"I spy you!" - 52

It was a hectic 5 months for Vasupradha once she returned to the office. After the holiday and the purchase of the house she felt very invigorated. She should repay the money to Amruta which she had loaned for buying the house, she decided. She accumulated all her reserves and sent the money electronically to Amruta’s Bank account.

After the holiday, Vasupradha’s  first assignment was a little peculiar one.

Mr. Padmanabha had summoned her to his office. He came straight to the point. “Look Vasupradha, I remember your dressing up as Charlie Chaplin. I simply adored your sense of camouflage”

Vasupradha was overcome with happiness. Her boss is praising her! His next words made her wonder whether she would be able to carry it out!

“There is a covert job you have to take up. There are two delegates coming from the enemy turned friend country. They are being hosted by our office. They are to be taken round the city for visiting historical monuments. I am planning to send you as the driver of the car. I know that you know driving!” said Mr. Padmanabha.

“Ok sir, but any dress code for the driver?” asked Vasupradha being a little perturbed.

“Make you look like a young man who is yet to get a moustache” he said and laughed as it he has narrated a joke.

Vasupradha looked at him as if she could not believe her ears, whether she heard it right.

Now Mr. Padmanabha became serious and said, “Look my dear girl. You have a knack. You have the innocent look on the face. Added to that you are to act as a young man who cannot talk or hear. You can follow instructions if given by action. They asked how come the police have given license to you. I have told that you are highly skilled and have a very sharp pair of eyes”

May be this is a setup to get information from them, she thought, which actually was true. Mr. Padmanabha’s next words confirmed it.

“Since you are not able to hear or talk, they would be free talking. If you have to, please record it using this small mp3 player” he said and pushed very small equipment. “But it is risky, remember!”

But Vasupradha had a photographic memory. She was confident that she could catch every phrase of theirs.

The duty was from next day morning in the airport.

Mr. Padmanabha warned her as she was leaving. “They may check your capability” he said secretively and drew a file nearer to him.

Vasupradha went out and met Durjaya. She was trying to say something to him. But he shushed her. It was as if telling her that ‘It is your hell. And you have to undergo yourself’

She reached the airport well within time. She had a placard with their names. She surveyed herself in the rearview mirror. She was startled to see a very innocent looking young man in the mirror!