21. Terrorists attack and kill

CHAPTER 21

Terrorists attack and kill

That night Durga was fast asleep. Jhansi was sitting on the bed waiting for Dodda Naik to come to bed.

Jhansi thought, “It is so late. He has not yet returned from market. I wonder what happened.” 

Suddenly she heard the sound of slippers. Jhansi sat up listening.

Dodda Naik pushed the door. But it was locked. “Because of that terrorist, the curtain has been replaced by a wooden door.”

He knocked on the door.

Jhansi opened the door. Dodda Naik entered the hut.

Jhansi asked, “Why are you late?”

Dodda Naik said, “I missed the last bus and had to walk. That is why I am late.”

Jhansi went to bring dinner for her husband.

But Dodda Naik stopped her. “I don’t want dinner. I have eaten.”

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Dodda Naik was lying on the bed. 

Reducing the flame, Jhansi said, “Our son-in-law-to-be, Krishna has come from the village.”

Dodda Naik smiled. “Where is he?”

“After dinner, he has gone to sleep under the bullock cart. He likes to sleep in the open.”

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Jeep with terrorists entered the village in the darkness. Suddenly the guide stopped the jeep and asked all to get down.  They were all surprised.

4-5 terrorists got down with AK-47 guns in their hands. They had covered their faces with black cloths.

Leader asked, “Why have you stopped in the forest?”

Guide said, “What have you thought of this forest and the tribals? I have worked in this area for 5 years in sleeper wing for Jihad. I know very well who is of what type.”

All were alert.  They all followed the guide. 

Guide said, “If the tribals hear the sound of jeep at midnight, they will get up. Then leave alone our target, we ourselves will become their target.”

He took them in the darkness towards Dodda Naik’s hut.

Guide said, “The leader of this tribe stays in that hut which is a bit in the outskirts of the village.”

All keep their guns ready. Leader said, “I will make his dead body fall.”

Guide said, “His life is not to be taken with this gun.”

All looked at him shocked.

Guide said seriously, “The tribals will wake up if they hear the sound of bullets. If they get up, forget about crossing this forest, our dead bodies will also fall with that of Dodda Naik.”

Leader was shocked. “Then how can we kill him?”

Guide said, “With a knife. Sound-less.”

Removing his knife, leader said, “I will finish him with this.”

The terrorists went towards the hut. 5 terrorists stood at the door of Dodda Naik’s hut. Leader knocked on the door. Behind him others were standing alert.

Dodda Naik was enjoying romance with his wife on the cot. Durga was fast asleep on the floor.

Hearing the sound of knocking,  Dodda Naik said, “I wonder who has come so late at night?”

Getting up, Jhansi said, “It must be Krishna.”

Dodda Naik nodded. “May be he wants water. Open the door.”

Jhansi opened the door. The leader pushed the door and caught hold of Jhansi. He put his hand over her mouth so that she could not shout.

Dodda Naik stood up with shock. “Bastards. Who are you?”

Leader said, “We have come to drop your dead bodies.” 

Dodda Naik took up an axe which was lying on the ground with anger. “Looking at your dress, I can easily make out who you are. You are anti-nationals. You are that Kadar’s men. I will cut you all into pieces.”

He lifted the axe. Hearing the commotion, Durga woke up. One man pointed a gun at Durga.

Leader said, “Before you can cut us, we will cut your wife and daughter, just watch.”

Shocked, Dodda Naik said, “Are you not ashamed to take the life of helpless ladies? Are you male? If you want to challenge, use me. If you are brave enough, come.”

Durga cried, “Daddy, Mommy.”

Jhansi cried, “Please don’t do anything to my daughter.” 

Leader said to Naik seriously, “We don’t want your daughter, but you. First you throw that axe. Otherwise your daughter’s dead body will fall.”

Terrorists pressed Durga’s neck. Shocked, Dodda Naik threw the axe away and lifted his hands in the air. “Leave that child alone.”

Giving Jhansi to another man, leader pierced the knife into Dodda Naik’s stomach three times.

Leader said, “Bastards, kaufers.”

Dodda Naik fell down to the ground. Jhansi shouted with shock. Durga also shouted.

Holding Jhansi’s hair tight, leader said, “I want another life from among you two.”

Jhansi said, “Leave my daughter alone. Kill me if you want.”

In front of Durga, the leader pierced the knife into Jhansi’s stomach.  She too fell down. Durga shouted loudly. She fell on her mother crying.

Hearing this sound, Krishna, who was sleeping outside got up and ran towards the hut.

Looking at Jhansi, Leader said, “I have kept my word by saving your daughter.”

He got up and moved out.

While the terrorists were coming out, Krishna was moving in. Krishna dashed against the leader. He put his hand on the cloth over leader’s face and pulled it. It came off. Both stared at each other. One of the terrorists hit Krishna’s head with but of the gun from behind. Krishna fell down unconscious.