What was the mysterious look on the President's face back at the Rashtrapati Bhawan when he had heard the tape- that look of fleeting recognition? Doubts buffered in David's mind as their destination approached. He looked away from the darkly opaque world beyond the windscreen where the wipers fought a useless battle with the oncoming droplets of mild rain. David did have a strong reason for doubting Ajaysingh Chauhan. It was an incident known only to a few people like David that had occurred 16 years ago.
A cracking voice from the radio cleared the cloud of doubts in David's mind.
''The local police just reported in, Sir. There is certainly something dangerous going on at the Qutub complex.''
**********
''Salam-Vale-Kum, Bhaijaan''
''Valeikum-As-Salam,'' came Muhammed's terse reply. On the other end of the satellite phone was Abbaz.
Abbaz had secured the entire Wheeler island perimeter and although he had only 4 men at his disposal, they were highly capable and extremely trained. ''What's the situation in the capital?'' asked Abbaz.
''So far so good. They have made their move and are heading towards the Qutub Minar. I am sure they must be working on how to recapture the Wheeler Island facility. But as long as they don't know the exact number of terrorists on the island, they won't make a move. They know we are keeping the scientists as hostages.'' Muhammed paused. After a moment's silence, he asked, ''You got into the system?''
''Yes. The firewalls were a bit of a problem, but nothing that I couldn't handle.''
''You know what to do with the missile. I have got the next set of instructions from the boss. Waiting for the puppets to arrive at Qutub Minar. You better keep an eye out and be ready to strike before they do. Over and out.''
Chapter 21
Ranjeet had received a text which had left him confounded. He had no clue why Commander David needed him with such an urgency. As a secret helper of the intelligence, he had been of great assistance to the bureau in collecting evidence and following digital fingerprints. Ranjeet had also helped the defence facilities design stronger firewalls to withstand the expert level hacking. The savvy young lad had come to Chief Prakash's attention couple of years ago when he had cleverly eluded arrest several times for some serious hacking. The Chief, acknowledging the lad's genius, had converted him into an useful asset.
Almost a year later, Ranjeet also began solving cases for the RAW. It was during a RAW investigation that he had come in contact with David. It didn't take David long to deduce that if he ever needed a computer-genius, Ranjeet was the complete package.
A few minutes ago, Ranjeet had received a text from David.
Top priority situation. Need your help ASAP. Get in touch as soon as you get this.
Ranjeet dialled David's personal cell number. ''Ranjeet here. Just got your text, Sir! What's the job?''
David gazed out at the mammoth structure in the distance. The tip of the stone tower was visible over the skyline.
Almost there, he told himself.
It only took a moment for David to answer Ranjeet's question, ''Nothing much difficult. We just have to get inside one of the most secure missile development facilities in the country, take down some dangerous terrorists, hack through a level three firewall and stop a hypersonic missile before it destroys the lives of the country's citizens.''
A moment's pause. Then in a completely tranquil tone, David asked, ''So the question at the moment is- Are you interested to help?''
Chapter 22
The tires screeched to an abrupt halt. David stepped out of his vehicle, crossed the parking area and regrouped with his team at the front gates of the Qutub Minar Complex.
''We don't have any idea what we are up against this night. The local police just patrolled the area and found the night security guards knocked out cold. I want you to split up and scout the entire sector. Report to me anything that is unusual or out of order. Raghav, you take the NSG commandos and start sweeping the sectors ahead. Me and my team are right behind you.''
Raghav left with the NSG troops to scout the perimeter while David decided to give a quick update of the scenario to the President. His headquarters instantly established a secure connection and David briefly explained the situation to Ajaysingh Chauhan.
''Hold up for a sec, David. Someone's going to join you. I texted her when you were leaving the bunker. She will be there any minute,'' Ajaysingh said, looking at his wristwatch.
''She?'' David was totally taken aback.
''My daughter. The lunatic has asked us to find an ancient artefact. I figured that we might need an expert. When he directed us straight towards a national monument, I thought my daughter could help us. She has a degree in medieval history from Delhi University and may prove helpful in finding that artefact. She decided to move out a couple of years ago to carry on her research. I don't think it would be a problem to have one more member on your team, right?''
''Not at all. Actually, that was a good idea,'' replied David.
''Just keep her safe.'' David noticed Ajaysingh's voice cracked as he talked about his daughter, although he tried to say it rather casually.
A couple of minutes later, one white Hyundai Accent pulled over right next to the army truck. A woman in her early twenties got down and headed towards the nearest commando. Her long hair curled at the end and the geeky spectacles complimented the look of intelligence her face radiated. Her posture was straight, chin raised only a bit- not arrogant, just strong. Somebody you wouldn't enjoy messing with.
''Shonali Chauhan. I was asked to meet David D'costa,'' the girl said. She had a worried look on her face. The commando pointed her towards the entrance of the Qutub Minar complex. After the initial introductions, David asked the young woman to follow them.
''Miss Chauhan, this way,'' said David, making way for the new member of the team.
''You can call me Shonali.'' The daughter obviously did not like being addressed- Miss Chauhan. ''Is dad alright? I heard about the blast. I tried to call him, but there is no response on his cell phone. I just got a text from his number a while ago asking me to come over here. It said that my assistance was required-'' Shonali was speaking fast. Her resemblance to her father was quite evident. She had her father's penetrating eyes and refined carriage- that polished air of supple nobility.
''Shonali! Take a breath. Your dad's safe and sound. We are not going to let anything happen to him. He has been transported to an underground bunker and contact with him is restricted. We are in a bit of hurry and we may need your help here. But I will connect you with your dad and let him explain everything as we go in. You ready?'' said David, passing her an earpiece.
Even before Shonali could grasp what was going on, the Black Cats formed a circular formation around her as they proceeded towards the Mughal Serai entrance. The headquarters patched her through to President Ajaysingh. The girl heaved a sigh of relief after hearing her dad's voice at the other end. But she did not hint any sign of happiness on the outside.
''Thanks for helping David. I know I am putting you in danger, but I hope you understand the threat we face,'' Ajaysingh also kept his tone formal. As the President started explaining Shonali the events that had occurred earlier that night, David began thinking about the blank piece of paper which he had in his pocket. Take the paper beside this cassette player along. But it would only be helpful if you would know how to read those numbers on the paper.
Unfortunately, David didn't have enough time to pull out the paper and read out its contents. His radio cracked and Raghav's voice full of panic became audible, ''This is Raghav. Do you copy?''
''Yes. David here. Go on.''
''Sir, we split to search the area quickly. I was with 2 NSGs and we were scanning the area near the Alai Minar. I was leading them when I heard something fall behind me. I turned around and saw both of them were dead. They were shot- right through their brains!''
Chapter 23
''The Alai what?''
Shonali cleared that doubt
of Commander David. ''Alai Minar. It lies at the northwest corner of the complex. I can show you.'' She had a few parting words with her father and then passed the earpiece back to David.
''Avinash, Mohan, Ashish and Mahesh on me. The rest of the team stays here and secures the perimeter. Miss Shonali you can come with us, but be alert every second.''
Shonali, David and the chosen commandos made their way towards the Alai Minar as quickly as they could.
''Stay sharp gentlemen, and keep scanning your sectors. Many things going wrong: our soldiers have been shot, the security guards working here were knocked out cold. What a strange name though- Alai Minar?''
''You can call it a failed plan of constructing another tower as big as the Qutub Minar. Had it been completed, we would be looking at two tall stone towers instead of just one,'' remarked Shonali.
''What do you mean two stone towers?'' David asked curiously as they paced up to reach Raghav's location.
''I know this is no time for a history lesson, but in 1315 AD Alau-din khilji had ambitiously planned for a second tower of victory almost double in height and thickness of the Qutub Minar. The construction was however abandoned after the completion of the 24.5 meter high first-storey core soon after Khilji's death in 1316 AD, and was never taken up by the successors. That was the Alai Minar.''
''And how come you know so much about this place?'' David's vigilant eyes searched nook and corner for any lurking danger. His finger rested lightly on the trigger of his rifle ready to act at the first sign of trouble, his speeding steps firm as that of a panther.
''Studied a little bit during my medieval history course. The history of Delhi is quite fascinating and dates from the end of the 10th century...''
That very moment, David saw an unmistakable bright red dot on Shonali's shoulder and the immediate next second three things happened almost simultaneously. David cried out to his team to lie down as he dived and shoved away Shonali behind a stone wall just as a bullet whizzed past Shonali's right ear missing her by inches, making a hard impact on the ground a few metres away.
''Where the hell did it come from?'' Cpl Mahesh asked.
''Must be a sniper somewhere out there. That same bastard must have taken out our soldiers with a silenced rifle,'' deduced David. He checked on Shonali. She was alright, but her face was white with horror. The whizzing of a bullet going just past her was still ringing in her ears. Never in her life had she seen death so closely. David spoke into his radio, ''Everyone be advised, there's a sniper somewhere out here. Better stay in cover until we take down that bastard.''
Bullets started tearing through the wall that had them covered. The wall itself looked like the remains of an ancient Khilji Dynasty mosque and wasn't able to resist much.
''This wall's going to come down fast. We will try to move inside that building over to my left. Shonali- stay with me. On my mark just sprint with all your energy and be right ahead of me. Mahesh and Avinash, lay down some covering fire while we cross over.''
David waited for the next shot from the sniper. Calculating on the earlier shot, he had noted that it took around three seconds for the next bullet to be loaded, fired and go through the wall.
''Three, two, one,'' David counted down.
Bang! Another bullet tore through the wall.
''Go! Go! Go!''
Shonali had never run so furiously in her life. A moment ago, a bullet had barely missed her and now she was trying to outrun a bullet. Mahesh and Avinash kept returning fire while David, Shonali, Sgt. Mohan and Capt. Ashish made a dash for an extension of the mosque to their left. David then provided covering fire until Avinash and Mahesh sprinted inside the mosque. By the time the sniper could realise what had happened, David and his team were already in safe cover.
From the eastern side the second team, which David had left to secure the perimeter, moved in towards the Alai Minar. Cpl. Ramesh was leading the troop, scanning the terrain in front of them. The night made it difficult for them to trace the movements of the attacker. Another group of soldiers after securing the extreme southwest corner and the tomb of Allau-ud-din Khilji, took their positions near the Alai Darwaza.
''Sir, we now have the perimeter covered. Whoever the sniper is, he is boxed in. No visual confirmation yet,'' Cpl Ramesh reported.
David thoroughly checked the area in his sight. It was quite difficult to locate the sniper using a silencer. Raghav also came up with nothing. ''I have no idea where he took the shot from. Although I am pretty sure that the bullets came from the southern part.''
Suddenly David turned to Shonali. ''Any places you know which would be ideal for shooting with a sniper rifle?''
Shonali was taken aback by the question. This wasn't something they were taught about the Mughal structures in their medieval history course. But to her surprise, a second later her brain was scanning the entire area looking for an ideal position to shoot. The shooter may have taken position above the triple storied prayer houses, but there he was too exposed to counter fire. He would choose some sort of a bunker.
''You can try the Zanana,'' replied Shonali after a moment.
David frowned, ''English. Please.''
''Those days separate mezzanine spaces were built in the mosque for women at both ends, which could be reached by staircases. The place was at an elevated level and had windows. A perfect location for shooting.''
''And where are these Zananas located?''
''The Quwwat-Ul-Islam mosque at the centre of the complex has two on the either sides. You can...''
But Commander David wasn't listening anymore. He went crawling towards his team and explained the plan.
''Team B and NSG commandos, move in towards Quwwat mosque. It lies at the centre of the complex. The attacker is probably at a higher level. Standby to breach in. Raghav, do you have a grenade?''
''Affirmative, Sir.''
Taking the grenade, David signalled his team. ''I and Raghav will draw the sniper's attention with a blast. Since we don't know if he is on the left corner or right, you will have to check both of them. As soon as you get your window, breach in with the troops. Ready?''
''Ready when you are,'' the teams replied.
Things went precisely in accordance with the plan. David radioed in the NSG commandos to breach in and clear the area.
''Breaching now. Go.''
The Commandos swiftly entered the corridors of the Quwwat mosque. Left and right corners. Ten seconds later, Cpl Ramesh spoke over the mouthpiece from the left Zanana. ''You should see this sir. We were wrong. DEAD WRONG!!''
Chapter 24
The red blinking dot on the console in front of him had ceased blinking; which indicated he had lost his camera feed. Realising that the gun control chip had blown away, Muhammad decided to report to his boss. He took a puff from the cigarette, ran his finger over the scar on his left cheek and switched on his satellite phone.
Miles away, his master was glancing at his watch. A second glance at the watch and a heavy frown.
''Boy, your gross dereliction of duty is endangering the entire mission.'' The voice was bare, it carried vehemence.
''Sir?'' Muhammad did not expect his master to open the conversation so sternly.
''I should have had received your call exactly three minutes ago.'' Silence.
''I am sorry, Sir. They have located it. They are moving and they are fast. I better know each and every step of the game we are playing or else they will turn all the tables upside down.''
The voice on the other end switched to calm. ''Muhammad, you worry too much. They don't have the slightest idea of what is going on. We already agreed on our conditions. Your destruction would be delivered to you. Just hang on a little. Let's play with them for a while. I expect everything is going as planned.''
''Yes, Sir. So far so good''. Muhammad had not completely understood his master till now, but there was one thing he was absolutely sure of: A reason existed behind every move his master played.
''Return to your base
now. As soon as they figure out the next location, inform me and follow them. I want you to keep a close watch on them. Be their shadow, but don't let them sense your presence. You have been completely trained for this.''
''Allah Hafis, Janab.'' Muhammad ended the call, shifted the gear and pressed hard on the accelerator, making his way into the heart of the city once again.
The mastermind knew that the moment was about to arrive. These are the crossroads from where I couldn't move further. Tonight I will see where this path leads to. They will find that path for me.
Chapter 25
''There was never any shooter! It's just a gun mounted on this automated arrangement,'' Cpl Rakesh radioed in.
''What? You sure there wasn't anyone operating it?'' David was perplexed. Although he was not new to the world of automated self targeting weapons, his surprise was obvious. He hadn't imagined this in his wildest dreams.
''Damn sure, Sir. We double-checked the area. No sign of anyone operating it. Looking at this mechanism, I think the operator was controlling it using a wireless connection, but can't say anything for sure. Send Capt. Ashish up here. He handles the tech.''
''Did you disable the gun?'' David questioned.
''Some kind of circuit automatically blew off and the gun now displays offline on its display panel. Looks busted,'' Rakesh answered.
10 minutes later when Ashish had checked the gun mechanism, he had a chat with Commander David.
''We don't have anything. The entire data burnt up. So now we don't have any information about who was operating this gun. Let me be clear on one point, Sir- whoever these people are, they are well equipped. I mean, nothing this big was ever used during any of the earlier terrorist attacks.''
''How was the stored data destroyed?'' asked David.
''The data chip must have been rigged to blow if someone came within a certain distance of the gun. Easily achieved using proximity sensors. The gun was attached to a wireless controller with a range, I would say, about a couple of kilometres. Anyone within that range could be our man, who must have vanished by now- so no point in sending a search team. The gun has a camera mounted on its upper end near the scope facilitating the operator to use the gun almost like a first person. Professionally done. No clues left.''
Operation Chaos: A Gripping Action Thriller Page 6
