Back to the story, Fayez was sitting casually and having a cup of tea with Captain.
"So, Captain, did you get higher-ups' permission to sell weapons?"
"You're a bit too reckless. Barely a day has passed and here you are, interrogating me," Captain complained, though in a light mood.
"Higher-ups are laid back now. As long as you pay in full, there won't be much of a problem."
Captain handed him a list.
There's assault rifles: Lee-Enfield, Sten 9mm SMG, FN FAL clone SLR, SKS, AK-47, Bren light machine gun, and Webley pistol along with estimated prices. I don't know much about them. Let's just leave the matter to a specialist. I can't spare too much money as running the factory will need a lot of funds.
Fayez handed over ten 100-rupee notes and said,
"I don't know much about guns, so just purchase whichever you see fit.
Also, what about the Indian officers? Are they okay with it?"
Fayez's concern wasn't unfounded. During the period of January to March 1972, the Indian Army forcefully disarmed freedom fighters for strategic purposes.
Though they claimed it was the only way to prevent civil unrest in the newborn nation, Fayez knew,
"There's always a good reason and a real reason."
Different unorganized militias would likely cause trouble, and various political groups would chase power, creating chaos. But India's true goal was to create a client state—not just a close ally, but one that would grant favorable treaties and policies to ensure a return on their investment.
Everything a nation does is bound by its self-interest. You can't be naive enough to think nations give weapons, aid, and loans purely to help their allies. It's just political investment.
India invested in the War of Independence to weaken their rival Pakistan, create a client state, and expand their hegemony. They invested heavily by supplying arms, aid, and sheltering 10 million refugees. Now was the time to collect the returns.
To ensure this, they had to support a government that would comply—and that was the Awami League.
People hated India for exploiting Bangladesh, but in truth, it was simply a business deal. The USA, China, Russia, and several EU states do the same thing around the world. Many of the messes and unrest third-world countries face are byproducts of these geopolitical investments.
From 1971 to 1975, India turned from a brother-in-arms to a strategic partner, and finally into an exploitative, overbearing foreign manipulator.
Anyway, India took back all the arms, humiliating the nation while securing its return. But as a byproduct, anti-India sentiment grew.
But what could be done? Can one just forget their benefactor?
Whatever their reason was, they were the ones who joined the war and made Pakistan surrender. We ought to be grateful for their contribution.
The debt of gratitude is the deadliest debt indeed.
Captain lifted his brows slightly.
"I don't know why you asked that. I don't think those high-and-mighty officers would bother with small things like these. Most likely, they'll get a cut."
Seems like I was overthinking things. Even though India wants to disarm soldiers to secure the Awami League's regime, there's always a way around it. If I can strike a partnership with some Indian officers, the bribing game could work just fine.
The captain gave Fayez a word of warning.
"I should give you a good piece of advice, boy — don't bite off more than you can chew. Many people will be eyeing those factories in the future. Don't fall for greed."
The captain's concerns are valid, but this is my chance. As long as I make enough profit, I can just bribe those corrupt leaders. As for making enemies — it's only natural. Anyone who progresses in life gains enemies.
Fayez thought with determination.
"Well, those things can be taken care of when the time comes. I can just share a piece of the pie if I have to."
Seeing his determination and calm face, the captain gave in.
"Freedom fighters, along with a bunch of other prisoners, are going to be set free. You know what to do, right?"
With that, the captain left, leaving Fayez deep in thought.
Freeing all prisoners without checking records was a huge mistake. Several opportunists who robbed, plundered, and even murdered during the war would walk free — only to commit unthinkable crimes in the post-war chaos.
Then again, who would go through the trouble of collecting and checking all the records and evidence, when hundreds of thousands of families were anxiously waiting for the return of their loved ones?
Fayez shook his head.
Whatever happens doesn't concern me now. I have to act quickly, or I'll miss this perfect opportunity.
The next day, while the entire nation waited eagerly for their loved ones to return home, Fayez gathered with his comrades for a meeting.
There's Shiraj, who always enjoys paan while hiding his suffering behind a cheerful mask; Mashrafi, a man who hates formality and acts overly friendly with everyone; Fahmid, a childlike boy who argues without logic — yet in times of need, acts mature; and Sadat, who longs for his home and family and always wears a sorrowful expression.
And last but not least, there's Hourin, always in six files — a bit too serious, with a poker face (not cool at all).
"Though I hired you guys as soldiers, for this first mission, it's best not to use force. We'll just take control of a factory and turn it from a devastated shelter into a working one. Make sure to be polite and resolve problems peacefully when they arise."
"You're lecturing us like that old man. We know what to do and what not to do. The mission's a piece of cake anyway," Fahmid argued, as usual.
"Very well. Prepare the essential equipment and livestock. You guys will be staying there for a while."
Not wanting to argue, Fayez gave a plain order.
Before leaving, Fayez saw Roshni dressed in an unusual outfit. She looked beautiful — in a dignified way.
"Looks like something special's going on today. What's the occasion?"
"Well... my uncle will be released today. We're waiting for his return."- Roshni said.
"Was your uncle a freedom fighter too? Weren't you people supposed to be Pakistan supporters?"
Fayez asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and confusion.