Iyer -Part 1

"Tring tring!" The phone rang in the Army base, and Major Digambar Rawat swiftly answered the call.

Digambar: "Sir, sure, Sir. We will conduct a sting operation. I will ask my junior, Major Ram Murthy, to lead the team."

Col Ak Bakshi: "Why, Digamber? Why can't you lead the team? You are the senior-most person."

Digambar: "I would love to, Sir. Unfortunately, I have not fully recovered from the previous injury."

AK Bakshi: "Is it okay? You take rest and guide Ram Murthy during the operation."

Digambar: "Will do, sir."

Digambar immediately called Ram Murthy to his office. Deeply involved in his planning process, Digambar was interrupted as Ram Murthy entered.

Ram Murthy: "Jai Hind, Sir."

Digambar: "Welcome, Major. We need to conduct a sting operation in the Baramula district. We have been informed by RAW that there is a terrorist hideout camp, and you will be leading the operation."

Ram Murthy: "Sure, Sir, and thank you for the opportunity, Sir."

Digambar: "You will be selecting your team, Major. Within the next hour, let me know the soldiers who will be part of your operation. According to our information, there are three terrorists in that hideout."

Ram Murthy meticulously compiled a list of ten highly efficient soldiers, including a combination of snipers, bombers, and eight other skilled individuals, all of whom had previous encounter experience with terrorists. He presented the list to Digambar, who carefully reviewed it.

Digambar: "Good choice, Major. You can proceed. Additionally, if you require any backup, there are nearby para-military forces who have successfully completed their own operation."

Ram Murthy felt a hint of insult as he heard Digambar's suggestion.

Ram Murthy: "There are only three terrorists in the hideout. Why would I need the help of para-military forces?"

Digambar: "I understand that you may not need any backup, but it's just for your information."

Ram Murthy responded with a slight, confident smile.

Ram Murthy: "I think I can handle three terrorists without any assistance."

As Ram Murthy was preparing to leave, Digambar made a surprising request.

Digambar: "Ram Murthy, take Iyer with you."

Ram Murthy was taken aback by the suggestion.

Ram Murthy: "What? Iyer, Sir? He is 54 years old. What will he be able to do among a bunch of young guns? In this sting operation, he will only burden the team."

Digambar: "I understand your concerns, but he may be necessary. He can carry your rations, take care of the soldiers, and assist with communication when needed. However, keep him at a safe distance from combat."

Although Ram Murthy had no interest in taking Iyer with him, he respected the senior's order and reluctantly agreed to bring him along.

Ram Murthy and his team, along with Iyer, embarked on their mission in a chopper, which had a two-hour journey ahead of them.

Once they were settled, Ram Murthy addressed his team with confidence.

Ram Murthy: "No worries, soldiers. This will be an easy task. According to the information, there are three terrorists in the hideout. We will swiftly complete the operation and celebrate tonight. Is that clear?"

All the soldiers responded in unison: "Yes, sir!"

However, Ram Murthy noticed Iyer, who was sitting in a corner of the chopper, visibly trembling with fear. Iyer kept his head down, avoiding eye contact with the others. As Ram Murthy observed Iyer from top to bottom, he noticed that Iyer had a dark complexion and a sharp, eagle-like nose. He wore thick spectacles and had a lean frame without much muscle definition. Standing at an average height of 5'6", Iyer's face was marked with pimples.

Story to be Continued