EMBRACED

Everyone in the room was shocked into silence. Tej burst into tears.

The very thought of pushing her only child into a venture that was filled

with danger at every possible turn was heartbreaking. She controlled the

sobs that threatened to rack her body and wiped her tears. She felt

drained of all strength. She hugged Hidayat and held him in a tight

embrace. As a mother she had equal rights but a decision contrary to

Hidayat’s was bound to inflict enormous injury to his self-esteem and

pride. At the same time, it was difficult for her to see her daughter

precariously placed at the very heart of danger. She also knew that this

decision was not an easy one for her husband. Fighting their own battles

within, the two clung to each other motionlessly, fully aware of the pain

the other was undergoing.

Dusk had begun to creep up outside the window. The brilliant light

was now meekly submitting to the velvety darkness of night.

‘Thank you, Tej,’ Hidayat continued, supporting her frail body. ‘I

knew that I could count on you.’

The visitors were stunned into disbelief.

In his entire career Mir had never witnessed a commitment such as the

one that was being displayed by the Khans. Speechless, he sank into the

plush leather couch and stared in bewilderment at the head of the Khan

family. Right then Hidayat walked up to him. Seeing Hidayat approach,

he rose jerkily but stood rooted to the spot. He seemed unsure of what to

say to the man who was willing to sacrifice his only child, his very

beloved daughter, for the service of the nation. Hidayat embraced his old

friend. However, when he spoke again, his voice was devoid of sadness

and emotions. ‘Please look after Sehmat as your own daughter, Mir.From now on, I leave my most precious possession in your care. We

have brought her up with a lot of love. We have taught her what we have

always believed in. It would be risky for a young woman to take up such

a mission but we have no choice. She is the only person who I think can

take my place without attracting undue attention from the authorities

across the border. And since she is my daughter, it will be readily

accepted that she is running the business due to my failing health. Death

and danger will shadow her, but the show must go on. We have a long

road ahead and we must keep on running till we reach our destination.’

Hidayat’s voice had a firmness of purpose to it. Mir could see a man in

a hurry to see his mission accomplished, a soldier so possessed by his

love for his country that he was willing to sacrifice his only offspring.

Tej’s mind was also in a whirl. Looking past the men, she gazed at the

darkness that had settled outside the window. She could not visualize her

beautiful daughter being thrust into the enemy camp. Sehmat’s childhood

unfolded in her mind like pictures in an album. The baby she had given

birth to, the curious toddler, the animated girl, bubbling with excitement

and enthusiasm each passing year. How Sehmat had charmed everyone

she met and how she had grown into a beautiful, yet modest young

woman!

Tej was aware of the bond the father and daughter shared and was

certain that Sehmat would accept her father’s decision without protest.

But would she be able to stand the vigorous training necessary for the

job? What if her secret operations were exposed? Tej shivered at the

thought. Her mind raced in many directions but she could not come up

with a strong enough excuse to argue. Deep within, the mother in her

visualized the worst. And as she did, her heart ached even more.

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