Flames OF Paradise - Season 1 - Episode 17

Episode 7 years ago

Flames OF Paradise - Season 1 - Episode 17

After a 15 minutes drive, they reached a double-storied building. The bearded man got down and nudged her with his gun, to follow him towards the building. Snigdha suddenly felt the chilling finger of fear glide down her spine. What if they tried to molest her? She wouldn’t be able to do a thing. She looked at the murderers surrounding her, who had killed 100-odd innocents each, without batting an eyelid. How could she withstand their mass attack? Where would she run to? How could she save herself? Her body had started shivering by now and suddenly she felt a firm hand pressing her back. Startled she looked up to see the somber gaze of R.K. fusing with her damp ones, nodding his head briefly as if to convey her something pushing her gently, he shouted something at the man with the searchlight. Immediately, it was shown near her feet so that she could walk properly in the dark. She could feel that the people were obedient to his orders. Was he also one of the leaders? She noticed that he walked with his gun hidden like the surrendered militants she had seen in Srinagar. He had a straight, dignified gait, with head held high at an arrogant angle. Snigdha rudely stopped her thoughts from focussing on him and rebuked herself for getting distracted about a criminal who had brought her in this pitiable and dangerous situation.
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As soon as she entered the house, she noticed the presence of electricity in the house. She wrapped herself with herdupatta, covering her head with it. They entered a sparsely furnished hall. The chief, a 50 something large man, was sitting with another man on an old haggard, velvet sofa which had seen better days. Wearing a gray pathani suit and well-worn shoes, his head was covered in a red and white chequered scarf very typically Muslim in style. Snigdha noticed that he had kohl smeared dark menacing eyes. The chief’s mouth moved in a semblance of a smile, baring his crooked, tobacco stained teeth as he looked at her from head to toe. Snigdha’s toes curled with revulsion in her shoes but she looked at him straight in the eyes. He spoke in broken Hindi to her.
‘So Madam, how are you? I hope my boys looked after you well. Well Roshan did you look after our guest well?’ He winked at R.K. His name was Roshan? Roshan shrugged and asked her to sit.


‘Roshan is the most educated person in our group and has deep affiliation with the Jung-e-Azadi Party. He is our spokesperson these days.’ Chief said proudly.
‘Ma’am, please sit down. Our chief will explain what you have to do.’ Roshan said abruptly without looking at her. The information given by the chief washed over her, making her understand a lot of things regarding Roshan and his well-bred personality. Being attached with the JEA Party and its activities would definitely make him miles apart from being just a terrorist and definitely more dangerous and powerful.

‘What we would like to do is to take your videotaped message for the Indian Government.



I hope you are willing.’ The chief looked at her with a hidden warning.
‘What if I don’t?’ Snigdha said impulsively.


Immediately, two gunned men came forward, pointing the menacing nuzzles at her. The chief raised his hands and signalled them to back off.


Roshan looked at her with a frown. She raised her chin in defiance and locked her gaze with him. Before she turned away, a half smile hovered on his lips, and his eyes shone with amusement. How dared he laugh at her?
‘Listen Madam, please cooperate with us. We want to release you without injury. For that you will have to do as you are told. The authorities will want the proof that you are fine. So, please get ready for shooting.’ The chief said with a voice like gravel.


Snigdha reluctantly sat on a chair stiffly. After that it was as if she was an insect pinned on a board, with many people diagnosing her. She had to stand by the whitewashed wall and get herself photographed. A light was flashed in her eyes, blinding her for a moment and a sickly looking guy came forward to focus a small handycam on her. Snigdha was surprised to see the modern gadget of the camera and sungun light. Men all around were whispering and snickering. She found herself stiffen, none of the muscle moving in her body. Suddenly, out of nowhere, Roshan came and stood in front of her, looking at her intently, his warm brown eyes looking straight at her, reading the expression of panic and bewilderment, and gave her a slow wide smile.


Snigdha was blinded by the 100 watt sincere smile that was directed at her. The smile had warmed his eyes, crinkling at the corners, the smooth lean cheeks carved with grooves, which made him look drop dead gorgeous.



Spontaneously, she also smiled. Thus, ended her trial where they were able to capture her smiling video and photograph. Snigdha bristled with irritation at her behaviour and felt confused at her own reactions towards Roshan. After that she was also asked to give a message that was video recorded. She had to say how fine she was, and request them to do whatever the Al Faran group wanted. She felt like weeping by the end of it, but managed to control herself.