Renuka: I love to build a network, won’t I? But why involve kids in this war of nerves.

Narsimma: Well, don’t we’ve to choose horses for the races?

Renuka: Women and children are always kept out, aren’t they? Why break rules.

Narsimma: Why not think I’m rewriting them.

Nirmala: Why not, if it helps to secure his release without harming any.

Renuka: Why don’t you both realize that it’s a dangerous game to start?

Narsimma: So be it. But why place the cart before the horse. Let’s wait for their return. Till then it’s sojourn.

[Lights go on and off to indicate the passage of a few days.]

[Bright light and Narsimma, Renuka and Nirmala are in anxious wait near the transistor.]

News Reader: This is All India Radio. The news read by Rakesh Tiwari. Here’s a flash. In a daring operation, Madanna Dalamof the People’s War has kidnapped Raja, the I.G’s six-year-old grandson from his school in Hyderabad. The two accompanying Home Guards were also taken hostage by the gang suspected to have been led by Sarakka. In a handwritten note left behind on the school premises, the dalam sought the release of their leader Madanna within twenty-four hours threatening to kill the hostages after the deadline. It may be recalled that Madanna was nabbed by the Police from his hideout in Hyderabad only recently.

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Narsimma: Didn’t they make us proud. Won’t they deserve a hero’s welcome?

Nirmala[In Excitement]: I’ll go out and receive them at the frontier.

[Exits: Nirmala.]

Renuka: Your raising the stakes is really worrying me baava.I wish one won’t lead to the other.

Narsimma: Why don’t you see this as a breakthrough for the revolution Renu.

Renuka: Well, I’ll wait and watch with my fingers crossed.

[Lights go on and off to indicate the passage of time.]

[Bright light and Narsimma with Renuka in wait.]

[Enter Nirmala, Mallanna, Srisailam and Sarakka with Raja, the six-year-old grandson of the I G. of Police and two sheepish looking Home Guards. Even as Renuka reaches out to a nonplussed Raja, Narsimma in excitement hugs Sarakka, Mallanna and Srisailam.]

Narsimma: Hail the heroes [Goes up to Raja.] Don’t worry my boy; we’ll send you home soon.

Raja[cries]: O Mummy …, I want my mummy

Renuka: Don’t cry my Raja, she’s would come soon. Till then why don’t you play with me?

[As Renuka folds round him, Raja stops crying.]

Nirmala: Anna, the deadline is up and yet there is no contact. Now I see all my worries returning.




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