I wrung my hands nervously. Jojo had called us to meet her around 10. We were told to meet her at an abandoned factory. It had recently run out of business and still smelt of oils and hard work. I looked around at my companions, Salaar sat on a nearby bench his gaze hard, his body poised to run. Zaroon sat in the corner his eyes constantly flicking from the door to me and back. I was pacing back and forth, sick from anxiety. The impending meeting loomed over us like a sword, ready to strike at a moments notice. I chewed the inside of my cheek.

How was I going to proceed with this? Will Salaar freak out like last time? Would they question Zaroon's presence? I had all of my answers prepared but I was still afraid. What if I sounded too prepared? Taking deep claiming breaths I tried to lower my heart rate.

This would be fine... I had talked myself out of tough spots before I could do it again.

'Entering, 2 people'  We all nodded and stood up. Both Zaroon and Salaar came and stood next to me. The main door opened and Jojo walked in, followed by another woman. They moved closer and I squinted to make out the other woman's face.

The blood left my body and I could hear a faint buzzing noise. It was the woman from the hospital. The one with the sick child. I started to move back when she pointed at me, recognition clear on her face.

"You're the one from the hospital... you helped me out" I gave her a weak smile. " And this is your husband..." she said pointing at Zaroon. Jojo gave us a confused look.
"He's a friend... this is my Fiancé," I said gesturing to Salaar. "What a small city. It's nice to see you, how's Azlan?"
"So much better... I can not thank you enough. I told myself that if I ever got to meet you again, I would offer whatever help I could" she smiled again. "Jojo she's the one I told you about..."

"Well, you did a lovely thing..." Jojo muttered looking at me warily.
"So... are you here to join our cause?" Azlan's mother asked.
"To support it. We wanted to meet your leader. I'm sorry, I don't think you've told me your name" I answered, leaning forward, using my party voice. She beamed.
"Rakhi... I'm the second in command" The what? Woah.
"That's amazing..." Zaroon muttered. No wonder Jojo was standing there quietly.
"Jojo told us about you... obviously we had to run the regular checks and you guys seem to be clear. The organization is big on privacy" I nodded trying not to smile.

We had already created fake online profiles and social media presences that would count as alibis. No one could know who we were.
"That's great," I said. Rakhi nodded excited.
"We're holding a massive rally against Ferozeuddin Uddin. Hopefully, he'll listen to us and talk to the people in Gulzar Mahal"
"What has Gulzar Mahal done to you?" I could feel Salaar stiffen beside me. The expression on Rakhi's face changed.

"They sit there, doing nothing. They don't care about what happens to us... they support political candidates without considering what it means for the people. Don't kid yourself, darling, they are the ones choosing who goes into that Parliament" I stared at her. This had ended with Dad. He said he was going to stop.

"And that daughter of theirs... the eldest. Where is she? No one has seen or heard from her in years. She ran off with someone... one of the ex guardsmen told us. Maybe they killed her. Good for them... she drove her father to his grave" tears pricked my eyes and I took in a shaky breath.
"And Ferozeuddin is your best hope?" Salaar asked from behind me. "Isn't he from the same family?"
"They're all the same... with him, we have the most chance of being heard. No one heard us in Gulzar Mahal, Begum Sahiba was too busy to meet us"
"How can we help?" I choked out. Ammi Jaan knew. She had known.
"Oh bless her heart, look at that emotion. You've done so much for my love. You've got such a kind heart... we need funds and outreach. If you can spread the message and supply some funding, that would help the organization quite a bit" Jojo nodded along with those words.
"But... why would Ferozeuddin take you seriously? You've shown no street power... you have no leader, no social media presence" I asked.
"We have powerful backers. People who are close to him... it's a long game sweetheart and we've only just begun"

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Sorry for the long gap... writer's block. The next chapter will be longer. Till then... 😄