Books by lalit navani

SEEDS OF DEATH

Chapter 2

Oblivious to the threat, the vexed and tired security personnel rested inside the tents and sleeping bags after a long and unsuccessful journey. The information about the presence of naxals around Padha area proved to be false. The whole routine turned out to be just a waste of time.

The commandos were furious. They were taken for a ride. It hurt their over blown ego. The policemen on the other hand were more tolerant; they knew the game very well. It had happened to them many times. The information provided by the informer was never guaranteed to bring success.

“This trip has been like a slap on their face,” whispered Shirish, the senior inspector of Lehgaon.

“They are not used to failures,” replied one of his subordinates.

“Shhhh …… if they hear you they will kill you just to release their pent up anger.”

That stopped the junior policeman. He stood attentively, guarding the commandos and other policemen. A movement inside one of the tents caught his attention. He instantly shifted the barrel of his rifle. The jungles around the area were infested with naxals and wild animals. He relaxed when he saw Sanjay Raut, the junior commando.

“Namaste Saheb,” said the junior policeman, as Raut slid out of the tent.

Raut waved his hand and headed towards his senior, Sadashiv, who was dozing near the fire.

Raut was the only man in the group who understood the psyche of Naxals. He was not experienced, but his intelligence compensated for it. During their ride back to the headquarters he analyzed every element of the mission. He found several loopholes in the planning. His gut feeling told him it was an ambush. The naxal who had passed the information was never verified for his credentials. The plan reeked of un-professionalism.

“Sir, it’s a trap,” Raut said, standing attentively. His eyes focused on Sadashiv’s back.

“What makes you say that,” asked Sadashiv, scratching his arm, his eyes still closed. He appeared irritated.

“Sir, the whole operation appears sloppy and initiated without proper planning. Even the informer was new. His credentials were not verified.”

Sadashiv turned around. He raised himself, complaining of back pain. Once he settled in his new position, with his legs folded, he looked at his junior officer with contempt.

“Raut Saheb, why don’t you mind your own business and let me do the thinking. I know there are some who think of you in high regards. For me you are just another commando. So don’t rack your brains and bugger off.”

“It’s a Republic day. They have chosen this occasion to glorify their cause,” Raut insisted.

“I said fuck off and let me rest. In any case we are not staying here for long.”

“But …”

Sadashiv let his huge body fall on the army camping bed. He closed his eyes, scratching his arm once again.

Raut looked at his senior for a while before heading back towards his tent. At the entrance he stopped and turned back. He looked straight into the thick shrubs; in Aasha‘s direction. He was not aware of her presence. Darkness prevented him from seeing her. His fingers itched. He wanted to fire off a hail of machine gun rounds but resisted the temptation. He knew Sadashiv would not like it.

“Surve, keep your eyes open. Shoot if you see anything suspicious,” Raut said, grinding his teeth.

The junior policeman nodded his head. He respected Raut for his intelligence and commitment.

Raut moved inside the tent once again. He had a gut feeling that it was the last night of their lives.

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