Soul Stripping on the Net

  Akriti walked down the freshly watered and manicured lawns flanking the roadsides. The sun was hot and the lack of trees that could be otherwise seen on the side roads were severely lacking on this artery. So far so good. She had worn sensible shoes for this walk, and if required, the run – though the burqa smothered her. But that could not be helped. “There! That’s her!” Deshmukh’s shout could be heard over the heavy Corps Diplomatique vehicles trundling down the road, or perhaps, she just couldn’t forget his voice. “Who sent the toolkit?” “Who gave you the ideas?” “How much were you paid?” “Who all did you call?” She had answered honestly. Truthfully. The whole year, until she was finally released; but she was under no impression of safety. Then the routine set in. New e-mail IDs. New SIMs. But she could see Director Deshmukh’s spiderlings scuttling behind her when she walked, on her e-mails, behind the cameras, waiting to snare her and trap her friends. Then f...

  Fine let’s declare war. Hari gave in. Though he had received express orders from the Cabinet Secretary not to do so, he understood what the two Prime Ministers wanted. As did Ashraf. And both knew what the other knew. Gyanendra’s economic mismanagement had led to several mispolicies. Abdulamin was beset by religious zealots. Praja and ryot needed to be distracted. Tomato and onion embargoes would be too soft. Plus they would harm the Punjab and Western farmers more than the political gains. Airspace closures would be difficult to publicize. The ‘educated’ middle class would be unaffected. So should I tell General Singh to contact Director Khan? .wonk uoy tel ll'I dna ,syad owt em eviG .daeh ISI eht gnicalper era eW .oN What will you target? .emalb eht ekat ereh enoemos evah ll'eW .semalf eht naf ot sdrawrof ppastahW rakazzaR daerps neht nac uoY ?ereht selpmet udniH emoS ?dabaredyH .mmH Makes sense. Any recommendations for me? It’ll be better if I present RAW ...