Page 154 of The Circle of Exile
“How will you defend yourself if not by claiming you were protecting me?”
“There is no defence for this. There is just buying time. And trying to explain to the decision makers that my sole aim was to prevent an escalation when Kashmir had seen a major incident just recently. It’s not a strong enough defence because that was not my decision to make. But that’s the only defence I have. And I intend to see it through.”
“What does Zorji say?”
“He says to deny it happened outright.”
“Hesaid that?” Iram squeaked. “He is the one who is always after you to stick as close to the truth as possible.”
“In this case, he says to do the opposite. Get them to set me up under a SIT inquiry, seal the proceedings, and deny that I was there at the sight of the blast.”
“And if there is any evidence? What if the CM of Gilgit or somebody from there sends something… some proof? Photos? Videos?”
“I spoke to Faiz this morning.”
“My brot…thatFaiz?”
“Yes. He knows about what can happen here. He is ready to help hold the firing from his side.”
“Why would he do that?”
“For you.”
Iram’s mouth dropped open.
“And for the business plan I sent him.”
“When?”
“The week after we returned.”
“You made it?”
“You had committed to it. And I wanted him to create an independent entity in Nagar. It’s good to take our people off Pakistani persecution and regime. Even if in small financial ways.”
She remained silent, processing everything. He had keptherword? He had kept in touch with her brother? They were tight enough for Faiz to help him? She hadn’t emailed Mehrunisa after those photographs of Yathaarth’s Annaparashan. Now, with what was going on, Iram figured it would become next to impossible to remain in touch with her.
“So what are you doing today?” Iram pushed, orienting herself to go one step at a time.
“Qureshi, Adil and I are leaving for Srinagar. Samar already flew this morning. I will speak to Zorji, get my story clear, and then address the party.”
“What’s the story? Were you there at the blast site and kept quiet to avoid a war or you were never there in the first place?”
He smirked. “I wish I knew.”
“Atharva,” she grunted.
“I will have that answer this afternoon after meeting Zorji.”
“Why are you so relaxed?”
“My son is sleeping on my chest. I cannot be anything but.”
Her face softened.
“What’s the worst that can happen, Atharva?”
He paused.
