Page 337 - Leadership in the Indian Army

"And then…Idon't know. I have to think. This is…"

"I know it is," he said. "I understand. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for a lot of
things."

"Don't be. You promised you'd come back. And you did."

His eyes watered. "It's good to see you, Laila."
She watched him walk away, shivering where she stood. She thought,

Volumes, and another shudder passed through her, a current of

something sad and forlorn, but also something eager and recklessly
hopeful.

45.
Madam
I was upstairs, playing with Mariam," Zalmai said.

"And your mother?"
"She was…She was downstairs, talking to that man."

"I see," said Rasheed. "Teamwork."

Mariam watched his face relax, loosen. She watched the folds clear

from his brow. Suspicion and misgiving winked out of his eyes. He sat up

straight, and, for a few brief moments, he appeared merely thoughtful,
like a captain informed of imminent mutiny taking his time to ponder his

next move.

He looked up.

Mariam began to say something, but he raised a hand, and, without

looking at her, said, "It's too late, Mariam."