. The “raw material” for the suit had to be collected personally. He had covered his tracks well all the while. Never make calls. The only calls he got were the calls ordering for ‘suits’. And many people called him for that. He drove down to his contact, and quickly gave him the specifications. He will now need to meet Musten personally. He drove to the airport to take the flight to Bangalore. The mule had to be informed about the operation. He smiled happily as he boarded the flight.

And in the crummy jail at Bangalore, the trio of JJ, Lamesh and Vince were not aware of a life changing event that was coming their way. Vince had decided to learn English and Lamesh had been helping him with the alphabets. He recited, moronically. A for Aiiyoo!! B for Bindaas!! C for Chaaku!! D for Drama!!! JJ moved about agitated. He was very upset. He had been yelling all day, grabbing the bars and pressing his face against it. He was there again, yelling at the Head Constable.

“SSSSSSSSSSSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!! What is this saaaar!!! Life imprisonment!!! Leave me out saaaar, my milk is boiling saar!!!!!”

The HC looked at him again. This guy went on and on like a ‘do-loop’ in a buggy software program. He had to contact PDSC and check what to do!!! Sarkar was not contactable at all. PDSC always had solutions.

As he called PDSC, JJ bawled aloud again! “Boooillllinggggg saarr!! My milk is boiling saaar!!!!”

Scene 24 – Investigation Time Approaches Merlin

Unaware of the happenings, Merlin pops another groundnut and watches one of the hitherto inactive screens now show life. A hand comes into vision. Movement. The lizard spy cam is being handled. And then he sees Tasneem’s face. Apparently she had lifted the lizard spy cam that Musten had flung away. Now she was holding it at a distance and looking at it.
Then he hears her speak.

Tasneem: Arre!! What a cute looking lizard!! This should be in the hall, it will add so much beauty. Why is it lying here?
In a few seconds, the Jiruwala’s living room comes into view. Merlin smiled. These gadgets were damned good. He saw Musten, back to the spy cam, busy typing away on his laptop. BB post. He could see him type…………“Why has technology become such an inseparable part of life?” Merlin smiled. Sure it was, and thank god for it. He quite didn’t realize what he was in for in a short while.

Outside his house. PDSC and the CAT girls tiptoed around the house. PDSC looked around to see if there were any open windows or back-door. People remained careless at times. And when something went wrong they vented their spleen on the authorities. Especially the police. Like there could be a policeman to protect every individual around. PDSC noticed Harini looking around the ground very suspiciously.

PDSC: [whispering] Harini! What are you looking for?

Harini: [aloud, in a tone of anxiety] Doggy poo!! I am very scared of dogs man!!! If there is doggy poo here, it will confirm there is a dog in the house.

PDSC: [slightly harsh whisper] Aiyyyooo Raama!! Don’t worry!! I will take care of the dog! If there is one! Anyway, it would have barked by now.

Harini: [rolling eyes] ok, please make sure.

PDSC then sees Sheetal pull out a packet of Davidoff and flick her Zippo lighter.

PDSC: [harsh whisper] What are you DOINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG???????

Sheetal: [lighting up] Hmmm, I think better when am smoking. Have you seen Sherlock Holmes?

PDSC: Rama! Rama!!!! The smoke can be a giveaway that there is someone here!! Anyway, since you lit up, give me a puff too plissssssssssss hehhehhehee

Sheetal: [passing her Davidoff] ummmm tell me, you are anyway in uniform, a cop. Why don’t we knock the door and go in and interrogate?

PDSC: hmmmm, nice cigarette yaar!! [takes another deep drag] Sakkathhagidde!!!! [it’s fantastic]

Sheetal: Give it back!!! And knock the door, lets go in.

PDSC: [taking another desperate deep drag before reluctantly handing back the cigarette] Aiiyyooo Rama!! Always take the enemy by surprise. Half your battle is won if you give him no time to think.

Harini: Well, men don’t think much anyway!!!! [giggles]

PDSC: [glaring] heyyyy…

Suddenly they hear the front door open, and find an elderly gentleman walk out to the gate, leaving the door ajar.

PDSC winks at the girls.

Sheetal: How dare you wink at me?? Idiot!!!

The man walks out of the gate now.

PDSC: Cheee!!! I didn’t mean it that wayyyyy!! The door is open, let’s get inside.

Harini: But dogs?

PDSC: [pushing Harini] If you don’t stop, I will bite worse than a dog.

Quietly they slip inside the house.

Scene 23 – Delhi Dada Dhishkiaoon

Vikas chewed on his Havana cigar, as he sat in his office with his legs propped on the desk. A very content smiled draped is face. He still had a light hangover from the birthday party two days back. He took the cigar from his mouth and blew at the smoldering tip. Suddenly a fit of ‘cheekhna’ took over him, and his cheeks still felt sore from all the pecking that had come his way. He shifted himself more comfortably in his swivel chair.

From his mezzanine level office he watched the rows of sewing machines whirring away. He lazily gazed that new cloth samples that lie on his discussion table in the corner. He dragged deeply on his cigar again, and patted his stomach, reflectively. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places. For many people. Not for him anyway. He was glad he had remained fit and trim. Just a receding hairline and the beginnings of a ‘sunflowery’ view if someone looked at him from a higher floor. He took a deep drag and rolled the smoke around his tongue, and blew rings. As he watched one of the rings slowly drift towards his feet, he moved his right foot to break the fading ring.

He buzzed for his assistant, and waited. She came in, without uttering a word, and looked at him. Vikas turned his head towards the samples and moved his head towards the door. She understood him. She quietly picked up the samples and walked out as Vikas watched her and sucked on his cigar again. He was a man of very few words. He spoke only when it was needed, and the words were always carefully measured.

The red phone on his desk rang, and he eased his legs off the desk and picked up the phone.

Caller: VD?

Vikas: Haan.

Caller: Two foreign suits needed.

Vikas smiled happily. He had made one really awesome innovation that had helped him amass his riches. Here was another order coming through.

Vikas: Ok, the usual?

Caller: Yes. But personally deliver it at Bangalore.

Vikas: Bangalore?

He smiled again. Happily. He could meet up with some friends and also meet and bash that wannabe writer who was massacring his spotless reputation with some silly posts. He now grinned happily.

Caller: Yes. Deliver them to Musten

Vikas: MUSTEN????????????????

Caller: Yeah, by next week. Paisa wire ho jayega.

Vikas: Same cheese account, right?

Caller: Yes. No need to mention.

The call got disconnected.

He swung his legs on the table and reminisced. It was not going to be pleasant meeting Musten. He disliked him so much. But there was no avoiding him. He would have to drape him, and also give him clear instructions. He took a deep breath and reached for his phone again. He had to place an order for the raw material right-away. And get into the act of stitching the ‘foreign suit’. This was something he had to do all on his own. The money was worth it. He smiled happily again as he thought of his swelling Swiss account balance.

Around that time, PDSC and the CAT women scaled the walls of Merlin’s house and stealthily looked around. PDSC grinned happily and rubbed his hands with glee. Action time!!!

Scene 22 – Sabiha needs help

Chetana switched off the TV. The images were too gruesome. A slight shudder shook her up. Her daily chuk chuk chuk route was laden with blown compartments and bodies. She wondered what the ramifications would be at High Command. Perhaps the CAT force should have been more effective. Terrorist events were difficult to avoid, especially if they struck at the soft belly of the community. The solution, if there was one, lay in weeding out the roots. The masterminds behind these actions. Those who funded these endeavors. They had to be weeded out. Covert activities needed covert responses. Her deep thoughts were disrupted by the shrill ring of the secure line phone. She looked at it, in total surprise. After the blasts, the phones had worked for just a short while. Both the land and the cellular lines had died out completely. She had wondered a while ago they completely went out of service. Busy signals or jamming in some sections perhaps. But did the entire city had to get disconnected. The shrill ring repeated and she picked the phone.

Chets: Hello.

The voice on the other end sounded fraught with some sense of fear. It was Sabiha.

Sabiha: Chets!! Sabiha here!

Chets: Hi!! How did you know this number to reach me?

Sabiha: Oh, well. I have ways and means Chets, don’t worry.

“Don’t worry?” Chets wondered. This was supposed to be a highly confidential communication line!!! Only those who were part of the covert network to eradicate terrorism should know it. And there were just very few. Was Sabiha part of the network?
She didn’t recall her name on any lists at all.

Sabiha: Hello!! Are you there?

Chets: Yes, yes. Tell me, how are you?

Sabiha: Oh, I am in trouble, that’s why I called you?

Chets: Trouble? When did you come to Mumbai? Thought you were in Dubai?

Sabiha: Oh no!! Am not at Mumbai, am at Dubai, wishing I were elsewhere!!!!

Chets: Ohhh, any terrorist activity there?

Sabiha: Oh god, how do you know?

Chets: Know? No! Am asking you.

Sabiha: Well Chets, I need help. I need to get out from here. The Wood called me, and I have been asked to be ready to go to the Caribbean’s.

Caribbeans? Chets wondered. They had never got any information about cells in that part of the world.

Sabiha: Hello, please, quick. I cant speak for long. My calls may get traced!!!!!!

Chets could sense the desperation in her voice. She was frightened, in a grip of terror. What help did she need?

Chets: What help Sabiha???

Sabiha: Roops has answered or responded to my calls. I need to get out from here. To anywhere. US, Europe! Down under, anywhere. Quickly, but I need some contact there.

Chets wondered. Why not India? Why not Africa? This girl had attractive choices where she wanted to go as well!! A mischievous smile danced on her face.

Chets: Ok, here is my Munich buddy’s number. Call him, and he will help you out.

She reeled out Prabhu Ram’s number.


In Germany, Prabhu finished his online booking. Tickets to Miami were confirmed. Three days to wind up, and make the most of the money possible. He had to make sure no one realized he was winding up and leaving this place for good. His mind had been so busy, he had even stopped grieving for Germany’s FIFA loss now. The funds were promised into his account tomorrow. He needed to make sure the wire happened. As he decided to head to Biergarten, his phone rang.

And n Bangalore, PDSC parked his jeep about four streets away from Merlin’s house. Surprise was the name of the game in any investigation. The suspect had to be taken by total surprise. Never give any time to think. Never give any time to the suspect check options and answer. The longer the mind was given time, eliciting the correct information became more harder. He hoped he could really spring a surprise at this surveillance expert. What in the world was he upto, he wondered as he and the CAT girls tiptoed towards Merlin’s house.

Scene 21 – CAT Girls And PDSC Join Forces

Unaware were the CAT gals that the front tyre had encountered a nail on the road, and layers of rubber have begun to peel off the tyres. And at that time we had PDSC cozily slouched in the Gold Class, having finished a sumptuous meal and drink as he watched Rang De Basanti.

As the Bridgestone tyres finally gave away completely, the tyre rims hit the road, showering sparks. The Tucson swayed wildly, making Sheetal realize something was amiss. Calvin bounced on Harini’s lap as she screamed in terror, and it was more enhanced by the sparks flying by her window. The ABS brake system worked well as Sheetal slammed the brakes in panic.

From a small distance, PDSC, on his way to figure out this Merlin character, stopped his jeep. He smiled as he saw the Tucson skid onto the pavement. “So safe to avoid the pavements when women are behind the steering wheel!!! Aiyooo Raama!!” he chuckled to himself, and sat watching what this was all about.

Inside the Tucson, Sheetal and Harini increased their intake of oxygen furiously. They glanced at each other nervously, slowly trying to get their composure back.

Sheetal: Jeez!!! Don’t they make better tyres in India?

Harini: Ya! Looks like the iron industry does better than the tyre industry.

Sheetal: What do we do now?

Harini: [picking up Calvin and Hobbes from the floor] I don’t know!!!!!

Sheetal: No, we need to think!!!!

Harini: Yeah, I think we should think.

Sheetal: Let’s see. Now… what would have Calvin done if here were in this situation?

Harini: hmmmmm…. Checked with Hobbes?

Sheetal: EXACTLY!!!! Lets call High Command, our Hobbes!! Hehehehee!!

Harini: FANTASTIC IDEA, LET’S DO IT!!!

Harini got back to the embedded secure two-way radio on her watch dial. Buzzed. After a few rings, Chets answers the call.

Chets: Frigging morons!!!!

Harini: WHAT? What did you say?????????

Chets: Oh, no no.. not you. Was cursing these sainik who was throwing stones in my direction.

Harini: Oh, ok!! High Command! Magnum specialist Harry calling! Over.

Chets: Oh yes, have you gotten any leads? Over

Harini: Oh, we just have got a flat!! Over

Chets: Duhh!!! Flat or house!!!! Who cares!!!!. Have you got any leads on the case? Over

Harini: Oh, you are talking of the case? Sorry. I was talking about our SUV! Over

Chets: What about the SUV? Over

Harini: Well, we have a flat tyre and it looks ruined completely!!! Over

Chets: Huh? You are calling me to report a flat tyre? A puncture? Regulations don’t need you to report this to me. Over

Harini: No no, we need your help to get a new vehicle!!!

Chets: WHAT???????? A NEW VEHCILE?????????? LOOK, HERE I USE THE CHUK CHUK CHUK OR AT TIMES EVEN HAVE TO SWIM TO OFFICE AND HOME AND BACK, AND YOU WANT ANOTHER VEHICLE? I WILL SEND TWO BULLOCKS AT THE BEST!!! AND WHEN AM NOT SWIMMING BACK HOME, NEED TO DUCK THE STONES BY THESE RIOTING SAINIKS HERE!! OVER AND OUT!!!!

Chets disconnects.

Harini: Oh dear, that jealous girl wont help us!!

Sheetal: Hmmmm, what do we do now???

Harini: Let’s do some Calvin thinking again.

PDSC knocked on the window with his lathi. He had watched with amusement first and then something about the number plates made him walk up.

Sheetal: [rolling windows down and seeing a cop] Oh good!!! Thank god you are here!

PDSC: Thank god? For what??

Sheetal: See, we have a flat tyre.

PDSC: [walking across to Harini’s side to look at the tyre] I see!!!! I see that!!!

Sheetal: [leaning across Harini] Can you get this fixed?

PDSC: [glaring ] Huh? Do I look like a freaking vulcanizing shop owner to you??

Sheetal: Look you are cop, you must help us

PDSC: You think I have nothing better to do? I was on my way for a very important investigation!!

Harini: Hey dude!! Look, I cant tell this but we are also on a very critical mission, you know!!

PDSC: OIC!!! What is the mission?

Harini: To go to Barista first

PDSC: WHAT? Barista? [by now the beers guzzled all day long take a little effect] I am on my way to unravel a match fixing ring and you want me to take you to Barista?
Harini: No no, we were going to discuss what next to do at Barista.

PDSC: about what????

Sheetal: Look!! We cant tell you anything because our regulations don’t permit us telling anyone we are CAT specialists.

PDSC felt like he was hit by a sledge-hammer. The beer effects disappeared immediately. CAT!!! Ofcourse he knew what it was. And these girls were CAT specialist? He became instantly alert. Straightening up, he smiled.

PDSC: Oh, am sorry!! I will ofcourse help you. [looking at his watch] But I need to go for this investigation, why don’t you both join me? After I finish work, we can have some beers at Alibi and then go fix your vehicle.

Sheetal and Harini look at each other. And then smile.

Harini: COOL!!! I love kingfisher!! I love Saurav Ganguly too!!

PDSC: Aiiyoo Rama!! Are you a cricket fan too? Anyway lets go.

As the three walked towards the police jeep, Merlin sat in his basement surveillance cell. He chuckled as he listened to Musten talking to Roop. And then finally he saw Musten realize he had left one of his own invention on, by mistake. As he saw Musten reach for the lizard-spy cam and turn it off, he let out a happy long yawn and popped some more peanuts. He looked at his watch. All the procreation action can happen soon. Right now the screens had uninteresting things going on. He yawned again, and hoped it will be an action filled night. And he was completely unaware of PDSC and the CAT girls driving towards his home.

And in another part of town, Sarkar was stranded on the Hosur Road traffic mess. He slammed his cell phone off with disgust. Ever since returning from the Caribbean he just had not been able to get hold of Greg. Was he still partying this historic win of the Indian side? There were so many things to take care of, and he had to speak with the Coach very soon.

Scene 20 - Distraught in Germany

Biergarten was not very full today. He sat in a corner, far from the crowded parts, preferring the solace that privacy provided. Ever since the semi-final loss a pall of gloom had descended over the country. He gulped another jagermeister and looked at Gisela at the bar counter. His nod of the head was understood by her. Another drink. He was a regular customer here. But Gisela had never seen him have so many drinks. She wondered and thought he was drowning the sorrows of the lost game. A bunch of interested fans were at the huge TV screen watching the over-time play of the finals. Italians!!!! They had messed up everything – those last few minutes were the worst he had to endure in life till date.

The loss to Italy had been so very painful for him. It was an unexpectedly brilliant run leading up to the semifinals. And he had done very well in his large apartment at Munich. The professionals of the oldest profession in the world had descended from all over the country, to make a killing. They sought economical accommodation. He had rented his apartment to six girls from Lubeck. He suspected two of them were actually from Denmark, but then he didn’t care. The only issue he had was when they wanted to entertain their clients at his apartment. He had not bargained for that. The matter was settled and he opted to let them conduct business for some more euros. And then he had wagered every Euro he had on Germany winning the semi-finals and the finals!!! The loss to Italy now left him in ruins. Total financial disarray. He looked out of the window. The weather was good. In the upper 60s. He grimaced as he downed the drink that Gisela had brought him. Gisela stood at the table and looked at him. He looked back at her and a wry smile escaped his lips. Gisela touched his forehead. A gentle touch. An expression of sympathy, and then she went back to work.

He moved and stepped out on the patio hear his table, and lit a Haus Brinkmann and took a deep drag. As he exhaled, his cell phone rang. He looked at the number that was displayed. Didn’t make sense at all. Was an overseas call, and he couldn’t place the location. He answered. A very unfamiliar voice.

From the counter Gisela watched him speak. She could see some change in expression. Not good changes. Some bad news perhaps. She saw his face scowl. Curious, she made her way to the patio. There were a few empty tables which she could clear. She went past him and heard him speak. Some strange foreign language. Not German. She made her way back and watched him speak for the next 10 minutes.

And then she saw him make his way back to the table, and look up at her. He signaled again. He had one too many to drink today. She walked over to his table.

She looked at him, hands folded across her chest. “Ist alles in Ordnung? Sie haben mehr als Sie normalerweise machen Sohn getrunken [Is everything alright? You have drank more than you normally do son]”

He looked up and smiled. “Ohh, bin fein. Nur fein. Ein letztes Getränk. Wir haben das verdammte Spiel verloren!!!” [ohh, am fine. Just fine. One last drink. We lost the damned game!!!]

She patted his shoulder and smiled at him. “Stimmen Sie, ein letztes Getrank zu. Sie mussen Ihre Grenzen kennen” [Ok, one last drink. You need to know your limits.]

He looked up and smiled. A sad smile. “Ja nach nur noch einem Getränk gemacht. Dank!” [Yes, am done after just one more drink. Thanks!] He tapped her hand, gesturing his thanks.

As she went to get his last drink, his mind went back to the call. It was a shocker. He was being tracked. Someone had all the details about him. And he was left with no options, but to take up the new assignment they were ordering him to undertake. They had however offered him good money. And a trip to the Caribbean. Maybe, he could pull it off and recoup all his losses. He was on the verge of bankruptcy. As he counted the coins to pay for his drinks, he thought over the call and the instructions.

It was a very very confidential and high-stake assignment. He had heard of The Wood. For him to be personally calling him meant this was big! Very big. There was a contact from Dubai who will join him. They had to tread carefully as well. Apparently the Indian intelligence had formed a special CAT cell to probe into this matter. Apparently they were clueless and depending on junkies from some Ayah Park for leads. He recalled the other Indian contact name. Sarkar. Easy to remember. He was himself a Big B fan. He felt he could pull it off. It was shrouded in mystery and had deep risks, but then big money was never without big risks. And he needed the money. All the money he could get in a short frame of time. Prabhu Ram smiled for the first time since the semi-final loss to Italy.

As Prabhu walked towards the counter to pay, there was a big groan from the crowd at the giant TV screen. Italy had won the game on penalty kicks. The nemesis had gone all the way. Prabhu smiled again. Life had different issues to deal with now.

Scene 19 – The CAT Girls Get A Bright Idea

HC: What? Informants from Ayah Park? God bless this country. OVER AND OUT!!
Chets hung up on the call with Harini and sighed. Playing the role of the High Command and the go-between the Defence Ministry and these CAT girls was getting on to her nerves. She looked outside her window. The rains were gaining momentum. She loved the rains. She fondly remembered the times when she saw the guys playing football from her house. She used to love ogling at the hunks playing football in the playground. And the romantic trip in shorts to Mahabs with her boyfriend that was so cruelly cut short by mosquitoes!! They had seem some horror Hollywood flick the previous day, where the bees came in swarms and attacked the entire community. That had made them really charge back to the safety of Amchi Mumbai. Now instead of enjoying the rains she had to make a report on the progress these two CAT girls were making. What progress? Of all the people they were relying on that socialite and Vince - both utterly useless characters. Chets just couldn’t understand what value the Ministry saw in these two girls. They had virtually done nothing, but were assigned what was considered one of the top security cases. She sighed again, and looked the rain that was hammering the window. She wished she could go out and dance in the rain. But she had to file a report. And here the old men were hitting on her frequently too. Aiyoo Raaama!! What a life!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sheetal pushed the Tucson into higher gear and pressed down the accelerator. The Tucson sped. She loved the four wheel drive. The 2.0 liter CRDi engine gave power and torque that was amazing at 112 Ps & 25 kgm at as low as 2000 rpm. She had checked the ABS break system. It was important to control the vehicle. It was not just speeding. It was all about being aware of what the other drivers were expected to do on the roads. Driving was such a joy. She looked at Harini who was checking out some Calvin book.

Sheetal: Hey Harry

Harini: [looking up from the book] yeah?

Sheetal: Did you borrow that from me?

Harini: [surprised] Ofcourse not.

Sheetal: oh, can I borrow it?

Harini: Ummmmmm, I am not keen on lending stuff given by my boyfriend!

Sheetal: YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND?????????????!!!!!!!!!

Harini: [strutting in her seat] Ofcourse!!

Sheetal: Aiyooo Raaama!! Don’t you know it is against regulations to have any personal male connections?

Harini: Is that so? Who reads regulations anyway. [sighs] I guess I will be better off as a lesbian then!!

Sheetal: [shocked] WHAT? Aren’t you one?

Harini buries her nose deeper into Calvin.

Sheetal: I have an idea!!

Harini: Great, tell me….
Sheetal: Lets stop over for an iced tea..

Harini: Wow!! That’s so cool!! Where at?

Sheetal: ummmmm………. lets hit Brios.

Harini: And what do we do about the case? Do we have any leads?

Sheetal: I think we should go see Da Vinci Code.

Harini: A move? When there is a matter of such great national importance!!

Sheetal: arre pagli – we may get some good ideas from the film. It’s a mystery fillum. And moreover it is ages since I went to PVR.

Harini: [clapping hands] KEWL!! I love Forum Mall!!!

As the Tucson speeds towards Forum Mall, the ride suddenly becomes very bumpy.

Harini: Damn, why is it that am reading Calvin and feeling like Tigger???

Unaware are the CAT gals that the front tyre had encountered a nail on the road, and layers of rubber have begun to peel off the tyres.

And at PVR, PDSC is cozily slouched in the Gold Class, having finished a sumptuous meal and drink as he watched Rang De Basanti. Ofcourse,he didn’t have to pay for anything.

Scene 18 – The Wood Comes Calling

The 50th floor of the skyscraper Emirates Office Tower. The black phone on Sabiha’s desk rang. It always had made her happy. But today, she looked at the number that flashed on the caller-ID with a sense of absolute terror. It was “The Wood” calling her! This was trouble. Should she pick the phone? Or just let it ring and die. Inspite of the excellent air-conditioning she began to perspire. Eyebrows raised, worried lines on the forehead. Aiyo Raaama!! What should she do? The ringing finally ended. There was no answering machine for the black phone. No one anyway ever left names and numbers when they called this number. No point in leaving around information that could connect up things when in trouble.

Everyone knew The Wood. Inspite of him moving to Karachi, he still was operative and controlled a lot of business here. And everyone knew what he was involved in. Sabiha didn’t want any of that. He surely wasn’t calling for some human resources. She now regretted booking the condo in Burj Al Arab. That must have put her name on the radar. She cursed herself for not being more careful. She should have maintained a low profile. Getting involved with The Wood could mean anything. Anything. And that could mean coming under the radar of international agencies. Interpol. CIA. And she so wanted to get to the West as soon as possible. She just recently had read the proposal to increase H1B visas. She read about the amnesty given to illegal immigrants. She could manage so easily to be underground for a couple of years. She sure didn’t want to run to Portugal with someone and then go to Mumbai handcuffed. No way. Sabiha sighed with a sense of anguish. This was not good at all. She hoped it was a wrong call. The call perhaps was not meant for her. A wrong connection. She prayed it was so. She wiped her forehead and reached for the buzzer. She needed something to drink. Her throat was dry as a desert.

She almost lost her balance and fell off her chair as the black phone rang again flashing the name of the The Wood. It would make no sense not to pick the phone and speak. She couldn’t avoid them. The doors would be knocked soon. Broken too, if need be. She wiped the sweat off her forehead and picked the phone.

Sabiha: [very softly] Hello……

Caller: Haan, hello. Main bol rahan hoon

Sabiha: [wiping her forehead] haan….. yes…..

Caller: Aap pehechante hain ke kuan hoon?

Sabiha: Haan…

Caller: Theek hai, theek hai…. Naam lene ke zararoot nahin.

Sabiha: OK.

Caller: We need to meet.

Sabiha: MEET???????????????????

Caller: Yes, we need to meet. There is an important discussion we need to have. Do you have a visa to the West Indies?

Sabiha almost dropped the phone. West Indies? It was fairly close to Florida, right?

Sabiha: No

Caller: Get one! I will call you back in a week.

The Wood disconnected the call. Sabiha stared at the phone in her hand. She couldn’t make sense of this. Why West Indies of all the places? She wasn’t sure whether to be happy or sad. West Indies. Why? Didn’t make any sense. But she was going to be meeting The Wood. She shuddered. Can she disappear in a week without trace? Just get out? She shook her head. She could run, but she wouldn’t be able to hide. The tentacles of The Wood were all over. Everywhere. She collapsed into her chair wondering what to do. Whom to call for help? Whom to call for advice? Who? And a name came to her mind. She managed a smile, a very small one.

Scene 17 – Merlin Gets Ready For Action

PDSC checked the address of this buyer of surveillance equipment. Merlin. He knew where he lived. Would be a good idea to first surprise him. Surprise was a key element in his work. Hit them unawares. He made up his mind to pay Merlin a visit first. He wanted to find out how many more tapes were available. How did they get these recorded? Man!!! Big time!!! He will tackle Sarkar after finding out how much ‘backing’ he had from someone high up. He looked at his watch. The night time would be good to deal with Merlin. He had a few hours to kill. He could sneak up and see the Da Vinci Code at PVR in Forum. And then it would be sufficiently dark to go down and pay Merlin visit. PDSC smiled. This was turning out to be an awesome day.

Not far away, Merlin crawled back into his surveillance den. That was a heavy evening snack indeed! Curd rice. The curds were a tad bit sour but the pickles had made it feel heavenly. He burped heartily, and scratched his bald pate. That awesome feeling of satisfaction when he scratched himself. He smiled. Flicked some switches and had the images come up. All fourteen screens were on. But he knew it would be dull evening. Not much of procreation activity happened during this time of the day, though there was this one wild dog that was unpredictable. He was hoping he will become active today. One of the screens caught his attention. Shocking. Indeed it was shocking for he was now watching Musten of all the people. Musten, who had designed and developed his spy cams. He was the one who came up with the idea of lizard shaped surveillance cameras. It was brilliant. Merlin wanted cockroaches. He felt that was appropriate. But Musten was clear. People could stamp out or smash cockroaches or try some stupid spray. But when it came to lizards they were very averse to getting close to it. They looked away. It was safer with the lizard-model. The lizards were programmed to also move up and down the walls. And Merlin could also control them from his den. How in the world did Musten leave one in his own bathroom? Oh!! He must have used one for testing purposes and forgot. Merlin zoomed in on Musten now, and flipped on the audio. Musten was dialing on his mobile phone. Merlin watched and listened intently.

Musten: Roop?

Roop: JJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJJJJJJJJUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!

Musten: Hey, what is this am hearing?

Roop: Haan Jijju, me coming to India!!!

Musten: Why?

Roop: To find my brother!

Musten: [confused] Brother? What brother?

Roop: Oh, I will tell you when am there!

Musten: No, don’t come here, it is very dangerous a country for women you know! Every third women here gets molested and every chap here in India is a potential molester.

Roop: Why me worry, aaap hai na!!

Musten: Mein? Kis kaam ka?

Roop: Arre Jiju, don’t worry, I am sure you will take good care of me

Musten: Haan I will but you stay there now, because…

Roop: Oh Jijju, I will talk later to you. I need to make some posts on BB and then pack for my early morning flight to India!! BYE!!!

Roop disconnects.

Musten: Arre ROOP!! ROOP!!!! HELLO!! HELLO!!!!!!

From outside the bathroom door

Tas: Hmmm, what are you yelling for Roop inside the bathroom?

Musten: Arre, I was asking for SOAP!! SOAP!!!!

Tas: hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Musten realized it was becoming grave, the situation. He had to act quickly. He couldn’t have Roop coming here, when he was headed to Calgary. The entire plans will collapse. He had to stop her. There was only one hope now. He had to call Chandru. He was the only one who could now help. As he wondered, and his gaze went over the bathroom walls he suddenly saw his own creation – the lizard spy cam!

Musten: Aiyoo Ramaaa!! I forgot to remove this one!!

As he reached to remove the spy cam, Merlin chuckled to himself. He couldn’t follow what was going on.

Elsewhere, not aware of the developments Sarkar dragged JJ into the jail where Ramesh and Vince were already lodged. Seeing JJ come in Ramesh sprang to his feet. He rushed towards him.

Ramesh: MOI MACCHAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!

JJ: Huh? You here too ?

Ramesh: MOI MACCHAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!

Ramesh jumps and hugs JJ, and both go sprawling on the floor as Vince winces looking at them.

Scene 16 – PDSC Cracks The Code

PDSC got back to Tuscan Verve. To finish another beer. He was excited. He had probably stumbled on something really big. Really big. He noticed a few folks from BBN having a discussion. About some mixer. Friday night. Free for the girls. He gulped the beer down, and thought of the images he had seen and what he had heard. Hair rising stuff. He plucked at his short pigtail and smiled.

The BBN and Tuscan Verve guys had come to some agreement. They were now shaking hands. He now had to plan the next move really carefully. Who can he trust? Trust not to take the limelight away from him? Nobody.

The moment he had seen Sarkar’s face on the video screen he had become alert. PDSC remembered him from his Ryze page and the posts. He mentioned he also played some cricket. Worked for the CID. Was he involved? Whom can you trust these days!! He seemed to be the connection for the next big cricket betting scheme covering the next World Cup! Aiyoo Raaamaa! It all made sense to PDSC now. The Australians were fully into it now. They wanted to win the WC at any cost. Like a jig-saw puzzle, the pieces fell into place now. The first move had been to plant Greg Chapps as coach. And he made sure Saurav Dada was thrown out of the team!! The next logical target was the nemesis of Aussies. Laxman. He recalled reading on the cricket forum that VVS had been the highest scorer of runs in the previous year, with the maximum hundreds. He was also thrown out. The Australian trainers and phsyio! Aiyo Rama!! No wonder Sachin was also unfit with his elbow first, and now shoulder! Aiyo Raaama!!! How diabolical! They also had another Aussie coaching Sri Lanka! No wonder India defeated SL so easily. The Ozzies were at work. And to think that Sarkar was the kingpin of the deals out of India. How did he get connected? Probably the connection of his state-mate Shib Sundar Das! He played a while for India!! That was it!!! PDSC smiled. He was able to thread together the various pieces. It was all so logical. Was the underworld involved too? Was there a Dubai or a Karachi connection? Can’t be ruled out.

Scene 15 - Black Deeds And The Black Phone

She sat in her office. The 50th floor of the skyscraper Emirates Office Tower. She clasped her hands, like giving herself a handshake. Her legs on the desk in front, crossed. Like Big B in Deewar. At the helm. In control. She spread her feet and closed them again. Repeated the action of closing them, and spreading them open a couple of times. Some day there would be guys standing there in front of her, hands folded. She would indicate a dismissal when she closed her feet. She adjusted her latest pair of Gucci sunglasses and smiled. Life had been good but can be better. You don't spend forty years in a country and not be successful.

She wished at times she could have done everything on her own. But the local laws mandated a local investor; a co-owner. No escaping that. She didn't mind being bossed around once in a while. But for the most part, she controlled her life. Things were successful now. She was able to recruit people with the snap of a finger. She made a mental calculation of those she had found jobs in Dubai. Thousands every year! Clerks to managers; menial laborers to technical professionals; belly-dancers to the 5-Star Professionals; waiters to chefs -- she was quite the all-rounder. She dealt with everything that had money. Jobs, liquor, dancers, establish contacts. It was good to be operating in a hub where there were a lot of criminals too. The only thing she kept away from was drugs. She didn't want something that could cripple and close business overnight. Maybe if she moved out of this place, she would make an attempt. She enjoyed recruiting the best. Name the type of resource you wanted and she will find it for you. Her contacts were worldwide in the third world. She was disappointed with Afghanistan and Iraq. Inspite of the trouble, people were not moving out of these places, the expat workers. She had hoped the Taliban gunning down Suryanarayana would cause an exodus. More jobs; more needs; more business for her. But alas!! Nothing of that nature, even by a remote chance. Everyone seemed happy.

She moved her feet off the desk and flipped her laptop open. Logged into her bank account. Her fingers danced on the keyboard. She had to make the final payment for her spanking condo in Burj Dubai. A few key strokes more. Account number. Password. Reference. CLICK. The final installment paid. She smiled. A good investment. She had come with nothing. Infact came with a lot of debts back home.

But she wished she could move westward. She had been trying to develop her contacts worldwide, especially the western side. Roop seemed like a good contact. She had been engaging in conversation with her frequently. Chandresh in US. She wished he were more active. She had silently made a vow to herself. She will be out of this city by the end of the year.

Her black phone rang. This was the business line. She smiled. This was the hush-hush business line. No names were exchanged here. Only very limited and very special people knew this number. It also meant big bucks when this phone rang. Very big bucks. Smiling to herself, she reached for the phone. Her smile vanished when she saw the name and number that appeared on the caller-ID.

Scene 14 – It’s Big Time Buddy!

PDSC settled into a comfortable couch and sipped his beer at TV. These were small time rogues. Not much money. Just the satisfaction of some dadagiri. He looked at the video camera. Was it really the ACP's machine? He picked it and inspected it. Odd. One of the connectors had a broken wire. He checked and found it was not a digital camera. Damn. Old tape camera. He rewound the tape to see what was recorded. He sipped as the tape whirred back and started to play. The images started to show and PDSC watched. Vaguely bored. And then it happened. He saw a familiar face. Voices. A conversation on phone. Damn! He couldn't believe what he was seeing. It was just unbelievable, what he had chanced upon. This was something really big, the ramifications will be huge. Will involve the country at large. Maybe finally a chance to be on the national stage, forget even local locality popularity. He could become a national hero overnight. The image changed. Now he saw a terrified face of Vince diving towards the camera. And then it went blank.

Gulping down the beer PDSC hurried out, calling the Cop who located the camera. Where had he found the camera? As he got the details he rushed to Ayah Park. The bush. He looked inside. And there it was. A broken wire. Apparently the camcorder had been planted there to record something. Who would have done this? He had to find whoever was operating this. There could be more information. He could then plan his action.

He whipped out his cell phone again. Call the local electronics guy. Find out who bought surveillance equipment in recent times. Not Corporates. Any individual. He didn't think any corporate would be involved in this. Fifteen minutes. The information was on hand. Six hotels had bought equipment. Mostly for CCTV. One individual name stood out. Purchase on credit. The buyer had to give his personal information. PDSC smiled. Not just the address, he could get his entire jathaka now!!! Its big time buddy, he told himself.

Scene 13 - KHB Goes Under Total Surveillance

Life really had changed in recent weeks for Merlin. He was getting tired of the things happening around him. His friends were getting married, but to what end? Their husbands just watched porn, and he was forced to only chat with the friends on messengers!!

The final straw really was that morning when he was having his coffee and found people assembled near his house. The KHB Quarters. The woman with 17 kids had died. After that day he completely gave up drinking coffee.

And now came this 27% reservation!! It was time to put and end to procreation. Then reservation will become a non-issue as well. He decided he will devote his life to the noble cause. Stop procreation. Nasbandi!!! A cause that will help the country. A cause that will stop valuable resources being spread too thin.

He quickly worked on how to achieve his objective. He formed the Procreation Is Simply Stupid group, and made himself the President. He quickly got hold of the local cable operator. A long time buddy ever since the days they played gilli danda and later graduated to gully cricket. After he met him, TV images didn't come on in any of the houses. Problem with transmission. He masqueraded as the cable mechanic and entered every house. The wiring had to be fixed, for the soap operas to come back into the houses. It took a few days but was well worth the effort. Every house in his locality was wired up now.

He carefully created a hide-out in his basement and hooked up the links to his viewing room. Fourteen screens were operational full time now. KHB was under the kind of surveillance that the KGB once did. Even better now. It looked like a scene straight out of Sliver. Just that Sharon wasn't around. If someone found out, it would rain Stones though. He reached out and picked the mug of beer and sipped. Ever since he quit coffee, he had taken up to the alternative health drink. He watched. Anyone who tried to procreate was now going to be in 'deep' trouble.

Scene 12 - The CAT Girls In A Quandary

Sheetal and Harini hurried out of JJ Cafe and headed towards Sheetal's car. As special agents of Cell Against Terrorists (CAT), they had embarked on a very sensitive assignment. Their informers had given them some leads. The most promising was the JJ Cafe lead. This place could have provided some major breakthrough. It had hardly begun, the investigation, and this CID shows up and messes up everything.

Harini: What in the world happened? Where did that chap crop up from?

Sheetal: No clue!! I hope he hasn't messed up the entire operation.

Harini: What do we do now? Let's call High Command.

Sheetal: Should we? What do we tell them Harry?

Harini: Well [shrugs] I don’t know!!

Sheetal: Then lets call them.

Harini twists the dial of her watch, and drums her finger over the dial. Voila!! The two-way radio crackles. A voice is heard from High Command.

HC: Hello, hello. Over

Harini: High Command! Magnum specialist Harry calling! Over.

HC: Proceed agent. Over

Harini: We ran into trouble. Over

HC: Anything new about that? Over

Harini: Well, some one from the police came over while we were setting up the target. Over

HC: Police? Are you sure? Over

Harini: Positive. He even dragged him by the collar. Over

HC: Are you sure about the information you got in the first place? Over

Harini: Very positive. Over

HC: Who was the source? Over

Harini: Our informers at Ayah Park. Over

HC: What? Informants from Ayah Park? God bless this country. OVER AND OUT!!

Sheetal looks at Harini, and Harini looks at Sheetal.

Sheetal: What ?

Harini: Looks like we are getting a performance bonus soon!

Sheetal: You think so?

Harini: Positive. A fine pair of boots!!

Sheetal: I have an idea let's go!

Getting into the car Sheetal slips the stick shift to neutral and switches on the ignition. Revving up the car up, she swings the car onto the road, kicking up a small dust storm.

Harini: [buckling up] Ok, where are we headed.

Sheetal stares at Harini. For a few seconds.

Sheetal: I have no clue!!!

Harini: Good!! Let's go!!!

Scene 11 - Back At Ayah Park.

Cop 2 comes to inspect the bush where he heard a cry of anguish, and notices two legs protruding. Cop 1 drags Ramesh by his collar and brings him to join Cop 2. The Manager and Security Guard gleefully follow.

Cop 2: Hey!! Come outside

Vince: Yes sir, coming coming!!!!

Seeing no movement, the cop swings his lathi at Vince's feet

Vince: Aiyoooo Rama!!!!!!!! Beda beda!!!!! [don’t don’t]

Vince wriggles out of the bush and the cop grabs him by the collar, yanking him out fully.

By now Ramesh has been overpowered by the cop, manager and SG. They drag him towards the bush, where Vince is rubbing his feet and the cop pulls him by the collar. Ramesh, having lost his lungi in the desperate attempt to escape, is just in his langota and torn shirt.

Cop 1: [at Ramesh] Yenla, kalu hodithiya namge? [Hey you!! Thow stones at us, don’t you?] What do you do?

Ramesh: Naanu software fellow annah !!! [I am a software fellow, brother]

Cop 1: Software huh? And you don't even have underwear!!! [taps Ramesh’s langota with his lathi]

Ramesh: Sorry madkolli sar, adhu washing hogide! [Sorry sir, have put it away for washing]

Manager: [to the cops] Sir!! Don’t let go this langota lungi fellow!! He always is outside the lounge asking for discounts and free admission, and today he was telling us he wants to get Sai Baba here to rock and roll!!

Cop 1: WHAT? [turning to Ramesh] How dare you joke about a holy person? [swings lathi at his legs]

Ramesh: Aiyo, not baba, for Sai DADA!!! He is coming from Mumbai!

Cop 1: Huh? Don’t we have enough trouble with local fellows? One dada from Mumbai is needed here huh?

Ramesh: Noo, he is boss of Bindaas Bol

Cop 1: Yeno idhu? [scratches his head] I cant follow anything here!

Cop 2: [to Vince] Yen madthaidhe neenu ? [what were you doing?]

Vince: [softly, rolling eyes] Just taking rest boss.

Cop 2 goes near the bush and peeps, and then yells

Cop 2: Ley 1624, nodu!! Avathu nam sayubru maneyinda kadhidhu camcorder illi ide!!! [Hey 1624, look!! The camcorder stolen from our superior's home is here]

Vince: WHAT??? Aiyo!! Nanalla ree!! [Vince then remembers Lucifer hiding under the bush, and then rushing away.] Lucifer left it there!

Cop 2: [grabbing Vince] Hmmmm Luciferna? Baa police stationge!!! [Come to the police station]

Cop 2 swings his lathi at Vince’s legs and catches his knee. Yelling in pain, Vince jumps and hangs onto Ramesh, wrapping his legs around Ramesh’s waist. Lungiless Ramesh sways with the weight of Vince around his waist.

Ramesh: Oye Vince, iliyo!!! [Hey Vince, get off me!]

Vince: Aiyooo!!! [wailing] I can't walk, I can't walk

They hear a Bullet roar in, and see local SI PDSC riding in. PDSC stops his motorcycle and grins

Cop 1 & 2: Oh, sir!!! Namaskara!!

PDSC: Yenrappa, yenu samchara? [Hey guys, whets news?]

Cop 1: Yenilla saar, swalpa disturbance madtha idru rowdigalu!! [Nothing sir, these rowdies were creating disturbance here!]

Cop 2: [pointing to Vince] Nam ACP maneynalli video camera kadhidhanay saar ivnu
[This fellow has stolen a video camera from our ACP's house sir]

PDSC: Hmmmm, karkondu baa stationge!!! [get them to the station]

Ramesh and Vince cry in unison: Saaarrrr!!! Illa saar!!!!! Yenu madilla naavu!!!
[No sir!!! We didnt do anything sir!!]

PDSC who has parked his bike, comes across and slaps both Vince and Ramesh.

PDSC: Lopers!!! Yeno thilkondideera? [Loafers!! What do you think?]

PDSC turns to the Manager and Security Guard

PDSC: Who are you guys?

Manager: Sir, I am manager of Tuscan Verve saar!

PDSC: Ohhhh!!! [rolls eyes and smiles] very good, very good, business channagidya? [Is business good?]

Manager: Yes sir!!

PDSC: [growls at the Manager] MATHE COLLECTION YAKAY BARTHA ILLA? [why aren’t collections coming in?]

Manager: No sir!!! We are paying regularly!!

PDSC: Hmmmmmmmmm [rolls eyes and glares again] Hogi ondhu chilled beer ready madu, bartheeni!! [Go and have a chilled beer ready for me, am coming] Swalpa mathadabeku nim owner hatra [I need to talk to your owner]

Manager: [cowering] Sir, he is out of station sir!

PDSC: [biting into his lower lip, and threatening to throw a punch] Cell phone ilva avanhatra? [Doesn't he have a cell phone?]

Manager: Yes sir!!!

PDSC: Hmmm mathe hogi ready madu!! Bartheeni!! [Go and get things ready. Am coming]

Turns to look at Vince and Ramesh and the Cops.

PDSC: [to the cops] Lockernalli haaki airplane kodsu ibrugu!! Bartheeni amele! [throw them in the cell and give them airplane treatment. I will come later]

Ramesh and Vince mumble protests, but lathi blows make them wince in pain and squeal again. Vince clings onto Ramesh, who sways dangerously and then falls to the ground.

PDSC: [to the cops] Aa video camera kodu. Nam maneynalli naalley function ide. Adhu aadha mele naney ACPge vapas madtheeni [Give me that camera. I have a function at home. After that gets over I will give it to ACP myself]

The cops hand Satisha the camera, and then grab Vince and Ramesh by the collar and walk away. The Manager and Security Guard rush to Tuscan Verve.

PDSC looked at the camera and smiles.

As Ramesh and Vince are being herded to the station, elsewhere Sarkar is also driving to the station with JJ at tow. JJ sigh's and thinks....'must somehow make a post on BB saying am on vacation... else people will wonder why I am missing'

Scene 10 - The Cop In Need

PD Satish Chandra. At 6 foot plus and 150kgs, he looked very dominating. He settled himself comfortably into the recliner at the hair saloon. As he waited for his shave, he closed his eyes, and reminisced about life till date. He felt a cold splash on his face. Opening his eyes he just glared at the barber, who cowered..

PDSC: LOWPER!!!! Bisi neeru ilva? [don’t you have hot water?]

The barber hurried away from his chair. He closed his eyes again. Being a cop had it's advantages. And being a rogue cop had even better advantages. It made people edgy dealing with you. He knew that no one used hot water to splash the face before a shave at saloons anymore. But he can demand. For he was PDSC. Everyone who mattered in his jurisdiction knew of him. Of his reputation. No one dare cross his path. He smiled to himself.

It had been six years since he became a cop. He learnt the ropes pretty fast. He was well connected and networked now. He had the Brigade Road and MG Road area under his jurisdiction now. Since a year. He wasn't complaining but he wished the bars were allowed beyond 11pm. The collections were far better if there were late nights. It was good news when the Mumbai bars closed. Most of the girls came here. They found employment here on the streets. His takes increased almost two hundred percent. Now with the news of court stay orders on the issue, the girls were in a dilemma. Though the bars at Mumbai were not functional yet, some of them had moved back. His favorite too had gone. He wished the Mumbai bars issue and the bars were closed once and for all. Just close them. Made life better for him here. No complaints anyway. Most of the traders in this area were high-margin traders. He made sure that his collections were higher. Much better than, say, being in charge of a prominently residential area. The collections apart there were freebies. Free food. Free drink. Free clothing. Free everything. Some made the mistake of asking him for money. He was swift in his actions. They knew better after that.
He knew everyone. The local political goondas. The drug peddlers. The pimps. The ones who infringed building laws, parking regulations in buildings. The local petrol bunk that continued to adulterate. He had an excellent informer network. He knew also knew who were the other cops that were interested in his jurisdiction. He felt the spray of warm water now. He smiled. There was a solution to everything. You just had to seek it. He felt the shaving cream on his cheeks. He liked this.
There was one missing bit though. He was known, but not for the right things in the inside community. He had never been featured in a good positive way. He was feared more than respected, and the respect they showed came out of fear. When you operated striking deals all the time, it was difficult to get positive publicity. He had never been in the news for making any prominent arrests. His achievements in the department records were not great. His cash balance and 'acquisitions' were great though. Best among his peers. Not that he cared earlier, but looking back, he felt this was missing. A good report in the print media. A couple of clips on E-TV or Udaya TV. It would help. Atleast with the locality. A good image. He thought it would be good to get one now. He could aspire for better after that. A good cop image will help. Who knows? Maybe he could try for a ticket in the next assembly elections. The next Sangliana? He winced a bit as he felt the razor on his neck. He hoped there would be one high-profile case where he could trade money for some image building.

His cell phone rang. Opening his eyes, he pulled his phone and looked at the number. An informer. Some trouble some place. Another opportunity. Will there be good money? He answered the call.

Scene 09 - JJ Tea Stall

Sheetal and Harini walk in and take a table. JJ and Sarkar watch in silence. Acchu Kuttan stops washing the tea glasses, wipes his hands and pulls out a comb and runs it through his hair, getting ready to go and take the order. JJ glares at him and stops him. Being the only customers he has now, he is in no hurry to serve them. More occupied tables give a good impression to those who pass by. An empty place is bad advertisement for business.

Sheetal: [laughing] Oh God it is so funny!!! I think she is the biggest flirt on
BB!!! And he is the biggest loser on BB!!!

Sheetal pulls out a packet of Davidoff from her handbag.

Harini: [eyes lighting up] Kewl!!! Been ages!!

Sheetal: Oh yeah?

Harini leans forward and takes a cigarette out and exclaims!

Harini: Oh my gawwwdddd!!!!! This cigarette is empty!!

Sheetal: Shhhhh, don’t be so loud. I have removed all the tobacco!

Harini: [very disappointed] but why yaaa???

Sheetal: [whispering] I am told they sell good stuff here. Lets try that

Harini: Ohhhh, you mean ummm...........

Sheetal: Yeah. .[winks] stuff.. [smiles]

Harini: [looking wide eyed] ummmm, I have never you know.........

Sheetal: [winking and smiling] Don’t worry, it will be fine

Sheetal looks around and checks, and notices JJ and Sarkar suddenly looking away.

Sheetal: Excuse me!!!

Achhu Kuttan makes a move, but JJs glare stops him. Always good to deal with the young ladies on your own. JJ gets up and walks across

JJ: Yes, madam?

Sheetal: hmmm, I wanted a light please?

JJ: ohhh ok madam. [searches his pocket]

Sheetal: And what can we get?

JJ reels off a list of items

Harini: [mischievously] Can you tell them all backwards? [giggles]

JJ rolls his eyes, looks uneasy

JJ: huh

Sheetal: [admonishing Harini] Oh you wicked gal. Stop it. [looks at JJ] Well......hmmmmmm.. my friends said that you sell nice stuff. You know?

JJ: yes madam, everything here is good

Sheetal: Arre, I don’t mean snacks or tea?

JJ: Then?

Sheetal: You know stuff.

It suddenly strikes JJ. She wanted hashish!!! He should have made some contacts and stocked up. That was the only way he could make the big bucks. He cursed himself inwardly. Could he quickly make a call to someone and get it? Not good for business if he tells her that he doesn't stock any. Quick decision needed. He realized he was looking pathetic being silent, this girl was staring at him.

JJ: Yes yes Madam, what do you want?

Sheetal: What is the best you have???

Harini: Only the best eh, ok??? [makes it sound like she is an expert]

JJ: Yes madam, only the best we have here. I will get it

Sheetal: QUICK!! OK??

JJ: Yes madam, yes..

JJ rushes across to the counter and pulls his cell phone out. Cupping the phone in his hands he calls WWW. WWW had mentioned about contacts. First ring. Answer! Great!! Looks like his luck was finally changing. It was at times like this that things go wrong. Horribly wrong. The guy wont be available or busy or whatever. Here comes a girl asking for dope and he calls and WWW answers. Finally Lady Luck is smiling at him.

JJ: Hey Bharath!!

WWW: Dey JJ, sowkiyama? [Hi JJ, are you doing well?]

JJ: [whispering] Bharath!! I need that ganja contact da!!

WWW: Oh!!! Sure, take the number.

JJ: Oru minutu [one moment]

WWW: vokay

JJ finds a pen and gets ready to write the number on his palm. Holds the cell phone to his ear. WWW gives him the number.

JJ: Thanks da

WWW: No worry machchan!! [no worries brother-in-law] His name is Vichu

JJ: Vichu?

WWW: Yeah, Vichu. Call him and tell him my name da.

JJ: Thanks da bye

Hurriedly disconnects and calls the new number. Dials. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. No answer. Voicemail. JJ curses and disconnects. Dials again. Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. Finally he hears the phone being switched on.

JJ: [softly] Hello, Vichu?

In the background he hears voices. Shilpa saree!! Down Down!!

JJ: [again, very softly] Vichu??

Vichu: HELLO!!!! Shipla DOWN DOWN!!!!! Hello?? Yaaru? [who?]

JJ: [slightly raising his voice to be heard] Vichu, Bharathina friendu JJ. Sarakku kittu mo? [Will I get stuff?]

Vichu: Kittu? Dey, naanu Vichu, not Kittu!!!! [Kittu? Hey, I am Vichu, not Kittu]

Sarkar who had been watching the entire exchange, has moved behind JJ and is listening to the conversation, unknown to JJ.

JJ: Aiyo theiyvameyyy!!! [Oh god] Vichu, ganja hai ?

Vichu: Hai hai!!! Shipla!! Hai Hai!!

JJ: Aiyo Shilpa vendam, ganja ganja..

Sarkar grabs JJ by the collar and snarls. A shocked JJ turns, the collar twisting around his neck.

Sarkar: Hmmmmmmmmm so this is what you do huh? Selling ganja???

JJ: Noooo saaarrr!!!!!

Sarkar who has had no arrests to his credit, and also doesn't expect much to happen from this BB drama realizes he finally has his first case. Smiles to himself happily. Something finally for him to report. First arrest. First conviction. Maybe that promotion that has not happened in five years will happen.

Sarkar: [snarls] You rogue!!!! You are a drug trafficker huh? Lets go to the station and talk.

Sheetal and Harini hurry out of the stall. Sarkar drags JJ and heads for the station.

Scene 08 - The Phone Rings At Jiruwalas

Roop: Tassy behannnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!! This is Roop from CALGARRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!

Tas: [holding the phone far from her to keep the voice level hurting her ears, frowns - wonders -Behan? Bhabhi kyon nahin?] ohhh hello hello, kaise hamey yaad kiya?

Roop: Hugs and kisses Tass!!!!! Mmmuuuahhhhhhh

Tas: Wow, thanks for me huh?

Roop: To everyone at home!!

Tas: Everyone?

Roop: Haan everyone!! To you, the kids and to Jijju Mushhy!

Tas: Jijju Musshy???

Roop: Haan, special hugs and kisses for HIM!!!

Tas: [gasping] !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roop: Hello Didi !!!

Tas: [recovering] haan haan, am here. How is Calcutta.. errrrr Calgary?

Roop: Calcutta? [laughs] Calgary is fine but am coming to India

Tas is confused. Thinks kya ho raha hai? He is leaving and she is coming here!! Total confusion!!

Tas: Coming to India, kyon?

Roop: Ohh Tas didi !!! I have a brother who I don't know so am coming there! And I also want to start a fitness center there!

Tas: Arre, your brother Musten hai na!!

Roop: Oh No!!! Mushhy tho jijju hai, JIJJU!!!! Anyway, I will tell you all the details when I come there.

Tas: Are you really coming here?

Roop: Haan, I have booked my ticket also.

The call gets disconnected. Tas looks at the phone and then at Musten. Musten who has been watching the conversation, looks on, very confused but not daring to talk.

Tas: Roop is coming here.

Musten: HERE!! OH MY GOD!! FOR WHAT? WHEN?

Tas: [shrugging] who knows!!! Why are you so agitated anyway? She is talking of coming here to meet her brother!

Musten: Brother? She has a brother?

Tas: [shrugs shoulders again] Bhagwan jaane!!! I thought she had only..

Musten: Only?

Tas: Oh, forget it!! Tell me.. [hands on hips, with a stern look on her face] who is this friend who is going to Antarctica??

Musten: What have you made for dinner? [rubs pot belly] Bahoot bhook lagi hai !!!

Tas: Goli maro dinner ko!! Who is this friend?

Musten: Errr.................... it is Raam Shankar yaar!!

Tas: Raam Shankar? Going to Antarctica when the World Cup Football is starting? [laughs] Aur koyi naam socho na!!! Raam ka naam math lena!

Musten: Arre I don’t know any football woodball ..... he wanted it, so am packing it for him.

Tas: And have you changed your plans to go to London now??

Musten: errrr London? Kyon?

Tas: Where is Raam then?

Musten: Oh, he is coming to Calcutta for some work., and he really pleaded with me for all these clothes! Bechara!!!

Tas: Hmmmm somebody living in the UK is asking for a Bangalorean to get winter clothing!!

The phone rings again, and Tas looks at the phone and Musten. Musten, senses
trouble and rushes towards the bathroom.

Musten: Let me have my bath

Scene 7 - Chai!! Chaiya Garam!!!! CHAI!!!

JJ Tea Stall. It was Jacob's pride ofcourse. It was his JOY and life. And he had a regular clientele. He virtually knew everyone in the locality, particularly the big building next door. They all came to JJ Tea Stall. Everyone! The new variants of chai he had cooked up were selling well now. Better margins. More money. Maybe finally that Dubai ticket and visa costs can be covered.

The next door building seemed to have a new gurkha. He wondered what happened to the old fellow from that village near Kochi. Tunchattu Namboodri Ezhuttachchan. Maybe he managed his visa and ticket to Dubai!!!! He saw the new young watchman sit on the wooden stool, reading something. Sometime sooner or later he would walk over and order his chai. He now saw the security guard put his book down. Some very old copy of Penthouse. Maybe if he comes with the mag, he would borrow it. Now he saw him plunge his little finger inside his ear and twirl it around. A big yawn. Was the mag so boring? JJ wondered. And then he saw him look around. His eyes stared at the JJ's stall. He let out a bigger yawn. Around that time this new girl from the building emerged. Very odd indeed, thought JJ. He saw her come out at times, never saw her come back. With most others he knew the pattern. What time they left and what time they came back. He knew the housewives and the unemployed kids in the building. By the time he closed shop around 1 pm, most had come back. Excepting the call center people. And he opened the stall early in the morning as well. He was always ahead of even Achhu Kuttan, his sidekick. He will need to kick his backside and get him to come on time. At times JJ had to sweep the floor himself. He saw this mystery girl walk past. Something was not quite right at all. She walked briskly past the security guard and his stall, and then hailed an auto rickshaw. JJ got back to tend to the milk that was boiling. As he was stirring it, the security guard walked in. He had come without that mag. Damn. The security guard grinned at him sheepishly. JJ went on full alert. No customer grins like that. No paying customer does that. He had been trying desperately to improve the type of clientele that came in. Improve the standards. The young kids were more lucrative. Not just chai, they even sat and ate a lot of stuff. If he could get some other "things" available here, he may really be able to get the visa and ticket in faster time. Definitely not feasible if security guards were going to patronize his stall. JJ gave the guard a blank stare. Changed it to a questioning stare with a twitch of the muscles in his forehead raising them up, quizzical in manner. The guard smiled sheepishly again.

JJ: Kya hai?

Security Guard: Shalom Saab!!!! Mein building ka naya chowkidaar hoon.

JJs heart sank. Freebies was what this chap was looking for.

JJ: uh! huh - bolo .

Security Guard: Naam hai Sarkar, Anghusman Sarkar

JJ: Theek hai

JJ turned away trying to look busy. The milk was at optimum boil. Too much boiling would make all the water added so carefully to the milk evaporate. Margins will get reduced. Getting it right was so important. Every paisa counted. Dubai bahooot dhoor tha abhi!

Sarkar: Chai milega saab?

JJ: huh - haan kaunsa chai?

Sarkar: Anything shaab!!

JJ: Anything?

Sarkar: Haan shaab, me know nhysh English

JJ: Ok ok, me too graduate

Sarkar: Very nhysh shaab, me too school going till seventh shaab

JJ was beginning to get annoyed now. If some better clientele were to see this chap hanging around here scratching his head, the chances of them coming in were remote. And he came in without the mag as well. In any case that had made him yawn.

Sarkar: Ek chai milega shaab?

Seeing no response from JJ, Sarkar scratches his head again.

Sarkar: Shaaab, did you see that girl?

JJ: [perking up] huh? Which girl?

Sarkar: The one who left the building

JJ: ummm. No

Sarkar: Shaab, sshumthing is wrong shaab

JJ: What was wrong?

Sarkar: She was wearing a men shirt shaab

JJ: huh?

Sarkar: Yesh shaaab men shirt mein buttons are on right sir. For wimmen on left shaab.

Suddenly Sarkar quickly moves inside and takes a seat at the corner, from here it will be difficult for anyone to see him.

Sarkar: COME HERE!!

JJ shocked at this sudden move.

JJ: Huh?

Sarkar: Am actually from the CID!!

CID? JJs heart sank. Well, he hadn’t yet started selling hash, it was just in his plans, but already a CID here? For what? Did this little rascal Achhu Kuttan squeal about not getting paid? He was giving him food and a place to sleep. Even four of his old shirts and the lungi. Why did he go complaining to the cops?

Sarkar: Come here and sit down

JJ: Huh.

Sarkar: SIT DOWN!!!

JJ sits down meekly.

Sarkar: Listen!! You need to assist me in an investigation.

JJ breathes a sigh of relief. So Achhu Kuttan was fine. No problems. The cops need his help! Sarkar: Look!! I want you to keep an eye on some people here and report to me!

JJ: Ok sir!

Sarkar: We had complaints from Bindaas Bol

JJ: Ohh!!! BB? I AM ALSO MEMBER THERE SIR!!!

Sarkar: Yes, and we have complaints that some guys are masquerading as women. I want you to help me, ok?

At that time Harini and Sheetal walk inside, laughing aloud. Both JJ and Sarkar go silent and watch the two girls walk, unable to control their laughter