IT WAS BENGAL, 1942, a dark time for India. At our regimental forward base depot in Dacca, the adjutant handed Captain N. and me a set of identical papers, sealed and top secret. We were on our way to join the regiment at Chittagong and we had a dangerous railway journey ahead of us. “I can’t offer you any escort,” the adjutant said. “I haven’t a man to spare. But these dispatches must reach our commanding officer as soon as possible. We aren’t in wireless contact, so I must depend on you two.”
By this time Singapore had fallen, Malaya was overrun and Japanese columns, driving through Burma, were poised to attack Assam, the gateway to India. Added to this threat from the east, the country harboured another menace within itself— militant activists who demanded immediate independence for India. The vast majority of Indians were loyal to the British government, but a small, articulate group of political extremists detested the British even more than the Japanese aggressors. Long years of patronizing rebuffs had bred hatred of British rule, and pro-Axis riots were beginning to hamstring the desperate efforts of the military.
Our journey to Chittagong involved a night on the train and a crossing of the great Brahmaputra river—in ordinary circumstances, just a tiring ride of some 320 kms. But now there was the hazard of encountering goondas—bands of hooligans, revolutionaries and thieves—carrying long cane-cutting machetes. They often waylaid trains to rob and murder white occupants.
The adjutant was nervous. “These dispatches contain the names of known Japanese sympathizers in Chittagong, who, in the event of a Jap breakthrough, would be a readymade fifth column,” he said. “I’ve made two identical copies so that ...”
His meaning was plain. If one of us fell afoul of the goondas, the other might, with luck, get through.
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Reader's Digest India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2020 edition of Reader's Digest India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
READER'S DIGEST-BOOKS
These book summaries highlight Siddharthya Roy's exploration of conflict and violence, Michael Castleman's deep dive into the history of publishing, and Swadesh Deepak's examination of social issues and masculinity through Hindi literature.
Man with printed sarong
A lawyer, pianist, critic, and mentor to artists, Lionel Wendt is best known for his photographs of Sri Lanka, especially those of people indigenous to the island, captured amidst the lush landscape or posing in his studio.
Too Much?
New studies show that even moderate drinking is a health hazard. Here’s a frank look at the toll alcohol takes on the body
ME & MY SHELF
Coimbatore-born Prashanth Srivatsa is a science fiction/fantasy writer whose stories have appeared in magazines such as Asimov’s, Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and Three-Lobed Burning Eye, among others. Prashanth’s debut fantasy novel, The Spice Gate chronicles the journey of Amir, a young man born with special abilities who unravels the power that keeps the world in balance. magazines such as Asimov's, Magazine of Fantasy Science Fiction and Three-Lobed Burning Eye, among others. Prashanth’s debut fantasy novel, The Spice Gate chronicles the journey of Amir, a young man born with special abilities who unravels the power that keeps the world in balance.
Small Business, Big Heart
Caring for people is part of the deal at family-run shops
Spill the Beans
Everyone has secrets. Here's why you should share yours
It Happens ONLY IN INDIA
Angry lovers are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.
FULL STEAM AHEAD!
I GOT THE CHANCE TO DRIVE THE WORLD'S LAST SCHEDULED STEAM TRAIN
Stressed and Worn Down
More and more people are clenching and grinding their teeth. Here's what to do about it
THIS BACON FAKERY MUST STOP
I was recently given bacon-flavoured dental floss for my birthday.