Betrayal

Srinagar Suburbs, March 2001
The sun lingered hesitantly on the horizon, its pale light casting fleeting shadows over the snow-laden peaks. The serene landscape masked the tension that gripped the region—a contrast Major Dayal Singh had come to accept. Insurgent activity posed constant challenges to both the local administration and the soldiers stationed there. For Dayal, his duty extended beyond the battlefield; building trust, navigating local culture, and understanding people’s unspoken fears were just as crucial as combating insurgency.

He tightened his woolen jacket against the brisk wind, bracing himself for another day in Srinagar and its surroundings, where beauty and danger coexisted like mismatched companions.

A Chance Encounter
One evening, a fellow officer, Jaspal, persuaded Dayal to visit a nearby bar to unwind—a modest establishment tucked between crumbling buildings. It offered warm beverages, faint music, and fleeting distractions from the grimness outside.

It was there that Dayal first encountered Kamini, a waitress whose charm cut through the weary atmosphere like sunlight piercing a stormy sky. Kamini’s introduction was as compelling as her presence. With quick wit and an enigmatic air, she drew people in, wielding her words like a master swordsman. Dayal couldn’t help but be intrigued.

Their first interaction was brief yet memorable: “You seem like a man who carries the world on his shoulders,” Kamini remarked, setting a glass of whiskey before him. “Let me guess—army?”

Dayal offered a faint smile, his reply cautious yet disarming. “And you seem like someone who sees through people—a lethal combination of beauty and brains.’’

Their connection deepened over the weeks. Kamini’s lightheartedness complemented Dayal’s stoicism, forming an unlikely camaraderie. Beneath her playful exterior, however, lay a shrewd mind—one attuned to opportunity and survival. They began meeting outside the bar, usually on Mondays, Kamini’s day off. Dayal would pick her up, and together they explored the scenic hill stations in the vicinity.

Dayal showered Kamini with lavish gifts—opportunely received and carefully stowed away. Her roommate, Priya, often cautioned her: “Kamini, be wary of your motives. You might harm yourself. Why not be content with what you have?”

Kamini, poised and self-assured, responded without hesitation. “You wouldn’t understand, Priya. Adventurism is in my blood. I’m ambitious. My goal is to amass a fortune within a defined time, and I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve it.”

Animosity with Aftab and Munir
Tensions flared when Dayal encountered Aftab, the son of an influential Kashmiri tradesman, and his friend Munir during an investigation. Both were suspected of aiding insurgents, but concrete evidence remained elusive. A heated interrogation ended with Munir sneering: “You come here claiming righteousness, but you’ll always be an outsider.”

Dayal’s frustration festered into quiet determination. When the pair were released—courtesy of Aftab’s father’s clout with the local authorities—the animosity deepened, setting the stage for a simmering vendetta.

Dayal confided in Jaspal, his voice sharp with resolve: “Keep your eyes and ears open. I’m not going to spare Munir.”

The Plan Unfolds
Much to Dayal Singh’s delight, Army Intelligence soon uncovered Munir’s engagement to Aftab’s sister, Reshma. Their Nikah ceremony was scheduled to take place at Aftab’s bungalow in Chattabal—a suburban retreat nestled against the foothills. Fueled by a thirst for revenge, Dayal devised an audacious plan to abduct Reshma on the big day.

Initially, the plan involved Inspector Madhu, a seasoned officer renowned for her resourcefulness. Dayal briefed her thoroughly: she was to attend the ceremony as an invitee and provide detailed updates, enabling Dayal to infiltrate the bungalow and capture Reshma.

However, an unexpected illness left Madhu unable to participate, forcing Dayal to explore alternatives.

The ever-pragmatic Jaspal proposed Kamini for the job: “Major, she’s clever as a fox and sprightly as a jackal. Always looking for an opportunity to make money—she’d be your best accomplice.”