Assassins by Mukul Deva Page A

this, we must support him.”
    Jasmine saw her parents staring at her. Despite the tension-ridden atmosphere, there was, as always, love in their eyes. Today, along with the surprise, there was something else, too.
    Respect?
    A wave of warmth swamped Jasmine. Her bubble of self-confidence and poise burst. Knowing she was about to tear up, she left the room hurriedly.

 
    TWELVE
    Ravinder was unable to keep the pride out of his voice. “Simran, our baby has grown up.”
    Simran could not look away from the door slowly swinging shut behind Jasmine. “Yes, she has.” She sounded subdued.
    Ravinder sensed her confusion; knowing Jasmine was right, and yet disliking the implications. “Jasmine is right.” He added gently, “I need to do this, Simran. Please.” Simran stiffened. “I need your support, Simran.” He was barely audible now. “I need to find myself again. Please. ”
    Ravinder saw her look away. Torn. But she was silent. Finally, in a low, hesitant tone, as though not sure if she should voice the fear at all, she said, “I have always supported you, but … what if you…” Simran was unable to complete the sentence.
    For a very long moment that fear hung between them. Dark and heavy, like a rain-laden cloud.
    â€œI will not fail,” Ravinder said firmly. “I cannot .” That last word was expelled forcefully. “If I pull back now … if I don’t finish this, I will not be able to live with myself.”
    Silence returned.
    When Simran finally looked up, Ravinder saw desperation in her eyes, and a compelling need to leave this moment behind.
    â€œYou are right. Our baby has grown up,” Simran said loudly. Much louder than usual, as though keen to drown out the thoughts plaguing her. “This is the first time I have seen her like this.”
    Relief hissed through him. He knew Simran well enough to know he had just received her support, though she would not say it out loud. Not just yet, anyway. He smiled, grateful for that, and the diversion. “I know what you mean. For a moment there, I could have sworn that was you talking.”
    Simran gave a wan smile. “Haven’t I been telling you that we need to find a boy for her and get her married?”
    â€œThere you go again.” Ravinder was relieved to see her smile. “But I hear you. And between the two of us I think you’re the best person to do so. You obviously have much better taste in spouses than I do.”
    They both laughed. The laughter submerged the tension. But not too deep. Ravinder sensed it lay just beneath a wafer-thin layer. And would linger there, just waiting to break surface, till this whole thing was over.
    As if to reinforce that, Simran said, “I still think it’s a lousy idea, Ravinder.” Then, after a longer pause. “I have a really bad feeling about this mission of yours.”
    Ravinder didn’t know how to respond; he was feeling lousy, too, but he knew he couldn’t not do it.
    So be it.
    Ravinder knew his best bet was to wrap up this messy operation fast .
    Where are you, Leon Binder?
    Knowing Leon, he was aware the hunt would be hard. And deadly.
    Cross-country, chess, shooting, boxing … no matter what … Ravinder remembered Leon had always bested him. Except fencing … but even that had been a close thing; Leon had won as often as he had lost.
    Yet there is no way but forward. Damned if I don’t. Maybe even if I do. But at least there is a chance if I try. I must. I have to.
    Ravinder steeled himself for the hunt.

 
    THIRTEEN
    Leon knew he needed to find another, safer place to stay. The Sarita Vihar serviced apartment did not give him good vibes. Though, when he broke it down, he could not find any specific problem with it. Located in a middle-class residential complex, the apartment was secluded, was safe from prying eyes and, most important, in addition to the