“If you wanted to talk, you would have done it four days ago when Atharva held a press conference from that hospital atrium, still covered in blood, giving a false account of the entire incident.”
“Ooh, that was dramatic,” Sufiyaan interjected gleefully, but stepped back when Butt sliced him a look.
“Samar sahab,” Butt stepped forward, “you are in no position to threaten Sufiyaan. Because what will cause ripples for us, willdrownyou. Sufiyaan will recover from this allegation, he is a son in mourning of an angelic adoptive father. This state’s beloved CM no less. The mood is sombre for Sufiyaan. But you? You will be exposed to your party and your dear friends.”
“Blackmail will not bind me.”
“I am not blackmailing you, Samar. I am offering you a deal. Think about it, you are better than Atharva in every sense. In experience, in qualification, in wisdom. You understand the dynamics better. You are practical. A clear majority is impossible in this state for any party, let alone your newborn KDP. I could have approached Atharva with this offer but you seem the best person to me, the man capable of leading a coalition with Awaami.”
“You and I both know what KDP is capable of at this stage. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be offering this deal.”
“I agree. But, take it from a man with 40 years of experience in this business — do not overestimate your KDP. Doing theatrics on stage is not the same as getting buttons pressed on voting ballot. You have the popularity, we have the means to get votes. I am offering to merge these two. A coalition, but with you as the KDP head… just a few more days and Atharva will be out of the picture.”
“How?”
“You don’t need to worry about that. All you need to decide is — will you be smart, take our help, and step up to replace him?”
“I don’t get off on power.”
“Atharva clearly does, or why wouldhebe your CM candidate?” Sayyid Butt retorted. “Have you ever thought about it? You were all equal partners, all founders, all from military. Then why him…? Think, Samar. Be wise, take the chance, and turn KDP around. You are second to only Atharva. And that man has lost his mind to a girl.”
“A girl who is your friend’s daughter.”
“I have every sympathy for Iram Haider. She is a poor, orphaned girl who has faced very tough times. Her father was a good friend, we had dreams for Awaami, for Kashmir. But in our profession, if we let every feeling come in the middle of our decision, there never is going to beonedecision. For larger gains, smaller ones need to be sacrificed.”
“What do you want from me?”
“Your cooperation.”
“And then what? We make a pre-poll alliance and this buffoon becomes CM?”
Sufiyaan lunged this time but stopped when Butt slapped a hand against his chest. Samar stared bewildered as Sufiyaan Sheikh’s chest froze. It looked like a conditioned response.
“Samar sahab,” Butt pressed sincerely, “we will decide on CM and deputy CM when the time comes. Probably a rotation. We will talk about it, and you will get your due. My word.”
“Sufiyaan Sheikh stays away from Iram,” Samar commanded, looking only at Butt. He had known that the old man was the real brain behind Awaami. The kingmaker. Now he was discovering that Sayyid Butt — the small, wiry man, also held the reins of the beast that was Sufiyaan Sheikh.
“No!” “Agreed.” Both the student and teacher chimed together. Samar raised his brows at Butt.
“I give you my word, Samar sahab. Now, do we have your word?”
He remained silent, watching carefully as the old man released his hand from over Sufiyaan’s chest. Sufiyaan did not move from his place.
“Do we have an agreement?” Butt repeated.
“Atharva Kaul is coming to my house to give his condolences tonight,” Sufiyaan smirked. “Do I need to have a long chat with him, Dr. Dang?”
“No.”
“Do we have an agreement then?”
Just a few more days and Atharva will be out of the picture.
“Yes.”
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FARIS
