Chương 53: Rohini’s response

“Hey there, Gini! Can you hear me? It’s me! Rohini!!” 

My cheeks flare with embarrassment, and I hurriedly sweep up the shattered glass. 

“Gini! Gini! Can you hear me? Test. Test.” 

A sense of urgency pulses through me. I need to escape this scene before the lieutenants overhear the bizarre commotion. Though they’ve retreated slightly, they’re still within the vicinity of the cafeteria, their chatter grinding to an abrupt halt due to the untimely interruption. 

“Gini Gini Gini Gini Gini Gini Giniiiiii~ Stop ignoring meeeee~.” 

Desperate to muffle her voice, I spontaneously burst into song. 

“Kaliiiinka kaliiiinka kaliiiiinka moyaaa~” 

“Hey, Parrot…” 

“Yes, Swallow…” 

“The kid’s lost it…” 

“I’ve noticed. Be careful with your words…” 

A wave of mortification crashes over me, but I steel myself. It can’t penetrate my walls… 

“Hey, Nila. Are you positive this is Gini’s radio? Someone’s wailing an off-tune melody on the other end. No, I haven’t tampered with it. Hey, hands off! Noooo~” 

A sigh of relief escapes my lips as her voice falls silent. 

“Hmm, Snakey…” The lieutenants, Parrot and Swallow, fix their concerned gazes upon me. 

“W-what do you want?” I stammer. 

“Now, don’t panic, but perhaps a visit to the infirmary would be best…” 

“Did you injure your head? May I inspect?” 

“N-no! Hands off! I’ll head there right away!” 

“Can you manage on your own? We wouldn’t want you collapsing midway…” 

“We’ll accompany you, alright?” 

Despite my protestations, Parrot clasps my hands, while Swallow gently nudges my back, guiding me to the infirmary. 

After a thorough check-up, the physician found no glaring issues, merely advising a regimen of vitamins and ample rest. 

As the lieutenants part ways, their expressions betray genuine concern. “Take care, Snakey!” Their hands animate in farewell. 

Exiting the infirmary, I push the cringe-worthy episode to the back of my mind. 

My immediate conundrum: How does the 1st lieutenant Kalakuna know the name Gini? 

Primarily, the 1st lieutenant operates within his secluded research and development facility, detached from the primary compound. To access it, my path meanders through the bustling training yard—a spectacle of soldiers diligently jogging—skirting the perimeter’s razor-edged fence, past sergeants leisurely puffing away on their cigarettes. Four imposing tanks stand guard, concealing the enigmatic laboratory. 

This lab, veiled in intrigue, is off-limits to anyone outside of 1st Lieutenant Kalakuna’s direct team. However, I had the privilege of entering it once when they fine-tuned my ear implants. 

The entrance, unfortunately, demands a badge I lack. 

Rapping on the door, I harbour hope that someone might respond. To my fortune, they do. 

The door creaks open just enough to reveal a corporal donning a gas mask. “Ah, it’s you.” 

Somehow, amidst the mask’s obscurity, I detect the familiar aura of the man who had defended me yesterday, brushing aside the candy Robin flung my way. His voice is a rich, inviting baritone. 

“How may I assist you?” He inquires, head slightly tilted.

“I’ve come to see the 1st lieutenant Kalakuna,” I state clearly. 

“Ah, the 1st lieutenant. Regrettably, he’s not present at the moment.” 

“Do you know where I might find him?” 

“Yes, but I’d advise against it. He’s engrossed in a crucial meeting with the major. I believe the colonel from Karachi made his appearance earlier today.” 

Faint recollections of my brother mentioning something similar flit through my mind. 

“Any idea how long it might take?” 

“I truly couldn’t say, habibti. Depending on the subject, these sessions can span anywhere from an hour to five. Would you like to wait inside? However, we don’t offer any refreshments, and you’d need to don a mask, gloves, and protective eyewear. Plus, you’d have to sit motionless, refraining from fidgeting with any items. Honestly, it might not be the most entertaining setting for a wait…” 

His voice drips with genuine concern, but I’m not in the mood for it. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll return later.” 

“Until then.” He gently shuts the door, ensuring I’ve begun my departure. 

As I meander past the colossal tanks, pondering how to occupy the ensuing hours, a sudden force clutches me from the rear. 

Without warning, an assailant has snuck up, yanking me airborne, their strong arms cutting off my air supply. 

“Hellooooo~ Snakey! Have you been pining for me?” 

That unmistakably mocking tone—it’s Robin. 

In a desperate bid for freedom, I arc my legs over my head, aiming a kick at her face. But my energy is waning, and the impact barely fazes her. 

“Oh no! Are you saying you didn’t pine for me? Well, fret not, I won’t shed a tear! Hey, come help with her legs!” 

With Robin’s taunts ringing in my ears, she hoists me higher, dangerously close to a tank. Two of her lackeys emerge, securing my flailing legs, and together they transport me atop the metallic beast. 

“What are you doing?! Release me!” I holler. 

Though not one to easily succumb to panic, the introduction of a tank to their harassment unnerves me. 

Bounding onto the tank, Robin wrenches open the hatch. “Here’s something you might find startling, Snakey. I genuinely loathe you. While I understand you’ve had your reasons, I’ve not forgotten how you eliminated several of our allies four years prior. And it gnaws at me that everyone seems so ready to absolve you of that sin. Even the 1st lieutenant Kalakuna. Are you even aware that his current state is a direct consequence of your actions? If we hadn’t been so preoccupied pursuing a child, perhaps we could’ve tackled the Umayyad threat head-on, and rooted out their concealed explosives. And let’s not overlook the dearly departed 1st lieutenant Heron, whom you mercilessly snuffed out. Or the 2nd lieutenant Crowsclaws, now bearing a prominent scar on his visage, all thanks to you. How do you muster the audacity to face him? It’s maddening! My disdain for you runs deep. All I desire is to witness your torment, even if it costs me my rank, or results in a suspension. It’s my personal mission to ensure you’re constantly reminded of the blood staining your hands. As long as I draw breath, you shall know no peace!” 

I’m unceremoniously hurled into the turret, and the jarring impact with the cold, hard interior shoots pain up my spine. 

“So, you’re going to bide your time in here. If our memories serve us right, maybe you’ll get a chance to glimpse the sky once more! Have a blast!” Robin’s chilling voice rings out one last time before the hatch clangs shut, plunging me into an inky void. 

Scrambling to regain my footing, my head smacks against the solid hatch. Before I can react, there’s a resounding thud overhead. Despite all my strength and determination, I can’t dislodge whatever’s sealing me in. 

My only salvation now hinges on discovery by someone else. But the laboratory’s walls are designed to mute any sounds—if anyone had heard the commotion, they’d have intervened by now. 

Who would even think to search for me? 

Robin’s words, cruel as they were, weren’t unfounded. I’ve carried their weight and truth with me.  

I’ve always been acutely aware of why they singled me out, and perhaps that’s why I never retaliated. 

It’s the very reason my guilt is an ever-present shadow. 

As for my brother, or rather the major, the 1st lieutenant Kalakuna, the 2nd lieutenant Crowsclaws—I can’t fathom their approach towards me. Why don’t they revile me? Why aren’t they intent on exacting their own form of retribution? 

Yes, initially, their treatment was far from kind. That harrowing ordeal in the barren desert, the searing heat, the venomous scorpion dancing menacingly close—I was convinced death would claim me then. There were countless instances just like that… 

Why did they spare me back then? 

Ishqam once uttered, “No one truly deserves anything.” But isn’t a world where righteousness isn’t rewarded and malevolence isn’t reprimanded flawed at its core? 

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It’s a bitter pill to swallow, the notion that I might not be worthy of my torment. 

In pursuit of answers to these pressing dilemmas, I sink into a seated position amidst the oppressive blackness, letting my eyelids drift shut. 

 

---

 

“Major! Major! MAJOR!” 

Jolted awake, I find myself sprawled on the couch in my office. 

“1st Lieutenant Kalakuna…” I groan, rubbing my eyes, “Will there ever come a day when you let me enjoy my slumber?” 

The 1st lieutenant exhales a weary sigh. “Considering our track record, I’m beginning to think it’s my destiny.” His fingers draw back the curtains, revealing a breathtaking display of the sun sinking below the horizon. 

“Has the colonel taken his leave?” 

“Yes.” 

Relief washes over me. “Divine intervention… That man is an unparalleled bore.” 

The 1st lieutenant’s voice takes on a cautionary tone. “It would be wise not to voice such opinions so freely. Who can predict when such words might accidentally slip out in less than opportune settings?” 

I push myself upright on the couch, wincing slightly. “So, what’s the verdict, 1st Lieutenant? Should we consent to a meeting with the Nubian ambassador?” 

His voice is filled with trepidation. “Is there really any alternative? The last thing we need is for the Nubian powerhouse to start interfering in our affairs. It’s in our best interest to keep them appeased.” 

A heavy sigh escapes my lips. “It’s all so … complicated! How are we to curry favour with the Nubians? Their presence here isn’t without purpose. We must broker some sort of agreement. But this isn’t our domain! Why on earth did the colonel task me with this liaison? I’m no diplomat! I’m versed in the art of destruction, not the delicate task of fostering trust.” 

As I vent, I notice the 1st lieutenant’s gaze fixated on me, his eyes brimming with sorrow. Even without seeing the full extent of his expression, I can feel it. 

Instinctively, my hand starts to reach out to him, but I pull back, hesitation evident in my movements. The weight of my past actions, the things I’ve done—I can’t inflict any more pain on him. 

But the 1st lieutenant defies my silent plea, crouching down and capturing my hand between his own gloved ones. 

“1st Lieutenant Kalakuna,” I stammer, caught off guard, “Doesn’t it … pain you?” 

He shakes his head, a hint of a smile discernible behind his stoic facade. “Pain is now but a distant memory for my hands.” He pauses for a moment, letting the momentary levity fade. “However, Major, refrain from uttering such melodramatic sentiments; they come off as rather … cringe-worthy.” 

A genuine laugh bubbles up from deep within me. “HAHAHAHAHA! Point taken, 1st Lieutenant Kalakuna. I stand corrected!” 

“That’s more like it,” he replies, his voice tinged with amusement. “It’s a tad insulting hearing you say you’re incapable of building trust, especially when I’m right here.” 

His light-hearted jab sends me into another fit of laughter. 

His wit always has a way of cutting through the tension… 

“Fine, you’ve swayed me, 1st Lieutenant Kalakuna. I’ll agree to the meeting with the Nubian envoy, but only if you’re by my side.” 

“Roger that.” He salutes crisply as he heads to the door. “Now, please retire to your bedroom. No more crashing on this office couch in that odorous uniform. Remember, I’ve got my eye on you.” 

With feigned exasperation, I chuckle. “What a terrible man you are, 1^st Lieutenant Kalakuna.”

 

---

 

The darkness is oppressive, and I’ve lost all sense of time. 

Minutes? Hours? I can’t distinguish anymore. 

The stagnant heat inside the turret is stifling, and a relentless thirst clings to my throat. 

Pain pulses in my head, each throb intensifying my desperate yearning for water. 

Just when I start to contemplate if this stifling chamber will be my end, a grating screech pierces my ears. 

“Hello again. Test, test. Gini, can you hear me this time?” 

That unmistakable voice. Of course, it’s Rohini. 

“I could hear you before…” I manage to croak out. 

“Wow! She answered! Nila, she answered!!! What do you mean by ‘of course’? She didn’t before, I’ll have you know!” 

“Can you not shout?” I beg, the sound worsening my headache. 

“Hm, what’s up Gini? You sound … off.” 

“You have no idea… I’m nursing a splitting headache here.” 

“Oh, that sounds rough… You should hydrate!” 

An exasperated thought crosses my mind: *You think?* 

“I would kill for a drink right now.” 

“Yes, water is life-saving. It’s amazing how, despite all our advancements, plain water remains unmatched. Hang on, are you stranded in the desert again?! Just give me thirty minutes; I’ll come find you!” 

“Rohini, take a breath. I’m not in… How do I even begin to explain?” 

She chirpily interjects, “Usually, starting from the beginning helps!” 

“It all started four years ago…” 

“Okay, maybe that’s diving a bit too deep. Can’t you give me a gist of it?” 

“It doesn’t matter… You wouldn’t be able to help from where I am.” 

“I see… So, is this it? Are you … dying?” 

Her bluntness renders me momentarily speechless. 

“Quite possibly…” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. 

“That’s awful! I don’t want to lose you, Gini!” 

Hearing this, a pang of emotion wrenches at my heart. 

Was this truly the first time someone said this so candidly to me? 

Sure, my brother… The major had hinted at such sentiments, but always in veiled words. How could I take their assurances to heart when my past actions stand as a stark testament to my guilt? How could I trust that those I’ve wronged would not retaliate? That they wouldn’t betray me when given the chance? 

“I probably deserve this end,” I mumble resignedly.   Before she can retort with her typical optimism, I preempt her, “Let me guess: ‘Nobody deserves anything!’ You’re just like Ishqam, aren’t you? Always seeing the good in everything.” 

“Actually, I don’t think that way. I firmly believe you deserve life, Gini. In my eyes, no one is more deserving than you.” 

Wait … what? For a moment, I’m thrown off balance by her unexpected response. 

Her words elicit a weak chuckle from me. “What kind of logic is that…?” 

She seems to contemplate before delving into her belief. “Well, it’s a perspective that might not resonate with everyone. But to truly get my point across, Gini, I need to ask: Do you believe in Gods?”

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